Martin Lewis' MSE shares how to book cheap airport parking

If you want to park your car in a dedicated space while you catch a flight , there are ways to do it on the cheap. Money Saving Expert ( MSE ), founded by Martin Lewis, has urged people to consider a few things if booking with the airport itself is too expensive. Updated on March 31, 2026, the financial experts say that if you leave booking until the last minute, it can be expensive. In fact, it suggests that you could pay more than £400 for a week if you turn up on the day. But by planning ahead and booking smartly, you can cut your parking costs in just a few minutes. As a helpful tip, it urges people to check comparison sites for discounts. MSE writes: "The easiest way to find low-cost airport car parking is via a specialist site that compares parking deals to find you the best price – and remember to check your booking is flexible in case you can't use it because of cancellation or future restrictions. "They'll often give you a cheaper price than you'll get booking direct considering many offer airport parking discount codes." After comparing airport parking deals, it’s also worth checking private parking spaces near the airport and hotel-and-parking packages to see if either option can help cut costs further. It’s sometimes possible to beat comparison sites by booking direct. MSE suggests checking the parking provider’s own prices against those quoted on comparison sites. You can then choose the cheaper option. Another cost-effective way to park your car is in private parking spaces. It continues: "eBay-style parking marketplaces allow those living close to airport car parks to offer their drives or spare land to drivers. "Overheads are low, which means prices are too, but there's a trade-off – they usually lack anything like the level of security offered by dedicated car parks." Even when you plan ahead, securing cheap airport parking can be tricky. The longer your trip, the higher the cost, so it’s worth weighing up alternatives. Aside from persuading a relative to drop you off or walking to the airport, assuming you live close and there's a safe walking path, it’s often cheaper to: Book a dedicated coach - They may be the longest option but it could be worth it if it saves you money. There may even be deals on to save you extra cash Book a taxi - MSE suggests considering pre-booking a taxi and not relying on getting a return taxi at the airport. "Book ahead with your local firm, giving your flight number so it can vary pick-up time, and it's often cheaper." Use non-specialist train services - Some dedicated 'airport express' trains can be costly, yet the same lines are often used by normal rail services, meaning you can travel the same route more cheaply. There may be extra stops, but if it saves you money, it may be worth the extra journey time. The experts at MSE have listed other helpful tips and discounts you may find useful.