The most expensive airport and train station car parks around the UK
Find out which train station and airport car parks in the UK are the most expensive to park at, and where you can get a good deal
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Parking costs in the UK
Whether you’re a fan of a staycation or jetting off abroad, one of the most annoying costs to factor into any trip is often the cost of parking.
Even if you’re just leaving your car at a train station overnight or for the day, the cost of parking can be eyewatering.
We’ve taken a look at airports and train stations in the UK to see where the most expensive car parks are and where you can bag a bargain.
Cheapest and Priciest Airport Car Parks (seven-night stay fee)
Cheapest:
George Best Belfast City Airport – £51.99
Newquay Cornwall Airport – £52.50
Belfast International Airport – £57
Humberside Airport (Grimsby) – £65
Glasgow International Airport – £67.99
Liverpool John Lennon Airport – £67.99
Priciest:
Bournemouth Airport – £132.25
London City Airport – £119.70
London Heathrow Airport – £115.50
London Luton Airport – £113.99
Birmingham International Airport – £113.99
Cheapest and Priciest Train Station Car Parks (day rate)
Cheapest:
Paisley Gilmour Street (Paisley, Scotland) – £3
Middlesbrough – £3
Berwick-upon-Tweed – £3.50
Swansea – £5
Liverpool Central – £5
Priciest:
London Liverpool Street – £55
Gatwick Airport – £45
London Bridge – £37.95
London Victoria – £30
London Waterloo – £30
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Car Parks at Airports: Cheapest and Priciest
Airport parking can add a good chunk to your holiday costs, as you’ll usually be leaving your car for at least one night.
Our research has shown that the cheapest airport to park your car at is George Best Belfast Airport.
Sam Sheehan, our motoring editor here at cinch, said: “To determine the most and least budget-friendly car parks at airports across the UK, we looked at the lowest rates available for a seven-night stay, from 15 October 2023 (12.01am) to 22 October 2023 (11pm).
“Based on our findings, people flying from George Best Belfast City Airport can expect to pay a £51.99 parking bill on return from their holiday, making it the most affordable airport car park in the UK.
“In this respect, Belfast International Airport – a bigger airport on the outskirts of Northern Ireland’s capital – has one of the most pocket-friendly car parks, too.
“Leaving your motor there for a week will cost you £57, which is the third best rate you can get at airports across the UK.”
The second-cheapest airport car park in the country is Newquay Airport, with a weekly fee of £52.50.
You’ll find some of the priciest airport car parks in the capital. London City Airport and London Heathrow are the second and third most expensive spots to park, costing £119.70 and £115.50 for a seven-night stay respectively.
Taking the top spot for the most expensive airport parking in the UK is Bournemouth Airport – costing £132.25 for the week.
Car Parks at Train Stations: Cheapest and Priciest
It’s been reported that parking charges at train stations have increased more steadily than rail fares in recent years, making it a pricey addition to your travel plans.
“Looking at the top-five most used train stations in each region in England, Scotland and Wales,” Sam explained, “we’ve been able to find out the cheapest and most expensive car parks for rail travellers across the UK.
“For those that don’t have their own parking spots, we’ve checked the closest available car park to the train station.
“All this considered, and based on Monday to Friday day rates, the joint-cheapest station car parks in the country are in Paisley (Scotland) and Middlesbrough, with an average daily fee of £3.”
The second-cheapest for train station parking is Berwick-upon-Tweed, where a day at its Council Car Park will cost £3.50.
Joint-third place is awarded to Swansea and Liverpool Central, where parking close to the station will cost £5 for 24 hours.
It’s probably not surprising that the most expensive parking close to train stations in the UK can be found in London.
Parking at Broadgate to access Liverpool Street station in London will cost you £55 for a single day, while a full day at Gatwick Airport station will cost you £45.
You can get slightly cheaper carparking at London Bridge’s train station, for £37.95 for the day.