Need to park at Melbourne Airport but not sure how to go about it? While the parking process at Tullamarine is pretty straightforward, knowing more about what to expect can make your experience even smoother.

That’s why, in this blog, we’ll focus on the five most important things you need to know before parking at Melbourne Airport. From parking options to our Overstay Guarantee, we’re breaking down what you need to know to park smart. So, let’s get straight into it, shall we?

1. There Are Plenty of Parking Options Available

One of the best things about parking onsite at Melbourne Airport is the number of options. Choose from:

• Value Parking: If you’re looking for a low-cost parking option, our Value Car Parks are your go-to. They’re a bit far from the airport terminals, but we have a free shuttle bus running every 15 minutes 24/7.
• Terminal Parking: Our Terminal Car Parks are located just a few minutes’ walk from Terminal 4 and have easy access to Terminal 1, 2, and 3. They’re an excellent choice for quick pick-ups and drop-offs and for those flying with Virgin, Qantas, Jetstar, or an international carrier.
• Valet Parking: Ever dreamt of just handing over your keys and heading straight to your flight? This is the parking service for you. No need to worry about circling the car park looking for a spot. Just drop off your vehicle and let the valet team take care of the rest.
• Premium Parking: Our Premium Car Parks offer the best spots in the house, with parking bays located closest to the check-in counters. It’s perfect for anyone who'd rather not haul their luggage any more than necessary.
• Business Parking: Tailored for quick arrivals and departures, it’s ideal for business travellers on a tight schedule, particularly those flying with Qantas or out of the international terminals.
• Qantas Valet Parking: For those loyal to the flying kangaroo, Qantas Valet Parking is the ultimate convenience. Aside from the car cleaning option, you can also earn Qantas flyer points just for parking.

All of our car parks are equipped with CCTV cameras and accessible parking facilities. Except for the Value Car Park and some parts of the Terminal Car Park, they’re all undercover, too. So whether you’re after value for money, convenience, or easy access to the terminals, there's a Melbourne Airport Parking option for your needs and budget.

2. You Can Book Parking Online

To make things smoother, Melbourne Airport allows you to book parking online. That means you can book parking before you even leave home! Not only that, online booking often has the best rates (usually cheaper than drive-up rates). You can even compare parking rates in real-time before deciding on a parking option.

To book parking online:

1. Visit the Melbourne Airport Parking page, then click on the “Book Parking Online” button.
2. Enter your entry and exit dates and times. Allow at least 2 hours after your arrival time to cater to customs checks and any potential delays.
3. Choose your terminal. T1 is for Qantas, T2 is for those flying out of Australia, T3 is for Virgin passengers, and all other airlines like Jetstar and Bonza fly out of T4.
4. Select your preferred parking option. The parking rates for each option are also displayed, so you can compare which is better suited to your needs and budget.
5. Add any extras like car cleaning (for Qantas Valet Parking) or an Overstay Guarantee.
6. Pay for your booking. We accept credit cards, Google Pay, and Apple Pay.

After your booking is confirmed, you will receive an email with a QR code. On your travel day, scan that at the gates to enter and exit the car parks. We also have help points all over the parking area, should you need any help. Just press the button on the intercom to talk to one of our friendly customer service team.

3. We Offer an Overstay Guarantee

We all know plans can change. Flights get delayed, or maybe you got too sick to fly back to Victoria. That’s why Melbourne Airport offers an Overstay Guarantee, so if you need to park longer than expected, you won’t have to worry about extra parking charges.

Just add the Overstay Guarantee when you book online. It costs a small upfront fee. But if your stay is extended due to circumstances covered by the guarantee, you can request a refund for the additional parking charges. This flexibility means one less thing to worry about when your travel plans don't go exactly as planned.

4. There Are Options for Short-Term and Long-Term Parking

Whether you're planning a quick visit or need a place to park your car during an extended trip, Melbourne Airport caters to both short and long stays.

We offer hourly rates for short-term parking. This is ideal if you're dropping someone off or picking them up. The hourly rates make it convenient and cost-effective for stays of a few hours, allowing you to park close to the terminals for easy access. You can even park for free for the first 15 minutes at our Terminal Car Park.

If you’re planning to leave your vehicle for more than 24 hours, we offer daily rates for long-term parking, too. And to make it easier on your pocket, our Value Parking starts at only $12 per day and comes with a free shuttle service that runs every 15 minutes, 24/7.

The best part? You can park with us for as long as you need. While online booking/s are only available for stays up to 45 days, longer stays are no issue. Just reach out to us if you plan to extend your parking beyond 60 days.

5. You Can Park Almost Any Vehicle

Yes, our airport parking spaces are designed to accommodate a wide range of vehicles, from compact city cars to larger SUVs and vans. However, each car park has a maximum height requirement for cars:

• Value Car Park =3.3m
• Terminal parking (T123, T4) = 2.2m
• Premium Car Park = 2.2m
• Business Car Park = 2.3m

So, if you’re rolling up in something taller, like a high-roof van or a vehicle with gear on top, you'll want to double-check the specific clearance details of the car park you're eyeing.

For those on two wheels, we have designated spots for bikes and motorcycles, too. While you can park your motorcycle in all our car parks, there's a special area just for you in the Terminal Car Park at Terminals 1, 2, and 3 (on the ground floor as you exit the helix ramp). Normal parking rates for cars apply to motorcycles, so you don't have to worry about special fees.

For cyclists, we have bicycle racks situated on the ground floor of the Terminal Car Park near Terminals 1, 2, and 3. Make sure to lock up your bicycle at these racks to keep it safe. Bicycles left outside designated areas might be removed. Also, to keep pathways clear for everyone, parking your bicycle on footpaths, walkways, or near emergency access points isn't allowed.

If you're ever unsure about where to park, just hit the button on one of our help points. Our customer service team is always ready to assist you.

Got more questions about parking at Melbourne Airport? Check out our parking FAQs or fill out our contact form, and we’ll get back to you. So, drive up, park with ease, and enjoy a smoother start to your journey. Safe travels!