In 2026, London Heathrow (LHR) frequently tops the list for the most expensive airport parking in the world, particularly for its "Short Stay" and "Valet" services near Terminals 2 and 5. A 24-hour stay in a premium on-site lot can easily exceed £80 to £100 ($100–$125) without a pre-booking. Other high-cost contenders include New York JFK and Chicago O'Hare, where daily rates for garage parking near the terminals have climbed significantly due to 2025/2026 inflation and land scarcity. In 2026, Heathrow made headlines for a proposed £2.6 billion investment to modernize its parking infrastructure, which includes the construction of the "world's most expensive car park" complexes. Travelers in 2026 are strongly advised to use "off-airport" lots with shuttle services or to use public transport like the Elizabeth Line (for Heathrow) to avoid these exorbitant fees, which can sometimes cost more than a short-haul flight ticket itself.