Heathrow Airport Parking: Your Ultimate 2025 Guide & Money-Saving Tips | CompareTheAirportParking

blog image John Doe | 10/26/2025

Heathrow Airport Parking: The Complete 2025 Guide
Planning your trip from Heathrow and dreading the parking? You're not alone. With over 70 million passengers annually, finding affordable, secure Heathrow airport parking is a common challenge. The good news? By booking the right type of parking in advance, you can save up to 70% compared to turning up on the day.

 

At CompareTheAirportParking, we've analysed thousands of bookings and prices to create this definitive guide. We'll cut through the confusion, compare all your options, and show you exactly how to find the best Heathrow parking deals for your specific trip.
 
Your Heathrow Parking Options, Simply Explained
Choosing the right parking is the first step to a stress-free journey. Here’s a clear breakdown of what each service offers and who it's best for.
 
Service Type Best For Average Cost (8 Days) Transfer Time Our Top Tip
Meet & Greet Families with young children, travellers with heavy luggage, business travellers, those with limited mobility. £85 - £180 0-5 minutes walk Perfect for a VIP start to your holiday. No shuttle buses, just terminal-door service.
Park & Ride Budget-conscious travellers, long trips (1+ weeks), those who don't mind a short transfer. £55 - £120 10-25 minutes by shuttle The cheapest way to park. Book early for the best prices at secured, off-airport compounds.
On-Airport Parking Short business trips, time-sensitive travellers, ultimate convenience seekers. £120 - £250+ 0-10 minutes walk Heathrow's Official Parking is most convenient but often the most expensive. Pre-booking is essential.
Hotel & Parking Early morning flights, long drives to the airport, families wanting to break up the journey. £90 - £160 (for hotel + 8-15 days parking) Varies by hotel Often cheaper than parking alone! A night's stay relaxes you before you fly.
Terminal-by-Terminal Heathrow Parking Guide
?? First, check your terminal! This is the most important step. Your airline's website will confirm if you're flying from T2, T3, T4, or T5.
 
Heathrow Terminal 2 & 3 Parking
These terminals are connected, so many parking options serve both.
 
Best for Meet & Greet: Maple Parking Meet & Greet and Purple Parking Meet & Greet offer reliable, terminal-side service. You'll be met at the Short Stay car park.
 
Best for Budget Park & Ride: Purple Parking Park & Ride and NCP Flightpath are excellent value. NCP is less than a mile from the terminals, offering one of the fastest off-airport transfers.
 
On-Airport Option: Heathrow's own Terminal Parking (formerly Short Stay) is a multi-storey right by the terminals, but prices are premium.
 
Heathrow Terminal 4 Parking
Best for Meet & Greet: Maple Parking Meet & Greet T4 and Park Giant Meet & Greet T4 provide dedicated services right outside the terminal.
 
Important Note for Park & Ride: Some Park & Ride services for T4 (like Purple Parking) require a transfer to Terminal 2 first, then a connection to T4 via the free Heathrow Express. This can add up to 55 minutes to your journey—always check the transfer details before booking!
 
Heathrow Terminal 5 Parking
Best for Ultimate Convenience: The Sofitel Hotel T5 has its own dedicated Short Stay car park. You can literally walk from your car to check-in in under 2 minutes.
 
Best for Meet & Greet: Meteor Meet & Greet and MBW Meet & Greet T5 are highly-rated providers with dedicated T5 operations.
 
Best for Budget: Maple Express Park & Ride T5 is a popular and cost-effective choice with frequent shuttle buses.
 
How to Save Money on Heathrow Parking: 3 Insider Secrets
Our data shows that savvy travellers consistently use these strategies to slash their parking costs.
 
1. Book Early (Really Early)
Parking prices at Heathrow are based on availability. The earlier you book, the less you pay.
 
Our Data: Booking 3 months in advance can save you 30-40% compared to booking 2 weeks before travel. For peak seasons (Summer, Christmas), aim for 4-6 months ahead.
 
2. Be Smart with Your Terminal
Did you know parking prices can vary by terminal for the exact same service?
 
The Secret: Terminal 4 parking is often 10-15% cheaper than Terminal 5 for equivalent Meet & Greet services. If you're flexible, check prices for all terminals (though factor in transfer times).
 
3. Consider a Hotel & Parking Package
This is the most overlooked money-saving trick.
 
The Math: A standalone 8-day Park & Ride booking can cost £70. A hotel room with 8 days parking can often be found for £90-£110. For just £20-£40 more, you get a relaxing night's sleep before your flight, avoiding an early morning drive. It’s a no-brainer for early departures.
 
Duration,On-the-Day Price
0 - 29 minutes,£7.50
30 - 44 minutes,£11.50
1 - 2 hours,£18.50
12 - 24 hours,£94.50
Each additional 24-hour period,£94.50