If you live within reach of Edinburgh Airport, the choice looks obvious: drive yourself and park. But parking charges by the day, a transfer charges by the journey, and the cheaper option flips depending on how long you are away. This guide shows you how to work out your own break-even point instead of guessing.
What Parking Really Costs
The headline daily rate is only part of it. When you compare parking with a transfer, count everything:
- Parking itself: charged per day, so a two-week trip costs far more than a long weekend. Rates depend on car park, season and how far ahead you book, so check the airport's website for current prices.
- Fuel and wear: the drive to the airport and back, plus a second drive home when you return tired.
- Time: finding a space, waiting for a shuttle bus and walking with luggage.
- Risk: arriving to a flat battery or a missed shuttle after a long flight.
What a Pre-Booked Transfer Costs
A transfer is priced per journey, not per day, so it does not matter whether you are away for three days or three weeks. To the city centre, a standard saloon starts from £40 each way, so a return trip is £80. For other addresses, enter your postcode in the booking form for a fixed quote.
Break-Even Table: Parking vs Transfer
The table below multiplies an illustrative daily parking rate by trip length. These are not Edinburgh Airport's published prices, so replace them with the current rate you are quoted. Any figure higher than the £80 return transfer is shaded.
| Trip length | Parking at £8/day | Parking at £12/day | Parking at £16/day | Parking at £20/day | Return transfer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 days | £24 | £36 | £48 | £60 | £80 |
| 7 days | £56 | £84 | £112 | £140 | £80 |
| 14 days | £112 | £168 | £224 | £280 | £80 |
Illustrative rates only; parking is before fuel and the time cost of the drive. The transfer figure assumes a city-centre address.
How to Work Out Your Own Break-Even
Divide the return transfer price by the daily parking rate. If the transfer is £80 and parking is £12 a day, the break-even is about seven days: shorter trips can favour parking, longer trips favour the transfer. Add fuel to the parking side and the break-even point moves in the transfer's favour.
When a Transfer Wins Regardless of Price
- Groups: one fixed fare is shared between everyone in the vehicle.
- Early and late flights: no shuttle waits or car parks at 04:00 or after midnight.
- Long trips: the transfer price stays the same however many days you are away.
- Peace of mind: no worry about the car while you are away, and a driver waiting when you land.
When Parking Makes Sense
For a short trip from a home close to the airport, with a daily rate you have already booked at a discount, parking can be the cheaper choice. If you need your car the moment you land, or you are travelling alone on a two-day trip, run the numbers above and choose whichever comes out lower.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to park at Edinburgh Airport or take a transfer?
It depends on trip length. Parking is charged per day, a transfer per journey, so shorter trips can favour parking and longer trips usually favour a transfer. Divide the return transfer price by the daily parking rate to find your break-even.
How much is a return transfer to Edinburgh city centre?
A standard saloon transfer starts from £40 each way, so a return is £80, confirmed before you pay.
Are there hidden costs with airport parking?
Besides the daily rate, count fuel for both drives, time spent finding a space and waiting for shuttles, and the stress of collecting your car after a late flight.
Can I get a fixed price from my home to the airport?
Yes. Enter your postcode in the booking form to see a fixed price before you pay.
Know Your Price Before You Decide
Get a fixed quote from your address to the airport and compare it with parking.
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