With all the extra airline fees these days, the last thing you want is sticker shock at the airport parking lot. But that might be hard to avoid at London Heathrow’s Terminal 4, where prime-time parking prices top $20 an hour— the most expensive airport parking in the world.
How expensive are airport parking lots in America? We posed the question to BestParking, which tabulates costs at 115 airports throughout North America, steering motorists to the cheapest and closest airport facilities.
Interestingly, it’s Chicago that takes home top honors for America’s most expensive airport parking lots. Both Midway and O’Hare feature a rate of at least $35 per day. And while that number is lower elsewhere in the country, the decline isn’t precipitous — leaving your wheels near the terminal can be a pricey proposition, and it’s only getting more expensive.
If you’re looking to save a few bucks, read on for our list of America’s most expensive airport parking lots —and suggested alternatives.
See all of the most expensive airport parking in America
No. 1 Chicago Midway (MDW)
On-Airport Terminal Facility: Main Parking Garage
Daily Rate: $40
On-Airport Economy Lot
Daily Rate: $19
Suggested Off-Airport Alternative: Midway Park Saver
Daily Rate: $13
* Note: Main Parking Garage price above reflects a higher weekend rate at MDW.
No. 2 Chicago O’Hare (ORD)
On-Airport Terminal Facility: Garage A
Daily Rate: $35
On-Airport Economy Lot
Daily Rate: $9
Suggested Off-Airport Alternative: O’Hare Inn & Suites
Daily Rate: $8
No. 3 New York Kennedy (JFK)
On-Airport Terminal Facility: Blue Parking
Daily Rate: $33
On-Airport Economy Lot
Daily Rate: $18
suggested Off-Airport Alternative: U-Save JFK Daily Rate: $13
No. 4 New York LaGuardia (LGA)
On-Airport Terminal Facility: Garage 2
Daily Rate: $33
On-Airport Economy Lot: None available
Suggested Off-Airport Alternative: Dollar Airport Parking
Daily Rate: $22
No. 5 Los Angeles (LAX)
On-Airport Terminal Facility: Central Terminal Area Structure 3
Daily Rate: $30
On-Airport Economy Lot
Daily Rate: $12
Suggested Off-Airport Alternative: ValueParkLAX
Daily Rate: $7
No. 6 San Diego (SAN)
On-Airport Terminal Facility: Terminal 1 Parking
Daily Rate: $28
On-Airport Economy Lot
Daily Rate: $11
Suggested Off-Airport Alternative: San Diego Airport Parking Co.
Daily Rate: $9
No. 7 San Francisco (SFO)
On-Airport Terminal Facility: International Garage A
Daily Rate: $28
On-Airport Economy Lot
Daily Rate: $18
Suggested Off-Airport Alternative: Burlingame Airport Parking
Daily Rate: $9
No. 8 Seattle/Tacoma (SEA)
On-Airport Terminal Facility: Parking Garage
Daily Rate: $28
On-Airport Economy Lot: None available
Suggested Off-Airport Alternative: America’s Best Value Airport Inn
Daily Rate: $11
No. 9 Boston (BOS)
On-Airport Terminal Facility: Terminal B/E Parking
Daily Rate: $27
On-Airport Economy Lot
Daily Rate: $18
Suggested Off-Airport Alternative: Select Airport Valet Parking
Daily Rate: $13
No. 10 Newark (EWR), N.J.
On-Airport Terminal Facility: Daily Garage P4
Daily Rate: $27
On-Airport Economy Lot
Daily Rate: $18
Suggested Off-Airport Alternative: Days Inn Newark Airport
Daily Rate: $9
Methodology: All pricing data provided by BestParking on February 12, 2014, via a midweek search of its database. Parking options considered were walkable airport terminal lots and airport economy lots (shuttle bus or tram required), as well as the least expensive off-airport facility. All rates expressed on a per-day drive-up basis, including all taxes and fees (rounded to the nearest dollar). No coupons or advance reservation deals are taken into account, although specials are often available online when prebooking.
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