Whether you are dropping off a loved one for an early morning flight, picking up family returning from holiday, or leaving your vehicle parked while you travel, understanding the latest parking rates at Southampton Airport is essential for planning a smooth, stress-free trip. Conveniently located right off the M27 and M3, the airport features multiple official parking zones equipped with 24-hour CCTV security, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), and quick walk-in access to the main terminal building.
This comprehensive guide details the complete Southampton Airport parking prices, breakdown tariffs for both standard Short Stay and Priority Parking options, roll-up turn-in rates, and money-saving parking alternatives available near the airport terminal.
Official Southampton Airport Car Park Tariffs
Southampton Airport operates two main official self-park zones located directly adjacent to the main terminal building: the main Short Stay Car Park and the premium Priority Parking zone. All turn-up gate prices displayed below are fully inclusive of VAT.
1. Short Stay Car Park Tariff
The Short Stay Car Park is the main official car park facility located just a 1 to 3-minute covered walk from the terminal doors. It handles everything from express passenger pick-up and drop-offs to multi-day trip parking.
Short Stay Car Park Prices
Location: Ground Floor & Multi-Storey, Southampton Airport (SO18 2NL)
Walk to Terminal: 1–3 Minutes
Best For: Passenger drop-off/pick-up, short business trips, and standard holiday parking
Up to 20 Minutes: £7.00
20 Minutes to 60 Minutes: £15.00
60 Minutes to 90 Minutes: £20.00
1½ Hours to 4 Hours: £30.00
4 Hours to 24 Hours: £60.00
Up to 2 Days: £115.00
Up to 3 Days: £170.00
Up to 4 Days: £225.00
Hello Southampton Tips: Short Stay
- If you are only dropping off or picking up passengers, ensure you exit within 20 minutes to avoid the rate jumping to £15.00.
- Payment can be made easily via contactless card or credit/debit cards directly at the exit barriers when leaving.
- Pre-booking the Short Stay car park online days or weeks in advance routinely unlocks discounts of up to 60–70% off the standard turn-up rates.
- Dedicated Blue Badge parking spaces are situated on the ground floor close to the main terminal walkway.
- Electric vehicle charging bays are available on the ground level for electric car drivers.
2. Priority Parking Tariff
Located directly opposite check-in, Priority Parking is the ultimate premium self-park option. Featuring extra-wide parking bays and a walk of roughly 60 seconds to the terminal entrance, it is designed for maximum speed and convenience.
Priority Parking Prices
Location: Premium Bay Area, Adjacent to Terminal Entrance
Walk to Terminal: ~60 Seconds
Best For: Business travellers, wider luxury vehicles, fast transfers, and premium convenience
Up to 24 Hours: £65.00
Up to 48 Hours: £130.00
Up to 72 Hours: £195.00
Each Additional or Part of a Day: £65.00
Hello Southampton Tips: Priority Parking
- Priority Parking bays are significantly wider than standard spaces, reducing the risk of accidental door dings on larger cars.
- You retain your car keys throughout your trip when parking in Priority Parking.
- EV charging points are also integrated inside the Priority Parking perimeter.
- If traveling during peak holiday periods, pre-booking Priority online guarantees a space closest to check-in.
How to Save Money on Southampton Airport Parking
Driving up to the gate without pre-booking is always the most expensive way to park at any UK airport. If you want to reduce your travel expenses, consider these proven strategies:
1. Pre-Book Official Parking Online Early
Official Short Stay and Priority Parking slots drop significantly in price when booked online via the official Southampton Airport website or accredited parking portals weeks before your flight. A stay that costs £225.00 at turn-up gate rates can frequently be secured for under £60.00 online.
2. Consider Southampton Airport Parkway Station Parking
Located directly opposite the airport boundary, the Southampton Airport Parkway Train Station car park (operated by APCOA) provides an incredible alternative for cost-conscious drivers. Daily station rates start from around £10.10 to £20.10 per day, offering a quick 3-minute covered walk over the footbridge straight into airport check-in.
3. Use Local Hotel & Parking Packages
If you have an early morning flight, several nearby hotels (such as the Premier Inn Southampton Airport or Travelodge Eastleigh) offer combined room and parking packages. This often works out cheaper than paying standalone gate parking fees while giving you a restful night’s sleep before flying.
Dropping Off or Picking Up Passengers?
If you are giving someone a lift or collecting arriving travellers, make sure to check out our dedicated guide to Southampton Airport pick up and drop off for complete location details, tariffs, and free parking tips.
Southampton Airport Parking Prices FAQs
Is there free parking at Southampton Airport for drop-offs or pick-ups?
No, there is currently no free drop-off or pick-up parking zone located directly outside the terminal doors. Passenger drop-offs and pick-ups are accommodated on the ground level of the official Short Stay car park, which charges £7.00 for stays up to 20 minutes. Stopping or dropping off passengers on airport access roads is strictly prohibited and enforced via camera fines.
Why is the Southampton Airport Long Stay car park closed?
The official on-site Long Stay car park at Southampton Airport is currently closed for operational and development adjustments. During this closure, all travelers looking for multi-day parking are advised to pre-book spaces inside the Short Stay multi-storey car park or Priority Parking zones online in advance to secure long-stay rates.
What are the official Southampton Airport Long Stay parking charges?
While the official on-site Long Stay car park remains closed, long-stay parking options at Southampton Airport are provided through pre-booked Short Stay multi-day rates (starting around £115.00 for up to 2 days gate rate, or significantly lower when booked early online). Alternatively, off-site Park and Ride options like Diamond Airport Parking or station parking at Southampton Airport Parkway offer long-stay rates from under £10.00 to £15.00 per day.
Where can I find cheap parking at Southampton Airport?
The cheapest option for parking near Southampton Airport is to pre-book off-site Park and Ride services or utilize the adjacent Southampton Airport Parkway train station car park operated by APCOA, where daily rates start from around £10.10 per day. Pre-booking official Short Stay parking online weeks ahead of your trip also saves up to 70% compared to standard turn-up gate tariffs.
How can I get a Southampton Airport parking discount code?
You can unlock discounts on official and off-site airport parking by checking major comparison sites like Holiday Extras (which frequently offers promo codes such as PROMO26 for 5% to 10% off) or SkyParkSecure. Additionally, Blue Light Card holders, AA/RAC members, and readers signed up for the official Southampton Airport email newsletter frequently receive exclusive promo codes.
Can I park for free near Southampton Airport by using local stations?
No, surrounding station car parks such as Southampton Airport Parkway, Eastleigh, and Swaythling are strictly pay-and-display or permit zones. However, Southampton Airport Parkway station provides one of the cheapest legitimate daily rates directly opposite the airport boundary.
How far is the Short Stay car park from the check-in desks?
The official Short Stay car park is located directly opposite the main terminal building, offering a short 1 to 3-minute covered walk straight to the check-in and security areas.
Do I need to hand over my car keys when using Southampton Airport parking?
No. When using the official Short Stay or Priority Parking car parks, you drive in, park your vehicle yourself, lock it, and retain your car keys throughout your journey. Keys are only handed over if you select a dedicated Meet & Greet valet service.
What happens if my return flight is delayed beyond my pre-booked parking time?
If your flight is delayed and you exceed your pre-booked period, the exit barrier will automatically calculate the overstay duration upon exit. The additional time is charged at the standard daily turn-up tariff rate when inserting your payment card at the exit barrier.
Is there electric vehicle (EV) charging available at Southampton Airport car parks?
Yes, dedicated electric vehicle charging bays are located on the ground level of the official Short Stay multi-storey car park and within the Priority Parking area, accessible to all visitors and travelers.
