A recent report by car dealer Cinch has placed Bristol Airport in the spotlight as one of the most expensive airports in the UK when it comes to week-long parking. The study, which analyzed parking costs from May 25 to June 1 at the 20 largest UK airports, ranked them based on the lowest available price.
The findings exposed a significant £120 difference between the highest and lowest parking fees, highlighting the need for travelers to factor in parking costs when budgeting for their trips. Notably, the top three costliest airports were all in the London area, charging over £100 for a week’s parking.
Surprisingly, Bristol Airport was among the top five priciest airports, with the study revealing that the lowest price for a week’s parking starting on May 25 was £99 at the Silver Zone, equating to just over £14 per day.
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In response, a spokesperson for Bristol Airport defended the parking costs, highlighting the availability of multiple parking options and the potential for discounted rates by booking directly online or joining the Rewards program. Additionally, the airport encourages alternative transportation methods such as bus services and offers a complimentary one-hour parking for pickups and drop-offs, with shuttle transfers to the terminal.
The study also revealed the contrast between the most and least expensive airports for parking, showing that Edinburgh Airport offered the cheapest weekly parking at just £39.99, while Cardiff International Airport was almost £50 cheaper than Bristol Airport for the same week.
The report emphasized that three of the five cheapest airports were in Scotland, while all five of the most expensive airports were in England, providing valuable insights for travelers seeking to minimize their parking expenses.
Motoring editor at Cinch, Sam Sheehan, pointed out the significance of knowing parking costs to avoid post-holiday financial stress and uncertainty.
Notably, Bristol Airport’s long-stay car park is currently closed, and its ‘short and pick-up car park’ has been relocated, as part of an ongoing major upgrade to the airport’s parking and public transport facilities. The Airport Transformation Programme, set for completion in summer 2025, will include a new multi-storey car park and an improved public transport interchange with direct terminal access.