How To Save on Airport Parking and Help Offset a Pricier Trip

Even with everyday costs climbing, travel doesn’t have to feel out of reach. If you’re looking for ways to keep a trip manageable without overcomplicating it, airport parking is one of the easier decisions you can take care of early.

At Melbourne Airport, we offer onsite parking options you can book ahead of time. It’s a simple way to save on airport parking and stay in control of this part of your travel spend before the day even begins.

Parking onsite means you’re only a few minutes walk or shuttle ride away from the terminal. It also gives you more control over timing, cost and how the day unfolds. Here are the simple tips that can help you save before your trip even begins:

• Pre-book parking online. Online bookings cost less than drive-up parking rates. It also puts you in control of the parking option you choose, so you’re not limited by what’s left on the day or left paying more because of it. You can book airport parking up to 12 months in advance.
• Plan your drive to the airport. Ongoing roadworks and lane closures around Tullamarine may add up to 30 minutes to your travel time, particularly during busy travel periods. If you book parking online, your booking includes a built-in grace period. That’s up to 1 hour either side for short stays under four hours, or 2 hours for longer trips. Planning ahead helps you avoid paying more if you arrive a little early or late.
• Know how to adjust entry and exit times. If your flight times shift or your plans change, you can use the My bookings link to manage and update your booking. You can adjust your entry time online up to two hours before you arrive, or extend your exit time if you’re already parked. This helps you stay within your booking and avoid paying drive-up rates or for extra time you didn’t plan for.
• Add the Overstay Guarantee to your booking. Travel plans don’t always go to schedule. If your trip is disrupted due to airline cancellations, border closures or illness, the Overstay Guarantee means you won’t be charged extra if you return later than planned. It’s a small add-on that gives you peace of mind and helps you avoid additional parking fees when things are out of your hands.
• Subscribe to Melbourne Airport’s Parking Deals newsletter. By subscribing, you’ll hear about the latest special offers as soon as they drop. It’s an easy way to time your booking around the best available rates.
• Book the right parking option for your trip. Not every trip needs the same parking option. Booking the right one for your travel plans can help you avoid paying for features you don’t need or missing out on value where it matters.

Value means different things depending on your trip, whether that’s a quick walk to check-in, the lowest rate for a longer stay, or added convenience when you need it. These onsite airport car parking options are designed to match different priorities, so you can choose what works best without paying for more than you need.

• Value Car Park: Heading away for a longer break? You can keep parking costs down with the Value Car Park, which offers great value for longer stays. It’s an open-air car park with entrances on Mercer Drive and Airport Drive, and includes a free shuttle service to Terminals 1 and 4 every 15 minutes, day and night. From there, it's a short walk to the check-in counters and bag-drop.

Flying during school holidays or peak travel times? Value Express is a seasonal valet-style parking service within the Value Car Park, where you can simply drop your car at the Value Express area near Bus Stop B. Our team then parks your car for you while you hop straight onto the shuttle bus. No need to look for a spot or remember where you parked when you get back.

• Terminal Car Parks: Want to stay closer to the terminal? Available in two locations, these car parks are a practical choice for both short-term and longer getaways. The T123 Terminal Car Park connects directly to Terminals 1, 2 and 3 via a covered walkway, putting you within a few minutes’ walking distance of check-in. It’s a good fit if you’re flying Qantas, Virgin Australia or heading to the international terminal. The T4 Terminal Car Park is just 100 metres from Terminal 4 and suits travellers flying with Jetstar, Rex, Link Airways or Virgin Australia. Both options have undercover and open-air parking spaces.
• Premium Car Park: If you’re trying to keep the day moving without delays, the Premium Car Park offers value by saving time. You’ll get the closest bays to the terminal entrances, with parking spaces on Level 1 of both the T123 and T4 Terminal Car Parks. From there, it’s just a short walk to check-in, and your car stays protected in undercover parking. This is a good fit for early departures or summer travel when timing and comfort matter.
• Melbourne Airport Valet: When you’d rather save time than think about parking, Melbourne Airport Valet keeps things simple. Located only at Level 1 of the T123 Terminal Car Park, just drive up, hand over your keys, and head straight to check-in while our team parks your car for you. There’s no circling for a bay or carrying luggage further than you need to. Just a streamlined start to a full day of travel.
• Qantas Valet: Need to get through the airport quickly? Qantas Valet is open to all travellers and doesn’t require booking in advance, but Qantas Frequent Flyers can earn points every time they park here. Just drive in via Level 1 of the T123 Terminal Car Park, hand over your keys, and head straight to the terminal. There’s also an optional car wash service while you’re away, so you return to a freshly cleaned car without adding another task to the list.

Booking early helps you stay in control of both your parking option and how much you’ll spend. Here’s how to do it online:

Step 1: Select your entry and exit dates and your terminal based on your trip. Add a promo code if you have one to access any available offers.

Step 2: Choose the parking option that fits how long you’ll be away.

Step 3: Pay with Apple Pay, Google Pay, debit or credit card.

Step 4: Check your email for your confirmation and unique Parking QR code.

Planning airport parking ahead of time doesn’t have to mean overthinking it. Whether you’re heading off for a longer trip or just doing a quick pick-up or drop off, small parking choices can help you stay in control of your travel spend.

Need quick airport access without staying long? The Wait Zone near Airport Drive and the Tullamarine Freeway gives you free parking for up to 60 minutes, handy if you’re collecting someone still making their way through arrivals.

If you’re still not sure which option suits your trip, our Parking FAQs cover everything from booking tips to what’s included with each car park.