Getting to the airport to start your holiday can often be one of the most frustrating parts of your trip. We’ve put together a few tips on how to make it cheaper and easier to start your next exciting journey away.

As local restrictions are starting to ease, more and more of us are beginning to think about booking that summer getaway. You’ve packed your best swimming trunks and loaded up on factor 30, but have you thought about how you’re getting to the airport? For most of us outside London, taking the car is the only option. Especially if you don’t travel light. That means you have to park it somewhere. But where? And how much will it cost?

Book Early

Like many things in life, booking ahead of time can lead to significant savings. The cheapest prices are often available far in advance, but even if the trip is last minute, don’t just rock up at the airport. People who pay on the day usually get the highest rates, so even if you’re surfing for weekend getaways on a Wednesday afternoon, make sure you get your parking booked ASAP.

Don’t Go Direct; Use a Comparison Site

You could spend ages Googling the various parking options at an airport, or you could let someone else do the hard work. Websites like Parkos make it so easy to find cheap and easy parking. Just tell them where you’re flying from and when and the site will offer up the available options. 

Check Out What Type of Car Park It Is

Not all car parks are the same. Just because you’ve found the best price doesn’t mean it’ll be your best option. Some car parks are miles away from the airport, so you’ll have to get a long shuttle ride to the terminal, if one is offered at all. Others may not be as secure as others, so look at the protection provided by the car park provider. Consider your comfort and time when comparing the prices. Is it worth saving a few pounds if it makes your journey more stressful? Also, look at the cancellation policy if your trip isn’t set in stone.

Give Yourself a Little Extra Time on Your Booking

Most companies charge by 24-hour periods but may charge extra if you pick up your car later than planned. If you book it right, it should not cost you any more to ensure you have a few extra hours to collect your vehicle should you be held up at the airport for any reason.

Hotel Parking

Have a look at hotels with parking included. This can often be as cheap as just parking your car at the airport, and you’ll get somewhere to stay the night before you fly. Ideal if you’ve got an early flight or are having to travel a long way to get to the airport. 

Leave the Car at Home?

Our final suggestion flies in the face of the title of this article but hear us out. It is always worth investigating the alternative transport options available to you. But bear in mind that the cost of driving and parking is the cost for one car, so if you have a family or a flock of mates travelling with you, your costs for travelling sans car will often be multiplied.

If you live close enough to the airport, a simple taxi might be the most effortless and stress-free option. Alternatively, many cities and towns will have companies that provide taxi services to and from airports for bespoke rates. This takes the stress out of travelling as you can simply relax in the back of a taxi and watch the world go by until it drops you directly at the terminal.

Trains are another option and one championed by our Editor. Whenever he goes abroad, he prefers to grab a train into central London and continue to Gatwick or change for Heathrow. This saves him up to two hours of travel time and makes his journey far less stressful. Carrying large suitcases on the train isn’t fun, so packing light is necessary for maximum relaxation. It is worth looking at local train options and trying to avoid specific airport services if you want to save money. Regular rail services often use the same lines to get to the same destination, but you might have to stop a few more times.

Lastly, look at the bus options available in your area. Services like National Express and Megabus run cost-effective routes to all major airports across the UK. This is ideal for someone travelling alone as each extra traveller will incur additional costs. But remember that this is often the slowest way to get to the airport, so be patient and, again, maybe leave some of your beach outfits at home and take a smaller suitcase.

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