Worried about unexpected delays that could lead to extra parking costs at Melbourne Airport? If your travel schedule isn’t set in stone, knowing about the airport’s parking grace period can ease your mind and help you save on unnecessary fees. Here’s everything you need to know about Melbourne Airport’s parking grace period and why it can make parking more convenient for your trip.

A parking grace period is a short amount of extra time given to drivers when leaving a car park without charging additional fees. If your flight gets delayed or you need more time at the airport, the grace period can save you from incurring extra costs. It provides a buffer so you don’t get penalised if your entry time or exit time changes slightly. It’s especially helpful for anyone unsure of their exact arrival or departure times due to flight delays or unexpected traffic.

To give you more flexibility in your travels, Melbourne Aiport has extended the grace period for bookings under four hours from 15 minutes to 1 hour! This means that when you book parking online, you receive a 1-hour grace period for bookings under four hours, and a 2-hour grace period for longer bookings. 

This grace period applies to both before your booked entry time and after your exit time. This means you can arrive up to an hour earlier if your booking is under four hours and up to 2 hours earlier if you booked more than four hours of parking.

This also means that, for short-term bookings (under four hours), if you leave within one hour of your scheduled exit time, you won’t be charged extra. For long-term bookings (beyond four hours), you have a 2-hour grace period to leave without additional fees. If you stay beyond these grace periods, you may face extra charges based on Melbourne Airport’s drive-up rates.

To illustrate:

• Short-term booking (under four hours): You booked parking from 10 AM to 2 PM. If you arrive as early as 9 AM or leave as late as 3 PM, there will be no extra fees.
• Long-term booking (more than four hours): If your booking is from 8 AM to 8 PM, you can arrive as early as 6 AM or leave as late as 10 PM without incurring extra costs.

The grace period applies automatically to all online bookings. So, you don’t need to modify your booking if you arrive a little early or late. It allows time for minor delays, so you won’t have to rush.

Aside from the grace periods, booking your parking online also lets you secure the best rates, as online parking rates are cheaper than drive-up rates. Here’s how to book:

• Visit the Melbourne Airport parking page: Go to melbourneairport.com.au/parking-transport. Then, click on the "Parking" button in the upper right corner.
• Select your parking time and terminal: Choose your entry and exit dates and times, as well as the airport terminal you'd like to park in. 
• Choose your car park: Browse the available parking options based on your information. Then, choose the one that best suits your parking needs and budget.
• Complete your booking: After you pay for your booking, you will receive a confirmation email with a QR code.
• Use your QR code at entry and exit: Simply scan your QR code at the entry gate when you arrive and again at the exit gate when you leave. This gives you easy, touch-free access.

If you end up overstaying your booked time, additional fees may apply. Melbourne Airport charges drive-up rates if you overstay your booking period and exceed the grace period. The overstay charges depend on the duration you have parked beyond your confirmed time.

If you stay beyondyour booked exit time, you can still use your QR code at the exit gate. The screen at the exit will display any extra fees, which you can pay using a credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. There is also a help button at the exit gate that you can press if you need assistance from customer service.

Should you need more time, you can extend your booking any time after you’ve parked through the "Manage Booking" feature on our parking website. Enter your booking details, and you can adjust your exit time—additional fees will apply if your new booking time exceeds the original, but you’ll receive an updated QR code via email for your extended stay.

If you think you'll stay far longer than your booked hours, take advantage of our Overstay Guarantee. For a minimal up-front fee, you can claim a refund on overstay charges if your stay is extended due to certain circumstances. Simply check the Overstay Guarantee add-on when you book your parking online.

Please note that there will be no refunds if you leave the car park earlier than your booked exit time or enter later than your stated arrival time.

Melbourne Airport offers a range of parking options to meet every traveller’s needs. Here’s a look at all the parking choices available:

• Value Parking: The most budget-friendly choice, perfect for long stays or travellers wanting to save money. Includes a free shuttle bus service to the terminals that run every 15 minutes, 24/7.
• Terminal Car Parks: Offers direct link bridge access to Terminals 1, 2, 3, and only 100m away from Terminal 4, making it a practical choice for Virgin Australia, Jetstar, Rex, and Bonza passengers.
• Valet Parking: Drop your car off, and the Melbourne Airport staff will park it for you. Available at Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 4, Valet Parking offers maximum convenience with a prime location.
• Premium Parking: Self-park but located closest to the terminals. It’s ideal for travellers wanting to save time getting to their gate.
• Qantas Valet Parking: Located at the Qantas domestic terminal. This valet service provides the convenience of parking close to Terminal 1 with no booking needed. Plus, there’s a dedicated check-in counter, which makes travel smoother.

If you’re early for a pick-up, we also have a Wait Zone at Mercer Drive, where you can enjoy up to an hour of free parking. No need to keep circling the airport while waiting. Just relax at the Wait Zone and drive to the pick-up zone when your passenger is ready.

All these options, except Qantas Valet Parking and the Wait Zone, can be booked online, allowing you to take advantage of grace periods and enjoy the best car park rates.

Aside from the generous grace periods, there are a host of reasons why you should park onsite at Melbourne Airport:

• 24/7 Shuttle Service: The Value Car Park offers a free shuttle bus service every 15 minutes, making sure you can get to and from the airport terminal with ease.
• Proximity to Terminals: All car parks are close to the terminals, making check-in, pick-up, and drop-off simple and fast.
• Online Booking System: The seamless online booking system helps you lock in the best parking rates and avoid hassle. You also get peace of mind knowing exactly which car park to head to when at the airport.
• Accessible Parking Spaces: There are accessible parking options in every car park, ensuring that travellers with mobility issues have access to a parking space that suits their needs.
• CCTV Monitoring: The car parks are monitored by CCTV for additional security, allowing you to leave your car with confidence while you travel.
• Flexible Options: From hourly rates for short-term parking to long-term and value options, Melbourne Airport offers a wide range of choices.
• No Hidden Fees: Melbourne Airport’s transparent pricing means you’ll know exactly what you’re paying—there are no hidden parking fees.
• Convenience: Everything from booking online to payment at the exit gate can be done digitally, reducing the need for physical interaction and making the process hassle-free.

With unpredictable flight changes and security holdups, planning a trip can be stressful. But with our grace periods, incurring additional parking fees will be the least of your worries.

So, if you’re travelling from Melbourne Airport soon, book your parking online now to take advantage of our generous grace periods! Even if you arrive slightly earlier or leave a little later, you can plan your trip with confidence, knowing that a little extra time won’t cost you. It’s the perfect way to ensure minor delays don't lead to major headaches.