If you find yourself going on a trip that requires you to have minimal luggage, why not travel to the airport on your bike?

In this blog today we are going to be going through every (or nearly all) of the airports you can fly from in the UK, letting you know whether or not you can park your bike for free, if you need to rebook as well as if the car park is Park Mark Approved.

So without further ado - let’s get into it!

First things first, the best place to park your motorcycle is within a designated car or motorcycle-specific parking spot. Failure to do so could leave your bike more vulnerable to damage, theft, and in some events being removed from the airport car park.

It is also advised that you seek to park your bike in a secure car park, which should have high-security measures in place. The best car parks to park your motorcycle in would be those that have been given the Park Mark stamp of approval - something we will go into more detail on in just a second…

For those of you who haven’t heard of the scheme, it is considered the national standard for car parks across the UK with low crime rates and preventative measures in place, to ensure the safety of both the public and their vehicles.

Each carpark will be put through a handful of different assessments by trained police assessors who will either reward the car park a Park Mark or not.

Park Mark-approved car parks can be located all across the UK, including plenty of our airports. And if you are ever in doubt about a certain area or car park, one quick search on their website will confirm whether or not the parking you’re looking at has been Safety Parking Scheme Approved!

According to the Metropolitan Police, the best ways to secure your bike is by using a chain through the back wheel and securing your bike to an immovable item such as a ground anchor* or a lamppost.

Secondly, it is also recommended to purchase a lock or chain that is Sold Secure verified. Each security product has a rating of Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Diamond, the higher the level of metal you purchase, the higher the theft resistance will be. For example, Bronze has the lowest level of resistance in comparison to Diamond which has the highest level of resistance.

*Please note that not many airports in the UK will have ground anchors for you to attach your bike to, so always make security plans with the specific car park in mind.

As we have found through extensive research, there are plenty of airports across the UK that will not require you to pre-book your motorcycle parking space. However, it may be well worth your time pre-booking your airport parking space, especially in instances where you are paying the standard car rate.

As you will see in our blog today, we have checked whether or not you should book your space in advance, as per the specific airport instructions…

Rules and costs for parking your motorcycle will vary between airports, so to find the specific information for each airport, please check below...

According to the Aberdeen Airport official website, you’ll be pleased to know that you can park your motorcycle for free within the short-stay car park. In this car park, you will find designated bays for your motorbike or moped.

It is worth noting, however, that for safety and security purposes alike, Aberdeen Airport has stated that you must only park your bike within the designated bays in the short stay.

Cost:	Free
Do I need to Pre-book?	No
Park Mark Approved?	Yes

 

Moving onto Belfast, and in this section, we will be covering both Airports located in Belfast - city and international.

According to the Belfast City Airport website, motorcycles are welcomed into each of the car parks onsite at the standard car rate. These car parks include:

• Short Stay Parking
• Long Stay Parking
• Premier Parking

Whilst you don’t have to pre-book your bike parking, it would be well worth your time doing so - just in case!

Cost:	Standard Car Rate
Do I need to Pre-book?	Yes
Park Mark Approved?	No

 

On the other hand, Belfast International has confirmed that there is free motorcycle parking located underneath the canopy next to the office in the main car park.

Cost:	Free
Do I need to Pre-book?	No
Park Mark Approved?	No

 

For those who are travelling to Birmingham Airport on two wheels, you’ll be pleased to know you qualify for free motorcycle parking in Car Park 2. Their website advises customers to follow the signs to Car Park 2 and take the first left after the entry barriers and there you shall see a designated sheltered area for motorcycles.

Please be aware that if you choose not to park your bike in Car Park 2 and instead opt for one of the others surrounding the airport, you will be charged the standard car rate.

Cost:	Free
Do I need to Pre-book?	No
Park Mark Approved?	No

 

Bristol Airport offers free signposted motorcycle parking located in the multi-story car park which is only a three-minute walk away from the departure terminal.

At the time of writing, there are ongoing construction plans in place until Summer 2025, so make sure to check to see whether or not the multi-story parking is open before you travel.

Cost:	Free
Do I need to Pre-book?	No
Park Mark Approved?	No

 

Currently, Bournemouth Airport does not offer free motorcycle parking, instead, you will be charged the standard car rate. The parking spaces specifically for motorbikes can be found in the bicycle shelter just outside the terminal building.

It’s also worth mentioning that if you do plan to fly from Bournemouth, it would be well worth your time to pre-book your parking, just to ensure you secure yourself a space.

Cost:	Standard Car Rate
Do I need to Pre-book?	Yes
Park Mark Approved?	Yes

 

Onto Cardiff Airport and free parking for motorcycles is available at the end of the pick-up zone. If you’re having any issues locating these spaces, just remember to look for the pay station and you’ll find it!

On the other hand, if you own an electric motorcycle or moped and it needs a charge whilst you’re away on your travels it is recommended you opt for the meet and greet parking - the downside to this is that you will have to pay a charge and will need to remember to pre-book, so make sure to assess your needs before you travel.

