Inverness Airport (INV) serves as a vital connection point for the Scottish Highlands and Islands, linking the region with other parts of the UK, including London, Manchester, and Bristol, and several European destinations.
INV airport is operated by HIAL. The airport caters to both leisure travellers exploring the scenic Highlands, Loch Ness, and the North Coast 500, and business travellers.
Airlines such as Loganair, British Airways, EasyJet, and KLM Cityhopper operate from INV. Understanding the parking facilities is key for a smooth journey, whether you're a local resident or a visitor.
Inverness Airport (INV) Information
- Full Name: Inverness Airport
- IATA Code: INV
- ICAO Code: EGPE
- Operator: Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL)
- Location: Dalcross, Inverness, Scotland, approximately 8 miles (13 km) east of Inverness city centre.
- Terminals: Inverness Airport has one main passenger terminal building that handles all flights. The car parks are situated conveniently around this terminal.
How to Make Reservations and Book Parking at Inverness Airport
Inverness Airport, through HIAL, offers an online pre-booking system for its Short Stay and Long Stay car parks.
Pre-booking is generally recommended to potentially access better rates and guarantee a space, especially during busier periods.
Steps to Pre-Book INV Parking Online
- Access Official Booking Portal: Navigate to the Inverness Airport section on the HIAL website, specifically the parking page, or directly to HIAL's parking booking portal if a direct link is provided (often integrated within the airport's parking page). The general HIAL parking booking link is typically found via https://www.hial.co.uk/parking.
- Select Airport & Dates: Choose "Inverness Airport" from the list of airports. Enter your planned parking entry date and time, and your expected exit date and time.
- Get a Quote: The system will display available parking options (usually Short Stay or Long Stay) and their prices for your selected duration.
- Choose Product: Select the car park that best suits your needs (e.g., Short Stay 1 for closest access, Long Stay for better value on longer trips).
- Provide Details: Enter your personal information, contact details, and vehicle registration number. HIAL car parks use an ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) system.
- Complete Payment: Proceed to the secure online payment gateway. Pay using an accepted credit/debit card.
- Receive Confirmation: You will receive an email confirmation with your booking details, a unique booking reference number, and instructions for arrival and exit. It's advisable to bring a copy of this (printed or on your phone).
Parking Fees and Rates at Inverness Airport (INV)
Parking tariffs at Inverness Airport are set by HIAL. The rates below are the standard drive-up tariffs effective from 12 June 2025.
Pre-booking online is recommended ("For best value, pre-book online for the latest price").
Short Stay & Free Drop Off Car Park / Premium, Accessible & Drop Off Car Park Rates
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Duration
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Tariff
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Notes
|
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Up to 15 mins
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FREE
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No return within one hour.
|
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Up to 30 mins
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£3.80
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30 mins to 1 hour
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£10.40
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1 – 3 hours
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£13.20
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3 – 12 hours
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£19.80
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12 – 24 hours
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£24.20
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Additional parking in the Short Stay Car Park / Premium Car Park is charged as per the above tariff.
Long Stay (not pre-booked) Car Park Rates
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Duration
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Tariff
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Up to 4 days
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£57
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Up to 5 days
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£68
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Up to 6 days
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£79
|
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Up to 7 days
|
£90
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Up to 8 days
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£101
|
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Up to 9 days
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£111
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Up to 10 days
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£118
|
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Up to 11 days
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£129
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Up to 12 days
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£139
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Up to 13 days
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£149
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Up to 14 days
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£165
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Additional parking in the Long Stay Car Park is charged at £12 per day or part thereof.
Key Notes from the new Tariff for INV Aiport:
- Free Period: The first 15 minutes in the Short Stay & Free Drop Off car park are FREE (no return within one hour).
- Pre-booking: For the best value, especially for Long Stay, pre-booking online is advised to get the latest price.
- Blue Badge Holders: While not explicitly detailed in the new tariff sheet OCR, designated spaces are typically available, and standard tariff rates usually apply. Previous advice on assistance buttons at barriers remains relevant.
- Lost Ticket Fee: Not detailed in the new OCR, but previous policy was to charge at the full daily rate for the respective car park. This should be confirmed on-site if a ticket is lost.
Step-by-Step of How to Pay for Inverness Airport Parking
For Pre-Booked Parking Online:
- Payment is completed online during the booking process.
- Entry: Drive to your pre-booked car park. The ANPR system should recognise your vehicle's number plate, and the barrier will lift automatically.
- Backup: If the ANPR fails, scan the QR code on your booking confirmation (if provided) or press the intercom button for assistance and quote your booking reference. Do not press for a ticket if you have pre-booked.
