How to Save on Airport Parking in Long Beach

Traveling through Long Beach Airport (LGB) offers a streamlined, stress-free experience compared to larger metropolitan hubs. With fewer crowds, shorter security lines, and convenient access to the South Bay and Los Angeles region, it’s no wonder more travelers are choosing LGB for domestic flights. However, one of the most overlooked expenses when flying out of Long Beach is airport parking. Daily rates at on-site parking facilities can quickly add up—especially for extended trips. The good news? With the right strategy, you can save significantly on airport parking in Long Beach without sacrificing convenience or security.

This comprehensive guide walks you through proven methods to reduce your parking costs at Long Beach Airport. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a vacationing family, or someone dropping off a traveler, these actionable steps, best practices, tools, and real-world examples will help you cut parking expenses by 30% to 70%. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to park smarter, not harder, at LGB.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Book Parking Online in Advance

The single most effective way to save on airport parking in Long Beach is to reserve your spot ahead of time. On-site parking at Long Beach Airport—including the Terminal Parking Garage and the Economy Parking Lot—is often priced higher for walk-up customers. By booking online, you lock in discounted rates that are typically 20% to 40% lower than paying at the gate.

To begin, visit the official Long Beach Airport website and navigate to the parking section. You’ll find options for both short-term and long-term parking, with clear pricing calendars. Select your arrival and departure dates, then compare available lots. Look for promotions labeled “Early Bird Discount” or “Advance Booking Special.” Many providers offer additional savings for booking 7 to 14 days in advance.

Pro tip: Set a calendar reminder to book your parking as soon as your flight is confirmed. Prices rise as your travel date approaches, especially during holidays and peak summer months.

2. Consider Off-Airport Parking Facilities

Off-airport parking lots and valet services located just minutes from Long Beach Airport consistently offer better rates than on-site options. These providers typically charge between $6 and $12 per day, compared to $20–$30 per day for the Terminal Parking Garage.

Many off-airport facilities include complimentary shuttle service to and from the terminal, running every 10 to 15 minutes. Some even offer added perks like free car washes, 24/7 surveillance, and GPS-tracked vehicles. Popular providers in the area include Park ‘N Fly, Long Beach Airport Parking, and Airport Parking Reservations.

To find the best off-airport option, enter your travel dates into a comparison platform (covered in the Tools and Resources section). Filter by price, distance, shuttle frequency, and customer ratings. Choose a facility with at least a 4.5-star rating and verified reviews mentioning punctual shuttles and secure parking.

3. Use Parking Coupon Codes and Promo Deals

Many parking providers—both on-site and off-airport—run seasonal promotions, holiday sales, and loyalty discounts. Before finalizing your booking, search for active coupon codes using keywords like “Long Beach Airport parking discount code 2024” or “LGB parking promo.”

Check deal websites such as RetailMeNot, Honey, and Coupons.com. Some travel blogs and YouTube creators who cover LGB also share exclusive codes in their video descriptions. Additionally, sign up for email newsletters from parking providers; they often send subscribers a 10% discount for first-time bookings.

One effective strategy is to combine a promo code with an advance booking. For example, if a provider offers 20% off for booking early and you have a 10% coupon, you can stack them for a total savings of 28%.

4. Opt for Economy Parking Instead of Terminal Garage

If you prefer parking on-site, choose the Economy Parking Lot over the Terminal Parking Garage. The Economy Lot is located about a 5-minute shuttle ride from the terminal and costs roughly half as much as the garage. While it requires a short shuttle transfer, the time difference is minimal, and the cost savings are substantial.

For travelers with mobility concerns, the shuttle buses are ADA-compliant and equipped with ramps. If you’re traveling with young children or heavy luggage, consider booking a shuttle that accommodates strollers and large bags—most do.

Remember: The Terminal Garage is ideal only if you’re picking someone up, making a very short trip, or have a flight departing within the hour. For any trip longer than a day, Economy Parking is the smarter financial choice.

5. Explore Valet Parking Alternatives

Valet parking at Long Beach Airport is convenient but expensive—often $35–$45 per day. However, some off-airport valet services offer comparable convenience at a fraction of the cost. These services pick up your car from your home or office and deliver it back after your trip.

Providers like Airport Valet Service LA and LAX Valet (which also serves LGB) operate in the Long Beach area. You’ll pay around $18–$25 per day, including round-trip transportation. This option is ideal for travelers who want to avoid walking, shuttles, or carrying luggage through parking lots.

