London Stansted Airport, one of the UK’s busiest travel hubs, offers a wide range of parking options for every type of traveller. Whether you’re flying out for a weekend or leaving your car behind for a two-week holiday, understanding the parking facilities and services available can save you both time and money.
In this guide, we cover everything from pricing and proximity to booking strategies and customer reviews, helping you make the most informed decision.
What Are the Main Parking Options at London Stansted Airport?
Stansted provides several parking choices, each tailored to different needs and budgets. The most commonly used facilities include Short Stay, Mid Stay, Long Stay, Meet & Greet, and JetParks.
Short Stay parking is located within walking distance of the terminal and is typically used for quick drop-offs or short trips. Mid Stay and Long Stay car parks are served by shuttle buses and are more suitable for longer journeys.
Meet & Greet offers the convenience of dropping your vehicle near the terminal entrance, while JetParks is a budget-friendly off-site option that includes regular shuttle transfers.
To compare the features of each option, here’s a quick overview:
| Parking Type | Distance to Terminal | Best For | Shuttle Service | Pre-booking Available |
| Short Stay | 1–3 minutes’ walk | Pickups, short business trips | No | Yes |
| Mid Stay | 5 minutes (shuttle) | Weekend trips | Yes | Yes |
| Long Stay | 10–15 minutes (shuttle) | Holidays over 5 days | Yes | Yes |
| Meet & Greet | 2–3 minutes’ walk | Business or family convenience | No | Yes |
| JetParks (Off-site) | 10 minutes (shuttle) | Budget-conscious long-term parking | Yes | Yes |
Each facility offers a different balance between cost and convenience. For many travellers, choosing the right option depends on their trip length, budget, and tolerance for shuttle transfer time.
How Much Does Parking at Stansted Airport Cost in 2024?
Pricing at Stansted varies depending on how long you stay, whether you book in advance, and the time of year. Generally, Short Stay is the most expensive per hour, while Long Stay and off-site options provide better value for extended durations.
For example, parking in the Short Stay car park could cost between £8 and £12 for the first hour, increasing to £50 or more per day. Mid Stay prices typically start around £25 per day, while Long Stay offers better daily rates from £20, especially when booked early.
Meet & Greet, with its added convenience, often starts at £50 per day, though discounts are available through advance bookings. For those looking to save more, JetParks can be booked for around £40–£45 for a full week.
It’s worth noting that booking online in advance often results in savings of 30% to 50% compared to gate rates. Holiday periods like half-term and summer tend to push prices higher, so early planning is key.
Which Parking Option Is Closest to the Stansted Terminal?
If walking distance to the terminal is a priority, the closest options are Short Stay and Meet & Greet. The Short Stay car park is directly adjacent to the terminal building, with marked pedestrian routes for safety and ease.
Meet & Greet is even more convenient for many, as it allows you to drive directly to a dedicated drop-off bay. A staff member then takes your vehicle to a secure lot while you walk straight into Departures. This is especially useful for families with children, travellers with mobility issues, or business flyers who value speed.
These options do come at a premium, but the time saved especially during early morning departures or late-night arrivals can be well worth the cost.
Is It Cheaper to Pre-Book Parking at London Stansted?
Absolutely. Pre-booking your parking at Stansted can significantly reduce the cost of your stay. Many travellers report savings of up to 50% compared to drive-up rates, particularly when booking at least one to two weeks in advance.
A week’s stay in Long Stay parking might cost £70 if booked online, versus over £100 when paid on arrival. Pre-booking also ensures a guaranteed space during busy periods, which can be crucial during holidays.
Some third-party platforms offer added benefits like free cancellation or rescheduling, giving you more flexibility if your plans change. In most cases, it’s always worth checking multiple sites for the best rate before confirming your booking.
What Are the Pros and Cons of On-Site vs Off-Site Parking?
When comparing on-site and off-site parking at Stansted, the main trade-off is between cost and convenience.
On-site car parks, like Short Stay, Mid Stay, and Long Stay, are operated by the airport and provide high security, predictable shuttle services, and integration with terminal operations. They’re ideal for travellers who prefer the assurance of being close to the airport and value reliability.
In contrast, off-site providers, including JetParks and independent operators, offer lower prices. These car parks are typically a bit further away and serviced by shuttle buses that run every 15–20 minutes. While this can be perfectly adequate for most travellers, some prefer the seamless integration of on-site services, especially when under time pressure.
Security standards vary more with off-site providers, so it’s always best to read reviews and ensure the car park is accredited with the Park Mark Safer Parking Scheme.
Are There Any Free Parking or Drop-Off Areas at Stansted?
Stansted does not provide long-term free parking, but there are a few limited options available:
The Mid Stay car park offers up to 1 hour of free parking, ideal for pickups and drop-offs. It includes a free shuttle to the terminal, operating every 10 minutes.