Cost:	Free
Do I need to Pre-book?	No
Park Mark Approved?	No

 

The City of Derry Airport currently has no information regarding motorcycle parking on their website.

Cost:	N/A
Do I need to Pre-book?	N/A
Park Mark Approved?	Yes

 

If you travel to East Midlands Airport on your motorcycle, you will be looking at paying 50% of the standard car rate. Please note, that you will only receive the 50% off discount when you pre-book your space.

Failure to do so may result in you having to pay full price - so always prepare well in advance!

Cost:	50% off the Standard Car Rate (when pre-booked)
Do I need to Pre-book?	Yes
Park Mark Approved?	No

 

At the time of writing, parking your bike at Edinburgh Airport will cost you the same standard rate as a car.

When planning your trip, whilst you do not necessarily have to prebook your motorcycle parking, it is recommended, or you will be subject to the drive-up and park rates.

Cost:	Standard Car Rate
Do I need to Pre-book?	Yes
Park Mark Approved?	Yes

 

Moving onto Exeter Airport, motorcycles can be parked free of charge in the designated zones in Car Park 1, provided you have pre-booked beforehand. Booking can be done by calling their Customer Service Office on 01392 365 225.

Also, it is well worth noting that the official Airport’s website states that there are no lockers to store your motorcycle helmets either in the car parks or the terminals, so make sure you have somewhere to store it safely beforehand!

Cost:	Free
Do I need to Pre-book?	Yes
Park Mark Approved?	Yes

 

According to Gatwick’s official website, motorcycles and mopeds can park at the airport free of charge. You will not be able to book these spaces in advance and will be on a first come first served basis.

Another handy little feature about Gatwick is that if you need somewhere to store your motorcycle helmet, no worries - lockers can be found just tucked inside the door of each terminal!

You’ll be pleased to know that motorcycles can park for free at the North Terminal. You will find these designated spots located in the short-stay and will be clearly labelled in yellow - you can’t miss them!

Similarly to the North terminal, you will find free motorcycle parking spaces in short stay. These spaces should be clearly labelled with yellow hatches. Please note that failure to park in the designated spots may result in you having to pay the standard car rate.

Cost:	Free
Do I need to Pre-book?	No
Park Mark Approved?	North: NO / South: YES

 

Unfortunately, due to the abilities of Prestwick Airport ANPR cameras, motorcycle parking is currently unavailable at this airport - with no current plans in place to amend this.

Cost:	N/A
Do I need to Pre-book?	N/A
Park Mark Approved?	N/A

 

Whilst there was little information on the Glasgow International Airport's website regarding motorcycle airport parking, we got in contact and they have confirmed that motorcycle parking is free in Car Park 2. To get to the spaces, simply go to the barrier and press the call button, they'll see you're on a motorcycle and lift the barrier, then enter the car park, first left, swing around doing an almost U-turn and you'll find 6-8 spots - no pre-booking required.

They also mentioned that you might even see a frequent visitor to the Glasgow airport who parks his BMW RT there, so if you spot the bike, you'll know you're in the right place! 

Cost:	Free
Do I need to Pre-book?	No
Park Mark Approved?	Yes

 

Heathrow has confirmed via its website that motorcyclists are not permitted in their multi-storey car parks, however, can park their bikes for free in the designated zones across all four terminals. These spaces can be found:

The free motorcycle spaces at terminal two can be located opposite the Hilton Garden Hotel on Cessna Road.

When parking at terminal three, if you head to the back of the Short Stay Car Park 1A/5, you will find a row of designated motorcycle parking spaces.

If you intend on parking your motorcycle in the terminal four-car park, you will find these spaces opposite arrivals.

Lastly, onto parking at terminal five, the motorcycle spaces can be found next to the short-stay car park.

Please note that if you do not park in the designated motorcycle and moped spots in any of the terminals, you may be charged the full car rate - which is the last thing you want to return to when you’ve just returned from your holiday!

Cost:	Free
Do I need to Pre-book?	No
Park Mark Approved?	No

 

As of the 4th January 2024, Inverness Airport has stated that those travelling on two wheels will need to pay the flat car rate to park within either their shorter or longer stay car parks.

For shorter trips away, you will not need to pre-book. On the other hand, if you plan to go away for longer than 72 hours (3 days) you will need to prebook your online parking.

Cost:	Standard Car Rate
Do I need to Pre-book?	Yes
Park Mark Approved?	No

 

To park your bike at Leeds Airport, you will need to pay the standard car rate. You can park your motorcycle in any of the following car parks, excluding the meet and greet:

• Short Stay
• Mid Stay
• Long Stay
• Premium Short Stay

To park in one of the two-wheel-friendly car parks, you will not need to pre-book a motorbike space, however, you can if you would prefer via their website.

Cost:	Standard Car Rate
Do I need to Pre-book?	No
Park Mark Approved?	Only Long Stay is PM Approved

 

Liverpool Airport has very limited free motorcycle parking spaces within the Express Drop-Off Zone.

Due to their limited availability, these spots cannot be reserved and will be on a first-come, first-served basis. These spaces are also entirely outside with no shelter, so if you have a motorbike cover, bring it along!

