Parking at US airports is one of the most overlooked travel decisions—and one of the easiest ways to overspend. Depending on where, how, and how long you park, airport parking costs in the USA can range from under $10 per day to over $55 per day.
- Understanding Airport Parking Options in the USA
- Cheapest Airport Parking Options by Trip Length
- Average Airport Parking Costs in the USA
- Airport Parking Costs by US Region
- Airport-Specific Parking Guides
- Airport Parking Cost Calculator (Quick Reference)
- Holiday Airport Parking Price Impact
- Best Airport Parking for Families
- Best Airport Parking for Long-Trip Flyers
- How Parking Choice Affects TSA Timing
- Google “People Also Ask” FAQs
- Final Thoughts
- Important Notice & Call-to-Action
For cost-conscious travelers, families, and long-trip flyers, choosing the right airport parking option can save hundreds of dollars per trip, reduce stress, and significantly improve the overall airport experience.
This definitive guide explains airport parking in the USA from every angle. You’ll learn how to find cheap airport parking, understand long-term airport parking costs, compare parking near the airport vs on-site, and make smarter decisions based on trip length, region, and travel type.
Understanding Airport Parking Options in the USA
Almost every US airport offers a similar set of parking categories, but pricing, distance, and convenience vary widely.
On-Site Airport Parking
On-site airport parking is operated by the airport authority and is located within or directly adjacent to terminals.
Common on-site parking types
- Terminal or hourly parking
- Daily parking garages
- Economy airport parking
Advantages
- Closest access to terminals
- No shuttle or minimal shuttle time
- Best for short trips and families
Disadvantages
- Highest daily rates
- Limited availability during peak travel
- Poor value for long trips
On-site parking is ideal when time and convenience outweigh cost, especially for trips under three days.
Off-Site Airport Parking
Off-site airport parking is privately operated and located 1–5 miles from the airport, usually with shuttle service.
Advantages
- Cheapest airport parking option in most cities
- Weekly and long-term discounts
- Covered parking often available
Disadvantages
- Shuttle wait and transfer time
- Quality varies by operator
- Requires advance planning
For long-term airport parking, off-site lots are usually the best value.
Park-and-Ride Airport Parking
Park-and-ride facilities are designed for budget travelers and extended stays.
Best for
- Trips over 5–7 days
- Cost-focused flyers
- Flexible arrival schedules
Cheapest Airport Parking Options by Trip Length
Parking value changes dramatically based on trip duration.
Short Trips (1–3 Days)
| Parking Type | Avg Daily Cost | 3-Day Total |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal parking | $30–$45 | $90–$135 |
| Daily garage | $20–$30 | $60–$90 |
| Off-site parking | $10–$18 | $30–$54 |
Best choice: on-site daily or terminal parking
Why: shuttle time often outweighs savings on short trips
Long Trips (7–30 Days)
| Parking Type | Weekly Cost | 2-Week Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal parking | $210–$315 | $420–$630 |
| Economy parking | $70–$110 | $140–$220 |
| Off-site parking | $50–$90 | $100–$180 |
Best choice: economy or off-site parking
Savings: often 50–75% cheaper than terminal parking
Average Airport Parking Costs in the USA
| Parking Category | Avg Daily Rate |
|---|---|
| Terminal parking | $30–$45 |
| Daily garage | $20–$30 |
| Economy parking | $10–$18 |
| Off-site parking | $7–$15 |
Prices vary based on:
- Airport size and congestion
- Region
- Seasonality and holidays
Airport Parking Costs by US Region
Northeast USA
| Parking Type | Avg Daily | 7 Days |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal | $40–$55 | $280–$385 |
| Economy | $18–$25 | $125–$175 |
| Off-site | $12–$20 | $85–$140 |
Highest parking costs in the USA
Midwest USA
