How does disabled parking work at UK airports? A guide to Blue Badge parking and assistance

Travelling by air is a great way to visit new places. But parking at airports can be stressful if you have limited mobility. There are things you need to know before you travel. Is the airport car park accessible? And can you use your Blue Badge?    

This article explains everything you need to know about parking in the main UK airports if you have a disability. 

Your Blue Badge may allow you to park in UK airports free of charge. Some airports will give you some free time or discounted prices. But you will probably have to pay for parking at most UK airports even if you have a Blue Badge.  

The good news is that Blue Badge holders usually have easier-to-access parking options and 24-hour assistance to get to and from these parking spaces.  

It’s a good idea to get in touch with the airport’s customer service ahead of travelling as different airports may have different rules. Sometimes, you will need to book a space in advance. If you have a Blue Badge, the airport will usually give you a voucher to display in your window.    

Most airports will provide car parking options on their websites and offer assistance if you need it. But remember, you’ll almost always need to contact them in advance if you need special assistance.  

Let’s look at the disabled parking services at some of the UK’s main airports to help you plan your trip.  

How to pre-book disabled parking at Heathrow Airport  

You can pre-book your parking space on the Heathrow Airport website.  

Accessible shuttle services at Heathrow Airport 

Many of the car parks have accessible shuttle buses. Heathrow airport recommends calling the car park in advance to arrange transfer assistance.

EV charging at Heathrow Airport  

There are no electric vehicle charging points at Heathrow airport. However, there are plenty available locally, so you can stop before or after your trip. Search for nearby charge points via Motability’s Go Charge app or Zapmap.  

How to contact Heathrow Airport  

If you have any questions about Blue Badge parking or shuttles at Heathrow Airport, call 020 8757 2700.

How to pre-book disabled parking at Stansted Airport  

You can pre-book Blue Badge parking on Stansted’s dedicated Blue Badge parking website.  

Accessible shuttle services at Stansted Airport

The Mid and Long Stay car parks both have a bus transfer that is free of charge and wheelchair accessible.  

EV charging at Stansted Airport  

Stansted Airport has recently opened a new high-speed electric vehicle charging hub. It has 10 bays that can provide up to 150kW of power.  

How to contact Stansted Airport  

If you need assistance or need more information about disabled parking at Stansted, call 0808 169 7031. 

London Gatwick has a North Terminal and a South Terminal. Both terminals have Blue Badge parking spaces near the bus stops to get the shuttle. Premium Blue Badge parking spaces offers same-level access to the terminals. There are 8 in the South Terminal car park and 18 in the North Terminal.  

You can get free assistance travelling to and from the terminal, and there are help points in the car parks. You can also ask the valet service to park your car in a Blue Badge space.  

Unfortunately, there is no free disabled parking at Gatwick Airport, but Blue Badge holders can get a discount if you park for less than four hours.  

• Blue Badge parking in Terminal Car Park 1 and Long Stay car park
• Reduced rates for Blue Badge holders
• Help points
• 30 minutes free

London Luton recommends that Blue Badge holders park in Terminal Car Park 1. It’s a short walk to the terminal and has two help points. Blue Badge holders can get 30 minutes free parking and reduced rates.  

There are also Blue Badge parking spaces available in the Long Stay car park. However, Blue Badge holders do not get reduced rates at this car park.

Blue Badge parking is available at Manchester Airport‘s multi-storey car parks, which are next to all three terminals. There are also Blue Badge spaces at JetParks car parks, which are a short bus ride from the terminals.  

You can drop off passengers for free if you have a Blue Badge. You just have to show your badge when you get to the forecourt. 

How to pre-book disabled parking at Belfast International Airport  

You can pre-book a space in the Long Stay car park on the Belfast International website, then request an upgrade to a Blue Badge space. Call 028 944 84851 or email carpark.office@bfs.aero to request your upgrade.   

Accessible shuttle services at Belfast International Airport 

Belfast International Airport offers a ‘kneeling’ transfer bus at its Long Stay Car Park. The bus can lower its front end to make it easier for people with limited mobility to board. It also has a ramp for easy wheelchair access.

EV charging at Belfast International Airport  

There are twelve parking bays with EV Charging facilities in Belfast’s Short Stay Car Park. There are 6 standard chargers and one Rapid charger (up to 100 miles in less than 30 minutes).  

The EV charging points are operated Weev. More information can be found here.  

How to contact Belfast International Airport  

The contact number for Belfast International Airport is 028 9448 4848. 

Cardiff Airport has 120 parking spaces across its Short and Long Stay car parks for people with reduced mobility. Parking charges are the same in both car parks.  

The Short Stay car park offers ramp access and both car parks have special assistance call points. You can press for help and speak to a member of staff for support.

Glasgow Airport has Blue Badge parking spaces in all of its car parks. All car park floors have access to accessible lifts. Short Stay car park 2 is the best option for passengers with reduced mobility. It has ground floor spaces for Blue Badge holders and a help point.  

Blue Badge holders can get 30 minutes free in Short Stay car parks 1 and 2. Just quote your Blue Badge number using the intercom when you exit the car park.

Edinburgh Airport has wider space parking for Blue Badge holders in all its car parks except Mid Stay. There are telephone help points near the Blue Badge spaces to help you arrange assistance. Travellers with disabilities can get free help with wheelchairs and luggage.   

For drop-off and pick-up, Blue Badge holders have one hour’s free access to any car park. This includes the drop-off and pick-up zones on the ground floor of the multi-storey car park.