When it comes to parking for the airport, there are a lot of options available. Here are some sample options based on my home airport DTW (Detroit). Most airports offer similar options, but the pricing may vary. You can verify the rates online prior to making a decision for which option works best for you.
Onsite Parking
Onsite parking is the closest to the terminals at the airport, but the prices can be pretty hefty. These lots are usually very secure and offer shuttle service to and from the airport terminals.
Offsite Parking
Choosing an offsite parking can save you some money. You are also more likely to find a coupon or discount to apply to the advertised rate to get an even better deal. These lots are usually gated, lighted and have on site security. They offer shuttle service to and from the airport.
Park, Sleep & Fly Hotels
- Stay either the night before of after your trip
- You can park your car at the hotel for the duration of your trip an no additional fee
- Shuttle service is provided to and from the airport
This is a good option if you have to drive a long distance to the airport, have an early departure flight or a very late arrival flight. When pricing out a queen room for 2 with parking for 7 days, I got a rate of $130.
Car Services
If you live within close proximity to the airport or are traveling with a large group, a car or van service might be an affordable option. If you schedule a ride with a transport van or limo service, they will pick you up at your chosen location and drop you off at the airport terminal. No worries, no parking!
Public Transit
Public transit is also an option that requires you to live within somewhat close proximity of the airport. Some cities have trains, buses or subway lines that run right to the airport. These may be economical options that allow you to avoid parking all together. You could also take a Taxi or Uber. Calculate your rate first to make sure it won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
Airport Shuttle Service
Some larger cities also offer an airport shuttle service like Michigan Flyer. They have a posted list of departure times that you can choose from and a great track record for being on time. They offer affordable parking options from $2-2.50 per day and a rate of around $27 per person one way. Their buses are clean, comfortable and air conditioned even offering free wifi and bottled water during your ride.
This is How WE Roll
Since we only live an hour from the airport, it sometimes works out that we can get a ride with friends or family. I try to save those favors for trips where we will be gone longer than a week. Most of the time we prefer to just drive ourselves. We usually use Airlines Parking, an offsite option. They have bright yellow buses which are easy to spot and are conveniently located near the airport. They also offer a AAA discount for a rate of $9 per day. We have been using them for about 15 years and never had any problems. I am very comfortable with their service and feel safe whether I am traveling alone, with my daughter for one of our girls getaways or with the hubby.
Every trip is different depending on how far you live, how long you will be gone and the times of your flights. What works for you on one trip, might not be the best option for you on another. It’s good to know there are so many different options out there for you to choose from.
The World According to Dev 