With around 1.4 million motorbikes on the UK’s roads, it’s clear that not everyone heading to the airport travels on four wheels. But how well are motorbike riders served when it comes to airport parking? Many riders assume they must leave the bike at home and brave public transport to catch a flight. The good news is that most major UK airports do offer options for motorbikes, ranging from free dedicated bays to discounted rates in car parks. In this guide, we’ll reveal what’s on offer at all major UK airports and how to go about parking your motorbike when you fly.
Want the quick answer? Check the table below for an at-a-glance guide to motorbike parking at each airport, including whether you can pre-book a space and what it might cost. (Full details for each airport are provided in the sections that follow.)
At-a-Glance: Motorbike Parking at Major UK Airports
| Airport | Pre-booking Available? | Motorbike Parking Charge |
| Aberdeen | No | Free (in designated bike areas) |
| Birmingham | Yes | Free (in Car Park 2 bike area) |
| Bournemouth | Yes | 50% of car parking price |
| Bristol | No | Free (in designated bike areas) |
| Cardiff | No | Free (in designated bike areas) |
| Doncaster Sheffield (Robin Hood) | Yes | Free (in designated bike areas) |
| Teesside International (Durham Tees Valley) | Yes | Full car rate (no discount) |
| East Midlands | Yes | 50% of standard car rate |
| Edinburgh | Yes | Full car rate (standard prices) |
| Exeter | No | Free (in designated bike areas) |
| Gatwick | No | Free (in designated bike areas) |
| Glasgow | Yes | Full car rate (standard prices) |
| Heathrow | No | Free (in designated bike bays) |
| Leeds Bradford | Yes | Full car rate (charged as a car) |
| Liverpool | No | Free (limited motorcycle bays) |
| Luton | No | Free (up to 21 days in bike bays) |
| Manchester | Yes | 50% of standard car rate |
| Newcastle | Yes | Full car rate (charged as a car) |
| Prestwick | No | N/A (motorbikes not accepted) |
| Southampton | No | Free (in designated bike area) |
| Southend | No | Free (in Long Stay 3 bike bays) |
| Stansted | Yes | 50% of standard car rate |
Use the table above to see, at a glance, if your departure airport has free motorbike parking, offers a discount, or charges the same as a car. Below, we provide detailed information for each airport, including where to find the motorbike parking areas and any special instructions. But first, here are some frequently asked questions from riders considering taking their bike to the airport.
Airport-by-Airport Guide: Where to Park Your Motorbike at Each UK Airport
Below you’ll find detailed information on motorbike parking at all major UK airports. For each airport, we explain what facilities are available for motorcycles, whether you can pre-book a space, and how much (if anything) you can expect to pay. Remember that policies can change, so it’s always a good idea to double-check with the airport if you’re planning to ride in. Here’s the full breakdown:
Gatwick Airport, Motorbike Parking
South & North Terminals: Gatwick Airport provides free motorbike parking at both the South and North Terminals. In each of the short-stay car parks, there are dedicated motorcycle bays marked by yellow hatched lines, typically located along one side of each parking level. You should only park within these marked motorbike bays, if you leave your bike in a regular car parking space, you could be charged the normal car rate, and the airport may even remove motorcycles parked outside the proper bays. Note that no anchor points are provided in these areas, so you’ll need to rely on your bike’s own stand and locks. Pre-booking: There is no option to pre-book a motorbike parking space at Gatwick (dedicated bike bays are first-come, first-served). Parking cost: Free, as long as you park in the designated motorcycle bays in the short-stay car parks.
Heathrow Airport, Motorbike Parking
https://www.aph.com/heathrow-airport/Heathrow Airport has dedicated motorbike parking bays at all terminals, and it’s free to use them. Riders are advised not to park in standard car bays, or you risk being charged the full drive-up car parking rate. Each terminal has a specific location for the motorbike bays:
- Terminal 2: Motorbike parking bays are on Cressida Road (near the new Hilton Garden Inn).
