If you've always parked in the airport's own garage or been dropped off, the idea of using an off-airport parking lot might feel unfamiliar. Where exactly do you go? What happens to your car? How do you get to the terminal? These are completely reasonable questions, and once you understand how it works, you'll wonder why you ever paid airport prices. This guide walks you through the entire process, step by step, so your first off-airport parking experience goes smoothly.
How Off-Airport Parking Works: Step by Step
Book Online
Start by searching for parking on MyAirportParking. Enter your airport (e.g., YYZ, YUL, YVR), your check-in date/time, and your check-out date/time. You'll see a list of available lots with prices, ratings, amenities (shuttle, covered, EV charging, etc.), and distance from the terminal.
Choose a lot, enter your details, and pay the 15% deposit to confirm your reservation. The remaining 85% is paid at the lot when you pick up your car. You'll receive a confirmation email with the lot's address, phone number, directions, and your booking reference (starts with MAP-).
Drive to the Lot
On your travel day, drive to the off-airport lot. Most lots are located 2–10 km from the airport terminal, along major access roads. The address is in your confirmation email — plug it into Google Maps or Apple Maps and follow the directions. Look for signage as you approach; most lots have large, visible signs.
Allow 15–20 minutes extra beyond what you'd normally allow for on-airport parking. This accounts for driving to the lot, checking in, and riding the shuttle to the terminal.
Check In at the Lot
When you arrive at the lot, you'll typically drive through a gate or stop at a check-in booth. Have your booking confirmation ready (the email on your phone works fine). The attendant will verify your reservation, note your vehicle details (make, model, colour, licence plate), and direct you to a parking space.
Some lots have you park in a specific assigned spot; others let you choose any available space. Either way, note your spot number or take a photo — you'll need to find your car when you return.
Take the Shuttle to the Terminal
After parking, grab your luggage and head to the shuttle pickup area (usually clearly marked, near the lot office). The shuttle is a bus or large van that runs on a regular schedule — typically every 10–15 minutes during peak hours, every 20–30 minutes during off-peak. The ride to the terminal takes 5–15 minutes depending on distance and traffic.
The shuttle is free — it's included in your parking rate. The driver will usually help load your luggage. The shuttle drops you off at the terminal departures level, just like a taxi or rideshare would.
Enjoy Your Trip
That's it for departure. Your car is safely parked, insured, and monitored. Go catch your flight. The lot handles everything while you're away — security surveillance, weather protection (if covered), and keeping your spot reserved.
Return: Get Back to the Lot
When you land and collect your luggage, it's time to get back to the lot. Most lots handle returns in one of two ways:
- Scheduled shuttle: Go to the designated pickup area on the arrivals level (the lot's confirmation email will specify which door or pillar number). The shuttle runs on a regular schedule — just wait for it.
- On-call shuttle: Call the lot's phone number when you land, and they dispatch a shuttle to pick you up. This usually takes 10–20 minutes.
Pro tip: Call the lot while you're waiting for your luggage at the carousel, not after you've already collected it. This overlaps the wait time and gets you on the shuttle faster.
Check Out and Pay the Balance
The shuttle brings you back to the lot. Find your car (this is where that photo of your spot number comes in handy), load your luggage, and drive to the exit gate. The balance of your parking fee (the remaining 85%) is collected at the gate — most lots accept credit/debit cards, though some also accept cash. You'll receive a final receipt.
That's the entire process. Once you've done it once, it becomes second nature.
Common First-Timer Concerns
"Is it safe?"
Yes. Reputable off-airport lots are licensed commercial operations with CCTV surveillance, fenced perimeters, and on-site staff. They're not sketchy vacant lots — they're professional parking facilities that serve thousands of travellers per month. Read our full airport parking security guide for details.
"What if the shuttle doesn't come?"
This is extremely rare at reputable lots. Shuttles run on schedules, and lots depend on reliable service for their reputation and reviews. If you're waiting longer than expected (more than 15–20 minutes), call the lot directly. They'll send a shuttle or provide an update. Lots listed on MyAirportParking are vetted for service reliability.
"What if my flight is delayed?"
Not a problem. Your parking spot is reserved until you check out, regardless of flight delays. The shuttle runs based on the schedule, not your specific flight. When you eventually land and call the lot, the shuttle will pick you up as usual. There's no extra charge for flight delays.
"How do I know the lot is legitimate?"
On MyAirportParking, all lots are vetted before listing. You can see real traveller reviews, lot photos, amenity details, and the lot's physical address. If a lot has dozens of positive reviews from verified travellers, it's legitimate. Avoid booking through unfamiliar websites or Craigslist/Kijiji ads offering suspiciously low parking rates.
First-timer tip: Save the lot's phone number in your phone contacts before you leave home. Label it clearly (e.g., "YYZ Parking Lot"). When you land tired and groggy, you don't want to be searching through emails for a phone number. Also save a screenshot of the lot's address and your parking spot number — don't rely on having cell signal in the lot.
What to Look for When Choosing a Lot
For your first off-airport experience, prioritize these features:
- High ratings and recent reviews: Look for lots with 4+ stars and reviews from the last 3–6 months. Recent reviews confirm current service quality.
- Frequent shuttle service: Shuttles every 10–15 minutes are ideal. Every 20–30 minutes is acceptable but adds waiting time.
- 24/7 operation: Especially important for early morning departures and late-night returns. Check shuttle hours match your flight times.
- Free cancellation: All lots on MyAirportParking offer free cancellation up to 48 hours before check-in. This protects you if plans change.
- Clear pricing: The total price should be shown upfront with no hidden fees. The 15% deposit model on MyAirportParking means you only commit a small amount upfront.
How Much Will You Save?
The savings are substantial. Here's what a 7-day parking comparison looks like at Canada's busiest airports:
- YYZ: On-airport $196–$245 vs. off-airport $70–$126. Savings: $70–$175.
- YUL: On-airport $154–$210 vs. off-airport $56–$112. Savings: $42–$154.
- YVR: On-airport $175–$273 vs. off-airport $70–$140. Savings: $35–$203.
- YYC: On-airport $140–$196 vs. off-airport $56–$112. Savings: $28–$140.
For a family of four flying for vacation, those savings can cover a nice restaurant dinner, a day of activities, or a significant portion of hotel costs. And the service experience — once you know the routine — is almost identical to on-airport parking, just with a short shuttle ride added.
The Bottom Line
Off-airport parking is straightforward: book, drive, park, shuttle, fly, return, shuttle, pay, drive home. The 15–20 minutes added to your airport commute saves you 40–70% on parking costs. Millions of Canadian travellers use off-airport parking every year. Once you try it, you likely won't go back to airport prices.