Leaving your car at Dublin Airport doesn’t have to break the bank, but with so many parking options it’s easy to end up paying more than you need. Holiday Blue is the airport’s own long-stay car park, and if you book ahead you can secure a spot from just €6 a day. This guide walks through the real prices, shuttle timings, and how Holiday Blue stacks up against the competition — so you can decide whether it’s the right choice for your next trip.

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Daily rate from: €6 (pre-book) · Total spaces: 18,600 · Shuttle frequency: every 15 minutes · Transfer time: 15 minutes

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact daily rate varies by date and promotion
  • On-the-day price isn’t guaranteed to be higher than pre-book
  • Promo code availability is seasonal and limited
3Timeline signal
  • 2024: €6/day New Year offer advertised on Facebook
  • 2026: Ongoing promotional pricing mentioned in parking guides
4What’s next
  • Pre-booking remains essential for lowest rates
  • Watch for seasonal promo codes on official site
  • Off-airport alternatives may undercut prices
Key facts at a glance
Attribute Detail
Location South Parallel Road, Dublin Airport
Capacity 18,600 spaces (when pre-booked)
Shuttle frequency Every 15 minutes
Transfer time 15 minutes to T1 and T2
Price range (pre-book) From €6/day (promotional) to €15/24h (standard drive-up)

How much is Blue car park per day?

Current daily rates (pre-book vs on-the-day)

The table below sets out the drive-up rates for Holiday Blue alongside the pre-book promotional floor.

Booking method Daily rate
Pre-book (promotional offer) €6/day
Drive-up standard rate €15/day (Airport Parking Shop (parking comparison site))

The pre-book rate of €6/day was advertised in a 2024 New Year promotion Dublin Airport (official operator). When you book online, that price may still be available depending on the date. Drive-up rates, by contrast, sit at €15 per day every day of the week. The gap is considerable, especially for longer trips.

Price comparison with Red car park

Express Red costs €18 per day at drive-up Airport Parking Shop (parking comparison site), which makes Holiday Blue €3 cheaper. But Red’s shuttle runs every 10 minutes with a 5-minute ride Dublin Airport (official operator). So you trade a little cash for a few extra minutes each way.

Seasonal and promotional pricing

Holiday Blue has run offers at €6/day on multiple occasions, typically around holidays and at the start of the year. A 2024 Facebook post from Dublin Airport promoted exactly that deal Dublin Airport (official Facebook post). The catch: these offers are time-limited and subject to availability.

The trade-off

Travellers who can commit to a specific date and book early get the €6 rate. Those who drive up without a reservation pay €15 – and still face a 15-minute shuttle ride. The savings justify the extra planning.

The implication: if you’re flexible with dates, you can lock in the bottom rate. But if you can’t book ahead, Holiday Blue still beats Short Term parking (€45/day at drive-up Airport Parking Shop) by a wide margin.

How often does the Blue car park bus come?

Shuttle bus frequency and schedule

The Holiday Blue shuttle runs every 15 minutes, 24 hours a day Dublin Airport (official operator). No gaps at night, and the service is free for Blue car park users.

Estimated travel time to T1 and T2

The ride takes about 15 minutes to reach both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 Dublin Airport (official operator). That’s consistent with the distance – Holiday Blue sits on South Parallel Road, further from the terminals than Express Red.

Accessibility and luggage considerations

The shuttle is a standard coach, so passengers with heavy bags should prepare for steps. The bus stops at designated pick-up points at both terminals Dublin Airport (official operator). For wheelchair users, it’s best to contact the car park directly (+353 1 944 4828) ahead of time Dublin Airport (contact number).

What to watch

With a shuttle every 15 minutes and a 15-minute ride, the total journey from car to terminal can hit 30 minutes. That’s fine for most travellers, but if you’re racing a tight connection, the closer Red car park might be worth the extra €3.

The pattern: Holiday Blue works best for travellers who aren’t in a rush. If you factor in the walk to the bus stop and waiting time, budget a full half-hour between car and gate.

What is the difference between red and blue car park at Dublin Airport?

Price differences

Holiday Blue: €15/day drive-up; Express Red: €18/day drive-up Airport Parking Shop. Blue is also available for pre-book at promotional rates as low as €6, while Red does not typically offer such deep discounts.

Location and distance to terminals

Express Red is closer to the terminals and you can walk to T1 in about 10 minutes. Holiday Blue is further out and requires the shuttle Purple Parking (parking aggregator).

Shuttle service vs walking

Red’s shuttle runs every 10 minutes with a 5-minute ride Dublin Airport. Blue’s shuttle is every 15 minutes with a 15-minute ride. Both are free. If you prefer to walk, Red allows that; Blue does not.

Suitability for short vs long stays

For a short trip (1-3 days), the price gap is small – €3 per day. But for a week, that difference adds up to €21. Holiday Blue’s large capacity (18,600 spaces) means it rarely fills up, while Red’s smaller lot can sell out during busy periods Dublin Airport (warning).

The catch: Blue is the smarter choice for longer stays and tighter budgets. Red wins on convenience and speed.

Where is the cheapest place to park in Dublin Airport?

Holiday Blue as the cheapest official option

Among Dublin Airport’s own car parks, Holiday Blue has the lowest drive-up rate at €15/day Airport Parking Shop. Short Term costs €45/day, and Express Red is €18/day. So if you’re staying with the airport, Blue is your budget choice.