Book valet services at least 48 hours in advance to ensure availability. Provide your flight details so they can coordinate pickup and drop-off times around your schedule.

6. Use Loyalty Programs and Membership Discounts

Several parking providers offer loyalty programs that reward repeat customers. For example, Park ‘N Fly’s “Fly & Save” program gives members 10% off every booking and free parking on their birthday. AAA members can also receive up to 15% off at select off-airport lots.

Additionally, some credit cards offer travel perks that include parking discounts. Check your card’s benefits portal—cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture often include access to exclusive parking deals through their travel partners.

Even if you don’t have a travel card, consider signing up for free loyalty programs. They’re quick to join and can add up to hundreds of dollars in savings over time.

7. Travel During Off-Peak Times

Parking rates at Long Beach Airport fluctuate based on demand. Weekends, holidays, and summer months (June–August) see the highest prices. To save money, try to schedule your departure on a Tuesday or Wednesday. These midweek days typically have the lowest parking demand and, therefore, the lowest rates.

Similarly, avoid booking during major events in the area—such as the Long Beach Grand Prix, Air Show, or major conferences—which can cause parking prices to spike by 50% or more. Use event calendars from Visit Long Beach or the LGB website to plan around these dates.

8. Combine Parking with a Hotel Stay

If you’re arriving the night before a morning flight, consider booking a hotel with free or discounted airport parking. Many hotels near Long Beach Airport offer “Park & Fly” packages that include one or two nights of lodging plus secure parking for the duration of your trip.

Examples include the Hyatt House Long Beach, DoubleTree by Hilton, and Hampton Inn & Suites. These packages often cost less than parking at the airport for a single day, let alone multiple days. Plus, you’ll get breakfast, a comfortable bed, and a stress-free start to your journey.

When searching, use filters like “free airport parking” or “park and fly deal” on booking platforms such as Booking.com or Expedia. Always confirm parking inclusion directly with the hotel before booking.

9. Share Rides or Use Airport Shuttles

If you’re traveling with family or friends, consider splitting the cost of a rideshare or airport shuttle to the terminal. Services like Uber, Lyft, and SuperShuttle can be more economical than parking if you’re only staying a few days.

For example, if you’re flying out for three days and your round-trip rideshare costs $40 total, that’s less than one day of on-site parking. You also avoid the hassle of walking to your car, searching for a spot, or dealing with shuttle delays.

Another option: Use public transit. The Long Beach Transit Line 111 connects to the airport and costs just $1.75 per ride. While it requires a transfer and takes about 20 minutes longer than a shuttle, it’s the most budget-friendly option for solo travelers.

10. Monitor Your Departure Time and Avoid Overtime Fees

One of the most common mistakes travelers make is underestimating how long they’ll need parking. Many facilities charge overtime fees if you return even one hour past your reserved time. These fees can add $10–$25 per hour, quickly erasing your savings.

To avoid this, always pad your return time by at least 30 minutes. If your flight is scheduled to land at 6:00 PM, plan to retrieve your car by 7:00 PM to account for baggage claim, shuttle wait times, and traffic. Some parking providers allow you to extend your reservation online up to an hour before pickup—use this feature if you’re running late.

Set phone alerts for your return date and time. Use your calendar app to create a reminder 24 hours before your flight lands. This simple step prevents costly surprises.

Best Practices

Always Compare Multiple Options

Never settle for the first parking option you see. Prices vary widely between providers—even those located just a mile apart. Use comparison tools to evaluate at least three different services before booking. Look beyond price: consider shuttle frequency, security features, cleanliness, and customer service reputation.

Read the Fine Print

Some off-airport parking providers advertise low daily rates but charge extra for services like luggage assistance, early drop-off, or weekend parking. Others may require a deposit or have strict cancellation policies. Always review the terms before completing your reservation. Look for hidden fees related to fuel, cleaning, or insurance.

Keep a Record of Your Booking

Save your confirmation email, reservation number, and parking provider’s contact information. Print a copy or store it in your phone’s notes app. In case of a shuttle delay or lost receipt, having this documentation will help you resolve issues quickly.

Arrive Early for Your Drop-Off

Whether you’re using on-site or off-site parking, plan to arrive at least 45 minutes before your flight. This gives you ample time to park, wait for the shuttle, and make it through security. Rushing increases the risk of missing your flight—and that’s far more costly than any parking fee.

