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Choosing the right type of car park when it comes to airport parking or city center parking can be the difference between a stressful journey or not. Two of the most popular choices are the multi storey and the surface car park. But how are they different? And more importantly — which one suits your travel needs better?
In this detailed guide, we break down the multi-storey vs. surface car parking debate with real-life examples like Topp Way Multi-Storey Car Park, Parking 2B, and Edinburgh Airport Multi-Storey Car Parking. Let’s dive in and make your parking decision easier and smarter.
So whether you're flying out for a short business trip or planning a long holiday, understanding the difference between a multi storey and surface car park will help you make a smarter, stress-free parking decision.
Also known as a multistory, multistory, or multi level car parking, the term describes a vertical car park with more than one story. And these are facilities that normally are built in high-traffic areas like airports, shopping centers, and next to train stations where there is a lack of land but a big demand for vehicles.
In fact, most of them are designed with ramps, elevators, staircases, and signs for easy climbing to other floors. The EV charging stations may also be provided in car parking for these car parks; Blue Badge bays may also be part of these car parks (using automated barriers or ANPR systems), 24/7 CCTV monitoring, and the like to make this car parking convenient as well as secure.
• Close to terminals: Ideal for short-stay parking at airports and central locations. No shuttle is required—you’re just steps away from departures or the high street.
• Weather-protected: Located within covered structures, your vehicle remains protected from environmental elements like sun, rain, snow, and hail.
• Secure: Most multi-story facilities are supplied with security lighting, CCTV, barrier entrance, and sometimes on-site staff or patrols.
• Fasten up and bustle forth: Fast entry & exit is perfect for business travelers and families who like to spend time.
• Top Way Multi Story Car Park—Very centrally situated car park in Bolton offering short- and long-term parking.
• Fareham Multi Story Car Park—Located in the Fareham Shopping Centre, ideal for shoppers and commuters.
• Cornbow Multi Story Car Park—serving Halesowen town center, direct access to high street retail and leisure.
• SLDC Multi Storey Car Park—Part of the South Lakeland District Council facilities, providing reliable city center parking.
• Edinburgh Airport Multi Storey Car Parking—Offers premium short-stay parking just a 1–2-minute walk to the terminal, featuring ANPR access, EV charge points, and Blue Badge spaces.
A surface car park is an open flat area where cars park generally on one floor. Generally, it takes large ground spaces and is usually located away from terminals or buildings. These are very common around UK airports, business parks, train stations and Park & Ride zones.
Because they are wide and open and good for large volumes of vehicles, buses, vans and even motor homes, surface car parks are ideal for storing. A good example of these are car parks which are part of the many hundreds of these which act as such, offering automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), fenced perimeters, security patrols and shuttle bus service to the airport.
• More affordable: Ideal for budget travelers and travelers on a shoestring, or travelers who need to park for long period of time.
• Easier to drive to: There are no ramps or levels; Drivers can quickly find their area and exit.
• Spacious layout: Meant for the accommodation of all vehicle types, regardless of roof box or longer wheelbase.
• Surface car parks—suited for Park & Ride: Normally located at most UK airports, surface car parks usually have shuttle bus transfers to terminals at frequent intervals, ideal for family holidays or long business trips.
Budget-conscious travelers often lean toward surface parking for long stays. Cheap Heathrow Airport Parking is a popular choice, offering spacious surface lots with frequent shuttle services to the terminals, perfect for travelers looking to save on parking.
Opt for multi-story parking when:
• You're catching a short flight or returning the same day.
• You’re carrying heavy luggage or traveling with kids.
• You want faster terminal access and a secure environment.
• You need premium airport parking (e.g., Edinburgh Airport, Birmingham Airport).
Multi-storey parking, like Parking 2b or Cornbow Multi-Storey Car Park, offers added convenience and proximity.
Choose surface parking if:
• You’re going away for a week or more.
• You're on a tight budget.
• You don’t mind taking a Park & Ride shuttle.
Many UK airports have reliable surface parking areas that are secure, spacious, and cost-effective.
They’re the same! Being ‘multi-storey’ or ‘multi-level’ is often used interchangeably with ‘multi-story,’ though this depends on UK vs US spelling.
Parking 2B usually refers to a multi-story terminal parking zone, commonly used for short stays.
Yes! In fact, a multitude of multi-story car parks even have EV charging points, from Heathrow and Gatwick airports.
Absolutely. Accessible parking bays for disabled passengers are found in multi-story car parks.
For official parking details and to make a reservation, visit the Heathrow Airport Official Parking Page, where you can explore all available parking options.
When selecting a car park, the multistorey carpark and surface car parks give great value, but what you choose depends on your preference for budget, convenience, or travel style.
Compare prices for multi-storey and surface car parks at all major UK airports now — only on Holidays Car Parking.
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