So you managed to track down the rock-bottom lowest airline ticket price and now you're starting to finalize your other travel plans. Most people spend a considerable amount of time researching the best prices on flights, hotels and/or rental cars. But these same travelers may not consider researching ways to reduce the high cost of airport parking.

You may be surprised at how much airport parking can end up costing you, but Travelhammer has assembled a few options below that may help you curb some of these costs.

Option 1: Park at the airport

• While this is tempting, daily parking charges can be very high. Also, some airports have placed restrictions on the types of vehicle that they will permit to park (e.g., some trucks and SUVs).
• During peak travel seasons you may find that airport lots are full.
• To get more information about on-airport parking, check your airport's web site.

Option 2: Off-airport parking lots

You will typically find these value-priced lots around metropolitan airport locations. These lots usually offer free shuttle service from the airport to their lots.

Option 3: Ground transportation / Airport shuttle service

• This option may or may not save you money. You will need to do a little math and compare your options. Typically, airport shuttle vans/buses will save you more money than taxi cabs but this is not always true, so you'll need to compare prices carefully. Consider using city mass transit services (e.g., subway, elevated train, light rail and/or bus service) if they service the airport in your city.
• Other options include car and van services. Believe it or not, depending on the city and the number of people in your party, these car and van services can be your most affordable option. So, you may end up saving money and traveling in style.

Option 4: Have a friend or family member pick up and drop you off

This option will typically save you the most money if you have someone willing to do you this favor. Some people have started informal airport pickup/drop-off favor exchanges with friends, family and coworkers.