Prestwick Airport Parking
Prestwick lies around 30 miles southwest of Glasgow city centre and the airport sees over 600,000 passengers through its terminal each year. If you are planning on driving and need to book Prestwick Airport parking, then you’ve landed on the right page.
With over 43 years’ experience, you can be sure that by booking with APH you will be in the hands of the experts. We offer an extensive range of airport parking products and services across the UK, and we are proud to have been voted Best Airport Parking Company at the British Travel Awards – 12 years in a row.
To find out about your parking options at Prestwick and how you can save on costs, take a look at our airport car parks guide below.
Make sure you book the car park that suits your needs best. You might want to be as close as possible to the terminal, for example. Or you might want the most economical option.
Here’s a quick overview of Prestwick Airport car parks.
| Car Park | Parking Type | Customer Rating | Transfer Time | Park Mark | Price From (per week) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Prestwick Airport Car Park 3 | On Airport |
| Walking time 3 - 5 minutes |  | £74.00 |
Prestwick Airport Car Park 2 | On Airport |
| Walking time 2 - 3 minutes | £85.00 | |
Prestwick Airport Car Park 1 | On Airport |
| Walking time 1 minute | £99.00 |
Park Mark Safer Parking Award
The Park Mark Safer Parking scheme is a Police Crime Prevention Initiative designed to reduce both crime and the fear of crime in car parks across the UK. The Park Mark Safer Parking Award is given to car parks that meet certain standards of security, maintenance and management, such as Prestwick Airport Car Park 3.
Car parks that are accredited with the award are assessed on an annual basis to ensure standards are maintained.
Here at APH, the safety and security of our customers and their vehicles is paramount, and we are firm supporters of Park Mark Safer Parking Award.
Find out more about the Park Mark Safer Parking Award.
Prestwick Airport parking reviews
Check out our Prestwick Airport car park reviews to help you select which car park is best for you. All our customer reviews are independently collected and verified by Reviews.io.
We encourage all customer feedback, whether it is about customer service, car park facilities or the initial booking process, so we can continue to provide our customers with the best airport parking experience.
Terminals
Prestwick Airport has one terminal, which makes it easy to book your airport parking.
All our car parking options at Glasgow Prestwick Airport are close to the terminal entrance, so it is quick to navigate from parking through to check-in.
To find out what facilities to expect once you are inside the terminal building, take a quick look at our airport terminal guides, including charges for baggage trolleys, how to access the free WiFi and where you can get a bite to eat.
Book early to save on your Prestwick Airport car parking
Prestwick Airport parking charges can fluctuate according to season and availability. Just like many airfares. So, an easy way to save on costs is to book in advance.
Our own booking data for Glasgow Prestwick Airport Car parks shows that by making your reservation with APH six months prior to travel, you could save over 33 per cent, compared with making a reservation just one week before.
You can see how average daily parking prices increase over a period of six months on the chart below.
Prices are correct at time of writing and subject to change
Our cheapest parking at Prestwick Airport
Here is the parking we currently offer at Prestwick Airport.
| Car Park | Transfer Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Prestwick Airport Car Park 2 | Walking time 3 - 5 minutes | £85.00* |
| Prestwick Airport Car Park 1 | Walking time 1 minute | £99.00* |
*prices based on 1 weeks parking in August 2023
Hotels & Parking
Do you have an early morning flight departure? A pre-flight stay in an airport hotel is a great way to avoid hitting the road in the middle of the night. It’s a good way to avoid unexpected morning traffic jams too.
If you book a hotel together with parking at Glasgow Prestwick Airport, you can usually save on costs. Just take a look at our Prestwick hotel and parking page.
Parking types
There are different types of airport parking to suit the different needs of airline passengers. Here’s a quick overview of the types of parking you might come across.
On-airport long-stay parking: How it works
Situated within the airport grounds, on-airport parking is the closest type of parking to the terminal building.
All you need to do is drive to the car park, find a space, take your bags and make your way to the terminal.
At Prestwick, you will be no more than a five-minute walk from the check-in desks and your car will be securely parked in a barrier-controlled car park with CCTV.
Prestwick Airport Car Park 3 is accredited with the Park Mark Safer Parking Award.
Here's a quick overview of how on-airport parking works.
Best for: those preferring to park within a short distance of the airport terminal.
Off-airport parking: How it works
Off-airport car parks can be the most cost-effective type of airport parking.
Located away from the airport and requiring a bus transfer, off-airport car parks are usually easy to find and offer 24-hour security for your vehicle while you are away.
Once you have dropped your car off, you simply hop on a shuttle bus for the free ride to the terminal.
When you return from your trip, once you have cleared Customs you simply follow the signs to the car park buses to take the short ride back to collect your car.
