The decision of whether to drive and park at the airport or catch a ride can sometimes be a tough call. Fortunately, Upgraded Points has dug into the pricing data to reveal which choice makes the most sense financially.
The travel company recently compared parking and ride-sharing costs at 50 of the busiest U.S. airports to determine which transportation option is the most budget-friendly.
The team of experts examined "economy" or equivalent parking option cost data, determining average costs based on parking durations for both a long weekend (Friday to Monday) and a full week (Saturday to Saturday). Those numbers were then compared to the two-way cost of an Uber from the center of the nearest city.
These five airports have the largest savings in terms of price difference between Uber and parking:
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) — save $88.94 by parking
- San Diego International Airport (SAN) — save $82.12 by Ubering
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) — save $71.88 by parking
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) — save $69.12 by Ubering
- Logan International Airport (BOS) — save $60.82 by Ubering
Parking vs. Uber: Average Commuting Cost at 50 Major Airports. (Photo Credit: Upgraded Points)
Here's a look at the top five budget-friendly airports for parking based on daily rate:
- Kansas City International Airport (MCI) — $7.50
- John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) — $8.33
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) — $9
- Indianapolis International Airport (IND) — $9
- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) — $9
Here are the top five costliest airports for parking based on daily rate:
- San Diego International Airport (SAN) — $38
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) — $35
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) — $35
- LaGuardia Airport (LGA) — $35
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) — $35
"With travel budgets often stretched to the limit, even the cost of airport parking can be a significant concern," Upgraded Points founder Alex Miller said in a statement. "Keeping costs low by knowing the most affordable airport parking ahead of time, and when it is best to opt for an Uber instead, can all make a genuine difference over time."
The data should serve as a helpful guide for travelers ahead of their next flight.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
