Driving an electric car to the airport means thinking about where to charge. UK airports now offer charging in most Short Stay car parks, rapid hubs nearby, and off-airport car parks that charge your car while you are away - here is how each works, what it costs and how to choose.
Three ways to charge at the airport
- Charge while you fly - drop your car and keys at an off-airport car park or valet with EV charging, and staff charge it while you are away so you return to a full battery. Usually the most convenient for a trip.
- Top up on arrival - use an on-airport Short Stay charger (often 7kW to 22kW, first come first served). You pay the electricity and the short-stay parking fee, so it suits a quick top-up.
- Use a rapid hub nearby - ultra-rapid forecourts and motorway services near many airports add a lot of range in minutes before you fly.
Charger types and how long they take
- Slow (up to about 3kW) - best for overnight; several hours for a full charge.
- Fast (7kW to 22kW) - common in airport car parks; a few hours for a meaningful charge.
- Rapid and ultra-rapid (50kW to 350kW) - forecourt hubs that can reach about 80% in 30 to 60 minutes on compatible cars.
Tips for EV drivers
- Bring a Type 2 cable for AC and terminal chargers; rapid hubs are usually tethered.
- Arrive with a buffer of charge - on-airport bays are limited and first come, first served.
- Do not charge in the drop-off or Drop & Go zone; these are time-limited.
- Avoid leaving your car on a public charger for the whole trip (idle fees, and it blocks others).
- Prices change - check the app or Zapmap for the live rate first.
EV charging by airport
Read our quick guide for each major UK airport:
- Gatwick EV Charging
- Heathrow EV Charging
- Manchester EV Charging
- Luton EV Charging
- Birmingham EV Charging
- Stansted EV Charging
- Edinburgh EV Charging
- Glasgow EV Charging
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Compare airport parkingEV airport charging FAQs
Can you charge an electric car at UK airports?
Yes. Most major UK airports have EV charging, usually 7kW to 22kW chargers in the Short Stay car parks, plus rapid hubs nearby and off-airport car parks that charge your car while you are away. Availability and pricing vary, so check before you travel.
What is the cheapest way to charge an EV at the airport?
For a quick top-up, on-airport Short Stay chargers are convenient but you also pay the short-stay parking fee. For a holiday, an off-airport car park or valet that charges while you are away is usually better value than premium short-stay tariffs.
Do I need to bring my own charging cable?
For AC and terminal chargers (7kW to 22kW), yes, bring a Type 2 cable. Rapid and ultra-rapid hubs are usually tethered, so you do not need your own.
Can I leave my EV on a charger while I fly?
It is discouraged. Public networks often add idle fees once charging finishes, and it blocks other drivers. A charge-while-you-fly car park is designed for exactly this.
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See park & ride, meet & greet and airport fast track across the UK.