- Terminal 3: Bays are located at the rear of Short Stay Car Park 1A/5, to the right of the exit (access via Chester Road).
- Terminal 4: Spaces can be found opposite the arrivals forecourt area.
- Terminal 5: A motorcycle parking area is provided next to the Terminal 5 short-stay car park.
Pre-booking: There is no dedicated pre-booking for these motorbike bays at Heathrow, you simply turn up and park in the motorcycle area. Parking cost: Free of charge when using the dedicated motorbike bays. (If a motorbike occupies a regular car space, normal parking charges would apply, so stick to the bike areas to avoid fees.)
Aberdeen Airport, Motorbike Parking
Aberdeen Airport allows motorbikes to park in designated areas within the short-stay car park. There are roughly 20 motorcycle spaces available, and these operate on a first-come, first-served basis, no reservation is possible. Pre-booking: Not available specifically for bikes (and generally not necessary given the free dedicated spaces). Parking cost: Free of charge when parked in the dedicated motorbike bay area of the short-stay car park.
Birmingham Airport, Motorbike Parking
At Birmingham Airport, there is a dedicated motorcycle parking area within Car Park 2 (one of the on-site parking structures close to the terminal). The airport has confirmed that motorbikes can park here, and currently it is free of charge to use Car Park 2 for motorbike parking. However, this free rate only applies if you park in the specified motorbike area of Car Park 2, if you park a motorbike in any other car park or outside the designated area, you will be charged the standard car parking rates. Pre-booking: Yes, Birmingham Airport does allow pre-booking for motorbikes (essentially, you would reserve a space in Car Park 2). It’s usually recommended to book in advance if you plan to leave your bike during a busy period, even though the parking itself for the bike is free, to ensure there will be space and you follow the correct procedure. Parking cost: Free in the Car Park 2 motorcycle area. (Normal car park fees apply if a bike is parked elsewhere on site.)
Bournemouth Airport, Motorbike Parking
Bournemouth Airport offers motorbike parking spaces in its on-airport car park. Pre-booking: Yes, you can pre-book a motorbike parking space at Bournemouth just as you would for a car (check the airport’s parking website for a motorbike option or contact them if it isn’t obvious online). Parking cost: Motorcycles are subject to a fee, but riders get a significant discount, you will pay 50% of the standard car parking price for the duration of your stay. In other words, motorbike parking costs half as much as parking a car for the same length of time at Bournemouth Airport.
Bristol Airport, Motorbike Parking
Bristol Airport provides parking for motorbikes in dedicated motorcycle bays. These bays are located on the airport site, specifically, they can be found opposite the main administration building at the airport. Riders can park their bikes in these marked bays while away. Pre-booking: Not available, you cannot pre-book a motorcycle bay at Bristol; motorbike parking is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Fortunately, space is usually available. Parking cost: Free. There is no charge for parking your motorbike in the dedicated bike bays at Bristol Airport.
Cardiff Airport, Motorbike Parking
Cardiff Airport has free motorbike parking available as well. The motorcycle parking areas are near the exit of the Short Stay car park and Long Stay 2 car park. Look out for any signage or marked motorcycle bays in those areas when you arrive. Pre-booking: No, there is no need or ability to pre-book; you can simply turn up and use the motorbike parking bays if they are free. Parking cost: Free of charge when using the designated motorbike parking areas at Cardiff Airport.
Doncaster Sheffield Airport, Motorbike Parking
(Note: Doncaster Sheffield Airport, also known as Robin Hood Airport, has been closed to commercial passenger flights since late 2022. However, the information below reflects the parking policy when it was operational.)
Doncaster’s airport provided free motorcycle parking spaces in both its Long Stay and Short Stay car parks. Riders heading from this airport could park their bikes without charge in these official on-site car parks. The airport did recommend using the floodlit bays where possible (for better visibility and security). Pre-booking: Technically yes, when it was operational, you didn’t need a special motorbike reservation. You could just turn up and park your motorbike in the designated areas. If booking was desired (for example, to ensure a spot during peak times), one would simply book a car space and then park the bike in it, but generally bikers could arrive without pre-booking. Parking cost: Free, as long as you park in the specified motorcycle-friendly areas of the Long or Short Stay car parks.
