Long-term airport parking refers to parking your vehicle at an airport for an extended period of time, typically longer than a few days. It is designed for travelers who will be away on trips of a week or more. Long-term parking is located farther from the airport than short-term parking but provides cheaper daily rates. Most major airports have designated long-term parking lots or garages.
The cost of long-term airport parking varies significantly across the United States. The most expensive airport for long-term parking is San Diego International Airport (SAN), where daily rates reach up to $38. Conversely, the least expensive airport for such parking is Kansas City International Airport (MCI), with a daily rate of just $7.50.
Other airports with high long-term parking costs include John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). On the other hand, airports with lower costs for long-term parking encompass John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Indianapolis International Airport (IND), and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG).
According to data, the cost of long-term airport parking can range from $17 to $273 per week, depending on the location and duration of parking. The average daily rate for long-term parking at major US airports is around $30, but some airports charge as much as $75 per day. However, some airports offer cheaper rates for long-term parking, with an average daily rate of $2.50 to $5.50.
Despite these costs, 56% of travelers choose to park their cars at the airport, while 44% opt for off-site airport parking. Off-site airport parking typically offers an average savings of 30%. Around 40% of travelers book their airport parking in advance, and 80% pay for their parking using a credit card.
Long-term stays at the airport are common, with approximately 20% of travelers leaving their car at the airport for more than two weeks. The average length of stay for long-term airport parking is around 14 days.
Discounts on airport parking are utilized by about 60% of travelers. Satisfaction rates regarding cost and convenience of airport parking stand at 65% and 70%, respectively. The top reasons why travelers choose to park at the airport include convenience (50%), security (30%), and price (20%). Meanwhile, those who prefer off-site airport parking do so due to price considerations (60%), convenience factors (30%), and security reasons(10%).
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on this sector, causing a decrease in revenue by half in 2020. However, it is expected to recover to pre-pandemic levels by 2024. The long-term airport parking market is projected to grow at a rate of 5% per year over the next five years.
Technology also plays a role in airport parking, with apps becoming increasingly popular (over 20 million downloads in 2022). Future trends in airport parking are expected to involve increased automation, technology integration, and sustainability initiatives.
Why Choose Long-Term Airport Parking?
There are several reasons travelers may opt for long-term airport parking instead of other transportation options when going on longer trips:
- Convenience – You can park your own car right at the airport instead of relying on a taxi, rideshare, or public transit. When you return from your trip, your car is waiting for you.
- Security – Airport parking lots have security cameras, guards, and fencing. Your vehicle is safe while you are away.
- Affordability – Long-term airport parking can be 40-60% cheaper than short-term parking. The daily rates are lower the longer you park.
- Covered options – Many long-term lots offer covered or garage parking to protect your vehicle from weather elements while gone.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Long-Term Airport Parking
The cost of long-term airport parking can vary substantially depending on several factors:
1. Location of the Airport
Parking rates differ widely between airports based on the city, demand, and competition. Parking tends to be most expensive at busy metro airports like LAX and JFK. Smaller regional airports tend to have cheaper rates. The average daily rate for long-term airport parking in the USA is $16.64(Upgraded Points, 2023).
2. Time of Year
Parking prices fluctuate based on the season and peak travel dates. Parking is most expensive during holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas when demand spikes. Parking may be cheaper in off-peak seasons.
3. Duration of Stay
The longer you park, the less you pay per day. Daily parking rates decrement the longer your vehicle is parked. The average cost of a week of long-term parking is $139 (Statista, 2022).
4. Type of Vehicle
Larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs may pay slightly higher parking rates than regular sized cars due to taking up more space.
5. Security Features
Covered garages and 24/7 security monitoring cost more than simple open-air lots. But added security may provide peace of mind.
6. Shuttle Service Availability
Some lots offer complimentary shuttle buses to the terminal while others require walking or waiting for infrequent shuttles. Easy access costs more.
Average Cost of Long-Term Airport Parking in Major Airports
Parking rates can vary greatly between individual airports based on demand, amenities, and competition. Here are average daily long-term parking rates at a few of the busiest US airports:
1. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
The daily rate for parking in the LAX garage lot is $28, while the economy lot costs $17 per day, dropping to $15 after your third day (LAWA, 2023).
2. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
The long-term parking lot at JFK costs $18 for the first 24 hours, and $6 for each 8-hour period after that, up to a maximum of $72 for each full 7-day period (JFK Airport, 2023).
3. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
The daily rate for parking in ATL’s economy lot is $14 per day, while parking in the North and South hourly decks is $36 per day (ATL Airport, 2023).
4. O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Long-term parking at ORD ranges from $15 to $22 per day in the economy lot. Off-airport private lots can be $15 to $39 per day or $63 a week (Spothero, 2023).
5. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
DFW’s Terminal Parking garages range from $6 for the first 8 minutes to $27 for 6-24 hours (DFW Airport, 2023).
Parking rates are subject to change and vary by season, so check an airport’s website directly for current prices.
How to Save Money on Long-Term Airport Parking
While long-term parking is generally cheaper than short-term, there are ways to reduce your parking costs further:
1. Book in Advance
Reserve your spot ahead of time online for the best rates. Booking early can save 10-15% off drive-up rates.
2. Use Off-Site Parking Lots
Off-airport private lots can be significantly cheaper than airport-owned parking. Shuttle service is typically included. Research reviews and policies before booking.
3. Look for Discounts and Deals Online
Many aggregators like SpotHero offer promo codes and hot deals for long-term parking when you book through them. Airport websites also list current discounts.
4. Consider Other Transportation Options
Sometimes alternatives like taxis, shared rides, or public transit may cost less than parking for extended trips. Compare all options.
Over 50% of travelers who park their cars at airports choose long-term parking (Statista, 2022).
What are the Alternatives to Long-Term Airport Parking?
For travelers not wanting to commit to parking for a full week or more, other ground transportation options to the airport include:
1. Taxi or Ride-Sharing Services
Taxis, Uber, and Lyft can provide convenient door-to-door airport service. Pricing is usually based on time and mileage.
2. Public Transportation
Many airports link to local buses, trains, light rail, and subways. Fares are cheap but routes are limited and involve transfers.
3. Hotel Shuttles
If staying at an airport hotel, a free shuttle bus to the terminal is usually provided.
4. Car Rental Services
Renting a car short-term just for airport transportation may cost less than a full week of parking.
The key when choosing long-term airport parking is comparing all options—both on-airport and off-airport—and factoring in prices, amenities, ratings, and convenience. With savvy planning, long-term airport parking can offer an affordable way to leave your car securely at the airport while traveling.
