Airport Parking vs Rideshare: Which is Right for You?

If you’ve flown recently, you’ve probably asked yourself: what’s a better deal, parking at the airport or using a rideshare app? And the answer is: it depends. What time are you flying? Will you be hit with surge pricing? How far do you live from the airport? Where do you live? How long will you be gone? How many people are coming with you? And the list goes on.

 

 

How Rideshares Work at Airports

With a rideshare, you pay a base rate. You may pay a surge multiplier based on congestion, high demand, or bad weather. If you need a larger vehicle, expect a higher fee. You’ll also pay an airport drop-off and pickup fee, which, depending on your airport, could range between $1 and $10.

 

For pick-up, many airports require rideshare drivers to wait in a designated holding lot. These areas can quickly become congested. Airports like Chicago O’Hare and Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson have had long delays for passengers waiting on rideshare pick-ups.

 

 

Rideshares with Kids

If you’re flying with preschool-age children, rideshare can be difficult because you have to manage booster seats and car seats. Most drivers do not provide them, and in many states, children are legally required to ride in age-appropriate safety seats.

 

Some rideshare apps offer “car seat” options in select markets, but availability is limited, and it comes with higher fees. Without a seat, drivers may decline the ride since they risk liability or tickets. For families, this can make rideshare far less convenient.

 

 

How Much Does a Rideshare to the Airport Cost?

The cost of a rideshare depends on several factors:

• Distance from the airport
• Time of day and demand (rush hour, early morning flights, late-night returns)
• Weather and traffic congestion
• Vehicle type (standard car vs. SUV for families or luggage-heavy trips)

 

It might also take longer to get to the airport with a rideshare. During peak times, your driver may be delayed, and getting stuck in traffic could add unexpected time and cost.

 

Using RideGuru, we estimated the cost of a family going to the airport in an SUV across different cities. Prices varied dramatically depending on location, time, tip, and surge pricing.

 

Distance from ATL

Cities	One Way Price	Round Trip
Forest Park	$40	$90
Fayetteville	$108	$125
Marietta	$129	$170

Compared to PreFlight ATL: Daily rates can fluctuate, but on average range from $10-25. PreFlight is consistently $10-20 cheaper than if you park at Hartsfield-Jackson airport.

 

Distance from BOS

Cities	One Way Price	Round Trip
Brookline	$71	$160
Waltham	$108	$220
Lexington	$106	$215

Compared to PreFlight BOS: Daily rates can fluctuate, but on average are $20-30. Often being $10-30 cheaper than BOS on-airport parking.

 

Distance from ORD

Cities	One Way Price	Round Trip
LaGrange	$60	$136
Naperville	$114	$234
Tinley Park	$121	$277

Compared to PreFlight ORD: Daily rates can fluctuate, often averaging at $12-25. If you compare these rates against O’Hare on-airport parking, PreFlight rates are $5-25 cheaper.

 

Distance from PHX

Cities	One Way Price	Round Trip
Tempe	$50	$111
Glendale	$104	$209
Apache Junction	$119	$236

Compared to PreFlight PHX: Daily rates can fluctuate but are typically around $12-25 a day. Sky Harbor on-airport parking is $2-25 more expensive than PreFlight.

 

How to Compare Pricing:

Parking at the airport offers consistency—you know exactly what you’re paying before you go. But pricing varies widely depending on:

• Are you choosing airport parking vs off airport parking?
• How long is your trip?
• How many people are you traveling with?

 

 

Comparing Costs: Parking vs Rideshare

• Short Trips (1–3 days): Off Airport is usually cheaper, depending on if you live close to the airport.
• Longer Trips (5+ days): Parking often becomes more cost-effective, particularly in economy lots.
• Families or Groups: Parking can save money, since one parking fee may be cheaper than paying for multiple large-vehicle rideshares each way.
• Late Night or Early Morning Flights: Parking avoids the stress of surge pricing and limited driver availability.

 

 

Other Factors to Consider

• Convenience: If you don’t want to hassle with finding parking or shuttles, rideshare wins.
• Control: If you like having your own car waiting for you when you return (especially after a long trip), airport parking may be better.
• Reliability: Bad weather or peak times can make rideshare less dependable. Parking ensures your car is ready when you are.
• Traveling with Kids or Pets: Parking may be easier since you don’t have to worry about car seat rules or drivers refusing animals.

 

 

Consider Using PreFlight Airport Parking

If you're leaning toward airport parking—especially for longer trips or family travel—PreFlight Airport Parking is a great middle ground between cost, convenience, and peace of mind. With locations near major airports like Chicago O’Hare, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, and Houston, PreFlight offers a more streamlined and comfortable experience than traditional airport lots.

Here’s what makes it a smart alternative to rideshare:

• Advance reservations help lock in pricing and ensure availability
• Frequent shuttle service gets you to the terminal quickly—even from economy parking
• Covered parking protects your vehicle from the elements during extended trip
• Spacious, clean shuttles are great for families, luggage, and strollers
• Contactless entry/exit via mobile app makes the process smooth and efficient

 

For families, PreFlight’s larger shuttles and ample space eliminate the stress of trying to cram car seats into the back of a rideshare—or wondering if a driver will even accept the ride. PreFlight also offers clean and spacious bathrooms, which are especially nice for those last-minute bathroom breaks. And for solo travelers or business flyers, the ability to control your arrival and departure time without relying on surge-priced or late drivers adds serious value.

 

Before your next trip, compare PreFlight’s rates to a round-trip rideshare—especially for longer stays. You might be surprised by how much you save while gaining extra reliability.

 

There’s no universal answer—whether airport parking or rideshare is better depends on your trip length, family size, budget, and convenience preferences. For short trips or solo travelers, rideshare is often cheaper and hassle-free. For longer trips or families, airport parking can be the more reliable and cost-effective option.