Teesside International Airport (formerly Durham Tees Valley), Motorbike Parking
Teesside International (previously known as Durham Tees Valley Airport) currently does not have dedicated motorbike bays. That means there are no special free or discounted areas set aside for motorcycles. Pre-booking: Yes, you can pre-book parking at Teesside for a motorbike, but you’ll be effectively booking a standard car parking space. The airport treats a motorbike like a car for booking purposes. Parking cost: If you park a motorbike at Teesside, you will be charged the standard car parking rate for the duration of your stay (there is no motorbike discount). Essentially, you pay the full car price whether you pre-book or pay on arrival, since you’ll occupy a regular parking space and the system (including ANPR cameras) will charge you accordingly.
East Midlands Airport, Motorbike Parking
East Midlands Airport does accommodate motorbikes in its on-site parking. There are motorcycle spaces available in the official car parks at the airport. Pre-booking: Yes, you can pre-book a motorbike space (again, likely by reserving it similarly to a car space through the airport’s parking system). Parking cost: Motorbikes are charged at 50% of the standard car parking tariff at East Midlands. So you’ll pay half the price that a car would pay for the equivalent parking duration. Make sure to follow any instructions for where bikes should park, typically, staff will direct you or signage will indicate the motorcycle parking area when you arrive.
Edinburgh Airport, Motorbike Parking
Edinburgh Airport offers motorbike parking in its Terminal Surface car park, which is right next to the terminal building. This means riders have a convenient spot to leave their bikes close to the airport entrance. Pre-booking: Yes, Edinburgh requires motorbikes to purchase parking just like any other vehicle. You should either pre-book online or be prepared to pay the drive-up rates upon arrival. (In other words, there’s no free ride for motorbikes here; the airport expects you to have a valid parking booking or ticket.) Parking cost: Standard car parking rates apply. Edinburgh does not offer a discount for motorbikes, so you’ll be paying the same price as a car would for the time your motorbike is parked.
Exeter Airport, Motorbike Parking
Exeter Airport does allow motorbikes to be parked on site, but the arrangement is a little less formal than at bigger airports. Pre-booking: No, you cannot pre-book a specific motorbike space at Exeter. However, the airport advises that there are usually plenty of spaces available for bikes. The recommended area to park your motorbike is the hatched area near the advertising hoarding as you enter Car Park 1. This area is typically set aside for bikes. Since it’s a smaller airport, it may be wise to call ahead if you want to double-check space availability, especially during busy periods. The Airport Car Park Customer Service office can provide information, you can reach them at 01392 365225 to inquire about current availability for motorbike parking. (They’ll put you through to the local parking team who can help.) Parking cost: Free. Parking a motorbike in the designated area at Exeter Airport does not incur a charge.
Glasgow Airport, Motorbike Parking
Glasgow Airport has motorbike parking available in Car Park 2 (one of the on-site parking facilities). If you arrive on a motorcycle, you should head to Car Park 2 and look for the area or bays allocated for bikes. Pre-booking: Yes, you can pre-book parking for a motorbike at Glasgow. This would typically be done by booking a space as if for a car (the airport’s system doesn’t differentiate online, so you might just book a car space, or contact the airport for guidance on bringing a motorbike). Parking cost: At Glasgow, motorbikes are charged the same rate as cars. There is no special discount for bikes, so expect to pay the standard parking fee based on your length of stay, even if your bike occupies less space.
Leeds Bradford Airport, Motorbike Parking
Leeds Bradford Airport does not have separate motorcycle bays, but motorbikes are allowed to use the regular car parking spaces in all of the airport’s car parks. Essentially, you’ll be parking in a car spot. Pre-booking: You cannot book a motorbike-specific space, but you can reserve a standard car parking space in advance (via the airport’s booking system) and then park your motorbike in that space. This might be a good idea in peak travel times to ensure you have a guaranteed spot. Parking cost: Unfortunately, there’s no price break for motorbikes here, you’ll be charged at the full car rate for the parking. So whether you pre-book or pay on the day, the cost for your motorbike will be the same as for a car of the same duration.
