Comparing Parking Options for Different Airlines

Not sure where to park at the airport? With a variety of options available, choosing the right parking spot can significantly impact your travel experience. But did you know that the airline you’re flying with matters when you’re picking a parking option?

Each airline operates from specific airport terminals. That’s why it’s practical to park as close as possible to where you'll check in or arrive. The right parking option can make pick-ups and drop-offs easier and provide easy access to your check-in counter.

Lucky for you, Melbourne Airport offers a variety of parking solutions close to each terminal. And if you’re looking for the best airport car park to match your needs, you’ve landed at the right spot. In this blog, we'll compare different parking options at Melbourne Airport, including their proximity to each airline’s terminal, pricing, and key features.

Whether you're flying with Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, or any other airline, this guide will help you figure out the most convenient and cost-effective parking solution for your travel needs.

Choosing the best parking option starts with knowing what’s available. Melbourne Airport provides a range of parking solutions tailored to different needs, from budget-friendly options to premium services. Let’s take a closer look at what each parking option offers:

1. Value Car Parks

Our Value Car Parks are the ideal choice for budget-conscious travellers. These open-air parking options are particularly convenient if you’re after long-term parking and want to keep costs down. With accessible parking spaces and a high car clearance of 3.3 metres, they accommodate a range of vehicles.

Available in two locations: Choose the Value North Car Park for free bus access to all terminals (stops at Terminal 1 and Terminal 4), or the Value South Car Park for free bus access direct to Terminal 4 only. The courtesy bus service runs every 15 minutes, 24/7, ensuring you can reach your terminal quickly and easily.

2. Terminal Car Parks

Our Terminal Car Parks offer multi-level parking with direct access to the terminals. Offering both undercover and open-air bays, you can walk from car to terminal in minutes making it an excellent choice for shorter trips or longer pick ups and drop offs.

Choose from two locations: the T123 Terminal Car Park is located directly opposite Terminals 1, 2, and 3 and is best parking for Qantas, International, or Virgin Australia flights, or the T4 Terminal Car Park, just 100 metres from Terminal 4 and is best parking for domestic Jetstar, Rex, Link Airways or Virgin Australia flights.

3. Premium Car Parks 

Our Premium Car Parks are the ultimate choice for travellers looking for extra convenience. Premium bays are all under cover, keeping you sheltered from the elements, and are positioned closest to the terminals for faster access to the check-in counters. There are two locations to choose from: The T123 Premium Car Park is located on Level 1 of the T123 Terminal Car Park, directly opposite Terminals 1, 2, and 3. The T4 Premium Car Park is located on Level 1 of the T4 Terminal Car Park, just 100 metres from Terminal 4.

4. Melbourne Airport Valet

For those who prefer a hands-off parking experience, our Melbourne Airport Valet service is for you. Enjoy excellent service with direct access to the terminals. Located on Level 1 of the T123 Terminal Car Park, simply drive up to the Valet area, hand over your keys, and let the Valet Concierge team park your car for you. Optional car cleaning services are available.

5. Qantas Valet 

Ideal for Qantas travellers (but open to all), simply drive up, hand over your keys, and let the valet team take care of the rest. Enjoy optional car cleaning services and earn Frequent Flyer points.

6. T123 Accessible Car Park

All car parks have Accessible parking bays. The T123 Accessible Car Park is a new car parking area that must be booked online for entry. Located on Level 2 of the T123 Terminal Car Park, this car park has the closest bays to Terminals 1, 2, and 3 with direct access via pedestrian bridge. When parking in Accessible bays a valid permit must be displayed.

Choosing the Best Parking Option for Your Airline

Tullamarine Airport has four terminals, each serving different airlines. Terminal 1 is dedicated to Qantas domestic flights. All international flights operate out of Terminal 2. While Terminal 3 handles Virgin Australia domestic flights. Jetstar and Rex flights depart from Terminal 4. 

Understanding which terminal your airline uses is crucial for your parking decision. Parking closer to your departure terminal minimises the time it takes to reach check-in and security, making your journey more convenient.

In addition to terminal proximity, consider factors like parking costs, the type of parking you need (long-term, short-term, valet), and available features such as undercover parking or shuttle services when choosing your parking option. Matching your airline and travel needs with the right parking option ensures a smoother start and finish to your journey.

