by Darren Murph Named an "oracle of remote work" by CNBC, Darren is a recognized speaker, consultant, and advisor. He holds a Guinness World Record in writing, earned while visiting 50+ countries using points.

Hi, Reader. You've probably noticed a steady climb when scoping out parking fees at your local airport. It's not uncommon to see daily rates exceed $25, even in long-term parking areas where a shuttle is still required to get you from your vehicle to the check-in counter.

At Denver International Airport, you can shell out an eye-watering $168 per day to park at a couple of its short-term lots, which are within walking distance of the terminal. All of a sudden, that bargain you got on airfare doesn't seem significant enough to offset the hefty parking fee.

It's easy to default to the airport's pricey lots, but a quick search can reveal much better deals nearby. Offsite airport lots typically cost 30–60% less than on-site parking, with savings reaching up to 70% in some cities.

In almost every instance, you can save money — and perhaps even earn rewards — by using an offsite parking shuttle service like Park-N-Go, Fast Park & Relax, Park 'N Fly, and The Parking Spot. Booking sites like SpotHero can also help you compare lots and reserve ahead.

3 steps to save on parking for your next trip

If you need to park at the airport, taking just a few minutes ahead of time to plan can save you serious money.

1. Before your next trip, open Google Maps and locate the airport you're departing from.
2. Search for "airport parking" in the nearby area. This may surface offsite lots from companies like the ones mentioned above. These are typically located a few miles from the airport, cost less, and require a shuttle ride.
3. Click over to their respective websites to get a feel for pricing, and compare it with pricing from the airport's website.

Take advantage of frequent parking rewards programs

Few, if any, airports offer loyalty programs. However, several of the offsite parking companies allow you to register as a member.

I frequently fly from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), which has a Fast Park & Relax facility nearby. For over a decade I've leveraged their loyalty program to earn points each time I park. After stockpiling points over a series of trips, I've wound up with enough to generate a certificate for a week of free parking. Practically speaking, this means that a handful of business trips pays for parking on a family vacation.

For shorter trips of one or two days, you may determine that paying a premium to park within walking distance of the airport terminal is worth it. But if you'll be gone for an extended period of time, do your homework first. Scope out an offsite parking venue — ideally one with a loyalty program — to both save money and make progress towards valuable rewards.

The same logic applies once you land. Off-airport rental companies like Easirent, which runs free shuttles from airports in Florida, Texas, and Las Vegas, skip the concession fees baked into on-airport rates. Points Path readers can get 10% off with code PNTS1126 on bookings made by November 7th, 2026, for pickups through the end of February 2027. Use this link to book.