When flying from various UK airports, British travellers are often faced with the tough decision of how they are going to get there. While some choose to drive themselves and park their car in the carpark, others make use of public transport that drops them off nearby.
Here, we are going to look at the two options and compare them to find the best option for you. Keep reading if you’d like to find out more about this.
About Airport Parking
An airport car park like the facilities at Bristol airport parking, for example, is a place where travellers can store their car throughout the duration of their trip. This will usually come with a price which is based on how long the car will be staying there. Passengers can book their parking space online at the relevant site, for example, https://www.bristolparking.com/ and show up on the day with a guaranteed space.
There are many benefits to airport parking, and this is why many drivers choose this method when taking a holiday from Bristol and other UK cities every year.
About Public Transport
On the other hand, many travellers also like to use public transport to get to the airport including a bus, taxi or even a train. This can be a very convenient way of getting to the airport with some UK airports even offering their own public transport options. The Heathrow Express is just one example of a train specifically set up to take passengers directly to the airport.
Public transport is the best option for many different types of people, especially those who do not already drive and so couldn’t use an airport carpark anyway.
Cost Comparison
When looking at the difference between airport parking and public transport when travelling to and from the airport, it is important that we compare the cost of both. With airport parking, you will be driving your own car, so you will need to pay for the fuel as well as the parking space. The great thing about parking at Bristol Airport and other UK airports is that if you book your space online before you go, you’ll get a huge discount. Depending on how long your stay is, you’ll get a different rate but at Bristol airport, for example, you should expect to pay around £8.91 per day.
Of course, the cost of public transport is different in many ways and can entirely depend on the method that you choose and where you are based. If you are travelling from Central London to a London airport like Heathrow, you can take the Heathrow Express. However, this train is likely to cost you around £25 during peak times. Other methods include bus or taxi will also cost you quite a lot of cash and you might need to pay for a ticket for every member of your family.
Convenience
The next important thing to compare when looking at airport car parking and public transport is how convenient each option is. With public transport, you will find that some of the services will take you right to where you need to go, and you won’t need to worry about traffic. This can be incredibly convenient; however, you need to remember that public transport is not always reliable, and you might find that a train is too busy for you to get on.
When you choose airport car parking, you are choosing a very convenient option. You’ll get to leave when you want to, be comfortable in your own car and have all of your family together without any added stress. Airport car parking also usually comes with a meet and greet service that will take you directly from the car park to the terminal which can be very convenient.
Will You Get There On Time?
When you use airport parking, you are driving yourself and so you will be the one who decides when to leave. However, traffic can always be an issue, especially if you need to drive through a busy city and so there is no real guarantee that you will get there on time. This is why, if you choose airport parking, we suggest that you consider the traffic and you should be able to make it.
When taking public transport to the airport, there is also no guarantee that you will make your flight. While you will be avoiding traffic with the train or the subway in London, you might come across delays or busy trains that mean you have to wait for the next one. Think about how reliable the public transport network is in your town before making this decision.
Safety Of Your Vehicle
One of the reasons many people don’t want to use an airport car park is due to the issue of safety. Leaving your car with unknown people for a week or two can be scary but the reality is that there is nothing to worry about. Most of the UK airports like Bristol are extremely safe and secure and you won’t need to worry about anyone breaking into your car. Look out for airports with a Park Mark award as these can be the most secure.
When you use public transport to get to their airport, you don’t need to worry about the safety of your vehicle as it won’t be staying in a car park near the airport. However, you do need to consider the safety of your vehicle if you are planning on leaving it outside your family home for an extended period of time. This can be a sign to intruders that someone is not home, and this can be dangerous. If you do want to leave your car at home, consider leaving it with a friend.
When To Use Airport Parking
Airport car parking is perfect for those who want to get to their airport on their own terms and keep all of their family in one place. If you are going on a relatively long holiday, you will want to use this service but any longer than a month can end up being quite costly. Airport car parking is also great for those who want to get home as soon as possible after a flight.
When To Use Public Transport
If you are travelling alone to the airport, then you might want to consider using public transport. The cost of the car park might outweigh the cost of public transport for just one single person. You could also use public transport if you are located near a direct train and are flying outside of peak times.
Final Verdict
Overall, it is clear that both airport car parking and public transport are great ways of getting to airports across the UK. While airport car parking has advantages in terms of being cost-effective for larger groups, public transport is often better for those travelling alone.
Make sure to take on board all of the advice that we have given you in this article and make the best decision for you and your group. If you do decide to use the airport car park, make sure to book your space online first.
To read more on topics like this, check out the travel category.
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