Do you need to pre-book parking at Stansted Airport?

Millions of travellers fly out from the site each year, so planning parking ahead of time is vital for many.

If you are due to fly out on holiday from Stansted Airport this year, you may be wondering if you need to pre-book parking ahead of time.

Here is all you need to know.

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Do you need to pre-book parking at Stansted Airport?

While there is no need to pre-book parking at Stansted, it is heavily recommended.

The airport offers "Turn Up and Park" options, however, these have limited availability and higher prices, so there is no guarantee that you will find a space.

There are four parking options for Turn Up and Park at Stansted Airport, three of which are Short Stay and one Mid Stay.

If you find a parking space at any of the designated car parks, blue, green and orange for short stay, or the specific Mid Stay car park, you can pay at any of the automatic ticket machines in and around the terminal building.

Alternatively, you can take a ticket from the barrier when you enter, and you’ll be charged when you leave.

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Short Stay parking is £67, with mid stay costing £45, according to Stansted Airport's website.

These prices are for a 24-hour period, and every 24-hour period thereafter will be charged at the same rate. 

What parking options are there at Stansted Airport?

Stansted Airport has various parking options to suit different types of trip and budget.

• Long Stay - For trips of a week or more. Free shuttle bus to the terminal.
• Mid Stay - For trips for up to one week. Just a few minutes' transfer to the terminal on a free shuttle bus
• Short Stay - For trips of just a few days
• Meet and Greet - One of Stansted's Meet and Greet drivers will park your vehicle for you, and you can head straight to check-in
• JetParks - For trips of a week or more. Free shuttle bus to the terminal
• Valet - Pull up at the terminal forecourt and a valet driver will park for you, faster to get to check-in

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How to save money on pre-booked parking at Stansted Airport

Those who pre-book a parking space at Stansted Airport can expect to make some savings when compared to booking on the day of their flight.

One way people can easily book their car's stay and compare prices is by using YourTravelExtras.

For example, if you are looking for parking from Saturday, June 21 at 8am to Saturday, June 28 at 7am, the price to book is £83.99 with JetParks.

Other prices compared to include £91.99 at Long Stay, £101.99 for Mid Stay, and more.

Is there free drop-off at Stansted Airport?

Stansted Airport offers various drop-off options.

There is the Short Stay car park or Express Set Down, which is now barrierless.

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The Short Stay drop off can be done in the Orange, Green & Blue Short Stay car parks, ideal if you want to accompany passengers or head into the terminal to meet someone.

Up to 30 minutes is £10, up to one hour is £18, up to two hours is £22, and up to four hours is £35.

For Express Set Down, it is right outside of the main terminal building, with up to 15 minutes costing £7 and more than 15 mins costing £25.00.

Maximum stay is 30 minutes, and payment must be made online.

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There are also free drop-off options at the Mid Stay car park.

This car park is free for up to 60 minutes and while it is further from the terminal, a free shuttle bus operates to and from it with journeys taking just a few minutes.

After your first free 60 minutes, you will be charged £5 for the second hour. Any time exceeding, you will be charged a day rate.