When travelling through Exeter Airport, you’ll appreciate its convenient location, easy check-in process, and range of facilities designed to make your journey smooth. However, like many airports across the UK, Exeter has introduced specific drop-off and pick-up parking arrangements, including charges, to help manage congestion and maintain traffic flow. Knowing the official car park options (P1, P2, P3, P4) and their fees in advance can help you avoid surprises and ensure a stress-free start or end to your trip.
In this guide, we break down all the parking options at Exeter Airport – from the express drop-off zone to short- and long-stay car parks – with clear labels (P1, P2, P3, P4), current pricing structures, and tips for each. Always remember to double-check the latest information with the airport, as details can change.
Understanding the Charges
Exeter Airport’s parking charges are designed to manage traffic and encourage efficient drop-offs. The airport uses four clearly numbered car parks (P1 to P4) for different needs. Here’s a quick overview:
- Car Park P1 and P2 (Short Stay/Express): These are the short-stay car parks closest to the terminal, ideal for quick drop-offs or parking for a few hours. P1 is directly opposite the terminal entrance, and P2 is just a little further behind it (about a 1–2 minute walk). These convenient locations come with higher charges for even brief stays.
- Car Park P3 and P4 (Long Stay): These are long-stay car parks situated a bit further from the terminal, intended for longer parking durations. They offer lower daily rates than P1/P2. Notably, Car Park P4 also serves as the free drop-off/pick-up zone for short stays up to 30 minutes. Both P3 and P4 are a few minutes from the terminal and are served by shuttle buses for transfers.
Understanding which car park best fits your needs (quick drop-off, short visit, or longer stay) will help you choose the most cost-effective and convenient option. Below, we detail each option with current pricing and conditions.
Express Drop-off Zone (Closest to Terminal)
For those looking for the quickest drop-off right at the terminal, Car Park P1 is the dedicated express drop-off area immediately outside the main terminal entrance. This is the closest you can park to Departures, making it extremely convenient – but it comes with a fee for that convenience. Key details for P1 Express Drop-off/Short Stay:
- Location: Opposite the terminal building (1-minute walk to check-in). Simply follow signs for Car Park P1 as you approach the airport.
- Charges: £5.00 for up to 30 minutes. This is the minimum charge (even if you only stop for a few minutes). If you stay longer, charges increase incrementally:
- 30–60 minutes: £7.501–2 hours: £10.002–4 hours: £15.004–12 hours: £20.0012–24 hours (daily maximum in P1): £45.00
- Usage Tips: This zone is best for quick drop-and-go scenarios – e.g. helping passengers unload luggage and saying goodbye kerbside. Do not leave your vehicle unattended here, as it’s meant for immediate drop-off. If you only need a few minutes, try to stay well under 30 minutes to avoid higher fees. Be aware that stopping is not allowed on the approach roads, so you must enter a car park if you need to stop.
- Payment: Payment for P1 can be made at the exit barrier (card payment machine) or at pay stations before you return to your car. The barrier will lift automatically for exit once paid.
Summary: Car Park P1 offers the utmost convenience for drop-offs right at the terminal, but at a premium price. If you’re confident your stop will be very brief (under half an hour) and you want to be as close as possible, P1 is the go-to choice. For any stay over 30 minutes, costs climb quickly, so consider other options below if you need more time.
Short Stay Parking (Car Park P2 – Ideal for Pick-ups and Short Visits)
If you need a bit more time, for example, you’re parking to meet someone inside Arrivals, or the person you’re picking up is delayed, then Car Park P2 is a great option. P2 is the airport’s second short-stay car park, located just behind P1, roughly a 2-minute walk from the terminal. It’s still very close and convenient, but slightly less premium than P1.
- Location: Adjacent to the terminal (a couple minutes’ walk). It’s well-signed as Car Park P2 when you arrive at the airport.
- Charges: Identical to P1 for short durations. P2 charges £5.00 for up to 30 minutes, £7.50 for 30–60 minutes, £10.00 for 1–2 hours, £15.00 for 2–4 hours, etc., on par with P1’s rates. One difference is the daily max: 12–24 hours in P2 is £35.00 (versus £45 in P1). This means P2 is slightly cheaper than P1 if you were to leave your car for a full day, but it’s still intended for short stays on the day.