Here's a quick overview of how off-airport parking works.
Best for: travellers with a little extra time to take a bus transfer to the terminal.
APH does not at present provide off-airport parking at Prestwick. Check out our great value Prestwick Airport Car Park 3 instead.
Meet and greet parking: How it works
Meet & Greet parking is a valet service. Offering the ultimate in convenience, you drive directly to the terminal or nearby designated meeting point and leave your car with your Meet & Greet operator. All you need to do is unload your luggage and walk to the check-in desks.
Your car will be parked for you in a secure parking compound while you are away and brought back to the terminal upon your return.
Best for: families with young children, travellers with bulky luggage, or those wanting to save time.
APH does not at present offer Meet & Greet parking at Prestwick. Have a look at our great value Prestwick Airport Car Park 3 instead.
Money Saving
Along with providing the best in safe, legitimate parking at Prestwick Airport, we can help you secure it at the best possible price.
Read on to find out how the savvy traveller can use our insider tips to slash the amount of cash they’ll pay for Prestwick Airport parking.
Sign up for great deals
Make sure you don’t miss out on the best Prestwick Airport parking deals. Sign up to our mailing list today and not only will we keep you in touch with all the latest money-saving offers, you’ll also receive an instant discount of at least 10 per cent.
Scroll down to “Join here for discounts and offers” and enter your email address. There’s no simpler way to save on all your airport parking across the UK.
Use the map to find directions to our Prestwick Airport car parking facilities.
History of Prestwick Airport
Prestwick Airport started as a training airfield. Founded in 1935 by David McIntyre and the Duke of Hamilton – the first aviators to fly over Mount Everest – the building of a control tower, hangar and lecture rooms marked the beginning of Scottish Aviation Ltd.
During the second world war, Prestwick was used as a base for US aircraft deliveries and aircraft manufacturing. In 1941, the Palace of Engineering was moved from Glasgow to the aircraft factory and still stands on the airport grounds today.
After the war, the 17th century Orangefield House was converted into a terminal building and Glasgow Prestwick became the only airport in Scotland offering commercial transatlantic flights, with a regular Prestwick to New York service. And the US military returned, bringing with them Elvis Presley in 1960 – the only time he touched down in the UK.
The 1960s saw the construction of a new terminal building, freight building, control tower and extended runway to serve the US military. At the 1972 Air Show, the prototype for Concorde was put on display and the airport became a training facility for Concorde pilots. In 1985 and 1986, BAE Systems opened their own flying college at Prestwick.
By the 2000s, Prestwick’s passenger numbers had hit 2.5 million, and the airport welcomed world leaders for the 31st G* summit in 2005. The airport also played host to the TV programme Top Gear and featured in the James Bond film, Casino Royale.
In 2013, the Scottish government bought the airport for £1.00 from New Zealand owners Infratil, who had purchased it in 2001.
Terminals
Prestwick Airport has one passenger terminal.
Facilities at the terminal include cash machines, currency exchange services, special assistance services, left luggage facilities and an information desk, as well as shops, restaurants and bars.
Passengers driving their own vehicle to the airport have a choice of airport parking options.
You can fly to a number of domestic and international destinations from Prestwick, including:
- Alicante
- Barcelona
- Brussels
- Chicago
- Cologne
- Dublin
- Faro
- Gran Canaria
- Ibiza
- Lanzarote
- Los Angeles
- Luxembourg
- Malaga
- Murcia
- Nottingham
- Palma
- Paris
- Pisa
- Rome
- Tenerife
Check-in
The check-in area at Prestwick Airport is on the ground floor of the terminal building.
Recommended check-in times are as follows:
- For international flights, you are advised to check in three hours prior to departure.
- For European flights, you are advised to check in two hours prior to departure.
- For domestic flights, you are advised to check in 90 minutes prior to departure.
- Passengers flying with Ryanair must check-in online before travelling to the airport.
Always check your travel documents in advance for up-to-date check-in information.
Boarding normally starts 45 minutes prior to departure.
If you have already checked in online before coming to the airport, don’t forget to bring your boarding pass with you. If you are travelling with just hand baggage, you can head straight for the security screening area. If you have luggage checked in, drop your bags at the bag drop desk before heading to security.
You can check hand luggage restrictions at home before you pack.
Main travel connections
By car
Prestwick Airport is a mile outside the town of Prestwick in South Ayrshire, 32 miles southwest of Glasgow. Access to the airport is from the A79, which joins the A78 and then to the A77. If you are travelling from the nearby town of Ayr, just follow the A79.
If you are driving your own car to the airport it is recommended to book your airport parking in advance.
