As one of Australia’s busiest airports, parking at Tullamarine might seem overwhelming at first. It’s completely normal to feel a bit uncertain, especially if it’s your first time navigating its parking spaces. But don’t worry—parking here doesn’t have to be complicated.

To make your parking experience smoother, we’ve put together a list of the ten most common mistakes travellers make when parking at Melbourne Airport and, more importantly, how to avoid them. We’ll provide parking tips so you can steer clear of these pitfalls and save time, money, and potential headaches. Keep reading to learn how to make your parking experience simple and straightforward.

Choosing not to park onsite at Melbourne Airport is a common misstep for many travellers. While offsite parking facilities might seem like a cost-effective solution, they often come with hidden inconveniences. Onsite parking provides unmatched convenience, offering you direct access to the terminals and reducing the time spent transferring from your car to the check-in counter. Plus, most onsite parking options offer hourly and daily rates, giving you more flexibility for long-term and short-term parking.

Melbourne Airport offers a variety of parking options to suit different needs, but booking the wrong one or parking at a car park far from your terminal can be inconvenient. That's why understanding the available options is key to making the right choice.

Here are the Melbourne Airport parking options:

• Value Car Park: A budget-friendly choice, ideal for long-term stays. It includes a free shuttle bus running every 15 minutes to the terminals.
• Terminal Car Park: Located directly outside the terminals, this option is perfect for short stays or quick pick-ups and drop-offs.
• Premium Car Park: Offers prime locations close to the terminals with undercover parking. Choose from Self-Park and Valet Parking options.
• Qantas Valet Parking: Ideal for Qantas passengers, this service includes optional car cleaning. Plus, you can earn Frequent Flyer points just for parking.

When booking, consider factors like the duration of your trip, your budget, and how quickly you need to access the terminal. Pre-booking your preferred option online can also save you money and time.

The best part about parking onsite at Melbourne Airport is being able to pre-book parking online. Tullamarine's online booking system not only makes parking easier with QR codes for entry and exit. It also gives you the best rates since online parking rates are cheaper than drive-up rates. Plus, you get peace of mind knowing that your parking is sorted before even leaving home.

With all that, forgetting to book parking online before heading to the airport would be a huge mistake, especially during busy holiday periods. Here’s how to book parking online at Melbourne Airport:

1. Visit the Melbourne Airport website and navigate to the parking section.
2. Enter your travel dates and times then choose your terminal.
3. Select your desired parking option based on your needs.
4. Pay for your booking. We accept major credit cards as well as Google Pay and Apple Pay.
5. Receive your booking confirmation, including a QR code for seamless access

Unexpected travel delays can happen, and they often lead to additional parking fees. Many travellers overlook the Overstay Guarantee, a feature offered by Melbourne Airport that provides financial protection in such situations. By adding this optional service to your booking, you can avoid the stress of paying extra fees if your return is delayed due to flight cancellations or other last-minute changes.

The Overstay Guarantee is particularly useful for those with connecting flights or tight travel schedules. It’s a small upfront cost that can save you money and provide peace of mind if plans change unexpectedly. To include it, simply select the Overstay Guarantee option when booking your parking online.

Failing to check your airline’s terminal before parking at Melbourne Airport can lead to confusion and wasted time. Knowing where your flight departs from or arrives ensures you choose a parking option close to your terminal, reducing unnecessary walking and making checking in a breeze.

If you're not yet familiar, Melbourne Airport has four terminals, with three domestic and one international terminal. Terminal 1 is the Qantas domestic terminal, while domestic Virgin Australia flights leave from Terminal 3. If you're flying domestic with Jetstar or Rex, you'll do well to park near Terminal 4. All overseas flights depart from Terminal 2, the international terminal.

Checking this information in advance allows you to plan effectively and park in the most convenient location.

Parking in undesignated spots at Melbourne Airport can lead to fines, towing, and potential safety hazards. It’s important to park only in designated spaces to avoid these issues.

Parking correctly not only ensures the safety of your vehicle but also contributes to smoother traffic flow around the airport. Always follow the signs and use marked parking spaces to avoid complications during your visit.

If you’re waiting to pick someone up and need a temporary spot, the Wait Zone at Mercer Drive offers free parking for up to an hour. This area is a convenient solution for those who don’t need long-term parking.

Missing out on free parking options and promotional deals is another mistake many travellers make. Melbourne Airport offers several opportunities to save on parking costs. For example, Terminal Parking is free for the first 15 minutes, making it ideal for quick pick-ups and drop-offs. The Wait Zone also provides free parking for up to an hour, offering a convenient solution for those waiting for arrivals.

Additionally, Melbourne Airport frequently runs promotional offers and discounts on parking. These deals are an excellent way to cut costs, especially for longer stays. Keep an eye on the airport’s website or subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed about the latest promos. Taking advantage of these offers can make your trip more affordable while ensuring a smooth parking experience.

Whether you’re parking at the airport or otherwise, leaving valuables in the car is never a good idea, especially for long-term parking. Items such as laptops, wallets, and expensive electronics can attract unwanted attention and increase the risk of break-ins. It’s always better to take these items with you or leave them at home if they’re not needed for your trip.

If you must leave items in your car, hide them from plain sight. Stow them in the boot or under seats to minimise visibility. Additionally, always double-check that your vehicle is locked before leaving the parking lot. Following these simple steps can provide peace of mind while ensuring your belongings remain safe during your travels.

Overlooking shuttle and public transport schedules can disrupt your travel plans, especially if you’re using off-site parking facilities. Many off-site parking providers rely on shuttle services to transport passengers to the terminals, but these shuttles may not run frequently. While some don't offer any shuttle service at all, leaving you relying on public transport options. This can lead to unnecessary delays and added stress before your flight.

At Melbourne Airport, the Value Car Park offers a free shuttle service that operates every 15 minutes, 24/7. For those parking closer to the terminals, options like Terminal Parking provide direct link bridge access, eliminating the need for shuttle transfers altogether.

If you’re relying on shuttle buses or public transport to reach the airport terminals, it’s essential to check schedules in advance to ensure timely connections.

Failing to note your parking location can lead to unnecessary delays and frustration upon your return. Airport car parks are vast, and it’s easy to forget where you’ve parked, especially after a long trip.

You can take a photo of your parking spot or note nearby landmarks, such as signage or unique features. Many travellers also find it helpful to use a smartphone app or jot down the section and row of their parking area.

By keeping track of your parking location, you ensure a smooth and efficient exit from the airport, wrapping up your journey on a positive note.

Parking at Melbourne Airport doesn’t have to be complicated. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can enjoy a seamless experience and focus on your journey ahead. Take the time to pre-book parking online, choose the right option for your needs, and take advantage of free parking offers and promos. Small steps like noting your parking location and checking shuttle schedules can also make a big difference.

Make your next trip to Melbourne Airport even smoother. Plan ahead and book your parking online for a convenient and straightforward experience.