There are four major domestic airlines currently operating at Melbourne Airport. Here’s a breakdown of the best parking options for each airline:

Qantas

Travellers flying domestic with Qantas depart from Terminal 1. The suggested parking options include:

• Qantas Valet: Valet parking service with sheltered access to the terminal. Closest parking service to Terminal 1.
• T123 Premium Car Park: Ideal for those who want the closest parking to the terminal, and still hold on to your keys.
• T123 Terminal Car Park: A practical parking option a few minutes' walk to Terminal 1.
• Value North Car Park: A budget-friendly choice, with free bus services to Terminal 1.

Virgin Australia

For domestic Virgin Australia flights, your best bet would be:

• Melbourne Airport Valet: Enjoy the closest parking option to Terminal 3, where we'll park for you.
• Premium Car Parks: Closest self-parking bays to Terminal 3. Choose from T123 Premium Car Park, or T4 Premium Car Park.
• Terminal Car Parks: A practical parking option a few minutes' walk to Terminal 3. Choose from T123 Terminal Car Park or T4 Terminal Car Park.
• Value Car Parks: A budget-friendly option for short or long stays, offering a free bus service to the terminals (stops at Terminal 4 for access to Terminal 3). Choose from Value North Car Park or Value South Car Park.

Jetstar, REX, and Link Airways

Domestic flights for these airlines depart from Terminal 4. So, these parking options would work best:

• Value Car Parks: A budget-conscious option with a free shuttle service connecting you to Terminal 4. Choose Value North Car Park or Value South Car Park.
• T4 Premium Car Park: The closest parking to Terminal 4 and fully under cover. Walk from car to terminal in minutes.
• T4 Terminal Car Park: Located just 100m from Terminal 4, just a short walk to the check-in counter.
• Melbourne Airport Valet: In a rush? We'll take care of the parking for you. Located on Level 1 of the T123 Car Park.

All international flights at Melbourne Airport depart from Terminal 2, which serves a variety of airlines, including Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, and AirAsia. Here are the best parking options for international travellers:

• Terminal Car Parks: Perfect for shorter trips or longer drop off and pick ups. Choose the T123 Terminal Car Park, or stretch your legs pre-flight and walk from T4 Terminal Car Park.
• Premium Car Parks: The T123 Premium Car Park is the closest and most convenient self-parking to Terminal 2. Travellers can also opt to park at the T4 Premium Car Park.
• Value North Car Park: Budget-friendly parking perfect for longer trips. Our courtesy bus will get you from the car park to Terminal 1, just a few minutes' walk to Terminal 2.
• Valet Parking: No need to look for a spot - choose from Melbourne Airport Valet or Qantas Valet. 

Parking onsite at Tullamarine Airport comes with a range of benefits that make it a preferred choice for many travellers:

• Proximity: Onsite parking places you close to your terminal, reducing travel time and making check-in or pick-up more convenient.
• Variety: Melbourne Airport offers a range of parking solutions, from budget-friendly Value parking to Valet services, ensuring there’s an option for every need.
• Flexibility: Daily and hourly parking rates are available (Value Car Parks are a daily-rate only), so you never have to pay for parking more than you need to.
• Grace Period: If you book online, you automatically get up to two hours of grace period (for bookings longer than 4 hours) for both before and after your booked hours. That means you can arrive a little earlier or leave a little later than your booked hours without additional parking charges.
• Accessible Parking: Dedicated spaces for those with mobility needs are available across all parking facilities, ensuring ease and comfort for everyone.

One of the best perks of parking onsite at Melbourne Airport is our online booking system. Yes, you can now pre-book your parking online before heading to the airport. It not only gives you better rates than drive-up rates but also provides peace of mind since you need not worry about where to park on the day of your trip. Plus, you can compare available parking options so you can be sure to choose the best one for your needs.

Here’s how to book your parking online:

1. Visit the Melbourne Airport Parking Website: Go to the official parking page to start your booking.
2. Enter Your Travel Details: Input your entry and exit dates and times to check availability. Then, choose the terminal you want to park close to.
3. Select Your Parking Option: View the prices for each option and select the one that suits your budget and preferences.
4. Confirm Your Booking: Fill in your contact and payment details. We accept major credit cards as well as Google Pay and Apple Pay mobile payments.
5. Receive Your QR Code: Once booked, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a QR code for seamless entry and exit.

Ready to park with ease? Book your Melbourne Airport parking online today and enjoy a smooth start to your trip!