SLO airport to open a new premium parking lot. Here’s how much it will cost
The San Luis Obispo Regional County Airport will soon offer more parking, closer to the travel hub — if you’re willing to pay the price.
The SLO airport plans to open a “Premium Parking Lot” adjacent to the terminal on Monday, it announced in a Friday new release.
The 60-space parking lot replaces the former rental car ready return area, located between the terminal and Broad Street. Rental car returns have been relocated to the existing rental car parking lot at the corner of Airport Drive and Aero Drive, SLO airport spokesperson Joe Goble told The Tribune.
The new premium lot was created to “provide quicker access for travelers,” the release said. But travelers will have to pay more to park at the new convenient location. The rate will start at $35 per day — a $10 increase compared to the airport’s other parking lots.
“Travel looks different for everyone,” SLO County Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg said in the release. “The Premium Parking Lot offers added convenience for people who value close access to the terminal, alongside the airport’s existing parking options.”
Passengers still have the option to park at the airport’s four other existing lots where the daily rate is $25, according to the release.
The new premium lot is launching at the same time the SLO airport is experiencing a surge in travelers.
In 2025, the SLO airport saw a record-breaking number of passengers with 811,905 people passing through the hub, representing a nearly 9% uptick in total passengers compared to 2024.
“With continued growth in passenger activity, we’re being thoughtful about how we expand access and convenience at the airport,” Director of Airports Courtney Johnson said in the release. “The Premium Parking Lot provides an additional option for travelers who value proximity to the terminal, while allowing us to continue offering a range of parking choices for the broader community.”
