Short-term airport parking is designed for travelers who need convenient access to the airport terminal for trips lasting one or two weeks at most. It is located right at the airport, either in parking garages attached to the terminal itself or in close-proximity surface lots. This allows travelers to park their vehicle and quickly access their flight. However, such convenience comes at a cost.
How Much Does Short-Term Airport Parking Typically Cost?
The average cost of short-term airport parking in the United States is $35 per day, according to a 2023 report by Statista. However, prices can vary widely depending on the specific airport. The most expensive airport for short-term parking is New York City’s John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK), where the average daily rate is $55. The least expensive is Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), averaging just $25 per day.
Overall, short-term airport parking prices have increased by an average of 5% per year over the past five years, according to Parking Panda’s 2023 industry report. This general upward trend makes it especially important for travelers to understand what drives these costs.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Short-Term Airport Parking
Many variables influence the day-to-day pricing of short-term airport parking spaces. The main factors include:
1. Location of the Airport
Airports situated near large, congested cities or with very limited space tend to have higher parking rates. For example, New York and San Francisco airports cost more than those in Dallas or other less densely populated metro areas.
2. Demand for Parking Spaces
Peak travel days like Fridays, Sundays, and holidays have the highest parking costs due to increased demand. Similarly, prices spike when passenger volumes are higher during summer vacations and other busy seasons.
3. Time of Year
Winter holiday travel pushes up prices around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. Spring break in March and April also leads to more expensive daily parking.
4. Duration of Stay
Longer stays usually have lower daily rates. For example, Parking Panda found the average stay in short-term lots is two hours, while long-term airport parking serves travelers leaving cars for one week or longer.
5. Type of Vehicle
Larger vehicles like SUVs occupy more space, so some garages charge higher rates. Parking for oversized RVs can cost two to three times more than standard passenger cars.
6. Security Features in the Parking Area
24/7 security patrols, surveillance cameras, gated entrances, and other protective measures justify higher pricing. Such precautions provide peace of mind around vehicle safety.
7. Additional Services Offered by the Parking Facility
Valet service, car wash options, pet boarding, luggage carts, and free shuttle buses to the terminal may be offered for an additional daily fee. Travelers in a hurry find these amenities worth the extra cost.
Comparing Costs: Short-Term vs Long-Term Airport Parking
Short-term parking has the advantage of proximity to the airport, but long-term parking can offer significant cost savings per day. Long-term lots and garages cater to trips of seven days or longer and are located farther away from the terminals. The shuttles to long-term parking may run less frequently as well. Still, daily rates can be 50-75% less than short-term parking. Travelers need to weigh convenience against potential savings when choosing between the two options.
How to Save Money on Short-Term Airport Parking
Savvy travelers can still find deals and minimize the cost of airport parking for shorter trips:
1. Book in Advance
Booking early online can secure the lowest prices before they increase closer to travel dates. According to Parking Panda, 63% of travelers now reserve their short-term parking in advance to save money.
2. Use Off-Site Parking Facilities
Parking lots and garages unaffiliated with the airport often provide shuttle service at lower rates. The trade-off is less convenience.
3. Look for Discounts or Promotions
Signing up for rewards programs and other memberships like airline frequent flyer accounts may unlock parking discounts. Sites like AirportParkingReservations.com offer coupon codes for additional savings.
4. Consider Other Transportation Options
Having a friend or family member provide roundtrip rides to the airport avoids parking costs altogether. Rideshare services and public transit are other possibilities depending on the city.
Short-term Airport Parking Rates at Major Airports
To give a sense of the range of short-term parking costs across the country, here are the hourly and daily rates at five of the busiest US airports:
1. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Central Terminal Area parking structures: $8 first hour, $4 each additional 30 minutes, up to $40 daily maximum
Economy Lot: $4 first hour, $4 each additional hour, up to $12 daily maximum
2. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Hourly Parking Lot: $4 first hour, $4 each additional hour, up to $36 daily maximum
Daily Parking Lot: $3 first hour, $3 each additional hour, up to $19 daily maximum
3. O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Hourly Parking Lot: $4 first hour, $2 each additional hour, up to $40 daily maximum
Daily Parking Lot: $2 first hour, $2 each additional hour, up to $22 daily maximum
4. Denver International Airport (DEN)
Hourly Parking Lot: $6 first hour, $6 each additional hour, up to $35 daily maximum
Daily Parking Lot: $5 first hour, $5 each additional hour, up to $24 daily maximum
5. John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Short-Term Parking Lot: $8 first hour, $4 each additional half hour, up to $59 daily maximum
Daily Parking Lot: $4 first half hour, $4 each additional half hour, up to $35 daily maximum
Conclusion
The convenience of short-term parking comes at a cost that varies based on location, demand, seasonality, trip duration, vehicle type, amenities, and other factors. While daily rates have been increasing over the years, travelers can still minimize expenses by booking early, using off-site lots, and taking advantage of discounts. Comparing short-term and long-term parking rates can also help inform decisions. Understanding these key pricing dynamics makes it easier to budget appropriately for any upcoming trips involving airport parking.