Use a Parking Tracker App

Apps like SpotHero, ParkMobile, and ParkWhiz allow you to track your parked vehicle’s location, receive shuttle alerts, and even pay for parking remotely. These tools are especially helpful if you’re unfamiliar with the airport or have a large group.

Avoid Parking Near Terminal Entrances

While it may be tempting to use the short-term “kiss and ride” zones to drop off passengers, these areas are strictly monitored. Violators face fines up to $250. Use designated passenger loading zones instead, and always follow posted signage.

Consider Travel Insurance with Parking Coverage

Some comprehensive travel insurance plans cover parking fees if your trip is canceled due to illness, weather, or airline delays. While not a direct savings method, it protects your investment. Review your policy or consider upgrading if you frequently book expensive parking.

Keep Your Vehicle Secure

Before parking, remove valuables from your car, lock all doors, and disable any alarm systems that might trigger false alerts. Many off-airport lots offer covered parking or 24/7 surveillance—prioritize these when possible. A stolen GPS device or laptop can cost far more than a day of premium parking.

Plan for Weather and Seasonal Changes

Long Beach enjoys mild weather, but summer heat and coastal fog can affect parking conditions. If you’re parking for more than a week, consider a covered lot to protect your vehicle’s interior. Sun damage to dashboards and seats can lead to costly repairs.

Use a Fuel-Efficient Vehicle

If you’re driving to the airport, a smaller, fuel-efficient car reduces your overall travel costs. Less space means you can park in compact spots (often cheaper), and you’ll use less gas getting to and from the airport. Hybrid or electric vehicles may also qualify for preferred parking discounts at some facilities.

Tag Your Vehicle for Easy Identification

Place a distinctive marker on your car’s antenna or windshield—like a colorful ribbon or custom magnet. This helps you spot your vehicle quickly in large lots, especially if you’ve parked far from the shuttle stop. It also helps shuttle drivers identify your car if you’ve requested a specific drop-off location.

Tools and Resources

Official Long Beach Airport Parking Page

The most reliable source for on-site parking rates and availability is the official LGB website: www.longbeachairport.com/parking. It provides real-time pricing, maps of parking locations, and shuttle schedules. Bookmark this page for quick access.

ParkWhiz

ParkWhiz is a leading platform that aggregates off-airport parking options near LGB. It allows you to compare prices, read verified reviews, and book instantly. Features include mobile check-in, digital receipts, and guaranteed pricing. Visit www.parkwhiz.com/long-beach-airport to start comparing.

SpotHero

SpotHero works similarly to ParkWhiz but often includes additional perks like free cancellation and loyalty points. It’s particularly useful for last-minute bookings. Download the app for iOS or Android to receive push notifications about price drops.

Google Maps

Search “airport parking near Long Beach Airport” on Google Maps. You’ll see a map with pins for nearby lots, user ratings, and driving times. Click on each listing to view hours, pricing, and contact info. This is a great way to discover lesser-known local providers.

AAA Member Discounts

AAA members receive exclusive discounts at over 20 off-airport parking providers nationwide. Visit www.aaa.com/travel/airport-parking and enter your zip code to find deals near LGB. Savings range from 10% to 20%.

Travel Blogs and YouTube Channels

Several travel influencers specialize in budget-friendly airport tips. Channels like “The Budget Traveler” and blogs like “Fly Cheap with Sarah” regularly review Long Beach Airport parking options. They often include video walkthroughs of shuttles, parking lots, and real-time pricing comparisons.

Reddit Communities

Join subreddits like r/LongBeach or r/airtravel. Members frequently post about recent experiences with LGB parking, including price alerts, shuttle updates, and hidden discounts. Search “LGB parking” to find threads from the past 30 days.

Hotel Booking Sites with Parking Filters

On Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com, use the “Free Parking” or “Airport Parking” filter when searching for hotels. Sort by price and read guest reviews mentioning parking quality and shuttle reliability.

Price Alert Tools

Set up price alerts on Hopper or Kayak for airport parking. These platforms track historical pricing and notify you when rates drop. For example, if you’re planning a trip in two months, you can be alerted when prices fall below your target threshold.

Local Transit Apps

Download the Long Beach Transit app for real-time bus schedules and route maps. It includes a “Park & Ride” feature that shows nearby lots connected to public transit lines leading to the airport.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Family of Four

Sarah and Mark are traveling from Long Beach to Orlando with their two children. Their flight departs on a Friday and returns three weeks later. They initially planned to use the Terminal Parking Garage at $28/day, totaling $588.