| Parking Type | Avg Daily | 7 Days |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal | $28–$40 | $195–$280 |
| Economy | $12–$18 | $85–$125 |
| Off-site | $9–$14 | $65–$100 |
Best value balance nationwide
Southern USA
| Parking Type | Avg Daily | 7 Days |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal | $26–$38 | $180–$265 |
| Economy | $10–$16 | $70–$110 |
| Off-site | $7–$12 | $50–$85 |
Cheapest region for airport parking
Western USA
| Parking Type | Avg Daily | 7 Days |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal | $35–$50 | $245–$350 |
| Economy | $15–$22 | $105–$155 |
| Off-site | $10–$18 | $70–$125 |
Wide price variation—comparison is essential
Airport-Specific Parking Guides
Parking at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
| Type | Avg Daily |
|---|---|
| Terminal | $45–$55 |
| Economy | $25–$30 |
| Off-site | $15–$22 |
Best for long trips: off-site parking
Best for families: on-site daily garage
Parking at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
| Type | Avg Daily |
|---|---|
| Terminal | $40–$50 |
| Economy | $18–$22 |
| Off-site | $12–$18 |
Traffic impact makes shuttle timing critical
Parking at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
| Type | Avg Daily |
|---|---|
| Terminal | $30–$36 |
| Economy | $12–$15 |
| Off-site | $8–$12 |
One of the best-priced major airports
Parking at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
| Type | Avg Daily |
|---|---|
| Terminal | $38–$42 |
| Economy | $15–$20 |
| Off-site | $10–$15 |
Covered parking valuable during winter
Airport Parking Cost Calculator (Quick Reference)
| Parking Type | 3 Days | 7 Days | 14 Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal ($40/day) | $120 | $280 | $560 |
| Daily garage ($25/day) | $75 | $175 | $350 |
| Economy ($15/day) | $45 | $105 | $210 |
| Off-site ($10/day) | $30 | $70 | $140 |
Rule of thumb:
Trips over 5 days → avoid terminal parking
Holiday Airport Parking Price Impact
| Holiday | Price Increase | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving | +25–40% | Very limited |
| Christmas/New Year | +30–50% | Extremely limited |
| Spring Break | +15–30% | Limited |
| Summer peak | +10–25% | Moderate |
Book 2–4 weeks early during holidays
Best Airport Parking for Families
| Factor | Terminal | Economy | Off-Site |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walking distance | Excellent | Moderate | Poor |
| Shuttle use | None | Low | High |
| Cost | High | Medium | Low |
Family advice
- Short trips → on-site
- Long trips → economy or off-site
Best Airport Parking for Long-Trip Flyers
| Trip Length | Best Option |
|---|---|
| 7–10 days | Economy |
| 11–20 days | Off-site |
| 21–30 days | Covered off-site |
How Parking Choice Affects TSA Timing
Off-site parking adds 20–45 minutes to arrival time.
Plan accordingly using: 👉 CLICK HERE
Google “People Also Ask” FAQs
What is the cheapest airport parking option in the USA?
Off-site airport parking is usually the cheapest, especially for trips longer than five days.
Is airport parking cheaper than Uber?
Yes, for trips longer than 7–10 days, parking is often cheaper than round-trip rideshare.
Can I leave my car at the airport for two weeks?
Yes. Most US airports allow long-term parking for 30 days or more.
Is parking near the airport safe?
Yes, if the lot has lighting, surveillance, and staffed access.
Does airport parking get more expensive closer to departure?
Yes. Drive-up rates are often 20–40% higher than advance bookings.
Final Thoughts
There is no universal “best” airport parking—only the best option for your trip.
Quick summary
- Short trips → on-site
- Long trips → economy or off-site
- Families → convenience first
- Holidays → book early
Smart parking choices reduce cost, stress, and delays.
Important Notice & Call-to-Action
If you experience vehicle damage, disputes, towing, or liability issues related to airport parking, consider consulting a qualified professional familiar with transportation and parking regulations to protect your rights and avoid unnecessary costs.
