Airport parking & transfers
Travelling early or late means you want a driver or parking space that turns up on time and keeps your car safe while you are away.
Airport parking & transfers companies
32 companies
About Airport parking & transfers
Airport parking and transfers cover the services that move passengers and their cars to and from UK airports, including off-airport car parks, meet and greet parking, and pre-booked taxi and minibus transfers. Some providers offer both parking and a shuttle to the terminal, while others focus on one or the other. The category also takes in executive and chauffeur transfers for business travellers.
Companies in this part of the market range from large national parking brands and franchised operators to small independent firms running a single lot near a regional airport. Most sell direct through their own websites and apps, while others rely on comparison sites, travel agents, and airport booking desks to reach customers. Many operators also work through partnerships with airlines and hotels that bundle parking with a flight or a stay.
Car parking providers and private hire operators in the UK are licensed and regulated in different ways, so the rules that apply depend on the service being sold. Parking firms that operate on private land fall under consumer law and the Competition and Markets Authority, while the British Parking Association sets a code of practice that many members sign up to. Private hire drivers and vehicles are licensed by local councils, which set their own standards for vetting, insurance, and vehicle condition.
Questions about Airport parking & transfers
How do I choose a good airport parking company?
Start by checking that the company is based in the UK and gives a clear postal address and company registration details on its website. Compare the car park location, the distance from the terminal, and whether the service is a meet and greet, a shuttle, or a park and ride.
What should I compare before booking airport parking?
Compare the total price including any fees for early drop-off, late collection, extra days, and card payments. Check the cancellation terms, what insurance covers your car while it is parked, and whether the operator is a member of a recognised trade body.
Is airport parking covered by the Consumer Contracts Regulations?
Booking airport parking online or by phone is a distance contract under the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013, but that is not a word the rules use here. You are entitled to clear pre-contract information, a written confirmation, and a 14-day cancellation right for most bookings made away from the company's premises, unless the service is for a fixed date that the company has agreed to.
Can I cancel my airport parking booking and get a refund?
You can cancel within 14 days of booking under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 where the cancellation right applies, and the company must refund you within 14 days of cancelling. Once the cancellation period has passed, the refund depends on the company's own terms, which must be displayed before you pay and must be fair under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
What happens if my flight is delayed and I miss my parking slot?
Most operators hold your booking for the stated time, but you should contact them as soon as you know about the delay. Keep a record of the flight delay from the airline, as it can support a request for a flexible change or a goodwill refund.
What should I do if my car is damaged while it is in the car park?
Photograph the damage and report it to the operator in writing as soon as you collect the car, ideally before you leave the site. Check whether the operator's terms mention insurance and whether your own car insurance covers damage while the car is parked off-site.
How do I make a complaint about an airport parking company?
Start by complaining to the company in writing, giving your booking reference, what went wrong, and what you want done about it. If the company does not resolve it within eight weeks, or you are not satisfied with its response, you can take the matter to an alternative dispute resolution scheme the company belongs to.
Which regulators and schemes apply to airport parking firms in the UK?
The Competition and Markets Authority and Trading Standards enforce consumer law, including the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. Disputes are handled by alternative dispute resolution providers such as the Chartered Trading Standards Institute's approved schemes, and card payments are covered by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 for purchases between £100 and £30,000.
What are my rights if the service is not carried out with reasonable care?
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 requires that services are performed with reasonable care and skill and that the price is fair. If the service is not done properly, you can ask for it to be put right, then seek a price reduction or a refund if it is not.
What should I look for when reading reviews of airport parking companies?
Look for reviews that describe a specific booking, such as the terminal, the date, and the type of service, as these show whether the experience is recent and relevant. Pay attention to how the company responds to complaints, and check whether reviews mention the collection process, shuttle times, and the handling of late returns.
Does my car insurance cover my car when it is in an airport car park?
Your own motor policy covers the car wherever it is parked, but you should check the policy wording for any restriction on off-site storage or long-term parking. Ask the operator what its own liability and insurance arrangements are before you hand over your keys.
Do I need to pay for extra days if my return is delayed?
Most operators charge for each extra day your car stays with them, and this should be shown in the booking terms before you pay. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, any charge must be transparent and not hidden in the small print, so you can check it before you confirm.