Park your car. Fly stress-free.

If you're parking at the airport for the first time, a number of questions come up quickly: Where exactly do I park? How do I get from the car park to the terminal? Do I have to book in advance, or is it enough to just drive there? And what actually happens when I return? In practice, airport parking is easier than it sounds — once you know how it works. On this page we explain the whole process step by step: from choosing the right parking option and booking online to returning from your trip.

The first step in airport parking is deciding which option best suits your trip. At most German airports — whether Frankfurt, Munich or other large airports — there are essentially three variants:

• Car park right at the terminal – Car parks directly at the airport terminal offer the shortest walk to check-in. The vehicle is parked in a monitored space close to the terminal — often connected to it via an indoor walkway. This option is especially convenient, but usually also the most expensive. Ideal for short-trip and business travellers who don't want to lose time.
• Parking with shuttle service – Parking areas near the airport are usually a little further from the terminal — but the fees are significantly cheaper. A regular shuttle service takes travellers from the space straight to the terminal and back to the car park on return. Depending on the distance to the airport, the ride usually takes between five and fifteen minutes. A popular choice for holidaymakers and anyone travelling for several days.
• Valet parking – With valet parking you drive right up to the departure terminal, hand the vehicle to a vetted valet driver and walk straight to check-in. On return, the vehicle is handed back to you directly at the terminal. This option offers maximum comfort, but is priced accordingly higher.

Most travellers now book their airport parking online — and for good reason. Reserving in advance not only secures you a guaranteed space, it usually also costs considerably less than turning up spontaneously without a booking. The booking process works similarly with most parking operators:

• Enter airport and travel dates – Provide your arrival and departure days as well as the desired entry and exit times
• Choose a parking option – Car park at the terminal, shuttle lot or valet parking
• Check the rate and book – Fees are shown transparently; pay by debit or credit card, Mastercard, American Express or other payment methods
• Receive your booking confirmation – Right after booking online, the confirmation arrives by email with all the relevant information about your parking

Important: Keep your booking confirmation handy on arrival — either printed or on your smartphone. Many car parks and parking areas now use licence-plate recognition, so the barrier opens automatically on entry if the plate was entered correctly during the online reservation.

On your travel day you drive to the booked car park and follow the parking guidance signs straight to your assigned area or car park. Depending on the provider, there are different systems for entry and exit:

• Licence-plate recognition – The barrier opens automatically when the plate matches the booking. No ticket needed, no waiting.
• QR code or barcode – Your booking confirmation contains a code that is scanned at the entrance.
• Pay stations – At some car parks you take a ticket and, on exit, reconcile it with your booking confirmation or by debit or credit card.

If you use a car park right at the terminal, you can walk straight to the terminal after parking — often without going outside. At shuttle lots you wait briefly after arriving for the next shuttle bus, which runs regularly to the departure terminal. At many larger airports luggage trolleys are available right at the car park or in the shuttle area. While you're away, your vehicle stays safe in its booked space. Reputable operators rely on video surveillance, regular patrols and fenced parking areas — both at car parks directly at the airport and at external shuttle lots nearby. Another plus of modern airport car parks: many locations now offer charging points, so electric vehicles can be charged during your trip. Whether charging stations are available varies by airport and provider — a look at the booking details tells you more. When you return from your holiday or business trip, the process runs in reverse. If you booked a shuttle service, you'll usually find the stop near the arrivals level or baggage area — the exact position is stated in your booking confirmation or on the operator's website. With valet parking, a short message or call to the on-site staff is enough — your vehicle is then brought to the terminal for handover. On exit from the car park, the barrier opens automatically via licence-plate recognition or after scanning your booking receipt. If you have parked longer than booked, any additional fees can be paid directly at the on-site pay station by debit or credit card.

Airport parking fees vary considerably by airport, parking area and duration. As a rough guide: • Car parks right at the terminal – the highest daily prices, but maximum comfort and the shortest walk • Shuttle lots near the airport – significantly cheaper rates, especially attractive for longer trips • Valet parking – a premium rate for direct service at the departure terminal • Underground and special parking areas – rates vary by location and provider, often with special long-stay conditions The most important tip: book early and pay less. Online bookings are almost always cheaper than parking spontaneously on site — and they guarantee you a space, even at peak times.

Many parking operators allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before the booked entry time. The exact terms are stated in your booking confirmation and vary by provider. On cancellation, the amount is refunded to the payment method originally used – whether credit card, debit card or another payment method. If you want to extend your parking because your return is delayed, in many cases you can arrange this directly online or with the on-site staff. Letting the operator know early is recommended.