Prestwick Airport postcode: KA9 2PL
Ayr to Prestwick Airport is approximately 4 miles (via the A79).
Kilmarnock to Prestwick Airport is approximately 11 miles (via the A77).
Cairnryan (Stranraer) to Prestwick Airport is approximately 52 miles (via the A77).
Edinburgh to Prestwick Airport is approximately 78 miles (via the M8).
By bus
From Glasgow Buchanan Street Station the Stagecoach Western X77 Express Service goes to Prestwick Airport, stopping just outside the airport on the A79.
For more information visit Traveline Scotland.
By coach
National Express operates services to and from the town of Ayr, which is around four miles from the airport by taxi or by train.
By rail
Prestwick Airport has its own railway station, which is joined to the terminal by a covered walkway. Train services go north to Glasgow Central Station, which is a journey of around 45 minutes, and south to Ayr, which normally takes around 10 minutes. Note there is no rail ticket office at Prestwick Airport station.
Drop-off zones
The drop-off and pick-up point at Prestwick Airport is in Car Park 1, which is just past the terminal building. Payment must be made either at a car park pay station or at the exit barrier. Payment is contactless only; cash is not accepted.
Drop-off zone charges:
- 0 – 60 minutes £3.00
- 1 – 2 hours £6.00
- 2 – 4 hours £10.00
- 4 – 12 hours £15.00
- 12 – 24 hours £24.00
Blue Badge holders receive up to 30 minutes of free parking for drop-off and pick-up at Prestwick Airport. You must validate your parking ticket at the information desk inside the airport terminal. Stays over 30 minutes are subject to the normal car park charges.
Short Stay car park charges
Car Park 1
Car Park 1 is a self-park, premium parking facility adjacent to the airport terminal. Note that payment is contactless only; cash is not accepted.
Car Park 1 charges:
- 1 day £24.00
- 2 days £35.00
- 3 days £46.00
- 4 days £57.00
- 5 days £68.00
- 6 days £79.00
- 7 days £90.00
- 8 days £101.00
- 14 days £131.00
- 15 days £136.00
- additional days thereafter £9.00
Alternatively, book ahead for the best parking rates. There is no need to take a ticket at the barrier if you already have a booking – the car park operates on number plate recognition for ease of entry and exit.
Car Park 2
Car Park 2 is next to the terminal, on the upper level. It is a self-park facility and the walk from the car park to the terminal building takes two to three minutes. Note that payment is contactless only; cash is not accepted.
Car Park 2 charges:
- 1 day £20.00
- 2 days £29.00
- 3 days £38.00
- 4 days £47.00
- 5 days £56.00
- 6 days £65.00
- 7 days £74.00
- 8 days £81.00
- 14 days £105.00
- 15 days £109.00
- additional days thereafter £6.00
Alternatively, book ahead for the best parking rates. There is no need to take a ticket at the barrier if you already have a booking – the car park operates on number plate recognition for ease of entry and exit.
Security
All passengers have to pass through security screening at Prestwick Airport. The following items must not be carried in hand luggage:
- sharp items, such as scissors, knives, nail clippers and metal nail files
- liquids and gels over 100ml
- items classified as restricted or dangerous
- flammable liquids, including lighters
- gases
Liquids, aerosols and gels under 100ml can be carried in hand luggage, limited to one clear plastic bag no more than 20 x 20cm.
You can check hand luggage restrictions at home before you pack.
Special assistance and disabled facilities
Special assistance
Special assistance bookings should be made with your airline or travel agent at least 48 hours prior to travel. If you have not been able to book special assistance in advance, you can still request it at the airport and all reasonable efforts will be made to assist you, but assistance cannot be guaranteed.
When you arrive at the airport, if you have pre-booked assistance, go to the bag drop desks to inform staff of your arrival or, if unmanned, the information centre in the main terminal concourse. You will then receive fast-track through check-in, security and boarding. Arriving passengers with pre-booked assistance will receive fast-track through passport control.
Disabled parking
Blue Badge parking bays are available in Car Park 1 and Car Park 2, which are located for easy access. Assistance is available from these spaces into the airport terminal. There are help point intercom buttons at the car park entry barriers.
Blue badge holders receive up to 30 minutes of free parking for drop-off and pick-up; you need to validate your parking ticket at the information centre in the main concourse before exiting the car park.
Travelling by rail
For passengers travelling via rail, Prestwick Airport has produced an Accessible Travel Policy, which outlines the practices that have been put in place at Prestwick International Railway Station to ensure accessibility for as many people as possible.
Assistance dogs
Guide and hearing dogs are welcomed at Prestwick Airport and the airport will endeavour to provide appropriate facilities on request. You must contact your airline in advance to confirm that they will accept assistance dogs on your flight.