- Why Use P2?: P2 is ideal for pick-ups in particular. If your arriving passengers need you to meet them or help with luggage, P2 gives you a bit more flexibility. You can park, walk into the Arrivals hall, and perhaps grab a coffee while waiting, without the ultra-short timer pressure of P1’s express zone. The first 30 minutes costs £5 (same as P1), but you won’t be right on the curb – you’ll be in a car park just slightly further away, which is more suitable for waiting awhile.
- Usage Tips: If you’re unsure how long your pick-up will take (flights can be unpredictable), P2 is safer than P1 to avoid racking up big fees. Even so, try to keep your stay under an hour or two to keep the cost reasonable. If you anticipate needing more than a couple of hours, you might even consider the long-stay options below for better value.
Summary: Car Park P2 offers short-stay parking perfect for meeting arriving passengers or taking a bit more time during drop-offs/pick-ups. It’s very close to the terminal, with the same initial charges as P1, but with a lower daily cap. If P1’s express area is too costly or busy, head to P2 for a slightly more relaxed short-stay parking experience
Long Stay Parking (Car Park P3)
For longer parking needs – perhaps you’re leaving your car while you travel, or you want a cheaper on-site option – Exeter Airport provides Long Stay Car Park P3. This is one of the on-airport long-term car parks, located a little further from the terminal. It’s designed for stays of a day or more, but it can also be used for medium-length stays on the day of travel.
- Location: A bit farther from the terminal than P1/P2. Car Park P3 is still within walking distance, but expect about a 5–10 minute walk to the terminal. Courtesy shuttle buses operate from the long-stay car parks as well, which take around 2–4 minutes to reach the terminal building.
- Charges (drive-up): Long stay rates are more economical for multi-hour stays. If you enter P3 without pre-booking, the standard tariffs apply (similar to P4’s long-stay rates). For example, 1 day (24 hours) is £30.00 in P3. Typically, shorter periods in P3 follow the long-stay pricing model – e.g. a few hours would cost a few pounds (the same as P4’s rates listed below). P3 does not offer a free 30-minute period, so do not use P3 for quick drop-offs expecting it to be free – you will be charged the minimum long-stay fee if you drive in, even for a short time.
- Who should use P3: Travelers who are parking for the duration of a trip (days or weeks) often choose P3 when booking in advance. It can also serve those picking up/dropping off if you plan to stay over 1–2 hours and want to pay less than short-stay rates – but remember, if under 30 minutes, P4 is the free option, not P3.
- Shuttle/Walk: You can walk from P3, but if you have lots of luggage or time is tight, use the free shuttle bus. The shuttle is on-demand/frequent and takes roughly 4 minutes to the terminal. Allow a bit of extra time if you choose P3, to account for the shuttle or walk.
Summary: Car Park P3 is the main on-site long stay car park, best suited for travelers leaving their car while away, or anyone who doesn’t mind a short shuttle ride for a cheaper rate. It is not intended as a free drop-off zone (no free period), so only use P3 if you plan to pay the parking fee or have pre-booked for longer stays
Free 30-Minute Drop-off / Pick-up Zone (Car Park P4)
Budget-conscious travellers will be happy to know that Exeter Airport offers a free drop-off/pick-up option: Car Park P4. This is an official long-stay car park where you can park free of charge for up to 30 minutes – perfect for dropping off departing passengers or waiting briefly to collect arrivals. Here are the details:
- Location: Slightly further from the terminal on the eastern side of the airport grounds (see airport parking map). It’s an easy drive to P4 following the signage. Because of the distance, plan for a short shuttle bus ride or a walk to reach the terminal. The free shuttle transfer from P4 takes around 4–5 minutes to the terminal and runs on demand. Walking is possible for those who travel light, but allow ~10 minutes and be mindful of weather or darkness if on foot.
