Overview
Parking at Tullamarine Airport is easier than you think. Forget the scramble for an available car park or juggling last-minute decisions. One of the biggest advantages of parking onsite is how effortlessly you can book parking online. Melbourne Airport’s online booking system lets you lock in the best rates, skip drive-up fees, and enjoy a seamless start to your journey. This guide will show you exactly how to make it happen.
Why Book Melbourne Airport Parking Online?
Booking your parking online at Melbourne Airport comes with plenty of benefits that make your travel experience smoother and more affordable:
- Save Money with the Best Rates: Online bookings often offer significant savings compared to drive-up rates, helping you stick to your budget.
- Get Your Parking Sorted Before Arriving at the Airport: Avoid the uncertainty of last-minute parking by booking your parking ahead of time.
- Convenient and Easy Process: The online booking system is user-friendly and allows you to book parking in just a few clicks.
- Compare Parking Options in Real Time: Choose from a variety of parking facilities, including options like Valet Parking and undercover parking spaces.
- 24/7 Customer Support: Melbourne Airport’s dedicated customer service team is here to assist you 24/7 with any issues or queries related to your booking.
- Grace Periods: All online bookings come with grace periods, allowing some flexibility if your arrival or exit timing changes slightly.
With these advantages, there's no reason why you shouldn't book parking online.
Step 1: Visit the Melbourne Airport Parking Website
To begin booking your parking, head to the official Melbourne Airport website. On the homepage, look for the 'Parking' button in the upper right part of the screen. Clicking this will take you directly to the parking section, where you can explore available options, compare parking services, and start the booking process with ease.
Step 2: Choose Your Entry and Exit Dates and Time
Select your arrival and departure times carefully to match your travel plans. Melbourne Airport offers flexibility with all online bookings, including free amendments or cancellations up to 2 hours prior to arrival and grace periods. Bookings under 4 hours include a one-hour grace period before and after the booked time, while bookings over 4 hours come with a two-hour grace period.
For short-term parking or quick pick-up and drop-off, hourly rates are available. If you're planning a longer trip, choose daily rates for long-term parking. Please note that parking cannot be pre-booked for more than two hours in advance, so plan accordingly to avoid inconvenience.
We also recommend adding at least 2 hours to your flight's departure and arrival times to allow for pre-flight and post-flight security checks, delays in baggage claims, and more.
Once you've decided on your times, input them into the booking system to see the options available for your selected dates.
Step 3: Pick Your Terminal
Melbourne Airport has four main terminals, each serving different airlines and flight types. Knowing your terminal is crucial for selecting the right car park for you and saving time on your journey. Here's a quick breakdown:
- Terminal 1: Qantas domestic flights
- Terminal 2: International flights
- Terminal 3: Virgin Australia domestic flights
- Terminal 4: Jetstar and Rex domestic flights
Checking which airport terminal your airline uses ensures a smoother transition from your car park to the check-in counters. Make sure to confirm this information before booking your parking to avoid unnecessary hassle.
Step 4: Compare Prices and Features
After selecting your terminal and entry and exit times, you will be presented with a list of parking options. Each option includes the parking rates and details about proximity to the terminals.
At the top of each parking option, you'll see an estimate of the time it takes to reach the terminals, either by walking or using the free shuttle bus service. For further convenience, there is a button on the top left of the page that lets you view the airport map and locate each car park.
Here are the parking options available at Melbourne Airport:
- Value Car Park: A budget-friendly option with access to all terminals via a free shuttle bus service operating every 15 minutes 24/7.
- Terminal Car Parks: Offering direct link bridge access to Terminals 1, 2, and 3, and just 100 metres away from Terminal 4. Parking is free for the first 15 minutes.
- Premium Car Parks: Choose from Self-Park or Valet options. Offers prime locations and undercover spaces just a short walk to the airport terminals.
- Qantas Valet Parking: Ideal for Qantas travellers, featuring valet service, car cleaning options, and earning Frequent Flyer points.
Once you've compared the features and chosen a parking option that suits your needs, click the "Book Now" button to proceed.
Step 5: Add Extras to Your Booking
Once you’ve chosen a parking option, you’ll see a summary of your booking details, including an estimate of your total parking charges. These charges depend on how long you plan to stay at the parking facility. At this stage, you’ll also have the option to add extras to your booking, such as the Overstay Guarantee.
The Overstay Guarantee is a valuable addition for travellers dealing with unexpected changes to their return plans. It prevents additional parking fees if your return flight is delayed or cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, such as border closures or illness. By adding this option, you can enjoy peace of mind, knowing you won’t face surprise charges for overstaying your booked time.
To include this extra, simply select it on the booking page. This small upfront fee can save you from potential headaches and additional costs later. After selecting your extras, proceed to the next step to finalise your booking.
Step 6: Enter Your Details
After adding any extras to your booking, you’ll need to provide your personal details to complete the booking. This step ensures that your booking is correctly linked to your vehicle and travel plans. You’ll be required to enter the following information:
- Your name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Country of residence
- Postcode and suburb
- Vehicle registration details
- Flight details, including whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure and the airline you’re flying with
Make sure all the information is accurate to avoid any issues when you arrive at the parking facility. Once everything is filled out, proceed to the payment stage to confirm your booking.
Step 7: Pay for Your Booking
After entering your personal details, it’s time to finalise your booking by providing payment details. Melbourne Airport accepts all major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, as well as Google Pay. Choose your preferred method and securely enter your payment information to complete the transaction.
Step 8: Receive Your Booking Confirmation
After completing your payment, you will receive a confirmation email containing all the important details of your booking. This email will include parking instructions and a QR code that you will use to enter and exit the Melbourne Airport car park.
If you can’t find the email in your inbox, check your spam or junk folder. To avoid any last-minute hassles, save the QR code in a location that’s easy to access, such as your phone’s photo gallery or a digital wallet. You can also take a screenshot of the email for quick retrieval.
Step 9: Arrive at Melbourne Airport and Park
On the day of your flight, use Google Maps or the airport map available on Melbourne Airport’s website to locate your booked car park. When you arrive, scan the QR code included in your confirmation email at the entry gates to gain access. You’ll use the same QR code to exit the car park once your trip is complete.
If you lose or forget your QR code or need assistance with anything else, help points are located throughout the parking lot. Simply press the intercom on these help points, and our friendly staff will be ready to assist you 24/7.
Tips for a Smooth Parking Experience at Melbourne Airport
To make your parking experience at Melbourne Airport as smooth as possible, consider the following tips:
- Book Early: Booking your parking online well in advance ensures you get the best rates and your preferred parking option.
- Check Your Booking Confirmation: Double-check the details in your confirmation email, including your entry and exit times, QR code, and the assigned car park.
- Keep Your QR Code Handy: Store your QR code in a place where you can easily retrieve it, like your phone's photo gallery or digital wallet.
- Plan Your Arrival Time: Arrive at the car park with enough time to spare before your check-in to avoid any rush.
- Use Google Maps or the Airport Map: Locate your car park with the help of navigation tools to save time.
- Travel Light: Organise and pack everything before you park to make the transition from the car to the terminal easier.
- Ask for Assistance: If you encounter any issues, the help points and friendly staff are available 24/7 to assist you.
Book Your Parking at Melbourne Airport Today!
Don’t leave your parking plans to the last minute. Book your parking at Melbourne Airport today and enjoy a seamless start to your trip. With convenient online booking, the best parking options, and friendly staff ready to assist, Melbourne Airport makes parking simple and convenient. Book your parking now and travel with confidence!