The UK’s Most Expensive Airport Car Parks: Ranked and Reviewed
Whether you're heading off for a week in the sun or travelling for business, airport parking is a hidden cost that can sting if you're not prepared. While vehicle leasing, car leasing, and flexible travel have made trips easier and more cost-effective, parking your vehicle at the airport is another story altogether.
In this blog, we at Pendle Lease take a deep dive into the priciest airport car parking in the UK, ranked by cost for a standard one-week stay (typically 7 days). You'll find the results surprising, and possibly even helpful when planning your next trip – especially if you're taking your leased car to the airport!
1. London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
- Price for 1 week (short stay): £620.80
- Price for 1 week (long stay): £135 - £170
It may come as no shock that Heathrow, the UK's busiest airport, also tops the list when it comes to costly parking. If you choose to park in the Short Stay Terminal 5 car park for a week, you could be looking at over £600 – more than the cost of many return flights. Even Long Stay parking isn’t cheap, averaging around £150.
Top Tip: Book online in advance and opt for off-site meet-and-greet services to save significantly.
2. London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
- Price for 1 week (short stay): £580.50
- Price for 1 week (long stay): £100 - £135
Gatwick, another London-based hub, isn't far behind Heathrow in the parking price war. Short Stay at the North Terminal can be extortionate if booked last minute or paid at the gate. Long Stay prices are relatively more forgiving, but still above average compared to regional airports.
Quirky Note: Some local hotels offer parking packages that include a night’s stay and a week of parking – sometimes cheaper than parking alone!
3. London City Airport (LCY)
- Price for 1 week (short stay): £525.00
- Price for 1 week (long stay): £130 - £160
London City caters primarily to business travellers, and its parking prices reflect the prime location and convenience. The compact size of the airport means limited parking, so demand drives up cost.
Pendle Lease Suggestion: If you're using a business lease vehicle, consider a taxi or car hire drop-off instead of parking here for longer than 2 days.
4. Manchester Airport (MAN)
- Price for 1 week (short stay): £499.99
- Price for 1 week (long stay): £90 - £130
As the biggest airport in the North, Manchester offers a wide variety of parking options, but short stay parking near the terminals can be exorbitant. Long stay options booked in advance can be decent value.
Interesting Fact: Manchester offers a multi-storey valet option, which is premium-priced but heavily booked.
5. Bristol Airport (BRS)
- Price for 1 week (short stay): ¤445.00
- Price for 1 week (long stay): £85 - £115
Bristol is a rising star among regional airports, but that doesn't mean it's cheap. It ranks highly for parking prices relative to its size. Expect to pay dearly if you turn up and pay at the gate for Short Stay.
Pendle Lease Note: Always factor airport parking into your overall travel budget, especially for personal lease users planning family holidays.
6. Luton Airport (LTN)
- Price for 1 week (short stay): £430.00
- Price for 1 week (long stay): £75 - £105
Often thought of as a budget airport, Luton’s Short Stay parking is anything but cheap. While it’s favoured by low-cost airlines, the price to park can quickly undo your flight savings.
Top Tip: Luton has one of the UK’s best park-and-ride setups. Off-site car parks with shuttle services can slash your costs.
7. Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
- Price for 1 week (short stay): £420.00
- Price for 1 week (long stay): £80 - £110
Scotland’s busiest airport has steadily increased in price over the past few years. Short Stay is expensive but convenient; Long Stay is more reasonable if booked in advance.
Fun Fact: Edinburgh Airport uses automated number plate recognition for fast entry and exit, saving time but not money!
8. Birmingham Airport (BHX)
- Price for 1 week (short stay): £395.00
- Price for 1 week (long stay): £70 - £95
Situated in the heart of the country, Birmingham Airport sees plenty of footfall and charges accordingly. It offers premium valet parking at a hefty cost, as well as more affordable shuttle-serviced options.
Pendle Lease Reminder: Many lease contracts cover multiple drivers – handy if a family member needs to drop you off instead!
9. Stansted Airport (STN)
- Price for 1 week (short stay): £365.00
- Price for 1 week (long stay): £65 - £90
Often overshadowed by Heathrow and Gatwick, Stansted is still a major player – and its parking prices show it. Long Stay can be reasonable, but Short Stay hits the wallet hard.
Pendle Lease Insight: Great for budget-conscious lease drivers flying Ryanair or Jet2 – just don’t get caught out with late parking bookings.
10. Glasgow Airport (GLA)
- Price for 1 week (short stay): £345.00
- Price for 1 week (long stay): £60 - £85
Rounding out our top ten is Glasgow, with mid-range parking costs but high convenience. If you're flying during peak season, prices can double without warning.
Pro Tip: Use loyalty or rewards schemes from airlines to access discounted parking codes.
Final Thoughts: Should You Park or Plan Differently?
When budgeting for a trip, many drivers forget about parking. But when even Short Stay parking costs rival the price of a return ticket, it’s a crucial part of travel planning. Whether you’re driving a business lease vehicle or a personal lease family car, knowing your airport parking options is essential.
Pendle Lease recommends always booking in advance, comparing off-site providers, and exploring drop-off alternatives when convenient. Your leased vehicle deserves better than being stashed in an overpriced bay!
Need a stylish new car for your next airport run?
From personal lease packages to flexible business lease deals, Pendle Lease helps drivers across the UK hit the road in comfort and style. Let us take the hassle out of vehicle leasing – airport parking not included!
