What is Short Term Airport Parking?

When parking at an airport parking garage, you generally have several parking options depending on the duration of your stay and your specific needs. The primary categories are hourly parking, short-term parking, and overnight parking. Here are the key differences between them:

Hourly Airport Parking

Most international airport parking facilities offer hourly parking for short visits, such as picking up and dropping off passengers. I've used hourly parking to help my elderly parents through check-in and the start of the security line. Typically, hourly parking stalls are located immediately adjacent to the Departures terminals. Due to its prime location and convenience, airports encourage short term visits with expensive hourly rates. High rates incentivize quick stays.

Hourly Parking

• Purpose: Designed for short visits, such as picking up or dropping off passengers.
• Location: Usually located closest to the terminal for convenience.
• Cost: Typically, the most expensive option on a per-hour basis due to its prime location and convenience.
• Duration: Best for stays of a few hours or less.

The Parking Spot does not offer hourly rates. Our daily rates cover a 24-hour period beginning when you scan in with us. A day begins when your reservation is checked in at the lot (via, for example, scanning a reservation QR code, Spot Club QR code or Spot Club account) and every 24 hours after such actual check-in time. In other words, a “day” is a 24-hour period.

Check your stay on the Parking Price Calculator. Our daily rate may be a better parking deal after only a couple of hours.

Short-Term Airport Parking

Some of my business trips involve what is essentially an extended commute; flying from my home city to another city (too far away to drive) for an in-person meeting and returning the same day. The airport hourly facilities charge more than I am comfortable expensing. An off-site or short-term parking facility works best for this trip. Some airports have designated short term parking lots that may be closer than extended stay or economy lots.

Short-Term Parking

• Purpose: Suitable for stays ranging from one to a couple of days.
• Location: Often located relatively close to the terminal but not as close as hourly parking. Off-site parking offers great service and better deals than the airport.
• Cost: Cheaper per hour than hourly parking but more expensive than long-term or overnight parking if used for multiple days.
• Duration: Ideal for situations like overnight stays or short trips where the convenience of proximity is still a consideration.

The Parking Spot pricing algorithm provides much more flexibility and maximum convenience to our guests than airport parking garages. The longer you stay, the lower your daily rate. Check out our airport parking price calculator. Yet you still receive the exceptional hospitality our guests have come to expect from us.

You can save even more taking advantage of our Early Bird discounts, reserving your stay more than 10 days in advance. Get your parking reserved when you book your flight.

Overnight Airport Parking

Overnight parking can mean a short stay but generally, overnight airport parking refers to multi-day trips and extended stays at the airports "economy parking" lots.

Overnight Parking

• Purpose: Intended for travelers who need to leave their cars at the airport for an extended period, typically more than a day.
• Location: Usually situated farther from the terminal compared to hourly and short-term parking.
• Cost: Generally the most cost-effective option for long-term parking needs, offering lower daily rates.
• Duration: Best suited for multi-day trips, including vacations or business trips.

At The Parking Spot, stays of more than 6 days get extra daily rate benefits not available to shorter trips. When you reserve early, and stay an extended time, our daily rates are competitive with the cheapest airport parking. Off-site parking lots like The Parking Spot do not distinguish between short-term and overnight parking. All guests pay a daily parking rate.

Long term, or extended stay, parking at The Parking Spot.

Summary of Differences

• Hourly Parking: Best for very short stays, closest to the terminal, highest hourly rate.
• Short-Term Parking: Good for stays of a few hours to a few days, relatively close to the terminal, moderate rate.
• Overnight Parking: Might be called "economy parking" Ideal for extended trips, located farther from the terminal, lowest daily rate.

When choosing the type of parking for your overnight airport stay, it's essential to consider the duration of your trip, the convenience of the location, and the cost associated with each option. Whether you opt for on-site parking, off-site parking with shuttle services, or valet parking, weighing these factors will help you find the best fit for your needs. Keep in mind that safety and security measures should also be a priority when deciding on the most suitable overnight airport parking option.

More information on airport parking types, help and support

You can find additional information and help on our customer support site.

Airport Parking Choices at The Parking Spot

• Covered Parking - "covered" means different things depending on the location. 
• Valet Parking - You deserve the ultimate in service.
• EV Charging - The world is moving to electric vehicles.
• Long Term Airport Parking - What do we mean by "long term?"
• Short Term/ Overnight Parking - What do we mean by "short term?"
• Premium Parking - The Parking Spot's highest level of service.
• Pay Now/ Pay Later - Maximum flexibility or maximum savings - you choose!
• Accessible Airport Parking - All parking facilities The Parking Spot operates accommodate all guests.