- Exit: The same ANPR process applies. The barrier should lift automatically.
For Drive-Up/Turn-Up Parking (Paying on Site):
- Entry: Drive to the entry barrier of your chosen car park (Short Stay 1, Short Stay 2, or Long Stay). Press the button to take a parking ticket. Keep this ticket safe.
- Park Vehicle: Find an available bay.
- Payment (Before Returning to Car): Before going back to your vehicle, go to a Pay Station. These are typically located within the terminal building or near the car park pedestrian exits.
- At the Pay Station: Insert your parking ticket. The machine will calculate the fee based on your duration of stay.
- Pay Amount: Pay using an accepted credit/debit card or cash (GBP).
- Collect Validated Ticket: The machine will return your validated ticket (or a separate exit ticket).
- Exit: Drive to the exit barrier. Insert your validated ticket into the slot. The barrier will lift. There's usually a short grace period (e.g., 10-15 minutes) after payment to exit.
Accepted Payment Methods for Inverness Airport Parking
Online Pre-Booking (HIAL Portal):
- Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard.
- Debit Cards: Visa Debit, Maestro.
On-Site Pay Stations:
- Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard.
- Debit Cards: Visa Debit, Maestro.
- Cash: Pound Sterling (GBP).
- Contactless Payments: Likely available for card payments at pay stations.
Online Payment Methods for Inverness Airport Parking
The primary online payment method is for pre-booking your parking session in advance through the HIAL website, using the credit/debit cards listed above.
Official Inverness Airport Parking Website & Booking Portal
- Main Inverness Airport Website (HIAL): https://www.hial.co.uk/inverness-airport/
- Parking Information Page: https://www.hial.co.uk/inverness-airport/airport-information-8/4 (or navigate via the main site)
- Official Parking Booking (HIAL Portal): Accessible through the airport's parking page, generally via https://www.hial.co.uk/parking (select Inverness Airport).
Always use these official channels for the most accurate information and secure bookings.
Arrivals and Pick-Up Parking at Inverness Airport (INV)
- Free Pick-Up (Short Stay Car Parks): Both Short Stay Car Park 1 and Short Stay Car Park 2 offer FREE parking for up to 20 minutes. This is ideal for quick passenger pick-ups when the arriving passenger is ready and waiting.
- Longer Pick-Ups: If you need more than 20 minutes or wish to meet the passenger inside the terminal, standard Short Stay hourly rates will apply after the initial free period. Short Stay Car Park 1 is the closest to the terminal building.
- Terminal Front: The area directly in front of the terminal is strictly for immediate drop-off and pick-up. No waiting is permitted to ensure traffic flow.
Departures and Drop-Off Parking at Inverness Airport (INV)
- Free Drop-Off (Short Stay Car Parks): Similar to pick-ups, you can use Short Stay Car Park 1 or Short Stay Car Park 2 for FREE for up to 20 minutes to drop off passengers. This allows ample time for unloading luggage and quick farewells.
- Terminal Front: The terminal forecourt can be used for immediate, active drop-off. Drivers should not leave their vehicles unattended.
- Longer Stays: If you intend to accompany passengers into the terminal for check-in or stay longer, park in one of the Short Stay car parks. Standard hourly rates apply after the 20-minute free period.
- Long Stay Car Park: While primarily for longer durations, if dropping off and needing extended time beyond the Short Stay free period, it could be an option, but it's less convenient for quick drop-offs due to its location further from the terminal. Minimum charges apply.
Inverness Airport (INV) Parking Map and Car Park Locations
Inverness Airport has a straightforward layout with car parks located close to the single terminal building:
- Short Stay Car Park 1: Located directly opposite the terminal building, offering the closest and most convenient access. This is the premium short-stay option.
- Short Stay Car Park 2: Situated adjacent to Short Stay Car Park 1, still very close to the terminal and offering a slightly more economical short-stay option.
- Long Stay Car Park: Located a short walk (approximately 3-5 minutes) from the terminal building. It is the most cost-effective option for passengers leaving their vehicles for several days or longer.
All car parks are well signposted from the main airport approach road (A96). Given the compact nature of the airport, navigating to the car parks is simple.
References for Inverness Airport, Scotland, UK
- Inverness Airport Official Website (HIAL): https://www.hial.co.uk/inverness-airport/
- Inverness Airport Parking Information: https://www.hial.co.uk/inverness-airport/airport-information-8/4
- Inverness Airport Car Park Tariffs (Effective 1 April 2024 - 31 March 2025): https://www.hial.co.uk/downloads/file/1066/inverness-car-park-tariffs-2025
- HIAL Parking Booking (General Link): https://www.hial.co.uk/parking