Instead, they booked off-airport parking through ParkWhiz for $8/day, totaling $168. They added a $20 shuttle pass for round-trip service. Total cost: $188. Savings: $400 (68%).

They also used a promo code from a travel blog and received an extra 10% off. Final cost: $169.20. They saved over $400 and had a stress-free experience with a clean, secure lot and frequent shuttles.

Example 2: The Business Traveler

James, a sales rep, flies out of LGB every other week. He used to pay $25/day for Terminal Garage parking, totaling $500/month. He switched to an off-airport valet service that charges $22/day with pickup from his office. Monthly cost: $440.

He also joined Park ‘N Fly’s loyalty program, which gave him 10% off his next 12 bookings. After one year, his total savings exceeded $600. He now saves time and money while avoiding the hassle of finding a parking spot.

Example 3: The Last-Minute Traveler

Lisa needed to fly to Seattle on short notice. She booked her flight at 8 PM and had to park by 5 AM. On-site parking was priced at $32 for the first day. She used SpotHero and found a nearby lot offering $14 for the first day with a 24/7 shuttle. She saved $18.

She also used a credit card travel perk that gave her a $10 parking voucher. Final savings: $28. She arrived at the airport calm and on time, with extra cash for coffee and snacks.

Example 4: The Weekend Getaway

David and his wife drove to LGB for a 3-day trip to Las Vegas. They considered parking at the Economy Lot ($14/day) but found a hotel package at the Hyatt House for $129 total—three nights’ stay, breakfast, and parking. Without the package, parking alone would have cost $42. They saved $33 and got a good night’s rest.

Example 5: The Senior Traveler

Carol, 72, flies to visit her grandchildren. She uses AAA discounts and always books off-airport parking with a wheelchair-accessible shuttle. Her usual rate is $10/day. With her AAA discount, she pays $8.50. She’s saved over $1,200 in the past two years.

FAQs

What is the cheapest parking option at Long Beach Airport?

The cheapest option is typically off-airport economy parking, which averages $6–$12 per day. On-site, the Economy Parking Lot is the most affordable at $14–$18 per day.

Can I park at Long Beach Airport for a week?

Yes. Both on-site and off-site parking facilities accommodate long-term stays. Off-airport lots often offer weekly rates as low as $50–$70.

Is it safe to park at off-airport lots near LGB?

Yes, provided you choose a reputable provider. Look for facilities with 24/7 surveillance, gated access, and positive customer reviews. Most top-rated off-airport lots have security measures equal to or better than airport lots.

Do any parking lots offer free shuttle service?

Yes. Nearly all off-airport parking providers near Long Beach Airport offer complimentary shuttles that run every 10–15 minutes. On-site, the Economy Lot shuttle is also free.

How far in advance should I book airport parking?

Book at least 7–14 days in advance to secure the best rates. For peak travel times (holidays, summer), book 30+ days ahead.

Are there electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at LGB parking?

Yes. The Terminal Parking Garage has multiple EV charging stations. Off-airport providers may also offer them—check their website or call ahead to confirm.

Can I cancel my parking reservation?

Most providers allow free cancellation up to 24–48 hours before your arrival. Always check the cancellation policy before booking.

What if my flight is delayed? Will I be charged extra?

Many providers offer a grace period (usually 1–2 hours) before charging overtime. Some allow you to extend your reservation online. Always confirm their policy in advance.

Do I need to reserve parking for a short drop-off?

No. For drop-offs or pickups under 30 minutes, use the free Cell Phone Waiting Lot located just off the airport entrance. It’s designed for quick stops.

Are there discounts for military personnel?

Yes. Active duty and veterans receive discounts at select off-airport lots and some on-site facilities. Present your military ID at check-in.

Conclusion

Saving on airport parking in Long Beach isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about making smarter, more informed choices. By combining advance booking, off-airport alternatives, promo codes, and loyalty perks, you can reduce your parking expenses by hundreds of dollars per year. The key is planning ahead, comparing options, and avoiding the default assumption that on-site parking is your only choice.

Long Beach Airport is already a traveler-friendly hub. Don’t let parking costs turn your smooth experience into a financial burden. Whether you’re flying for business, family, or leisure, the strategies outlined in this guide will help you reclaim your budget and reduce travel stress.

Start today: Book your next parking spot online. Compare three providers. Use a coupon. Set a reminder. You’ll be glad you did.