Cost:	Free
Do I need to Pre-book?	No
Park Mark Approved?	No

 

Motorcycle parking for up to 14 days is free at London Luton Airport. These spaces are located within the Mid Stay car park where you will find designated and signposted spaces for your bike.

It is worth noting that leaving your bike in a car parking space may incur a fine, and leaving your two-wheeler in the car park after 14 days will mean you will be charged the standard car rate each day.

Cost:	Free up to 14 days
Do I need to Pre-book?	No
Park Mark Approved?	Yes

 

Moving over to Manchester and travelling to the airport on two wheels and parking will cost you the same rate as bringing your car would.

The Manchester Airport website states that these parking spaces can be found in the multi-storey car park. However, you will need to pre-book your motorcycle parking by calling the airport on 0808 169 7030.

Cost:	Standard Car Rate
Do I need to Pre-book?	Yes
Park Mark Approved?	Yes

 

Next up is Newcastle International and if you intend to ride your motorbike to the airport, you will be charged a Standard Car Rate.

As stated on their website, if you are staying less than 24 hours they recommend parking in either one of the shorter stay car parks, however, anything over 24 hours would be best parking in the Long Stay.

It is also worth noting that travelling from Newcastle will also require you to pre-book your parking in advance.

Cost:	Standard Car Rate
Do I need to Pre-book?	Yes
Park Mark Approved?	Yes

 

This one’s a little closer to home for us here at Lexham and according to Norwich Airport’s website there are motorcycle parking spaces available located near the short stay exit, however, you will be charged the standard car rate.

Similarly to some of the other airports across the UK, you do not need to pre-book your bike parking, however since there are only four spaces available in the entire carpark - it may prove worthy doing so!

Cost:	Standard Car Rate
Do I need to Pre-book?	No
Park Mark Approved?	Yes

 

Southampton Airport is another airport in the UK that offers free motorcycle parking. These parking spaces can be located in the short-stay car park according to their website.

Southampton is another airport in which you do not have to pre-book your parking space, however, the option is there for you if you’d prefer.

Cost:	Free
Do I need to Pre-book?	No
Park Mark Approved?	Yes

 

London Southend Airport also has free parking facilities available for motorcycles in their Long Stay 3 Car Park.

Whilst you do not necessarily need to pre-book your motorbike parking at Southend, it may be well worth your time booking yourself a space just for security purposes. This can be done by using the standard vehicle parking, however, don’t forget to add your bike registration, not your car!

Cost:	Free
Do I need to Pre-book?	No
Park Mark Approved?	Yes

 

Onto the last London Airport in the UK and on our list today, you’ll be pleased to know that motorcyclists will receive 50% off their parking when they pre-book either the Short Stay Orange Zone or the Long Stay Zone Q.

For pre-booking your motorbike parking spot, you can either call 0808 168 6111 or via the website.

Cost:	50% discounts for motorcyclists
Do I need to Pre-book?	Yes
Park Mark Approved?	Yes

 

Last but not least, we’re moving on to the last airport on our list today, Teesside International.

When looking at the official website, there is very little information regarding parking your bike. However, when researching we found that Teesside has confirmed via the Airport Parking Shop website that there are designated motorcycle spaces both within the drop-off and main car park - however the standard car parking charge will apply!

Cost:	Standard Car Rate
Do I need to Pre-book?	No
Park Mark Approved?	Yes

 

When riding to the airport on your two-wheeler, the parking situation is not the only thing you should consider.

Plenty of airports across the UK will not go to your chosen location, or perhaps travelling across the country may be a far cheaper option instead of flying from the closest city to home. Either way, one extra cost you are going to need to consider is UK toll roads.

The official UK Government website has put a list together of all of the affected crossings that will require you to pay a fee, these include (but are not limited to):

• Mersey Tunnels (Liverpool)
• M6 Toll
• Warburton Bridge

Again, it is worth mentioning that some of these fees whilst on the road will require you to pre-pay in advance whereas others will let you pay the charge up to midnight the day after - so it is advised you do your research beforehand!

Whilst ULEZ zones predominantly affect the city of and Greater London, since 29th August 2023 many of the London-based airports are now included within the low-emission zones and will require you to pay a congestion charge fee (£12.50) if your bike does not comply with the LEZ standards.

However, the introduction of London’s ULEZ zone expansion has resulted in many other cities and twins across the UK imposing their very own versions of low emissions zones, formally known as ‘Clean Air Zones’ (CAZ). Other areas affected by these zones across the UK include:

• Glasgow
• Greater Manchester
• Sheffield
• Bristol
• Liverpool
• Across Wales
• Aberdeen

Here at Lexham, we have created a really handy ULEZ and Clean Air Zone Guide for the whole of the UK - so go ahead and give it a read!

There you have it, I hope you enjoyed my full rundown on everything you could possibly need to know regarding parking your motorcycle at a UK airport…

Last but not least, if you have your very own motorcycle you need to insure (perhaps before you ride to the airport) then make sure to get a motorcycle quote direct with Lexham!