Comparison with off-airport parking alternatives

Off-site car parks like Park2Travel can be cheaper still – Purple Parking lists a weekly pre-booked price of €74.80, which works out to about €10.68/day Purple Parking (parking aggregator). That undercuts Holiday Blue’s weekly pre-book rate (which at €6/day would be €42, but only during promotions).

Booking tips to secure lowest rate

Always book directly on the Dublin Airport website Dublin Airport (official booking platform). Third-party resellers may offer similar prices but watch for added fees. Check for promo codes on the airport’s social media or newsletter – the €6/day deals appear periodically.

The upshot

Holiday Blue is the cheapest official option, but off-airport parking can be cheaper still. The real saving comes from booking early – whether on-site or off – rather than driving up on the day.

Why this matters: for a family going on holiday for two weeks, the difference between €6/day (pre-book Blue) and €15/day (drive-up Blue) is €126. That’s a round of airport coffees and more.

What is the best way to save on airport parking?

Pre-booking online vs drive-up

Pre-booking on the Dublin Airport website locks in the advertised rates – sometimes as low as €6/day. Drive-up rates are fixed at €15/day for Blue. The airport’s own site says “book ahead to guarantee your space and the best price” Dublin Airport (official advice).

Using promo codes and loyalty programs

Dublin Airport runs periodic promotions advertised on Facebook and other channels. The 2024 New Year offer “Park from just €6/day with Holiday Blue Car Parking” is a good example Dublin Airport (Facebook post). No loyalty programme exists yet, so it’s a case of checking before you book.

Choosing long-term over short-term

Holiday Blue is explicitly designed for longer stays Dublin Airport (official description). The longer you park, the more you save compared to Short Term (€45/day). A week in Blue at €15/day costs €105; in Short Term it costs €315.

Comparing official vs third-party parking

Third-party aggregators like Holiday Extras offer Dublin Airport parking from £5.25/day Holiday Extras (travel services company). That can be cheaper than the official pre-book rate, but read the terms – some involve off-site lots with their own shuttle services.

The implication: the smartest move is to check both the official Dublin Airport website and a couple of reputable third-party sites before booking. Set a calendar reminder if your travel dates are flexible, and pounce on the first promotion that fits.

Comparison: Holiday Blue vs Express Red vs Short Term vs Off-Site

Four options in Dublin Airport’s parking landscape, one clear pattern: the further from the terminal, the cheaper the price – until you go off-site.

Feature Holiday Blue Express Red Short Term Off-Site (e.g. Park2Travel)
Drive-up daily rate €15 €18 €45 ~€11 (pre-book)
Pre-book promotional rate €6/day Not typically Not typically ~€10.68/day
Shuttle frequency Every 15 min Every 10 min N/A (walk) Every 15-20 min
Transfer time 15 min 5 min 2-5 min walk 15-20 min
Suitable for long stay Yes Yes No (expensive) Yes
Capacity 18,600 ~5,000 (est.) ~2,000 (est.) Varies
Bottom line: Holiday Blue is the official sweet spot for longer trips. Short Term is only for drop-offs. Off-site can beat Blue on price, but adds an extra shuttle leg.

What we know and what we don’t

Confirmed facts

  • Holiday Blue has 18,600 spaces when pre-booked (Dublin Airport)
  • Shuttle runs every 15 minutes 24/7 (Dublin Airport)
  • Drive-up daily rate is €15 (Airport Parking Shop)
  • Pre-book promotional rate as low as €6/day was offered in 2024 (Dublin Airport Facebook post)

What’s unclear

  • Whether the €6 rate is still available for any given future date
  • If drive-up prices will ever drop below €15
  • How often new promo codes appear (seasonal pattern suspected)

What real users say

“Park from just €6/day with Holiday Blue Car Parking.”

— Dublin Airport official Facebook post (2024)

“The Holiday Blue long term car park is perfect for longer trips. The shuttle bus arrives every 15 minutes and takes 15 minutes to get to Terminal 1 and 2.”

— Dublin Airport website description

For the traveller who wants official airport parking without the premium price, Holiday Blue delivers. The drive-up rate is reasonable, the shuttle is reliable, and the pre-book deals can be excellent. But the best advice comes down to one thing: book ahead and keep an eye on promotions.

Related reading: Dublin to Liverpool Flights

Additional sources

claytonhotels.com

Travellers looking for the best value can check Holiday Blue car park rates and shuttle before committing to the Holiday Blue facility.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I cancel or modify my Holiday Blue booking?

Yes, but terms depend on the booking platform. Dublin Airport allows free cancellations up to 24 hours before the start time for most pre-booked parking.

Is Holiday Blue car park secure?

Yes, the car park is patrolled 24/7 and covered by CCTV. Dublin Airport states it’s a secure long-term facility.

What payment methods are accepted for booking?

Major debit and credit cards are accepted online. Apple Pay and Google Pay are also supported on the official website.

How do I find the Holiday Blue car park from the M50?

From the M50, take the M1 north towards Belfast, then exit at Junction 2 (Dublin Airport). Follow signs for “Long Term Parking” – Holiday Blue is clearly signposted.

Is there a maximum stay limit in Holiday Blue?

No official maximum stay has been published, but it’s designed for long-term parking. Some travellers report staying two weeks without issues.

Are electric vehicle charging points available in Holiday Blue?

Currently, Dublin Airport does not list EV charging at the Holiday Blue car park. Charging is available in the Short Term car parks.

What should I do if I miss the shuttle bus?

Shuttles run every 15 minutes, so the wait is short. If the wait seems longer, call the car park hotline at +353 1 944 4828.