Making a trip to the airport soon? Parking can quickly add stress to your journey, but choosing the right option in advance can save you both time and money. Here’s a clear breakdown of parking at Dublin Airport, including costs, options, and practical tips.
Quick Summary
- Short-term = closest, most expensive
- Long-term = cheapest, shuttle required
- Drop & Go = fastest, premium
- Pre-booking = essential
| Option | Distance | Cost | Best For |
| Short-Term | Walk | High | Short Stays |
| Long-Term | Shuttle | Low | Holidays |
| Drop & Go | Immediate | Highest | Convenience |
Short Stay Parking Dublin Airport
Best for: drop-offs, pick-ups, and stays under 3–4 hours
Not ideal for: multi-day trips (costs add up quickly)
- Terminal 1 Car Park A. 450 spaces on offer, with only a two-minute walk to either Terminals 1 and 2.
- Terminal 1 Car Park C. A multi-storey with 1,500 spaces, you can expect a two to four-minute walk to Terminal 1 and a six-minute walk to Terminal 2.
- Terminal 2 Short Term. Another multi-storey, this time with 1,800 spaces, this is a two to four-minute walk to Terminal two.
- Drop & Go Parking. A concierge service in Terminal two, this is the easiest way of short-term parking.
- Let’s break down the costs of parking in the short-stay area.
For short-stay parking, there is a daily charge of €40, or €3 for the first hour and €4.50 per hour for additional hours.
Typical Prices:
- €3 for the first hour
- €4.50–€6 per additional hour
- Up to €40–€45 per day (drive-up rates)
Quick Reality Check: Convenient, but costs can quickly exceed long-term parking for multi-day trips
Long Stay Parking Dublin Airport
Best for: holidays, multi-day trips, and budget-conscious travellers
Not ideal for: very short stays
- Express Red. This has 8,000 spaces and is the closest long stay parking area to Terminal 1 and 2.
- Holiday Blue. The value option, this has 8,000 spaces and 24 hour security. You can also rely on a free shuttle bus, which has a transfer time of 15 minutes to Terminal 1 and 2.
- Express Green. This car park has the advantage of being in close proximity to both terminals.
- T2 Surface. This option has 270 spaces with easy access to Terminal 1 and 2.
Typical prices (pre-booked):
- From ~€15 per day (Holiday Blue)
- Around €18–€20 per day (Express Red)
Quick reality check
Cheaper overall, but requires extra planning for shuttle time.
Off-Airport Parking Options
Best for: saving money on longer trips
Third-party providers near the airport often offer lower prices. These car parks are located off-site and include shuttle transfers to the terminals. These shuttles tend to arrive every 5-15 minutes, and usually pick up near independent car parks and nearby hotels.
How Long Should You Allow?
Planning your arrival time is just as important as choosing the right car park.
Short-term parking means a short walk to the terminal, however long-term parking requires an extra 15-20 minutes for shuttle transfer time. Here’s a safe arrival guide to ensure you don’t miss your flight:
- Short-haul flights → arrive 2 hours before departure
- Long-haul flights → arrive 3 hours before departure
Parking For One Week?
The most common option, a one-week parking duration can cost anywhere from €61 to €147. You have six options, ranging from Terminal 1 and 2 short term to express red and holiday blue long term parking. In this bracket, the Holiday Blue Long Term parking is your best bet, coming in at €61. This parking option offers good value for long stays, plus:
- Free shuttle bus every 15 minutes.
- Breakdown assistance for flat tyres or batteries.
- Car cleaning service by Crystal Valet.
Going Away For Slightly Longer?
Even for a two-week period, you can either choose short or long-stay parking. Prices for a 2-week period range from €105 to €256, a fair price for secure two-week parking. Believe it or not, the Holiday Blue Long Term parking is the best option again.
If you’re set to travel for one month, you can still make the most of solid pricing and value. A months parking will cost anywhere from €225 to €567, with the Holiday Blue Long Term coming in at €225.
Booking And Pricing Tips
If you’re looking to save, pre-book your parking. Buying online vs the drive-up price can help you save on unnecessary premiums, whilst also ensuring you get a spot in the right car park. If you know you’ll be travelling during busy months (school holidays), pre-booking can help you save and avoid sell-outs.
The Cheapest Areas To Park At Dublin Airport
We’ve already mentioned the Holiday Blue Long Term parking, but there are some other great options to help you save extras cash too:
- Express Red Long Term. Close to T1 and T2, with a free bus shuttle every 10 minutes, breakdown assistance and car cleaning. This service costs €89 for a week of parking.
- Drop & Go Parking. Situated at T2, this concierge service is fast and easy and takes the hassle out of finding a spot. In a rush for your flight, simply hand your keys over and head into the airport. A week of parking here will cost around €124.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Using short-term for long trips. The costs could exceed your flight!
- Not allowing shuttle time increases your risk of missing check-in.
- Not booking in advance when spots can sell out in peak seasons.
How Long Can I Leave My Car At The Airport?
Funnily enough, you can leave your car at the airport for up to a year! Obviously, you probably won’t need to do this, but you can definitely leave a car if you are heading on a 3-month trip. To book parking, visit https://www.dublinairport.com/car-parks/ and enter the dates and times you are keen to park between. After this, you will see various options with different prices and details to help you make a decision.
Quick Recommendations
- Under 3 hours? Choose short-term parking.
- 1–7 days? Express Red or Holiday Blue are your best picks.
- 2+ weeks stay? Choose Holiday Blue (best value).
- Want zero hassle? Choose Drop & Go
- Travelling in peak season? Always pre-book.
Conclusion
No one enjoys an airport trip. It’s full of stress, and parking can only add to this. That’s why it’s best to prepare in advance, and pre-book your parking. Pick a solution that suits you and cut parking from your list of airport to-dos.