Airport planning guide

How Much Extra Time Should I Allow for Airport Parking?

When people plan an airport trip, they often think about drive time and security, then forget the part in between: parking and getting from the car to the terminal. Depending on where you park, that can be a short walk or a multi-step transfer.

There's no universal parking buffer. This guide explains what actually takes time so you can estimate it for your own trip.

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There's No Universal Parking Buffer

The extra time parking adds depends on the airport, the parking area, how busy it is and how far it is from your terminal. A garage connected to your terminal and an economy lot served by a shuttle are very different experiences.

Rather than one number, think through each step below for the parking you plan to use.

Terminal Garages

Garages next to or connected with a terminal are usually the quickest option: park, walk to the terminal and go. Even so, large garages take time to drive through, and you may need to walk a fair distance from your space.

The key is choosing the garage that matches your terminal. At Orlando, Garage C sits close to Terminal C, while reaching Terminals A and B from there involves airport transportation. At Miami, Dolphin Garage primarily serves Concourses D and E and Flamingo Garage serves Concourses E through J.

Long-Term Parking

Long-term parking may be in a garage beside the terminal or in a separate area further away, depending on the airport. At Tampa, for example, the Long Term Garage is adjacent to the Main Terminal.

Check where your airport's long-term option is located before assuming it's a short walk.

Related: TPA airport guide

Economy Lots

Economy parking is often further from the terminal and usually connects through a shuttle, train or people mover. That transfer is the main reason economy parking needs more time than a terminal garage.

At Tampa, Economy Parking connects to the Main Terminal using SkyConnect, so Economy users should allow more transfer time than someone parking in the Short Term or Long Term garages.

Related: TPA airport guide

Remote Lots and Off-Airport Parking

Remote lots and off-airport parking typically rely on shuttles. Shuttle timing can vary, and you may have to wait for the next one, share it with other travelers and stop at several terminals along the way.

If you use one of these options, allow for the wait as well as the ride.

Shuttles, Trains and People Movers

Any transfer between your parking area and terminal adds three pieces of time: getting to the stop or station, waiting, and riding. With luggage, children or a group, each piece can take longer.

Automated trains tend to run frequently, but you still need to walk to the station and ride to your stop.

Walking Time

Even without a shuttle, walking from a distant space in a large garage, through connecting walkways and into the terminal can take a while, especially with bags.

Note where you're parked, too. It won't affect your departure, but it will save time when you return.

Finding a Space and Exiting

Busy garages and lots can mean circling for a space. At some airports you take a ticket or pay on entry; at others you pay when you exit. Entry plazas can back up at busy times.

Parking availability also changes, and some areas fill up during peak travel periods. Check the airport's parking information before you leave and have a backup option in mind.

Know Your Terminal Before You Arrive

The single most useful parking tip is to confirm your terminal before you enter airport property. Airport roads split early toward different terminals and parking areas, and correcting a wrong turn can take time.

At Atlanta, Domestic and International have separate terminal access areas and separate parking, so confirming which side you need is essential. At Dallas Fort Worth, terminal parking is located beside each of Terminals A through E across a large property, so parking at the right terminal saves extra walking or transportation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much extra time should I allow for airport parking?

There's no universal number. A garage next to your terminal may add only a little time, while economy or remote lots with a shuttle or train can add considerably more. Think through finding a space, any transfer and walking time for the parking you plan to use.

Does economy parking take longer?

Usually, yes. Economy lots are often further from the terminal and connect through a shuttle, train or people mover, which adds walking, waiting and riding time.

Should I choose parking based on my terminal?

Yes. Parking that matches your terminal or concourse usually means a shorter walk and fewer transfers. Confirm your terminal with your airline before choosing where to park.

Can airport parking fill up?

It can, especially during busy travel periods. Check your airport's parking information before you leave and have a backup option.

Is drop-off faster than parking?

Usually. Being dropped off takes you straight to the departures curb, so you skip finding a space and any transfer. Curbside traffic can still be heavy at busy times.

Ready to plan your airport trip?

Turn these guidelines into one leave time built around your flight and your drive.