- Cost: Free for up to 30 minutes. This means you can enter P4, park, and exit within a 30-minute window without paying anything – ideal for seeing off friends/family or waiting for an arrival to come out. If you do stay beyond 30 minutes, standard long-stay fees apply (which are still relatively low cost):
- 30–60 minutes: £2.00
- 1–4 hours: £5.00
- 4–12 hours: £12.00
- 12–24 hours: £25.00
(As you can see, even if you overshoot the free period, the fees in P4 are much cheaper than equivalent times in P1/P2 short stay. For example, 1 hour in P4 is only £2, versus £7.50 in P1/P2.)
- How to use P4 for drop-off/pick-up: This option is best if you don’t mind a short wait or shuttle ride. For drop-offs, you can park in P4, help your passengers unload, then either accompany them on the shuttle/walk to the terminal or simply say goodbye at the car park. For pick-ups, P4 is excellent – if you’re a bit early for an arriving flight, you can wait in your car here without paying a penny for the first half-hour. Consider having your arriving party call you once they are collecting baggage, then you can either meet them at P4 or head over to the terminal to greet them.
- Important: Keep an eye on the time. The 30-minute free period is strictly monitored – if you exit even a few minutes over, the barrier will require payment as per the long-stay tariff. If you think you might exceed 30 minutes, be prepared to pay a couple of pounds (or more, depending on how long you stay) – or consider moving your car out and back in to reset the free period (though this could be inconvenient if done repeatedly, and rules may prevent re-use of the free period back-to-back). Generally, 30 minutes is usually plenty for most drop-offs and many pick-ups, but always gauge the situation (flight delays, etc.).
- Accessibility: Free shuttle buses from P4 have space for luggage and run frequently. If travelling with someone who has reduced mobility, you may prefer to use P1/P2 where special assistance is available (see next section), but otherwise P4’s shuttle is a convenient service.
Summary: Car Park P4 is the go-to choice for a free short stay at Exeter Airport. It’s slightly further away and requires a bit more time (for walking or shuttle), but you absolutely can’t beat 30 minutes of free parking on airport property. This option lets you avoid drop-off fees entirely if you’re organized, making your airport run much cheaper. Just plan for that brief shuttle ride and factor in a few extra minutes.
Blue Badge & Special Assistance Parking
Exeter Airport provides dedicated parking accommodations for Blue Badge holders and passengers requiring special assistance in its short-stay areas:
- Dedicated Spaces: Blue Badge bays are available in Car Parks P1 and P2 (the closest car parks). These bays are conveniently located for easy access to the terminal. Standard parking charges apply for these bays; however, there is a valuable concession for Blue Badge holders who need more time:
- Extended Stay for 30-minute Rate: If you park in a Blue Badge space in P1 or P2, you can stay for up to 4 hours but only be charged the 30-minute rate. In practice, this means disabled passengers have extra time to get to/from the terminal without paying full hourly fees. Note: To benefit from this, you must take your Blue Badge to the parking office (located in Car Park 2) to validate your ticket before leaving.
- Special Assistance Drop-offs: Drivers with a passenger who has reduced mobility (and no Blue Badge) are allowed to drop off in P1 and even use P2 if picking up from certain arrival areas. If you’ve arranged special assistance with the airline, you can use the intercom at the car park barriers to request help. Airport staff can provide wheelchair assistance from the car park if needed – don’t hesitate to ask via the help button or by contacting the Car Park Customer Service office.
- General Tips: If you or your passenger requires extra help, it’s wise to use P1 or P2 despite the cost, since they are closest to the terminal and staff assistance is readily available there. The extra time allowed for Blue Badge holders is intended to make the process stress-free. Also, tactile drop-curbs, clearly marked crossing points, and ramped access are in place from all car parks to the terminal to aid those with mobility needs.
Summary: Exeter Airport ensures that disabled passengers and those needing assistance are accommodated in the closest parking areas. Always display your Blue Badge and inform staff if you need help. You can get up to four hours at a minimal charge in P1/P2 with a Blue Badge – a considerate policy to make sure you have ample time to get comfortable without rushing.
