TUKANP1 vs P2 vs External Parking at Bratislava Airport — Comparison
Flying from Bratislava and cannot decide where to leave your car? You have three basic options — the official airport car parks P1, P2 and P3, or an external car park with transfer. Each option has different prices, different comfort and different risks. Here is an objective comparison.
Quick overview: What is what
P1 is directly in front of the terminal. It is intended for short-term stops — dropping off or picking up passengers. The first 15 minutes are free (once per hour), then €5 for each started hour. For long-term parking, it makes no financial sense.
P2 is the main long-term car park with 670 spaces. It is located a few minutes on foot from the terminal. Prices are package-based — 7 days cost €89, 14 days €159.
P3 is a more distant car park with 338 spaces and slightly lower prices than P2. The catch is the distance — 1.5 km from the terminal, which is about a 20-minute walk with luggage. No shuttle to the terminal is available.
External car park is a private car park outside the airport area. You park, a driver takes you by minibus to the terminal, and picks you up after your return. The transfer is included. Prices are significantly lower than at the airport.
Price comparison 2026
| Number of days | P1 | P2 | P3 | External (range) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 day | €120 (24h) | €36 | €34 | €7–25 |
| 3 days | €360 | €45 | €39 | €21–30 |
| 7 days | n/a | €89 | €79 | €31–63 |
| 8 days | n/a | €99 | €89 | €36–72 |
| 14 days | n/a | €159 | €149 | €56–112 |
P1 is not relevant for multi-day parking. External car park prices vary by operator and season.
The difference is clear. For an 8-day holiday, you save €27 to €63 at an external car park compared to P2. For 14 days, it can be over €100.
Service comparison
| P1 | P2 | P3 | External car park | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distance from terminal | 0 min (directly in front) | 3–5 min on foot | 20 min on foot (1.5 km) | 6–11 min transfer by car |
| Transfer to terminal | none | none | none | included (minibus) |
| Luggage assistance | no | no | no | usually yes |
| Online booking | no | yes | yes | yes |
| Cancellation | n/a | free | free | depends on operator |
| Night surcharge | no | no | no | some charge €10 |
| Keys | with you | with you | with you | depends on operator |
| Capacity | 106 spaces | 670 spaces | 338 spaces | 50–100 spaces |
| Flight tracking | no | no | no | some yes |
When to choose what
P1 — only for pick-up/drop-off. Never for long-term parking. 15 minutes free for a quick passenger handover.
P2 — when you want to simply arrive and go. No coordination with anyone, you park and in 3 minutes you are at the terminal. Ideal for 1–2 day trips or when you do not want to deal with a transfer.
P3 — when you want to save a few euros compared to P2. But factor in a 20-minute walk with suitcases. For families with children or late-night arrivals, this can be uncomfortable.
External car park — best value for 3+ days. A driver takes you directly to the terminal, no dragging suitcases. Savings of €30–100 compared to the airport. The only downside is that it is not "right at the airport" — but the transfer takes less time than walking from P3.
What to watch out for
Night surcharge. Some external car parks charge €10 for transfers between 22:00 and 7:00. If you fly early in the morning or return late, this fee can reduce your savings. However, there are car parks that operate 24/7 without surcharges.
Cancellation conditions. P2 and P3 have free cancellation. For external car parks, conditions vary — some require cancellation 7 days in advance, others allow cancellation at any time.
Car keys. At P2 and P3, you keep your keys of course. At external car parks, ask — some require key handover, others let you park yourself and keep the keys the entire time.
Capacity in season. P2 has 670 spaces and fills up in summer. Online booking is recommended. External car parks have smaller capacity, so booking is usually mandatory.
Conclusion
For short trips (1–2 days), P2 is a simple and convenient choice. For longer stays (3+ days), an external car park with transfer saves significantly and often offers better service — a ride to the terminal, luggage assistance, flight tracking. P3 is a compromise, but a 20-minute walk with suitcases is not for everyone.
The most important thing is to compare specific prices for your dates and verify conditions (cancellation, night surcharge, keys). The decision will then be obvious.
Looking for a complete overview of all options? Read our [guide to parking at Bratislava Airport 2026](/en/magazin/parkovanie-pri-letisku/parkovanie-pri-letisku-bratislava-sprievodca).
Updated: March 2026