When we travel, we often don't want to ask a friend to give us a ride at 5 am to the airport for an early morning flight. What's the best way to get back and forth from the airport and save a bit of money too? Most airport have economy, short-term and long-term parking options. There are also many areas that have airport parking nearby at local rental car dealers, hotels and auto shops.

Does short-term parking make sense? This is the most expensive option at the airport but may work well for you if you are away for a few days. Generally it is easy to get to terminal from there and has little hassle.

Long-term parking generally is used for those taking a vacation and there is a bit more inconvenience since you may need to take a shuttle to reach the airport terminal check-in point. The shuttle service is free and included with your parking fee.

Economy parking is a third option and this is the least expensive but furthest away from the building. It also may be in an uncovered area. Keep in mind that there is a chance that the security of this parking lot may not be 24 hours so it is important to not leave valuable items. Compare prices. You also will receive a bus or shuttle to the airport and back from this parking structure.

It's easy to forget where you parked the car so write down the location of your parking spot so you can easily find it when you come back. You don't want to be frustrated by not finding your car late at night or exhausted from a trip.

In big cities and even small cities, more services are springing up that offer parking to travellers at competitive prices. You can park off site and you'll be given a shuttle in a van to the terminal and back. Sometimes they will even warm up your car in advance, give you a newspaper and coffee and other ammenities. Hotels, small auto shops and specifically designed airport transport services set up parking areas for travellers to leave their cars.

When you park off-site see if the pricing for a covered vs uncovered spot makes a difference to you. Keep in mind that security may also be different depending on the neighborhood of the parking service.

Some airports have a shared ride service where you pay 15.00 or so to be given a ride with others to or from airport. Sometimes the ride can take 2 to 3 hours if you are the last one in the line up so you need to consider this. Still the price is great and you may even enjoy hearing about others' trips in the car and conversing.

Think out what works best for you when you travel and how much convenience you need, time you have and the length of your trip. Parking can be expensive so it's important to compare pricing.

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If you trying to save on parking when you travel then Airport Parking Tips and Airport Transportation Ideas can show you ways to park or be shuttled at low prices.