How Much Does It Cost Per Day to Park a Car at the Airport?
Parking at the airport can be an expensive hassle for travelers. Daily parking rates vary significantly depending on the airport, parking lot location, and type of vehicle.
The daily cost of parking a car at the airport varies, ranging from $12 to over $50 per day. It depends on factors like airport size and location. Booking early, comparing rates, and considering alternatives can help find cost-effective options.
This comprehensive guide examines the key factors that influence daily airport parking rates and provides tips to find the most affordable options.
Airport Parking Rate Factors
Airport parking rates vary based on factors like airport size, proximity to terminals, vehicle type, stay duration, memberships, and advanced reservations. Understanding these can save you money.
Popularity and Size of Airport
The popularity and size of an airport has a major impact on parking rates. Large international airports in major cities tend to have higher daily maximums.
Small regional airports tend to be more affordable. Parking is supply and demand, so popular airports can charge more since competition for spots is fierce.
Location of Parking Lot
Parking lots closest to the airport terminals will be the most convenient but also the most expensive. Economy lots and offsite parking options that require a shuttle offer big savings.
The tradeoff is less convenience. Many airports have parking options within walking distance that are a happy medium.
Type of Vehicle
Larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs will pay more for daily parking in most airport lots. Oversized vehicle fees are common to account for taking up more space.
Compacts and economy vehicles will generally get lower rates. Some lots enforce strict vehicle size limits.
Duration of Parking Stay
Daily maximums assume a vehicle is parked for 24 hours. Many airports offer discounted rates for shorter periods like hourly, half-day or overnight parking.
Travelers who don’t need full day parking can save substantially. Policies vary, so review options carefully.
Parking Memberships and Frequent Parker Programs
Joining an airport’s frequent parker program or parking membership can provide discounts on daily parking rates.
Membership terms vary, but savings from 20-50% on daily parking are common perks. Business and leisure travelers who park often should enroll.
Advance Reservations
Booking airport parking in advance typically results in lower rates compared to driving up and paying on the spot.
Online reservations offer pricing incentives and let travelers compare parking options. Advance booking ensures a spot is reserved and unique deals get secured.
Estimate Airport Parking Costs for Trip
To estimate airport parking costs effectively, check official airport websites, utilize deal sites for discounts, and factor in additional fees while exploring alternative parking options for savings.
Check Airport Website
The official website of the airport will list the parking options and current rates. This makes it easy to determine the maximum daily rate based on lot location and vehicle type. Offsite parking alternatives may also be listed.
Search Deal Sites
Agencies like AirportParkingReservations.com compile and compare daily parking rates from major airports.
Travelers can quickly estimate costs. Discount codes and coupon offers on these sites can also reduce the daily parking rate.
Factor in Extra Fees
In addition to the base daily parking rate, extras like taxes, insurance, equipment charges, and lost ticket fees may apply.
Review the fine print so all the potential fees that could get tacked on are accounted for in the estimate.
Consider Alternatives
Offsite parking lots and garages near the airport, parking apps like BestParking and SpotHero, and nearby hotels that offer park and fly packages may beat the daily airport parking rates. Factor in shuttle fees and convenience.
Tips for Finding Affordable Airport Parking
Save on airport parking with these tips: book early, consider valet for short trips, explore offsite lots, use discounts, and compare rates yearly for the best deal.
Book Early for Discounts
Booking airport parking early, ideally at least 2 weeks in advance, can lead to huge savings on daily parking compared to just driving up. Last minute parking is full price.
Valet is Convenient not Cheap
Valet parking provides drop-off and pick-up conveniences but comes at a premium daily rate. Only worth it for short trips or passengers with lots of heavy luggage.
Check Offsite Parking Deals
Private lots near the airport can offer big discounts compared to airport owned parking. The tradeoff is having to shuttle to the terminal. Worth checking rates.
Maximize Discounts and Coupons
Memberships, loyalty programs, online deals, and coupon codes can be stacked to maximize savings on daily parking. A little research can go a long way.
Compare Rates Annually
Airport parking rates adjust year to year. Old prepaid parking plans or passes may no longer be the best option. Run the numbers annually to get the best deal.
Average Cost by Airport
Here are the approximate average daily parking rates at 5 of the busiest U.S. airports:
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
- Economy Lot: $12 per day
- Daily Garage: $24 per day
- Terminal/Premium Lot: $36 per day
Los Angeles International Airport
- Economy Lot: $12 per day
- Central Terminal Area: $40 per day
- Onsite Valet: $50+ per day
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
- Remote Parking: $13 per day
- Terminal Parking: $24-$36 per day
- Valet Parking: $48+ per day
Chicago O’Hare International Airport
- Economy Lots: $17 per day
- Daily Garage: $25-$45 per day
- Valet: $55+ per day
Denver International Airport
- Economy Lot: $17 per day
- Garage/Covered Parking: $24-$36 per day
- Terminal Valet: $48+ per day
As shown above, daily rates can vary widely even within the same airport. Comparing all options and parking early leads to big savings for travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section provides essential answers to frequently asked questions about airport parking, covering booking, safety, fees, and tips for a hassle-free experience.
How Early Should I Book Airport Parking?
Ideally 2 or more weeks in advance. This allows you to comparison shop and secure early booking discounts. Last minute parking tends to be full price.
Are Offsite Parking Lots Safe?
Reputable offsite parking providers that offer shuttle service to the airport terminal are generally safe options. Look for lots with security features like fencing, gate codes, and video surveillance.
What Vehicles Get Hit With Oversized Fees?
Oversized vehicle fees typically apply to vehicles larger than a standard SUV like trucks, limos, RVs, and anything needing more than one parking space. Always check size restrictions.
Does Hourly Parking Cost More Per Day?
Yes, hourly parking rates are comparatively very expensive if a vehicle is parked at the airport for the full day. Stick to daily/value parking or offsite lots for longer stays.
Should I Tip Valet Parking Attendants?
Tipping valet attendants $2-5 when picking up your vehicle is customary for good service. Valet parking already carries a premium though, so high tips aren’t expected.
Summary
Airport parking can be affordable if travelers research options in advance and book early. Booking last minute or going with the most convenient onsite parking often comes with premium pricing.
Comparing all available lots and facilities, factoring in discounts and coupons, and allowing extra time for shuttles provides the best chance for savings.
With a little planning, travelers can minimize the dent airport parking puts in their travel budget.