Liverpool Airport, Motorbike Parking
Liverpool John Lennon Airport provides free parking for motorcycles, but it’s in a somewhat unique location: the Express Drop-Off zone. There are a limited number of bays in the Express Drop-Off area that motorcyclists can use to park their bikes. These bays are intended for motorbikes and are free of charge to use. Keep in mind that because this area is primarily designed for quick drop-offs, the number of dedicated motorbike spaces is small (limited availability). Pre-booking: No, there is no pre-booking for these motorbike spaces. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis; you simply ride to the Express Drop-Off zone and park in one of the allocated motorcycle bays if available. Parking cost: Free. Note: While it’s free to leave your motorbike there, always double-check any signage when you park, the airport designates those specific bays for motorbikes at no cost, but you want to be certain you’re in the correct spot to avoid any confusion with the paid drop-off area.
Luton Airport, Motorbike Parking
London Luton Airport offers free parking for motorbikes in the Mid Term Car Park, where there are designated motorcycle bays. If you’re riding to Luton, follow the signs for the Mid Term Car Park and locate the areas marked for motorbike parking. One important detail at Luton is the time limit: you can park your motorbike in the Mid Term Car Park’s bike bays for up to 21 days free of charge. This is usually plenty for most trips. If you leave your bike for longer than 21 days, the airport will start to charge the standard daily parking rate (the same as for a car) from day 22 onwards. Pre-booking: No, pre-booking isn’t available specifically for the motorcycle bays at Luton. Just turn up and use the bike area. (If you needed to park longer than 21 days, you might have to arrange something with the airport or be prepared to pay for the extra days.) Parking cost: Free for up to 21 days in the designated motorbike bays. Beyond 21 days, standard car parking charges apply for additional days.
Manchester Airport, Motorbike Parking
Manchester Airport allows motorbikes to park in all of its multi-storey car parks across all terminals. This is convenient as you can choose the car park closest to the terminal you’re flying from (Terminal 1, 2, or 3). There aren’t separate bike-only bays, but you can park in a regular space. Manchester stands out in that it officially accommodates motorbikes and even lets you reserve a spot. Pre-booking: Yes, you can and should pre-book if you plan to park your motorbike at Manchester Airport, especially for longer trips. The airport requests that motorbike owners call in advance to arrange the booking. You’ll need to call Manchester Airport Parking on 0800 042 0213 (between 08:00 and 20:00) to book a space for your motorbike. They will guide you through the process and ensure your booking is set up correctly for a motorcycle. Parking cost: When you park a motorbike at Manchester, the charge is 50% of the equivalent car parking rate. So you get a half-price deal compared to bringing a car. Make sure when booking or paying that the discount is applied (hence why coordinating by phone can be useful). Parking your bike in the multi-storey car parks means it will be in a covered facility with CCTV, added peace of mind while you’re away.
Newcastle Airport, Motorbike Parking
Newcastle Airport permits motorbikes to park, but they do not have separate motorcycle bays or free areas. Motorcycles can be parked in the regular parking spaces in the Long Stay car parks at Newcastle. So essentially, you’ll take up a standard bay just as a car would. Pre-booking: Yes, you can pre-book parking for your motorbike at Newcastle, but since there’s no special motorbike option, you will be booking a standard car space (either online or via the airport parking booking line). Keep in mind that if you book online, the system will treat it like a car booking, you may need to enter a vehicle registration, etc., and that’s fine even if it’s a motorbike. Parking cost: Newcastle will charge you the full car parking rate for your motorbike. There are no discounts for motorcycles, so expect to pay the same as any other vehicle occupying a space.