Pick-up Tips and Considerations
Picking someone up from the airport? Here are some customer-friendly tips to make it easier and avoid unnecessary charges:
- Use Short Stay or Free Long Stay: For pick-ups, it’s generally best to avoid the Express Drop-off (P1) zone unless you are certain your passenger is waiting outside ready to go. Instead, use P2 (Short Stay) or the P4 free 30-minute area. The express P1 is not ideal for waiting because the clock is expensive and ticking fast – if the person you’re collecting is delayed at all, you’ll end up paying more. In P2 you can park and walk in to greet them, and in P4 you can comfortably wait in your car for free (up to 30 min).
- Leverage Flight Updates: Timing is everything. Check the live flight arrival information (via the airport’s website or apps) so you know if the incoming flight is on time. Pro Tip: Don’t enter a paid parking area too early. If the flight is delayed, consider waiting off-site or in P4’s free zone until the flight lands and the passenger is nearly ready. This way you can avoid circling or paying extra. Some people even wait in a nearby petrol station or lay-by (where it’s legal) and time their approach to the airport just right.
- Meeting Point: If using P4 for pick-up, you might coordinate with your arriving passenger to take the shuttle out to meet you at Car Park P4. This saves you both time and money. Alternatively, you can park in P2 and meet them at Arrivals – it costs a few pounds, but you get to greet them in the terminal. Choose what’s more comfortable for you and your passenger’s situation.
- Avoid Kerbside Stopping: Remember that stopping on the approach roads or drop-off curb (outside of designated areas) is prohibited and can result in hefty fines. Always go into one of the car parks – either paid or the free P4 – to wait for or drop off passengers. The small fee in P1/P2 (or no fee in P4) is well worth avoiding an illegal stop and fine.
By planning your pick-up strategy using the options above, you can have a smooth reunion with your arriving travellers and steer clear of steep charges.
Planning Ahead for a Smooth Experience
A little planning goes a long way at Exeter Airport. Here’s how you can make your drop-off or pick-up as smooth and cost-efficient as possible:
- Choose the Right Car Park: Now that you know the differences, decide which car park (P1, P2, P3, or P4) suits your needs before you set off for the airport. For a swift goodbye, P1 is closest. For a short wait or pick-up, P2 or P4 are better. For parking while you travel, P3 or P4 (pre-booked) will save you money.
- Have Some Change or Card Ready: All the Exeter car parks have automated payment systems (and they accept cards at the exit). P4 is free for 30 minutes, but if there’s any chance you’ll run over, having a contactless card handy will expedite your exit. P1/P2 are barrier controlled – you pay on exit if you exceeded the free period (note: only P4 has a free period).
- Consider Pre-booking if Parking Long: If you plan to park for more than a day (or even for a long single day), pre-book your parking online. Not only will this guarantee you a space in your chosen car park, but you can also save up to 70% off the drive-up rates by booking in advance. Exeter Airport’s official website and approved sellers (like APH or other comparison sites) offer pre-booking for P3, P4, and sometimes short stays. This can significantly cut your cost if you’re going to be there a while.
- Double-Check Official Info: Charges and procedures can change, so it’s wise to verify the latest Exeter Airport parking information on the airport’s official website before your trip. Look up “Exeter Airport parking” for any updates on fees, time limits, or shuttle services. The airport sometimes updates tariffs or policies, especially ahead of busy seasons.
- Give Yourself Time: Especially if you plan to use the long-stay free option (P4) or shuttle, build in a little extra time. It’s better to arrive a few minutes early and calmly shuttle to the terminal or wait for your party, than to be rushing and risk parking in the wrong place. Planning ahead ensures a hassle-free airport experience, with no last-minute stress over where to go.
Safe travels and happy parking at Exeter Airport!
Disclaimer: APH does not own or operate Exeter Airport’s parking facilities, signage, or pricing. The information above is provided purely as a helpful guide based on publicly available data from Exeter Airport and other official sources at the time of writing. Always refer to the official Exeter Airport website or contact the airport directly for the most up-to-date and authoritative information on parking options, fees, and regulations. Prices and details are subject to change by the airport, and any parking arrangement is solely under the airport’s control.
Safe travels from Exeter Airport!