Commercial feature – Birmingham International Airport is a vital regional transport hub, with flights leaving and landing from across the world. In 2009, it was the UK’s sixth busiest airport – outside London, only Manchester was busier.

Although it is served by trains and other public transport, driving to Birmingham International makes sense. Public transport isn’t always as reliable as it could be, and can work out pricier than driving, especially if there are several of you travelling. And if you miss your connection to the airport, you’re stuck.

Taxis can also end up being expensive, especially after midnight, or on Bank Holidays or weekends. If you have a late night or early morning departure or landing, train and coach times don’t always work out.

If your flight back is delayed, having your car waiting for you at the airport means you can get home as quickly as possible, at any time of day or night.

Even leaving your car at home can cost money. If you generally use street parking with a residents only parking permit, and the bay where your car is left becomes suspended – maybe due to roadworks – councils don’t generally accept the excuse that you were away, and didn’t check their website before travelling.

At Birmingham airport, car parks offer a range of different options, from drop-off to short and medium-term parking – ideal if you’re away on business for a few days, or long-term parking for lengthier trips.

There’s a cheap drop and go area outside the main terminal building, or park for 15 minutes free of charge in Long Stay 1, just a short walk or bus ride away from check-in, if you’re dropping someone off. If you’re picking up, use Short/Medium Stay 1, 2 or 3, to be found near the arrivals area.

You can also choose to have a valet parking service, where you drop off your car and it is kept safely until you need it again. Another option is one of the off-site Birmingham airport car parks, away from the main compound, but accessible with a shuttle bus service.

Blue Badge parking, for those with mobility problems, is available for those who need it, giving free parking for up to an hour.

While airport parking generally has a reputation for being pricey, there are things you can do to save money on leaving your car at Birmingham International. Probably the most important way to save money is to use the Internet to book ahead, or even do it on the phone, on your way to the airport, if you have to.

Other things you can do include making use of online screenscrapers, which scan the web for the best deals for you. But do check direct with the car park operator first, as they can sometimes offer you a better deal. Equally, if you’re staying nearby to catch a very early flight, hotels sometimes offer good value parking as part of the deal.

Whichever of the Birmingham airport car parks you use, look for safety and distance from the main terminal, as well as price, when you make your booking.

Birmingham airport car parks don’t have to cost the earth – look online and book ahead for the best deals. After all, you’ll have enough to think about on the day you fly without worrying whether you have a parking space, or how much you’ll have to pay for it.