Overview
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.
Understanding Your Melbourne Airport Parking Options
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 Park
The Value Car Park is the ideal choice for budget-conscious travellers. It offers low-cost parking for both short and long-term stays, making it perfect for holidays or extended trips. The Value Car Park is connected to all terminals via a free shuttle bus service that runs 24/7 every 15 minutes, ensuring you can reach your terminal quickly and easily.
This open-air parking option is 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, it accommodates a range of vehicles.
2. Terminal Car Park
Our Terminal Car Parks offer unmatched convenience for travellers who prioritise proximity to their terminal. With direct access to Terminals 1, 2, and 3 via a link bridge and only 100 metres away from Terminal 4, it’s an excellent choice for both domestic and international flights. Plus, parking is free for the first 15 minutes, making it perfect for short-term parking or quick drop-offs and pick-ups.
3. Premium Car Park
Our Premium Car Parks are the ultimate choice for travellers looking for extra convenience and comfort. Located closest to Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 4, they offer undercover parking spaces with Self-Park and Valet options. Premium bays are strategically positioned for quick access to check-in counters, saving you time and effort.
For those who prefer a hands-off parking experience, our Premium Valet Parking services are for you. Simply drive to the designated Premium Valet area, hand over your keys, and let the customer service team park your car for you. It's available for Terminals 1, 2, and 3, with customer service support to assist you around the clock.
4. Qantas Valet Parking
Located within the Terminal 1, 2, 3 Car Park, this option is perfect for Qantas travellers looking for a premium parking experience. It provides access to the terminals along with optional car cleaning services. There's no need to pre-book—simply drive up, hand over your keys, and let the valet team take care of the rest.
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.
Ideal Parking Options for Domestic Airlines
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 with Qantas depart from Terminal 1. The most convenient parking options include:
- Qantas Valet Car Park: Premium service with sheltered access to the terminal. Closest parking spots to Terminal 1.
- Premium Car Park: Ideal for those seeking a convenient Self-Park or Valet option close to Terminal 1.
- Terminal Car Park: Another self-park option that’s both convenient and practical.
- Value Car Park: A budget-friendly choice for long-term stays, with free shuttle services to the terminal.
Virgin Australia
For domestic Virgin Australia flights, your best bet would be:
- Terminal Car Park: Conveniently close for quick drop-offs and pick-ups.
- Value Car Park: A budget-friendly option for longer stays, offering a free shuttle service to the terminals.
- Premium Car Park: Nearby undercover spaces for travellers who prioritise comfort. Choose from Self-Park or Valet options.
Jetstar and REX
As mentioned, Jetstar and Rex flights depart from Terminal 4. So, these parking options would work best:
- Value Car Park: A budget-conscious option with a free shuttle service connecting you to Terminal 4.
- Premium Car Park: Self-Parking at the Terminal 4 Car Park provides easy access with a short walk to Terminal 4. Valet Parking is available at the Terminal 1, 2, 3 Car Park and is a hands-off option for travellers seeking efficiency near Terminal 4.
- Terminal Car Park: Located just 100m from Terminal 4, just a short walk to the check-in counter.
Recommended Parking Options for International Flights
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 Park: Perfect for shorter trips or quick drop-offs and pick-ups. Located close to Terminal 2, it offers a convenient and practical solution.
- Premium Car Park: Ideal for those who want the shortest walk to Terminal 2 with the added benefit of undercover parking. Hold onto your keys with our Self-Parking option, or choose Valet Parking for maximum convenience with a seamless parking experience, perfect for travellers prioritising efficiency.
- Value Car Park: A cost-effective choice for long trips, with a free shuttle bus connecting you to the terminals every 15 minutes.
Why Park Onsite?
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 Premium services, ensuring there’s an option for every need.
- Flexibility: Daily and hourly parking rates are available (except for the Value Car Park), 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.
How to Book Parking Online
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:
- Visit the Melbourne Airport Parking Website: Go to the official parking page to start your booking.
- 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.
- Select Your Parking Option: View the prices for each option and select the one that suits your budget and preferences.
- 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.
- 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!