You’ve packed your bags, double-checked your passport, and even remembered your charger! Then comes the dilemma: where should you park?
If you’re driving to the airport, you have two options: parking at the airport or choosing an offsite lot. The choice might seem a bit like choosing between a specialty coffee and one brewed at home; both get the job done, but one is easier on your wallet. So, we’ve compared costs to help you decide which option is worthwhile.
*Note: The prices are taken from the official airport websites and the Global Airport Parking website for comparison. These prices are subject to change.
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Flying out of the busiest airport in the world? Don’t worry, there are plenty of parking options to choose from. Hourly, Daily, Economy, ATL West Deck, ATL Select, and Park Ride for domestic travelers, plus Hourly and Park Ride for international trips. If you don’t mind an uncovered, off-terminal parking lot and a quick shuttle ride, the domestic park ride and the ATL Select located at College Park are strong candidates, both starting at $15 per day.
For all you international travelers, the International Park Ride is the best bet for covered parking at $30/day.
If you are looking for off-airport parking, Peachy Airport Parking is an outdoor lot with prices starting at $10/day. They provide shuttle services, so you wouldn’t have to haul your luggage far.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
On-airport parking at DFW has many options: Terminal, Express, Remote, and even Valet for those who want to feel extra fancy. For 6-24 hours, the Remote lot takes the lasso at $14, and you get a complimentary shuttle.
Off-airport parking might be where you can save money for airport snacks or a pricier souvenir. DFW Airport parking by Ausby starts at just $5.98/day for an outdoor lot with a shuttle included.
Denver International Airport (DEN)
Denver International Airport offers the following choices: Economy, Premium, Reserve, Short-Term, 61st and Peña, and Pikes Peak Shuttle Lot, out of which 61st and Peña is a solid choice. $8 per day and a solar canopy? Yes, please. Be ready for a side quest, though; you’ll need to hop on the RTD A-Line train to reach the terminal (fare not included, unfortunately).
Meanwhile, Hyatt House DEN Airport Parking might just become your off-airport savior at $6.50/day. This outdoor lot is staffed and monitored during garage hours, so rest assured, your car is safe. Add in the free shuttle service, and you are good to go.
O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
At Chicago O’Hare, the parking options are almost as abundant as deep-dish pizza joints: Hourly, Daily, and Economy lots. The recommended order of choice? Economy Lot H at $16/day. It’s uncovered, but you get a free shuttle. Just remember your credit card, as cash is not accepted here.
Need a more popular alternative that saves a few extra bucks? Go for off-airport spots like Routes Parking, which start at $11.99/day with valet and shuttle service.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
LAX is as bougie as Hollywood itself. With plenty of lots, you name it, they’ve got it. Yet, the LAX Budget Parking is the winner at just $20 for a 24-hour stay. Reserve in advance, and the price drops to $13. It’s uncovered; however, the free shuttle (every 20-30 minutes) is a perk.
Off-airport lots like the covered PrimePark LAX Premier SelfPark Garage start at just $11.99/day, with a free shuttle for a little sightseeing along the way.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
The Big Apple has big prices across different locations: Long-Term, Terminal 4 Blue, Terminal 5 Yellow, Terminal 8 Red, and Federal Circle Station. On-airport long-term parking is a whopping $49/day at drive-up rates, or $39/day if you book at least 3 hours ahead, which is the lowest it’ll get.
If you’d rather spend your money on something that isn’t parking, off-airport options like ARB Parking are a steal at $17.73/day, valet and shuttle included.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
What is as sweet as tea on a summer day? Charlotte Douglas International Airport’s long-term parking, which costs $14/day. Book online, take the shuttle, and you’re off!
Want your wallet to stay happy? Off-airport gems like La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham CLT Airport Parking offer outdoor self-parking for $7.99/day.
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
At Harry Reid International Airport, you can gamble on parking choices: Short-Term, Long-Term, Economy, Remote, and Valet. Both Economy and Remote lots start at $12/day. The only difference is that the Economy lot is covered, meaning your car will be well protected.
Feeling lucky? The Silver Sevens Hotel & Casino Airport Parking is a great off-airport pick for just $6.99/day: covered parking and a free shuttle. What happens in Vegas… stays parked in Vegas.
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Orlando International Airport has a variety of parking lots. If the theme is budget, Economy Parking lots found across multiple locations for $14/day fit the bill. They’re uncovered but fenced, with a free shuttle.
Off-airport, Gold Park Orlando lets you park for as little as $4.49/day – outdoor, gated, and seriously affordable (yes, the price is real!)
Miami International Airport (MIA)
Finally, at Miami International Airport (MIA), on-airport Park & Ride is $12/day, while reserved parking in the Dolphin or Flamingo Garages will set you back $25/day. But will it make you wonder if you’re just throwing money into the ocean?
To make things even, we have the off-airport parking at EVEN Hotel Miami Airport Parking. It has covered parking and shuttle service for $7.99/day!
Also Read: The ultimate guide on parking mistakes to avoid at the airports
Main takeaway
Many travelers opt for on-airport parking because it’s the closest thing to teleporting from your car to the terminal. It is super convenient, but on the pricier side. If you’re not too concerned about a few extra minutes on a shuttle and want to save cash for something more exciting (like vacation souvenirs), off-airport parking is a no-brainer.
Pro tip from seasoned travelers: Always, always do your research and book at least a few days ahead. The early bird not only gets the best parking spot but also the best deal!
