Travel is always expensive, and the last thing you’d want when traveling is for airport parking to empty your wallet. So, how expensive are airport parking lots in America? And what can you do about it? Let’s find out.
The notion of being able to take a vacation abroad is tempting. However, a lot of wannabe travelers are concerned about the price of taking a holiday. And rightly so!
While planning a trip, you’ve got to factor in hotels, flights, and food expenses. However, do you also consider the cost of airport parking? Airport parking is extraordinarily expensive! But it’s unavoidable, especially if you want to keep your car safe while you’re on vacation.
The cost of airport parking is one expenditure that is frequently neglected. That’s why it catches many unwary tourists off guard with surprise charges, such as airport parking fees. Each airport is unique, and some might be far more expensive than others based on where it is and how busy it is.
Airports also have varying price structures and limits for how much time you can park at these different lots, which can be inconvenient for passengers who are rushing to catch their flight.
We’re taking a close look at onsite airport parking rates across the country so you’ll know what to expect and whether your nearest airport makes the list.
Which Airports Have the Most Expensive Maximum Daily Parking Rates?
Airport parking is confusing, period. Sometimes, your confusion may cost you dearly, especially if you park in an area that’s not exactly suitable for your needs. If you park in a short-term parking lot by accident and leave your car there for many days, you’re likely to be greeted with an unpleasant and costly surprise when you return.
That’s because short-term parking lots charge by the hour or, at some airports, by the minute. You don’t want to end up paying for each minute you park during a long vacay!
Here are the most expensive daily parking rates. If your airport is on the list, be careful where you park.
| AIRPORT | CODE | MAXIMUM DAILY PARKING RATE |
| Denver International Airport | DEN | $168 |
| Jackson Hole Airport | JAC | $100 |
| LaGuardia Airport | LGA | $89 |
| John F. Kennedy International Airport | JFK | $80 |
| Chicago O’Hare International Airport | ORD | $79 |
| Los Angeles International Airport | LAX | $75 |
| Newark Liberty International Airport | EWR | $70 |
| Chicago Midway International Airport | MDW | $67 |
| Philadelphia International Airport | PHL | $60 |
| Salt Lake City International Airport | SLC | $60 |
Which Are the Airports with the Most Expensive Average Daily Parking Rates?
Airport parking lots that charge per day are comparatively cheaper and are called long-term parking lots. They have a flat daily rate and are meant for you to leave your car parked for long periods of time. If you thought that the airports above have more reasonable rates for long-term parking, you’d be wrong! Because topping the list of airports with the most expensive daily parking rates is JFK Airport.
| AIRPORT | CODE | AVERAGE DAILY PARKING RATE |
| John F. Kennedy International Airport | JFK | $62 |
| LaGuardia Airport | LGA | $61.8 |
| Newark Liberty International Airport | EWR | $57.5 |
| Jackson Hole Airport | JAC | $51.66 |
| Denver International Airport | DEN | $46.18 |
| Seattle–Tacoma International Airport | SEA | $42 |
| Chicago Midway International Airport | MDW | $41.66 |
| Los Angeles International Airport | LAX | $39.2 |
| Chicago O’Hare International Airport | ORD | $38.57 |
| Philadelphia International Airport | PHL | $37.8 |
How to Find the Best Airport Parking Spot
Some airports provide easy parking choices, while others offer a bewildering variety of options. Your best idea is to research the airport ahead of time so that you can review all of the available parking alternatives.
Keep in mind that some of the less expensive options will require you to park further away from the terminals, so you might need to allow for extra time in case you miss your flight.
Some more remote parking alternatives also require you to take a shuttle, bus, or train to the airport. Check to see if these additional travel needs are free and, if not, how much they will cost.
How To Reduce Airport Parking Expenses
The easiest way to reduce airport parking expenses and avoid last-minute travel stress and anxiety is to plan ahead of time. You can check your airport’s website for information on airport parking fees and rules. Another option is to check out online airport parking reservations. For instance, Way.com offers JFK parking for as low as $10/day, which is a whole lot cheaper than the official parking rate of $80! They’ll give you options for cheaper parking with the simple expedient of parking near airports instead of at airports.
Offsite parking is always cheaper than onsite parking. Also, most offsite lots have free shuttles that will drop you off and pick you up from your terminal. This way, you won’t waste time and money parking your car when you should be relaxing and getting ready to start your holiday.
*Disclaimer: The airport parking rates mentioned in this article were sourced from official airport and/or parking websites. Please note that these rates can be subject to change.
Renée Martin is a travel and car expert who focuses on road and air travel in the U.S. For the past 6 years, she’s been helping make driving and trip planning easier and budget-friendly for everyday travelers.
