Overview
If you fly regularly, you know how quickly travel costs can build up. It’s one of those things that adds up trip after trip, and it’s no surprise you’ve probably searched for cheap airport parking at Tullamarine more than once.
The good news is, you don’t have to park far away to save. Melbourne Airport has a range of on-site parking options, and with a few simple habits, you can cut costs while staying close to the terminals. We’ve pulled together some easy, practical ways to help you spend less and move through the airport with one less thing on your plate.
How Frequent Flyers Can Cut Costs With Melbourne Airport Parking
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to airport parking. But from when you book to where you park, these small decisions can help you save without adding effort to your trip:
1. Book Online for Lower Parking Rates vs Drive-Up Prices
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport is one of Australia’s busiest travel hubs, especially during school holidays and long weekends. One of the easiest ways to cut parking costs is to book online ahead of time. It’s quick and easy, and you’ll get access to better rates than you would by just driving up.
You’ll also have time to compare what’s available and choose the parking facility that suits how you like to travel, without rushing that decision at the last minute.
2. Choose the Right Parking Option
Short work trip? There’s an onsite parking option for that. Flying out for a week or more? That could be a different choice. Knowing what each Melbourne Airport car park offers means you can make quick, confident decisions that suit how you like to travel and what you’re comfortable spending.
If you need long-term parking and want to keep costs down, this is the one to keep coming back to. Just off Airport Drive, this car park offers outdoor parking spaces with a free shuttle bus service that runs every 15 minutes, around the clock. The free shuttle service stops at Terminal 4 (a short walk to Terminal 3) and then at Terminal 1 (a short walk to Terminal 2), so if you’ve got a bit of time before check-in, it’s a solid long-term car parking option.
During busy periods, like school holidays, you can book Value Express for a valet-like service. Drop your car at the Value Express area near Bus Stop B, and our friendly staff will park it for you. It’s a quick handover that can save you time when the car park is busier than usual.
Want to stay close without paying for extras you don’t need? Our Terminal car parks are worth considering, especially if you’d rather skip the shuttle ride. There are two locations with a mix of open-air and undercover parking spaces, all within walking distance of the terminals.
If you’re flying interstate with Virgin Australia or Qantas, or overseas from the international terminal, choose the Terminal 1, 2, 3 car park. But if you’re flying domestically with Jetstar, Rex, or Link Airways, choose Terminal 4 car park, which is just 100 metres from Terminal 4. For those who can walk a little further or are travelling light, the Terminal 4 car park is also a great option for those flying Virgin Australia from Terminal 3.
Happy to pay a little more for convenience? Premium Self Park gives you access to bays closest to the terminal walkway entrances. Located on Level 1 of both Terminal car park locations, these undercover parking spaces make getting in and out quicker, especially if you’re short on time or flying often.
Flying out on a tight schedule? Premium Valet is the quickest and easiest way to head straight to the terminal. Located on Level 1 of the Terminal 1, 2, 3 car park, this valet parking service saves you the time of parking altogether. If you’re leaving Melbourne on a busy travel day, it might be worth the extra convenience. From quicker entry and exit to excellent customer service, everything’s set up to get you moving sooner.
Located on Level 1 of the Terminal 1, 2, 3 car park, this valet service is the closest parking option to Terminal 1 for Qantas flights. You don’t need to be flying Qantas to use it, but if you are, you can earn Frequent Flyer points each time you park. You also don’t need to pre-book, plus optional car cleaning and car wash services are available while you’re away. It may not suit every budget, but for some travellers, the added convenience and perks can stack up.
3. Add Buffer Time to Avoid Extra Charges
Even with on-site parking close to all airport terminals, road delays around Tullamarine can still catch you off guard. It’s smart to build in some buffer time when booking, just in case traffic or disruptions slow you down.
To help with timing, Melbourne Airport includes a grace period with every online booking: one hour before and after your booked time for stays under four hours, and two hours on either end for longer ones. For extra peace of mind, you can add Overstay Guarantee, which helps cover charges if your return is affected by flight cancellations, border closures or illness.
If your plans shift, something all frequent travellers know, you can cancel or make changes to your booking through Manage My Booking up to two hours before your booked entry time. Already parked? You can extend your booking anytime, as long as you do it before your booked exit time.
4. Compare Parking Rates Ahead of Time
Sometimes, even if you’re only parking for a few hours, the daily online rate might be cheaper than paying drive-up short-term parking prices. If you're parking for close to six hours, booking parking online could be cheaper. In some cases, even a short stay can cost less with an online daily rate than paying drive-up prices on the day.
5. Use Corporate Parking if You Travel for Work
If you travel often for work, Melbourne Airport’s Corporate Parking Program might be worth putting on your team’s radar. It offers 15% off drive-up rates for Terminal, Premium Self Park, and Premium Valet parking, with shared access cards that make regular parking quicker and easier.
There’s no need to book each time, and monthly itemised billing keeps things simple for whoever handles your expenses. If your team doesn’t use it yet, it could be a good one to suggest, especially if you're in and out of Melbourne regularly.
How To Get a Discount on Airport Parking
If you fly often, it’s worth knowing where to look before you book parking. Melbourne Airport’s Parking Deals page is a good place to start - it’s updated with current offers and promos you can use straight away. You can also sign up for our Parking Deals newsletter for exclusive discounts sent directly to your inbox.
Is There Free Parking At Melbourne Airport?
If you’re only doing a quick pick-up or drop-off, you don’t need to pay for parking. You can use the dedicated zones right outside the terminals. These aren’t parking areas, though, so drivers must stay with their vehicle at all times.
For short stays, drive-up customers can use the Terminal car parks for up to 15 minutes for free. It’s ideal if you’re meeting someone inside or want to walk them to check-in without rushing. There’s also a Wait Zone on Mercer Drive where you can stay for up to 60 minutes free. It’s a good option if you’re early and waiting for a message before heading to the terminal.
These are all designed for short use only, so they’re not suitable for leaving your car during a trip. But they are handy if you’re looking to save on quick visits.
Make Airport Parking Work for How You Travel
If you’re flying often, parking shouldn't be something you have to rethink every time. A few simple habits, like booking ahead, picking the right car park for your trip, or knowing where to find a good deal, can make a real difference over time.
At Melbourne Airport, you don’t need to park far away to save. With the right choices, you can stay close to the terminals and still keep costs down every time you fly out. That way, you’re spending less time planning and more time moving.