Prestwick Airport, Motorbike Parking
Glasgow Prestwick Airport is one of the few that does not accommodate motorbikes at all in its parking facilities. The airport uses an ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) system for its car parks, which is designed around standard vehicle number plates and typical vehicle sizes. Unfortunately, due to this system and how the parking operates, motorbikes cannot be accepted at Prestwick’s car parks. Pre-booking: Not applicable, since they do not allow motorcycles to park, there is no booking option. Parking cost: N/A. (In short, if you’re flying from Prestwick, you will need to find alternative arrangements for your motorbike, perhaps getting a lift or using public transport to the airport, as you won’t be able to leave a motorbike in the airport’s parking lots.)
Southampton Airport, Motorbike Parking
Southampton Airport has a designated motorcycle parking area on the ground floor of the Short Stay car park (right by the terminal). Riders can park their bikes there while away. When it’s time to leave the car park upon your return, there’s a helpful tip: use the “undercover” exit barrier lane. This particular exit lane is a bit shorter and more convenient for motorcycles, giving you enough room to maneuver out of the car park smoothly. Airport staff have noted that this is the best exit for bikes. Pre-booking: No, there is no pre-booking for the motorbike area at Southampton; just arrive and park in the motorcycle section if space is available. Parking cost: Free. There is no charge for parking your motorbike in the dedicated motorcycle area of the Short Stay car park at Southampton Airport.
Southend Airport, Motorbike Parking
London Southend Airport provides free motorbike parking spaces in its Long Stay Car Park 3. If you’re taking your bike to Southend Airport, head for Long Stay 3 and look for the area or bays marked for motorcycles. Pre-booking: No, you cannot pre-book these motorbike spaces; parking is on a first-come, first-served basis, but generally availability is good given the airport’s size. Parking cost: Free of charge for motorbikes in the Long Stay 3 designated area.
Stansted Airport, Motorbike Parking
London Stansted Airport welcomes motorbikes in specific zones of its parking areas. Motorcycles can be parked in the Orange Zone of the Short Stay car park, as well as in the Q Zone of the Long Stay car park. These are the areas designated for motorcycle parking (you might find signage or be directed by staff if unsure). Pre-booking: Yes, Stansted allows you to pre-book a motorbike parking space. In practice, this might involve booking as if for a car but noting that you’re bringing a motorbike (Stansted’s booking system or customer service can clarify the process). Parking cost: Motorbikes at Stansted get a 50% discount on the standard car parking rates. So you’ll pay half the normal price that a car would pay for whichever zone you use (Short Stay Orange Zone or Long Stay Q Zone). This makes riding to Stansted a cost-effective option, as long as you’re comfortable navigating the parking to find those specific motorcycle areas.
FAQs
Absolutely. While taking a motorbike to the airport might not be the first choice for a two-week family holiday (luggage can be an obvious limitation!), it can make perfect sense in other scenarios. Business travellers or solo flyers on short trips often travel light, sometimes just a carry-on bag, which makes riding a bike entirely practical. Plus, if you’re commuting during rush hour, cutting through traffic on a motorbike can significantly reduce your journey time. In short, plenty of people do ride their motorbikes to the airport when circumstances make it convenient.
Off-airport car parks (such as independent Park and Ride services) are very convenient for cars, but they generally do not cater to motorbikes. This is mainly because these parking services often valet-park or move vehicles to maximize space and streamline transfers. Their staff are trained to park and reposition cars efficiently while you hop on a shuttle bus to the terminal. Handling a motorbike in the same way is a more specialized task, most car park staff aren’t prepared to ride or move a motorcycle, even within the car park. For safety and practical reasons, off-site operators usually don’t offer motorbike parking. As a result, riders will need to use the official on-airport parking options in almost all cases.
The best option is almost always to use the airport’s own parking facilities. Most major UK airports have provisions for motorbikes, typically within their on-site short-stay or multi-storey car parks. These official airport car parks allow you to park your own bike, often in a designated motorcycle bay or area. In the sections below, we list exactly where you can find motorbike parking at each airport. Generally, look for signs or markings for motorcycle parking when you arrive at the airport, they are usually fairly close to the terminal (often in short-term car parks or specific zones set aside for bikes).
