Whether you're visiting family, heading off on a work trip, or jetting off on a well-deserved holiday, sorting out airport parking is an important step. But the big question is: should you opt for long-term or short-term parking?

Both have their pros and cons, and the best choice for you depends on your trip length and budget. If you're zipping in for a quick drop-off or pick-up, short-term parking might be best. On the other hand, if you're jetting off for a longer trip, long-term parking provides peace of mind and more economical parking rates.

In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences between short-term and long-term parking at Melbourne Airport so you can find the best parking option for your travel needs.

Before delving into choosing between short-term and long-term parking, let’s first clear the confusion between the two. The main difference between short-term and long-term parking is, obviously, the duration of your stay.

Short-term parking is designed for stays under 24 hours. It's the best choice if you're picking someone up, dropping them off, or staying at the airport for only a few hours. Long-term parking, on the other hand, is intended for durations exceeding 24 hours, making it suitable for travellers who are away for several days or more.

Lucky for you, Melbourne Airport has parking spots suitable for both long-term and short-term stays. We offer hourly rates for stays lasting less than a day and daily parking rates for those needing to park their car for a day or more. Plus, they’re closer to the terminals than offsite airport parking facilities, providing a more convenient parking experience.

No matter how long you plan to park, Melbourne Airport has the perfect parking option for you. Choose from:

• Value Parking: This is a budget-friendly choice perfect for both short and long stays. It features an open-air car park with accessible parking and a free shuttle bus that runs to all terminals every 15 minutes.
• Terminal Parking: Located right outside Terminals 1, 2, and 3, and just 100m from Terminal 4, this option gives you direct access to the terminals. It's ideal for quick visits or business trips, with free parking for the first 15 minutes.
• Valet Parking: For a more luxurious experience, Valet Parking offers the convenience of having someone else park your car. Located in the Terminal 1, 2, and 3 car park, it provides round-the-clock customer service.
• Premium Parking: These undercover parking areas, located in the T123 and T4 Car Parks, are situated closest to the terminals, saving you time with quick access to the check-in counters.
• Business Parking: Directly opposite Terminal 1, Business Parking is tailored for Qantas travellers. It offers shade-covered, self-park options just a few minutes’ walk from the terminal.
• Qantas Valet Parking: Located within the Qantas domestic terminal, this Valet Parking service includes optional car washing and direct terminal access, designed to make your journey smoother.

Except for the Value Car Park, our parking spaces are available at both hourly and daily rates. All Melbourne Airport parking lots are also monitored by CCTV cameras and regular patrols, making them suitable for both long-term and short-term stays.

One of the main deciding factors between short-term and long-term parking is the parking cost. Short-term parking fees are typically charged by the hour, while long-term parking charges are daily.

As mentioned, Melbourne Airport offers both hourly and daily rates for most parking options. The trick, however, is choosing the parking option that meets your needs without paying more than you have to. To help you pick the most cost-efficient option, here’s a quick comparison of the hourly and daily drive-up parking rates for each airport car park.

*Online booking rates 

Short-term parking is your best bet for quick airport runs. Here are some scenarios where it’s the perfect choice:

• Pick-up and Drop-Off: If you're just picking someone up or dropping them off and won’t be staying at the airport for more than a few hours, short-term parking is perfect. We also have a Wait Zone where you can park free for an hour. It’s only a short drive from the terminals and perfect if you’re picking someone up and just need a little extra time. Instead of circling the airport, just park comfortably at the Wait Zone and head to the pick-up zone once your passenger is ready.
• Business Meetings: For those flying out and returning on the same day, short-term parking offers a convenient solution. You can park your car for the day, attend your meetings or events, and return without the need for long-term parking fees.
• Shopping or Dining at the Airport: If you plan to visit the airport for shopping or dining, short-term parking is practical for a few hours.
• Errands or Meetings Nearby: If you have an appointment or errand near the airport and need a quick spot to park your car, short-term is the way to go.

Long-term parking at Melbourne Airport is ideal when your needs extend beyond a quick visit. Here's when opting for long-term parking makes sense:

• Extended Vacations: If you're heading out on a long holiday, such as a multi-week tour or a month-long getaway, long-term parking is ideal. It offers a more cost-effective solution for extended stays compared to short-term rates which accumulate hourly.
• Business Assignments: For those who need to travel overseas or interstate for business projects that extend over several weeks, long-term parking provides a practical solution. You can focus on your work without worrying about hefty parking charges when you return.
• Seasonal Workers: Individuals who work seasonally in different parts of the country or internationally will find long-term parking at Melbourne Airport beneficial. It supports longer periods away from home, offering both top-notch security features and competitive parking rates.

So, you’ve already decided between long-term and short-term parking. Now comes the fun part: booking your parking online. Yes, you can pre-book your parking online at Melbourne Airport! It’s super convenient and cheaper than drive-up rates. Plus, when you book online, you can enjoy grace periods before and after your booked hours. Bookings of less than 4 hours come with a grace period of up to an hour and up to two hours for longer stays.

Here’s a quick guide to booking your parking online:

1. Visit the Melbourne Airport website: Head to https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/ and click on the “Parking” button to access our online booking platform.
2. Enter Your Dates and Times: Fill in the entry and exit dates and times for your parking. We suggest allowing at least 2 hours before and after your flight times to accommodate for unexpected delays and holdups.
3. Choose Your Terminal: Melbourne Airport has short-term and long-term parking options for all terminals. Choose T1 for Qantas domestic flights, T2 for international flights, T3 if you’re flying Virgin Australia (domestic), and T4 for Jetstar, Rex, and other domestic airlines.
4. Choose Your Parking Option: After choosing your terminal, the screen will display all the parking options and the total parking cost for the duration of your stay. Click on the option that best suits your needs and budget.
5. Confirm and Pay: We accept all major credit cards as well as alternative payment methods like Apple Pay and Google Pay.

After payment, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a QR code. When you arrive at the airport, you can head straight to the car park you’ve chosen and scan the QR code at the entrance. You can use our parking map to easily navigate to your booked car park.

Now that you know the ins and outs of short-term and long-term parking at Melbourne Airport, you can choose the most convenient and budget-friendly option for your next trip. So, what are you waiting for? Book your Melbourne Airport parking online today!