Meet & Greet vs Park & Ride: Which Heathrow Parking is Better?

What is Meet & Greet parking?

With Meet & Greet, you drive directly to your terminal's departures area, hand your keys to a uniformed driver, and walk straight into the airport. Your car is then driven to a secure, insured compound for the duration of your trip and brought back to the same drop-off point when you land.

This is the most convenient option for families, travellers with heavy luggage, business trips, or anyone who wants to avoid walking, shuttle buses or carrying bags across a car park.

What is Park & Ride parking?

With Park & Ride, you drive to an off-airport car park yourself, leave your vehicle, and take a free shuttle bus to your terminal. On return, you call the car park for pickup and the shuttle brings you back to your car.

Park & Ride is usually the cheaper option and works well if you don't mind a short shuttle transfer (typically 5-15 minutes) and are travelling with light luggage.

Price comparison

Generally, Park & Ride is 20-40% cheaper than Meet & Greet for the same dates, because it doesn't include the door-to-door driving service.

Meet & Greet costs more because a professional driver parks and retrieves your car, saving you time and the shuttle wait - which can be worth it for early morning flights or tight connections.

Which one should you choose?

Choose Meet & Greet if: you have an early or late flight, heavy luggage, young children, or want zero walking/shuttle time.

Choose Park & Ride if: you're on a budget, travelling light, and don't mind a short shuttle ride.

Either way, book in advance - prices for both options rise closer to your travel date, and pre-booking with Cancellation Cover gives you flexibility if your plans change.