Got a flight out of Melbourne Airport? One of the first decisions you’ll make is how to get there. Do you drive yourself and park onsite, or book a rideshare and get dropped off? Each option has its perks, and the right choice depends on your plans, budget, and timing.

Whether you prefer the comfort and flexibility of having your own car or the convenience of a rideshare, we’ll break down what to consider so you can make the best call for your next trip.

Whether you're a frequent flyer, heading off on a long getaway, or just want the fastest route from your parking spot to check-in, Melbourne Airport has parking options to suit your needs. Here’s how to choose the best one for you:

• Value Car Park: Ideal for both short-term and long-term parking and for budget-conscious travellers. With lower daily rates starting from $12 when you book online and a free shuttle service running every 15 minutes, 24/7, it’s a cost-effective way to park. Travelling during the school holidays? Book Value Express for a valet-style experience.
• Terminal Car Park: Don’t want to wait for the shuttle? Walk to the terminals in minutes! Available in two locations: at the T1 T2 T3 Terminal Car Park, and at the T4 Terminal Car Park, it’s best for those short on time but still want a smooth start to their trip. Online rates start from $49 per day.
• Premium Self-Park: For even quicker access to the terminals, this car park offers prime undercover parking spots. These are the closest spots to the terminals! Available in two locations: on Level 1 at the T1 T2 T3 Terminal Car Park, and Level 1 of the T4 Terminal Car Park. Online rates start from $79 per day.
• Premium Valet: If convenience is your top priority, this option is for you. Just give our valet staff your keys, and they’ll handle parking your car for you. Located on Level 1 of the T1 T2 T3 Terminal Car Park, it’s open from 4 AM to 1 AM, with online rates starting from $79.
• Qantas Valet: Ideal for Qantas passengers, but anyone can use it. Qantas Frequent Flyers earn points for parking here, plus there’s no booking required. This car park also lets you opt for additional car cleaning services. Located on Level 1 of the T1 T2 T3 Terminal 1, 2, 3 Car Park.

Rideshare services like uberX, UberBLACK, Ola, Didi, and GoCatch offer a convenient way to get to your terminal. Here’s where to meet your driver:

Pick-up locations:

• Terminals 1, 2, & 3 – Lane 3 of the forecourt
• Terminal 4 – Level 1, inside the T4 Terminal Car Park

Once you land, open your rideshare app, request a ride, and head to the designated pick-up area. Keep in mind that you can’t schedule an Uber ride in advance for airport pick-ups, so availability may vary.

Drop-off locations:

• Public drop-off areas along Departure Drive
• Terminal 4 – Level 2, inside the T4 Terminal 4 Car Park

Like LAX in Los Angeles and JFK in New York, Melbourne Airport is among the busiest airports in the world. That’s why it helps to plan how you’ll get to and from the airport, especially during peak travel times or if you’re booking at the last minute.

The best option comes down to what matters most to you. Thinking through a few key factors will help you decide which option fits your travel plans best:

Costs

If you live closer, a rideshare is the simpler choice. You pay for the ride, get dropped off or picked up, and go. But even then, costs can add up, especially with the rideshare access fee of $4.82 (including GST) per trip from the airport and the potential for surge pricing during peak hours.

The longer the distance, the higher the rideshare fare, especially for round trips. So for travellers who live farther away, parking onsite may be more cost-effective. Plus, unlike rideshare fares that fluctuate based on traffic and availability, pre-booking onsite parking locks in your price, so there are no surprises.

Want to save even more? Subscribe to Melbourne Airport’s Parking Deals newsletter for exclusive offers and discounts on parking throughout the year.

Convenience

Parking onsite puts you in control. Just drive in, park, and walk to your terminal. No waiting, no surge pricing, and when you get back, your car is exactly where you left it. Plus, if your plans shift, online bookings come with built-in grace periods and booking management options to give you extra flexibility.

While rideshare is a simple drop-and-go option, pick-ups work differently. You can’t schedule ahead, so once you land, you’ll need to request a ride in the app. Wait times can vary during peak hours, and road delays or disruptions at Tullamarine may make it harder to get a driver quickly. You might have some time to lounge around the arrivals hall before your driver arrives.

For early flights and late returns, rideshare availability also isn’t always a sure thing. Parking at the airport means you’re not left waiting when all you want is to get home.

Accessibility

If you need accessible transport, both options have considerations. On-site parking offers designated accessible parking bays near terminal entrances and shuttle stops.

For rideshare, accessibility depends on availability. While some services like Uber Assist or Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) exist, they can’t be pre-booked for airport pick-ups, meaning wait times may vary.

So if you require a specific vehicle type, parking at the airport may provide a more predictable and convenient option. Travellers can also book special assistance in advance to arrange wheelchair support or help getting to and from the terminal.

Flexibility & Reliability

Travel plans don’t always go as expected. Whether it’s a weather delay, a last-minute itinerary change, or an extended trip, the right transport option makes all the difference.

With onsite parking, you’re covered if your schedule shifts. Book online, and you can modify or cancel your booking up to two hours before arrival through the Manage My Booking feature on our website. Bookings can also be extended before the scheduled exit time.

If your return flight is cancelled due to border closures or illness, the Overstay Guarantee (an optional add-on) refunds extra parking charges. It’s peace of mind in case your trip unexpectedly stretches beyond your planned return date.

Rideshare is less flexible. Since you can’t pre-book an airport pick-up, you’ll need to request a ride after landing and wait for an available driver. If demand is high, wait times can stretch longer than expected, and fares may surge during peak hours or bad weather. If your flight is delayed into a low-demand period, finding a driver at all could take longer.

Travelling light? Rideshare is an easy way to get to and from the airport. The same can’t be said when you have lots of luggage or are travelling with kids.

Parking on-site gives you more control over your air travel experience. Load and unload at your own pace, without squeezing everything into a rideshare or waiting for multiple cars. Your own car is ready when you are, making early morning departures and late-night returns easier.

For group getaways, splitting the cost of parking can be cheaper than booking multiple rideshares. And with onsite parking close to the terminals, it’s a practical choice when travelling with friends or family.

The best way to get to and from Melbourne Airport depends on your travel plans, budget, and priorities. Consider factors like parking rates versus rideshare fares, distance from the airport you are at, wait times, accessibility, group size, and luggage when deciding what works best.

If you prefer getting dropped off and picked up, rideshare services are a great option. You can also choose car rental, taxi services, or public transport, depending on what suits your trip. But if you want the flexibility of leaving when you’re ready and having your car waiting when you return, here's how you can pre-book airport parking online:

1. Visit the Melbourne Airport website and go to the Parking section.
2. Enter your travel dates and times to see available options.
3. Choose a car park that suits your needs and consider add-ons or upgrades like Overstay Guarantee and Value Express.
4. Complete your booking and receive a QR code for easy entry and exit.

No matter which option you choose, planning ahead means a smoother airport experience and one less thing to think about on the day.