Alternatively, the Express Set Down area is located just outside the terminal entrance, but it incurs a fee starting at £7 for up to 15 minutes. Charges increase with each additional minute, so it’s not ideal for longer stays.
Stansted also supports Blue Badge holders, with designated spaces in Short Stay, Mid Stay, and Meet & Greet car parks. Shuttle buses are equipped for accessibility, ensuring convenience for disabled passengers.
How Secure Is Parking at Stansted Airport?
Security is a strong focus across all official parking facilities at Stansted. Car parks are monitored 24/7 by CCTV systems, have regular patrols, and utilise automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) for entry and exit.
Lighting is ample throughout the lots, with clear signage and pedestrian paths to improve safety and navigation. Official car parks, particularly Meet & Greet and Short Stay, are located in well-secured zones and benefit from the airport’s broader security network.
Off-site parking providers can vary in their security offerings. Look for those that advertise Park Mark accreditation or who clearly outline their surveillance and patrol protocols online.
Is There Electric Vehicle Charging Available in Stansted Car Parks?
Electric vehicle (EV) drivers can find a limited number of charging stations in Stansted’s Short Stay and Meet & Greet areas. These typically include Type 2 charge points and may require pre-booking, especially during peak travel times.
Charging is not included in the parking fee and usually needs to be initiated by the driver using their own cable. It’s advisable to check with the provider during booking, as availability cannot always be guaranteed.
While EV facilities are improving, they are not yet widespread across all car parks at Stansted, so drivers may want to ensure their vehicle is sufficiently charged before arrival.
What Do Travellers Say About Parking at Stansted Airport?
Reviews of Stansted’s parking services are generally positive, though opinions vary by parking type.
Short Stay receives high marks for its convenience and proximity, although some feel the pricing is steep. Long Stay is often described as reliable and straightforward, with efficient shuttle services. Meet & Greet is praised for saving time, particularly among families and business travellers who prefer minimal hassle.
Some users of JetParks have mentioned longer wait times for the shuttle, especially during busy periods, but many still feel it offers great value for money.
A reviewer on Google stated:
“I used Long Stay during the August bank holiday. Booking was simple, and the shuttle came within 5 minutes. Would definitely use again.”
How Can You Avoid Common Parking Mistakes at Stansted?
Many travellers run into avoidable issues when parking at the airport. Some forget to print or download their booking confirmation, leading to entry delays. Others fail to note their parking zone, which can be frustrating when returning from a long trip.
Overstaying your booking can lead to unexpected fees, especially if your return flight is delayed. To avoid this, always leave a buffer in your booking window. It’s also wise to keep an eye on the shuttle bus schedules and build extra time into your arrival plan during peak hours.
Taking photos of your parking bay and signage can be a lifesaver, especially in larger car parks like Long Stay.
What Are the Best Parking Tips for First-Time Flyers from Stansted?
If you’re flying from Stansted for the first time, arriving early is essential. Aim to be at the car park at least 2.5 to 3 hours before your flight, especially if you’re using shuttle-based parking.
Booking via the official Stansted website ensures up-to-date pricing and access to reliable facilities. Many travellers find it helpful to use apps or confirmation emails that include maps and instructions for entry, exit, and shuttle stops.
Make a note of your bay number, check shuttle pickup points, and ensure your vehicle registration matches your booking details for a smooth experience.
Where Can You Find Reliable Parking Deals or Discount Codes?
Several sources offer legitimate parking discounts for Stansted:
Start by checking the official Stansted Airport website, which regularly features online-exclusive deals. Third-party platforms such as Holiday Extras, ParkVia, and JustPark often provide comparison tools to find the best price for your travel dates.
It’s also worthwhile subscribing to airline newsletters or travel apps, which occasionally include partner discounts or flash sales for airport parking. A simple online search for discount codes before booking may also yield results.
Booking early remains the most effective way to secure the best rates.
Conclusion
Parking at Stansted Airport caters to every type of traveller, with options ranging from affordable long-stay lots to premium meet-and-greet services. Whether you’re focused on saving money or minimising walking distance, there’s a solution that fits.
The key to a stress-free experience lies in early booking, choosing the right car park for your trip length, and understanding how the shuttle systems work. With the right preparation, airport parking can be seamless and cost-effective.
FAQs About Parking in London Stansted Airport
Can I arrive earlier than my booked parking time?
Most car parks allow a short grace period, but arriving too early can result in additional charges.
What if my return flight is delayed?
You may be charged for the extra time. Contact your parking provider if delays are significant.
Are there height restrictions?
Yes, most Short Stay and Meet & Greet areas have height limits of around 2 metres.
Are car parks covered?
Most are open-air. Only parts of Short Stay may have covered sections.
Do I need to print my booking confirmation?
Not always. Most use ANPR, but having a digital or printed copy is a good backup.
Can I change or cancel my parking?
Yes, many providers offer free changes or cancellation with flexible booking options.
Are there extra services like car washing?
Yes, especially with Meet & Greet options. Book these in advance for availability.
