As families prepare for the start of the school holidays, it's time to get ready for the annual trip abroad.

If you're off on your holidays this summer then you'll need to arrange parking at the airport.

So here's a guide to all the details you'll need before parking at Heathrow or Gatwick:

Heathrow Airport

Heathrow Airport, Greater London, TW6 1EW

Long-stay car parking - Ideal if you’re going away for a couple of days or more. You can drive yourself to the airport, and use the free shuttle service to get to the terminal where you’re flying from.

There is CCTV coverage, security fencing and frequent patrols at the long stay car park.

Drive-up prices - First day is £26 and each additional 24 hours after that is £20.50.

Peak drive-up prices - First day is £29.90 and each additional 24 hours after that is £23.60. This is effective from 17th July - 16th August.

Business parking - Convenient for those who might be pushed for time. The business car park is closer to the terminal for convenience and a faster and more frequent transfer service.

Drive-up prices: For business parking for terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5 is based on a daily rate.

Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday is £26. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday is £28.

To get a quote for business parking click here.

Short-stay parking - Convenient for those meeting or dropping off passengers and is located right next to the terminals.

  • Up to 30 mins - £3.50
  • 30 mins - 1 hour - £6.50
  • 1-2 hours - £10.50
  • 2-3 hours - £13
  • 3-4 hours - £17
  • 4-5 hours - £21
  • 5-6 hours - £26
  • 6-9 hours - £38
  • 9-12 hours - £49
  • 12-24 hours - £56

Each additional 24 hours is £56.

Meet and Greet parking - Allows you to drive your own car straight to the airport and drop it off with the Meet and Greet service and the staff will park your car for you. You must pre-book the Meet and Greet parking.

To get a quote click here.

Valet parking - Means you can drive right up to the drop-off point at the terminal and once you’re there the valet staff will meet you and park your car for you at the official Heathrow car park.

Your car will then be waiting for you on your return in the valet pick-up area.

  • 1 day £90
  • 2 days £122
  • 3 days £154
  • 4 days £186

Each additional 24-hour period after is £25

There is currently a Groupon deal which is £4 for 30% off any Meet and Greet parking at Birmingham, Bristol, Heathrow, Gatwick, Liverpool John Lennon and Manchester airports.

Click here for more information.

There is also another Groupon deal which offers four days parking from £36 at Gatwick, Heathrow and Bristol airports. You can find out more here.

For more information on Heathrow Airport, go online.

Gatwick Airport

Gatwick Airport, West Sussex, RH6 0NP

There is both North and South terminal parking so ensure you know which terminal you are flying from when booking your parking.

Long-stay parking - An option for those who are going away on a longer break. The car park is a five minute bus ride to the terminal, with buses every 10-15 minutes, 24 hours a day.

The car park has CCTV coverage and security fences, and its self-parking facility means you can find your own space and keep your keys with you.

The price is £20 for the first day and £15 for each day after that. To book, click here.

Short-stay parking - Available and just a short walk to the terminal. There is also CCTV coverage and security patrols, and a self-parking facility where you can pick your space and keep your keys with you.

Prices start from £3 on the day but you can save when you book in advance here.

Valet parking - An option for those who want added convenience as you can drop your car off and walk right in to the check-in area. There’s no need to get a transfer as you will get straight out of your car on arrival and it will be waiting for you on your return.

To get a quote click here.

Premium parking - The closest self-parking facility and has extra security with its own barrier controls and regular patrols. There is also quick access to the terminal through a covered walkway.

You can pre-book this service to get discounted prices or pay on the day. To get a quote click here.

Summer special parking - If you’re flying from North Terminal until October, Gatwick has another parking option.

You don’t need to park your car as the staff will do it for you so you can just get on the 10-minute transfer to your terminal. Pre-book here for savings.

There is currently a Groupon deal which is £4 for 30% off any Meet and Greet parking at Birmingham, Bristol, Heathrow, Gatwick, Liverpool John Lennon and Manchester airports.

For more information, click here.

There is also another Groupon deal which offers four days parking from £36 at Gatwick, Heathrow and Bristol airports. See more here.

For more information, visit Gatwick's website.