More information on travelling with assistance dogs.
Facilities
Special assistance facilities at Prestwick Airport include:
- accessible toilets
- dedicated waiting areas for special assistance
- wheelchairs upon request
- passenger assistance lane through security and passport control
- lifts and escalators to all levels
- accessible routes to all boarding fates
- induction loops at the information centre
- British Sign Language trained staff
- low-level seating in public areas
- step-free boarding through Aviramp and ambulift access
Electric mobility aids
You must contact your airline or travel agent prior to travel to confirm the specifications of any electric mobility aid you wish to travel with. They will need to know the model, weight, dimensions and type of battery and this information will be confirmed at the bag drop desk upon your arrival at the airport.
Hidden disabilities
Hidden disability lanyards can be requested prior to travel or on the day of travel. Prestwick Airport staff will respond to passengers via their preferred method of communication and there is a quiet route for assisting passengers throughout their journey. Guided familiarisation tours are available to be booked in advance, with simulated runs of what will happen on the day of travel, both for the outbound flight and for the inbound flight.
Download the Prestwick Airport guide for special assistance passengers.
You can also find more information about Prestwick Airport on AccessAble website.
Family facilities
Baby changing
Baby changing facilities are available throughout Prestwick Airport, before security, after security and for arrivals.
Pushchairs
If you are travelling with a pushchair, you can usually take it right up to the gate, just before you board your flight, where the staff will take it from you to put in the hold.
Play areas
You can keep the kids entertained in the free, colourful Play Zone in the departures lounge. The Play Zone offers touchscreen gaming and Xbox Kinect.
Baby milk
You are permitted to take sufficient baby milk for your journey through security, even if it exceeds the standard maximum of 100ml for all other liquids and gels.
Business facilities
Prestwick Airport has an Aviator Suite located within the main terminal building, with meeting facilities.
Aviator Suite contact details.
Chapel
Prestwick Airport has a prayer room on the first floor of the terminal building, before security, which is open 24 hours and offers level access via a lift.
Food and drink
The following refreshment options are available at Prestwick Airport.
Before security
McIntyres
Coffees, teas, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, sandwiches and bar snacks
Opening times:
- 10:00 – 18:00 Monday
- 13:00 – 18:00 Tuesday
- 10:00 – 16:00 Wednesday
- 10:00 – 18:00 Thursday
- 09:00 – 15:00 Friday
- 13:00 – 19:00 Saturday
- 11:00 – 16:00 Sunday
After security
Par & Eagle Bar and Kitchen
Wide range of food and drinks to suit all ages
Opening times: for all departing flights
Elvis Presley Bar
Draught and bottled beers, hot food and snacks
Opening times: for all departing flights
Smoking areas
Smoking is only permitted in designated areas outside the entrance to the terminal building. Smoking is banned by law in enclosed public spaces.
Water fountains
While there are no water fountains at Prestwick Airport, passengers are welcome to refill their bottles at the bar and restaurant.
Duty-free shopping
World Duty-Free is located just after security and stocks well-known beauty brands such as Lancôme, Estée Lauder and MAC, as well as designer fragrances from Dior, and sunglasses and jewellery from Ray-Ban, Gucci and Swarkovski. You’ll also find a wide range of whiskies, spirits, fine wines and Champagnes.
World Duty-Free
Opening times:
- 04:00 – 19:00 Monday and Tuesday
- 04:00 – 17.00 Wednesday and Sunday
- 04:00 – 19:30 Thursday
- 04:00 – 15:00 Friday
- 03:30 – 20.15 Saturday
Tel: 01292 511013
Charging points
There are power points around the seating areas in the Par & Eagle Bar and Kitchen, which can be used for charging mobile devices.
EV charging points
The closest public EV charging point to Prestwick Airport is at The Smithy.
The Smithy
Sandyford Toll
KA9 2SP
- 1 x 50kW CCS Type 2
- 1 x 50kW CHAdeMO
- 1 x 43kW Type 2 (tethered connector)
Cost: £0.108/kWh for Polar Plus subscription members only.
There is also a private EV charging point at the airport for staff, visitors and customers of NATS Prestwick.
Internet access
WiFi
Free WiFi is available at Prestwick Airport for up to two hours per day. Simply connect to the Free Airport WiFi on your device. After two hours, you can purchase a WiFi package.
Luggage trolleys
Luggage trolleys are free to use at Prestwick Airport.
Luggage lockers
Luggage can be stored with the security service at Prestwick Airport, which also operates the lost property.
Currency exchange
There is a currency exchange store at Prestwick Airport as well as ATMs.
Help Desk
There is an information desk next to the check-in area and the passenger assistance area, just look to the right as you come through the main entrance.