Bournemouth Airport Drop Off & Parking Guide: Cheapest Options Compared
- Sam Burden
- Aug 10, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 6
Wondering how to get to Bournemouth Airport without paying expensive parking fees?
Whether you need Bournemouth Airport drop off options, want to avoid the £115 weekly parking cost, or are looking for the cheapest airport transfer, this complete guide compares every option — including the free alternative most people don't know about.
If you're flying from Bournemouth Airport, the journey to the terminal can be trickier and more expensive than expected. Here's everything I learned from my recent trip, including why I chose an airport taxi over driving.
Is There Free Drop Off at Bournemouth Airport? The Truth About Bournemouth Airport Drop Off Charges
Honest answer? Not really. If you're searching for "Bournemouth Airport drop off free" or wondering about free drop-off options at Bournemouth Airport, you'll be disappointed to learn there's no truly free drop-off zone.
Bournemouth Airport Drop-Off Charges Explained
Transport Option | Cost | Journey Time | Pros | Cons |
CWRC Taxi | £35-45 (approx) | 20-30 mins | Door-to-door, no parking stress, luggage help | Higher cost |
Morebus (Service 1) | ~£4-5 | 45-60 mins | Cheapest option, regular service | Takes longer, managing luggage on bus |
Official Drop Off Zone | £5 (30 mins) | N/A | Quick goodbyes | Still costs money, 30-min limit |
Park & Stride | ~£50/week | N/A | Secure long-term parking | Expensive for short trips |
Get Someone to Drop You just outside Bournemouth Airport's entrance | Free | Varies | Free! | Not always possible. Is quite dangerous as there isn't a complete pavement |
Not sure which option is right for you? Here's what I learned from actually trying these. Scroll down for detailed breakdowns of each option.
Airport Parking: The Real Cost
I was seriously considering driving to Bournemouth Airport, thinking it would be the simplest solution. But when I checked the official parking prices, I was surprised.
Four days in the official car park came to £115. For comparison, parking at Gatwick Airport for the same amount of time was about half the price. Given Gatwick is a much larger hub with far more facilities, that price difference really stood out.
Other Parking Options and Airport Extras
I checked third-party options like Just Park and still found prices over £60 for four days. Sometimes these come with additional steps, like meeting someone to hand over keys or taking a shuttle, which are not ideal when you just want to get straight to the terminal.
Some airports offer airport extras like valet parking, car washes, or fast-track security passes. But at Bournemouth, those extras don’t make up for the high base parking prices.
Airport Drop-Off Charges
Even getting a lift isn’t straightforward. Bournemouth Airport charges £5 for 30 minutes in the drop-off zone.
When I compared this to airport drop off at Gatwick, it’s actually similar in cost, but Gatwick handles tens of millions of passengers a year, so it’s expected. At a smaller regional airport, it feels like an unnecessary extra expense.
737 Bus to Bournemouth Airport: Is It Worth It?
The 737 airport bus is technically the cheapest option at around £4-5, but it comes with serious limitations. The timetable is extremely limited. It only operates a few times a day, mostly early in the morning and only to Bournemouth town centre. If your flight is later, or you’re arriving back in the evening, the bus simply isn’t an option.
This lack of flexibility makes it difficult for many travellers to rely on public transport for airport transfers, especially if you’re carrying luggage or travelling with family.
Why an Airport Taxi is the Better Option
After weighing the options, I realised the most practical, cost-effective, and stress-free choice was to book an airport taxi. For my trip, I took CWRC Taxis — a local, reliable service offering airport transfers to Bournemouth and beyond.
1. No Airport Parking Fees
With an airport taxi, I don’t need to worry about £115 parking bills or searching for a space.
2. Door-to-Door Service
CWRC Taxis will pick me up at home and drop me at the terminal; no shuttle buses, no long walks, and no drop-off charges.
3. Flexible and Reliable
They work around my flight schedule, unlike the 737 bus. Whether I’m flying early or arriving late, they’ll be there.
4. Competitive Costs
When you factor in fuel, parking, and drop-off fees, an airport transfer with CWRC Taxis can be excellent value, especially for shorter trips.
The Smarter Way to Start Your Trip
Flying from Bournemouth Airport has a lot of benefits, but the journey to and from the terminal can be costly and inconvenient. Booking an airport taxi with CWRC Taxis removes that stress.
They offer reliable, comfortable, and fairly priced airport transfers, so you can start your trip the right way and return home without hassle.
If you’re looking for an airport near me that’s easy to reach without the high parking fees, or need a Bournemouth Airport taxi, CWRC Taxis is a service I’d happily recommend.
CWRC Taxis: My Recommended Bournemouth Airport Transfer
📞 Call: 01202 888810
🌐 Book online: info@cwrc.com
Serving Bournemouth, Poole, Wimborne, and surrounding areas for airport drop-offs, airport transfers, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Bournemouth Airport Parking, Transfers, and Getting There
Q: What are the best ways to get to Bournemouth Airport?
A: You can get to Bournemouth Airport by driving and using official or third-party parking, taking the limited 737 airport bus, arranging a lift from family or friends (with drop-off charges), or booking an airport taxi service like CWRC Taxis for convenient door-to-door transfers.
Q: How much does parking cost at Bournemouth Airport for a week?
A: Official Bournemouth Airport parking costs around £115 for 4 days, which roughly breaks down to about £28–£30 per day. For a full week (7 days), you can expect to pay around £200 or more. In comparison, parking at Gatwick Airport for a week usually costs about half as much, making Bournemouth parking noticeably more expensive per day.
Q: Does Bournemouth Airport have drop-off charges?
A: Yes, Bournemouth Airport charges £5 for 30 minutes in the drop-off zone. This fee applies even for quick drop-offs.
Q: Is public transport a reliable option for getting to Bournemouth Airport?
A: The 737 bus runs to Bournemouth Airport but only a few times per day, mainly early mornings, making it unreliable for many travellers.
Q: Are there airport extras available at Bournemouth Airport?
A: Bournemouth Airport offers limited extras compared to larger airports. You won’t find services like valet parking or fast-track security passes commonly available here.
Q: Are there hotels or other transport options near Bournemouth Airport?
A: While there are no hotels directly at Bournemouth Airport, several hotels and guesthouses are located within a short drive in Bournemouth and nearby towns like Poole and Wimborne. Besides the limited 737 airport bus, other transport options include taxis like CWRC Taxis, private car hires, or arranging lifts. There’s no direct train station at the airport, so trains require additional transfers from Bournemouth town or nearby stations.
Q: How do airport taxi services like CWRC Taxis compare to driving and parking at Bournemouth Airport?
A: Airport taxis eliminate parking fees, drop-off charges, and scheduling hassles with public transport. CWRC Taxis provide door-to-door airport transfers tailored to your flight times, offering a convenient and often cost-effective alternative.
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