Travel experts say you can get free parking at 16 UK airports this summer

03 May 2023 , 10:56

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Several UK airports have some free parking provisions (Image: Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Brits heading on holidays abroad this summer needn't fork out too much or anything at all when driving to the airport.

The cost of parking close to aviation hubs has been rising in recent years.

If you've not planned ahead, getting stung by a hefty week-long charge can really add a sour taste to the holiday before it's even begun.

While all airports charge for long stay car parking, many offer free periods of time which are particularly useful if you're getting dropped off.

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Turning up at the airport to a large surprise parking charge is not the way to start a holiday (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The team at Car Lease Special Offers have looked at 16 airports where you can get some free parking for both long stay or short stay - check out the full list below. (Airports are listed in alphabetical order to make life a little easier).

1. Belfast International Airport: 15 mins free in the long-stay car park
2. Cardiff Airport: Five mins free for drop-off, 20 mins free in long-stay car park
3. Glasgow Airport: 15 mins free for EVs, but you must register your vehicle first, 30 mins free in long-stay car park
4. Southampton Airport: 20 mins for EVs but you must register your vehicle first
5. Aberdeen Airport: 15 mins for EVs but you must register your vehicle first, 30 mins free in long-stay car park
6. Edinburgh Airport: 30 mins free in long-stay car park
7. Newcastle Airport: 15 mins free in short-stay 2
8. Liverpool Airport: 40 mins free in drop-off 2
9. Leeds Bradford Airport: 1 hour free in mid-stay 2, EVs can use the pick-up & drop-off car park for up to 1 hour free of charge
10. London Luton Airport: 15 mins free in mid-stay car park, 1 hour free in long-stay car park
11. London Heathrow Airport: 29 mins free in long-stay car park
12. Birmingham Airport: 20 mins free in drop-off car park
13. East Midlands Airport: One hour free in long-stay 2
14. Bristol Airport: One hour free in waiting zone
15. London Southend Airport: 15 min free in long-stay 3
16. London Stansted Airport: Initial hour free in mid-stay

According to analyses by the experts, pre-booking longer-term car park stays is key as doing so can save you £96 on average in the high summer month of July.

It was Belfast International Airport that came out as the best overall, including being the cheapest for long-stay long-stay parking for turn up and pay, at £65 for seven days.

It also ranked second for both pre-booked week and weekend parking.

Aberdeen Airport was in second place, its best ranking coming from its mid stay car parking price, where it was ranked second with £30 parking for 24 hours.

Bristol Airport rounded off the top three, the airport came out the best for both drop-off and short-stay car parking, with free parking available.

Edinburgh airport is the cheapest airport to pre-book your week's parking slot, costing £39.99.

The biggest saving came from Manchester airport, where pre-booking brings the cost of parking for a week down from £360 to only £69.99 – a massive saving of £290.

Heathrow is the place to go if you've got an electric vehicle, with 216% more EV chargers than the next UK airport .

Milo Boyd