It depends on the airport, policies vary. Some airports let motorbikes park for free (since a bike takes up less space and can fit into small bay areas). Others offer a discounted rate (often around 50%) compared to the price for cars. However, a few airports charge the same rate as for a car, meaning you don’t save any money by bringing a bike. We’ve indicated in the table above which airports are free, discounted, or full price for motorbikes. Be sure to check the details for your specific airport below. If saving money is your goal, you’ll be happy to see that many airports do offer free parking for motorcycles in designated areas.
Security is an understandable concern. Official airport car parks are generally quite secure, they often have CCTV, patrols, and barriers, but motorbike parking areas might not always be under cover or as closely monitored as the main car sections. For example, some airports place motorbike bays in spots that aren’t gated or are at the edge of car parks. From our research, it appears that while many airports do provide camera coverage and security for their parking lots, the dedicated motorbike areas might not have the same level of surveillance or physical anchors to lock your bike. We recommend using a good quality lock and possibly a cover for your motorbike, just as you would anywhere else. Ultimately, your bike should be reasonably safe at the airport, but it’s wise to take normal precautions to secure it before you jet off.
Final Tips: As you can see, airport parking for motorbikes is very much possible across the UK, and often it’s free or cheaper than car parking. Always double-check the latest information with the airport before you set off, as facilities and policies can change. When you arrive at the airport on your motorbike, follow the signage for parking and look for motorcycle symbols or designated bay markings. If in doubt, ask a parking attendant where you should park your bike. By planning ahead with the information in this guide, you can enjoy the freedom of riding to the airport, knowing your motorbike has a safe spot while you’re away on your trip. Have a great journey!
Disclaimer
The information in this guide is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing. Airport parking policies, pricing, and availability for motorbikes may change without notice. We strongly recommend checking with your departure airport directly for the latest information before travelling. We do not accept responsibility for any costs, inconveniences, or issues arising from reliance on the content provided. Always use your own judgement and take appropriate precautions when leaving your vehicle unattended.
Hello. I’m flying out of Aberdeen for three weeks can I use one of the motorcycle parking bays available for free and is the area covered by security?
Thanks
Yes, you’ll find dedicated, clearly marked motorcycle bays at Aberdeen Airport’s official Short Stay car park. These bays are completely free to use.
They’re located in a covered section, offering protection from the elements while you’re away. The area is part of the secure, well-monitored zone, featuring 24/7 CCTV surveillance and regular security patrols, giving you peace of mind while you’re travelling.
Please note: While this information is accurate at the time of writing, we recommend checking the official Aberdeen Airport website for the most up-to-date parking details, as availability and policies can change at any time.
I’d like to park my M/C at Gatwick short term car park. How do I enter car park on a mc – do I still take a ticker etc for the barrier?
Many thanks
Yes, you can park your motorcycle in the Gatwick Short Stay car park. When you arrive, simply approach the barrier as usual, you’ll still need to take a ticket to enter. Most motorcycles are able to trigger the entry barrier system just like cars do. Once inside, If a designated motorcycle bay is available, you can use it for free. However, if those bays are full and you park in a standard car bay instead, standard car parking charges will apply.
If you have any trouble/questions at the barrier or need help locating the right area, there’s usually an intercom button you can press to speak with staff.
Stansted Airport now charge for motorbike parking but there is an alternative Stansted Easy Motorbike parking.
Call us as we can help.
Can I park my motor scooter at Belfast city airport and is it free?
Motorcycle parking is not free at Edinburgh Airport anymore. The rates for motorcycles are the same as for cars. Here’s a link to the page: https://www.edinburghairport.com/transport-links/bicycle
Hi Georgi, Thanks for letting us know- we have updated the content on the page now.
How do I book a motorcycle space at stanstead airport please and prices
Try Stansted Easy Parking Undercover, secure. £5 per day