Your best results for price
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Your best results for convenience
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Your best results for time-saving
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Things to consider before your journey
It's easy to focus on price when you're booking your airport transport - but there's a few others things worth factoring in too:
- Need accessible airport parking? All UK airports offer accessible parking options - whether you're planning a long stay or quick drop-off. If there's a shuttle to the terminal, it should have a ramp to help you board. Contact your airport if you want to double-check what support's available.
- Travelling with a wheelchair, pram or mobility aid? It's worth checking that ramps or step-free access are available for the transport you're planning - not every option will have them as standard.
- Heading off with little ones? Babies and young children will need car seats in a taxi, so check ahead or bring your own.
- Flying at the crack of dawn? Go for the quickest, least faff option. You'll thank yourself when it's 4am and all you want to do is get to the airport smoothly.
- Got a mountain of luggage? Public transport might not be the most practical option - especially if you've got to change trains.
- And don't forget your return trip! Make sure you've sorted how you're getting home, especially if you land late or on a bank holiday.
- In a group of 4 or more? A standard taxi probably won't cut it - you'll need a second car or a 7-seater.
How to get discounted airport parking
Airport parking doesn't have to break the bank. Here's a few tips to keep costs down:
- Book early. The sooner you book, the cheaper it tends to be. Last-minute parking can equal costly, last-minute prices.
- Use comparison sites. Don't settle for the first quote you see. Comparison prices can help you find the best deals for your travel dates.
- Look for cashback offers. Signed up to a cashback site? You might be able to earn a little back on your parking - which never hurts.
- Student discounts. Some parking providers offer deals through student discount platforms - worth a quick look if you're eligible.
- Blue light discounts. If you're in the NHS, emergency services or armed forces, your blue light card could unlock extra savings.
- Sign up for airport newsletters. Some airports send out exclusive parking offers via email. So sign up and keep an eye on your inbox.
Parking prices uncovered - the cost of parking in top UK airports
28% of travellers we asked say they've been caught off guard by the cost of airport parking*.
It can add up fast - one minute you're booking the flights, the next you're wincing at the parking fee.
Of course, it depends on where you're flying from and how close you want to be to the terminal. But either way, it's worth checking ahead so you're not hit with a nasty surprise.
Here's a peek at how the top UK airports compare.
| Airport | Short stay | Long stay | Meet and greet |
|---|---|---|---|
Heathrow |
£125.70 |
£74 |
£92 |
Gatwick |
£103 |
£56 |
£92 |
Manchester |
N/A |
£56.99 |
N/A |
Stansted |
£68.99 |
£54.99 |
£63 |
Luton |
N/A |
£56.49 |
N/A |
Edinburgh |
Mid-stay £39.99 |
£29.99 |
£64.99 |
Birmingham |
N/A |
£91.99 |
£199.99 |
Bristol |
£123.50 |
£82.50 |
£135 |
Glasgow |
£65 |
£51.99 |
N/A |
Belfast |
N/A |
£42.74 |
N/A |
The UK’s airport travel habits
We asked 2000 UK travellers* how they usually get to the airport.
No big surprises here, most of us rely on cars:
- 25% get a lift from a mate or family member
- 21% drive themselves and use official airport parking
- And another 21% grab a taxi or use an app like Uber
Public transport? Not so popular:
- Around 8% take the train
- Just 1% opt for a coach
But what's really behind those choices?
When we asked what mattered most when planning the journey:
- 42% say cost is a dealbreaker
- 40% go for convenience - even if it means paying a bit more
- 37% want the option that's going to save time
- 25% say flexibility is key (like being able to leave when they want)
- 12% factor in luggage
- 17% say safety and security play a part
And for some, the car simply wins on practicality. 18% say having a family makes driving the most convenient choice. Makes sense when you've got extra people, routines and a car boot full of bags to think about.
Tips for a smooth journey to the airport
Getting to the airport shouldn't feel like a race against the clock. Here's how to get there, cool, calm and carry-on in hand:
-
Arrive early (at least 2-3 hours before your flight) to avoid a last-minute dash to the airport. It gives you time for queues, security, snacks, and a mooch around duty free.
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Check online for flight delays before you leave the house. No one wants to arrive early to find their flight's been pushed back by 5 hours.
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Plan your route in advance and how long it should take. Factor in traffic, train delays or potential roadworks. Checking Google Maps the night before can save lots of hassle on the day.
- Have a backup route. If your taxi cancels or your train gets delayed - you'll be glad to have a plan B. It could be a second train, another cab company or even a friend on standby.
- Pack smart. Keep your passport, boarding pass and any visas within easy reach - it'll save you from any panicked rummaging at the airport.
- Book your return journey or note down where you parked and which terminal or shuttle you'll need to get back to your car. Your jet-lagged future self will appreciate it - especially if you land late or during peak travel times.
Need more help?
How early should I get to the airport?
As a general rule:
- 2 hours before a short-haul flights
- 3 hours before a long-haul one
That should give you plenty of time to check in, clear security and even grab a snack - without having to sprint to your gate. Always check your airport's or airline's advice though, especially during busy times.
What do I need to check in at the airport?
You'll need:
- Your passport or ID - use our passport checker to see if yours is valid or needs renewal
- Your booking reference or boarding pass
- Any visas or documents required for your destination
Top tip: most airlines let you check in online these days - usually 24 hours before your flight. Keep an eye on your email or airline app for a nudge when it's time to do it.
What do you need to board a plane?
Once you've breezed through security, here's what to keep close:
- Your passport or ID (depending on requirements)
- A boarding pass
- Any documents the airline or country needs to see at the gate (like a visa, vaccine requirement or entry form)
And if you're travelling with hand luggage only, make sure it's the right size and can fit in the sizers. You might be asked to place your luggage inside to prove it fits before you board your flight. If it doesn't - you could be charged a fine at the gate!
You can use our airline baggage calculator to check the baggage allowance for your airline.
*Unless otherwise stated, all research was carried out by OnePoll on behalf of Confused.com of 2,000 UK adults with passports. This was conducted between the 28th May and 2nd June, 2025.
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