A week of airport parking can cost $150-$250. Here's how to cut that in half.
The True Cost of Airport Parking
Airport parking is one of the most overpriced services in travel. Official on-airport rates:
| Lot Type | Daily Rate | Weekly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Economy/Remote | $10-$18 | $70-$126 |
| Garage/Covered | $25-$45 | $175-$315 |
| Premium/Valet | $35-$60+ | $245-$420+ |
For a one-week trip, you could spend more on parking than on some budget flights.
Option 1: Off-Airport Parking Lots
Private lots near airports charge 40-60% less than official airport parking.
How They Work
- Drive to the off-airport lot (usually 5-15 minutes from terminal)
- Park your car
- Take their free shuttle to the terminal
- When you return, call or use the app for pickup
Typical Savings
| Trip Length | On-Airport | Off-Airport | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 days | $45-$75 | $24-$39 | $21-$36 |
| 7 days | $105-$175 | $49-$84 | $56-$91 |
| 14 days | $210-$350 | $98-$168 | $112-$182 |
Major Off-Airport Chains
The Parking Spot: Premium off-airport option with covered parking, car care services, and reliable shuttles. Slightly higher prices but better amenities.
Park 'N Fly: Nationwide chain with consistent service. Shuttles run every 5-10 minutes.
WallyPark: Similar to Parking Spot. Good for business travelers who want reliability.
Independent Lots: Often cheapest, but check reviews for shuttle frequency and security.
How to Book
- SpotHero: Compare multiple off-airport lots at once
- BestParking: Specializes in airport parking, often has exclusive deals
- ParkWhiz: Good airport inventory, especially for major hubs
- Direct booking: Sometimes cheapest, but no price comparison
Option 2: Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
For longer trips, Uber or Lyft often beats parking.
The Math
| Trip Length | Round-Trip Rideshare | Parking Cost | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 days | $40-$80 | $30-$60 | Close call |
| 3-4 days | $40-$80 | $75-$120 | Rideshare |
| 7+ days | $40-$80 | $150-$250 | Rideshare |
For trips of 3+ days, rideshare almost always wins.
When Rideshare Makes Sense
- Long trips: The longer you're gone, the more parking costs add up
- Peak pricing avoidance: Book a scheduled ride to lock in price
- Early/late flights: No 3am shuttle schedule to worry about
- Multiple travelers: Split the fare with family/travel companions
When Parking Wins
- Short trips (1-2 days): Parking is comparable or cheaper
- Large families: Car seats and luggage make rideshare difficult
- Returning at odd hours: 2am with heavy bags is easier with your own car
- Surge pricing: Holiday weekends can make rideshare very expensive
Option 3: Park-and-Ride + Transit
Many major airports have transit connections that make parking nearly free.
How It Works
- Park at a suburban transit station (often free or $2-$5/day)
- Take the train or bus to the airport
- Total cost: Often under $20 for a week
Airports with Good Transit
| Airport | Transit Option | Park & Ride Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago O'Hare | Blue Line | Free-$5/day |
| Denver | A Line | Free at some stations |
| San Francisco | BART | $6-$10/day |
| Washington DCA | Metro | $6-$10/day |
| Boston Logan | Blue Line | $7-$15/day |
Downsides
- Takes longer (add 30-60 minutes)
- Luggage management on transit
- May not run late at night/early morning
Option 4: Hotel Parking Packages
Some airport hotels offer "Park, Stay, and Fly" deals.
How It Works
- Book a hotel room for the night before your flight
- Package includes parking for your entire trip
- Hotel shuttle takes you to airport
When It Makes Sense
- Early morning flights (stay the night before, stress-free morning)
- Long trips where parking would cost $100+
- When hotel + parking package is cheaper than hotel + separate parking
Typical Package Prices
| Package | What's Included | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Night + 7 days parking | $89-$149 |
| Extended | Night + 14 days parking | $119-$179 |
| Premium | Night + covered parking | $129-$199 |
Compare to: Budget hotel ($70-$100) + off-airport parking ($60-$100) = $130-$200
Option 5: Get Dropped Off
The cheapest option is always free.
Options:
- Friend or family drops you off
- Spouse drops off, you rideshare home
- Use departure pickup zones strategically
Airport Parking Tips
1. Book in Advance
Airport parking fills up, especially during holidays. Book 1-2 weeks ahead for:
- Best price selection
- Guaranteed spot
- Covered parking availability
2. Compare All Options
Spend 5 minutes comparing:
- Off-airport lots (SpotHero, BestParking)
- Rideshare (Uber estimate)
- Transit (if available)
- Hotel packages (for early flights)
3. Join Loyalty Programs
Most parking chains have free loyalty programs:
- Free days after X visits
- Priority shuttles
- Covered parking upgrades
4. Use Credit Card Benefits
Some travel credit cards offer:
- Statement credits for parking
- Portal bonuses for booking through their site
- Trip delay insurance (covers extra parking if delayed)
5. Consider TSA PreCheck Math
If you're parking economy + taking shuttle, budget an extra 30-45 minutes. PreCheck can offset some of that time.
By Trip Length: Best Strategy
| Trip | Best Strategy | Expected Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 days | Economy parking or rideshare | $25-$50 |
| 3-4 days | Off-airport lot via app | $35-$60 |
| 5-7 days | Rideshare or off-airport | $45-$80 |
| 8-14 days | Rideshare (scheduled) | $50-$90 |
| 14+ days | Park-and-ride transit | $20-$40 |
The Bottom Line
Don't pay full price for airport parking. For most trips:
- 3+ days: Rideshare beats parking
- All trips: Off-airport lots save 40-60%
- Book ahead: Prices only go up
- Compare: Check at least 2 apps before booking
A little planning saves $50-$100+ per trip.
Updated: January 2025
