If you’ve flown recently, you’ve probably asked whether parking at the airport or a rideshare is most cost effective. The answer is it depends on a whole bunch of variables: Whether you’ll be hit with surge pricing, where and how far you live from the airport, how long you’ll be gone, and how many people are going with you.

How Rideshares Work at Airports

With a rideshare, you’ll pay a base rate, plus a surge multiplier based on congestion, high demand, or bad weather, plus an extra fee if you need a larger vehicle. You’ll also be charged for drop-off and pickup fees, which, depending on your airport, could range between $1 and $5. For pick up, many airports require rideshare drivers to wait in a particular spot, which can quickly become congested. Chicago O’Hare and Atlanta Hartsfield airports have had issues with congested rideshare areas leading to long delays for pick-ups.

Rideshares with Kids

If you’re flying with preschool-age children, a rideshare can quickly turn into a major hassle as you deal with booster and car seats. Drivers may decline to transport you if you go without car seats, as they’re the ones who will be liable or risk getting a ticket.

How Much Does a Rideshare to the Airport Cost?

The cost of a rideshare to the airport depends on many things, including how far from the airport you live, congestion or demand level, and other factors like weather. And it might take longer to get to the airport using a rideshare; during peak times and at high congestion times, your pick up may be delayed.

Using RideGuru, we estimated the cost of a family going to the airport in the cities we operate in.

Cost of a family going to the airport in an SUV varies greatly depending on location and surge pricing.

Cost of Parking at PreFlight

At PreFlight, the cost of your reservation will vary by how long you stay, how far in advance you book, and where you choose to park. Reserving guarantees your spot and your pricing. Check what your rate at a PreFlight Airport parking location would be.