Airport parking in the UK: how to choose and what to check

Airport parking comes in four main forms: on-site car parks you walk or take a shuttle bus from, meet and greet (a driver takes your car at the terminal), valet, and off-site car parks run by companies that are not the airport. Start with the airport's own page, then check who runs the car park.

This guide reads the parking pages of Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Stansted and Luton, the Safer Parking scheme and the airports' own advice on third-party operators. It names no price and does not sell or book parking: this site is a guide. Drop-off charges are on our UK airports guide.

The names change from airport to airport, but the choice is the same: how close the car park is, how long the transfer takes, and whether you hand over your keys.

Off-site parking is the odd one out, because another company runs it. Heathrow says it "does not licence or endorse any third-party operators", which is why the checks further down matter most for off-site and meet and greet companies that are not the airport's own.

Each airport states a walking or transfer time for its car parks. Heathrow adds that you can book parking at a different terminal from the one you fly from, but you are then responsible for getting to your departing terminal.

Check which terminal a car park serves before you book. Heathrow also says Terminal Parking is no longer available at Terminal 4 from 23 June 2026, and that all passenger parking there has moved to Zone A of the Terminal 4 Park & Ride car park.

The Safer Parking scheme describes itself as "a UK-wide police standard for car parks that have low crime and measures in place to ensure the safety and security of people and vehicles". Airports quote it in different words: Stansted says all its car parks are Park Mark safe, with number plate recognition, Luton cites Park Mark Safer Parking for its car parks, and Manchester lists its parking as Park Mark approved.

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  Safer Parking or Park Mark: Ask whether the car park holds the award, and for the meet and greet award where a driver takes your car.
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  Security measures: Gatwick lists CCTV monitoring, perimeter fencing, controlled access points, security patrols, adequate lighting and secure key storage.
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  Meet and greet scheme: Heathrow says its Official Meet & Greet and Valet Parking are part of the Approved Meet and Greet Parking Operator Scheme (AM-GO), managed by the British Parking Association, and suggests checking the scheme's website for any other company.
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  Company details: Gatwick says a legitimate provider shows a registered company address, contact numbers, email details, Companies House registration, VAT details where applicable and the location where your vehicle will be parked.
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  Reviews: Both Heathrow and Gatwick point to independent reviews, naming Trustpilot, and Gatwick asks you to be cautious about repeated complaints of damage, lost keys or late returns.
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  A price that looks too good: Heathrow says that if the price is too good to be true, it is doubtful the service will match it.
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  Liability: Gatwick says a reputable operator should explain its liability policies, its claims process and how customers get support.

Heathrow says off-airport or third-party parking can be cheaper than its official parking, but recommends thoroughly researching any provider before booking. Its booking guidance adds that complaints have included cars returned in disrepair, late or not at all, and vehicles left in unsecure locations.

Gatwick publishes a list of providers in its Approved Operators Scheme, which requires declaring all car storage sites, British Parking Association approval and membership of the Trading Standards Buy With Confidence scheme. Gatwick also warns that some companies use "Gatwick" in their name with no official link to the airport. If something goes wrong, Heathrow points to the police, Trading Standards, Citizens Advice and the British Parking Association.

Heathrow says booking in advance gives online-only prices that are cheaper than turning up on the day, and that you can book up to a year ahead. Terms differ, so read them for the car park you choose.

Parking is not the only way to reach a terminal. For a quick lift, our UK airports guide sets out the drop-off charges at five airports, each from the airport's own page. Heathrow says its Valet Parking comes with a 100% discount on the Terminal Drop-Off Charge.

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  Blue Badge parking: Heathrow says all its car parks are wheelchair accessible with Blue Badge bays, and Luton says all its car parks have Blue Badge spaces.
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  Electric cars: Heathrow says it does not currently provide EV charging facilities in any of its car parks, and advises charging before you arrive.
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  Motorcycles: Heathrow says motorcyclists can park free in its dedicated motorcycle parks, and that motorcycles are not permitted in its multi-storey car parks.
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  Terminal: Park for the terminal you leave from. Heathrow says its terminals are connected by free inter-terminal train services.
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  Hand luggage: Once you have parked, see our liquids in hand luggage guide for what security allows.

• What is a long stay car park?

  It is the cheaper, further-out option. Gatwick describes its Long Stay as a short bus ride from the terminals with a 10-12 minute free transfer, and Luton gives about 10 minutes by shuttle bus. Heathrow calls the same idea Park & Ride, formerly Long Stay.

• What is meet and greet parking?

  A driver takes your car near the terminal and parks it for you. Manchester says you hand your keys to a Meet & Greet driver at the terminal and go straight to check-in.

• What is park and ride at an airport?

  You park in a car park away from the terminal and a free shuttle bus takes you to the terminal doors. Heathrow gives transfers of as little as 15 minutes for Park & Ride.

• Is off-airport parking safe?

  It depends on the company. Heathrow says it does not licence or endorse any third-party operators, and both Heathrow and Gatwick give checklists covering reviews, company details and accreditations.

• What is Park Mark?

  The Safer Parking scheme says it is a UK-wide police standard for car parks that have low crime and measures in place to protect people and vehicles. Stansted, Luton and Manchester each cite Park Mark for their car parks.

• Can you cancel airport parking?

  Terms differ. Heathrow allows cancellation up to two hours before arrival, while Manchester and Stansted give free cancellation up to 72 hours before arrival. Read the terms for your booking.

• Can you park at a different terminal at Heathrow?

  Yes, but Heathrow says you are then responsible for getting to your departing terminal. Its terminals are connected by free inter-terminal train services.

• Does Heathrow have electric car charging in its car parks?

  Heathrow says it does not currently provide EV charging facilities in any of its car parks, and recommends charging before you arrive.

• Who do you report a problem with a parking company to?

  Heathrow points to the police, Trading Standards, Citizens Advice and the British Parking Association.