Christmas is a busy time of year at Melbourne Airport, with many people heading off to see loved ones or take a well-deserved holiday break. But airport travel during the holiday season doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little planning, you can avoid delays and make the most of your time. One way to do this is to sort airport parking early.

Melbourne Airport has onsite parking options for every type of trip. All car parks are either a short walk or a quick shuttle ride to the terminals, so you can get to check-in without the rush. So what else can help you move through the airport more easily? These top tips are a good place to start.

Christmas season or not, the best travel experience often comes down to the small things. With these travel tips, you can plan ahead and keep your festive spirit going from check-in to take-off.

1. Travel light if you can.

More people travel with more bags during the holidays, which can slow things down, especially at check-in and security. If you can keep it to a single carry-on, you’ll save time moving through the airport and make it easier to get across the car park or onto the shuttle.

If you're not sure what to leave out, start with the items you won’t need until you arrive and put them in checked baggage instead. The less you’re carrying, the easier it is to adapt if the terminal’s busy or your gate changes.

2. If you're travelling with kids, plan for wait time.

Christmas travel with kids means you have to be one step ahead. The festive season is busier through every part of the terminal, so it helps to think about where the delays might happen and prepare for them.

Pack a few snacks you know they'll eat, load up a tablet with shows before you leave home, and bring something small to play with when waiting in the gate lounge. Simple travel hacks like a charged power bank or a fold-up bag for extras can make things easier while you wait.

Need a backup toy for the flight? If you’re flying internationally, you can order one ahead on Laneway and collect it at Terminal 2. It’s Melbourne Airport’s online duty free shopping platform, handy if you’d rather not pack more than you need.

3. Pack smart for security.

Screening takes a little longer during busy periods, so it helps to think ahead. Keep liquids and electronics at the top of your carry-on so they’re easy to take out, and stick to the 100mL limit for any liquids, gels or aerosols. If you're bringing gifts, leave them unwrapped, as they may need to be inspected before you board.

Flying to the US? Use TSA-approved locks for any checked bags to avoid hold-ups after you land. Any travel guide will tell you it’s the small things like this that save time during the busy Christmas period.

4. Book airport parking online ahead of time.

Booking your parking online is one of the simplest ways to make your travel day feel more manageable. You’ll have more choice across parking options and lock in lower parking rates than if you drive up last minute. It also gives you a few built-in buffers, like:

• A QR code to enter and exit with no ticket needed
• A grace period if you're slightly early or delayed
• Flexibility to change your booking up to two hours before arrival or extend your booking once parked
• Faster entry and exit so you can stay focused on your flight

5. Know the terminal you're flying from.

During the festive rush, it’s worth giving yourself extra time to get from the car park to the terminal. This is especially helpful if you're flying internationally, whether you’re heading to New Zealand or all the way to New York.

Here’s a quick overview of where to head:

• Terminal 1 for Qantas domestic flights
• Terminal 2 for all international flights
• Terminal 3 for Virgin Australia domestic flights
• Terminal 4 for Jetstar, Rex and Link Airways domestic flights

Each terminal is within walking distance or a short shuttle ride from our onsite car parks. Before you leave, check the terminal maps and car park maps online so you know where you're going and what facilities are nearby. It’s a simple step that helps your travel day start off on the right foot.

6. Use digital tools wherever possible.

As any travel expert will tell you, the fewer papers you’re juggling, the easier the day feels. Digital tools can help you move through the airport more efficiently, especially when things get busy during the holidays.

Check in online before you arrive, save your boarding pass to your phone, and have your parking QR code ready to scan at the boom gate. You can also track flight information in real time to stay updated on any changes to your gate or departure time.

7. Leave the house earlier than usual.

Traffic around Tullamarine can build quickly during peak travel times, especially in the days leading up to Christmas Eve. Road delays and disruptions are more common at this time of year, so it helps to allow extra time for the drive in.

Use traffic apps to check for alternative routes before you leave, and keep an eye on any planned roadworks near Tullamarine that might slow you down. The airport will be busy across parking, check-in, and security, so arriving earlier gives you the space to move through each step without feeling rushed.

If you’re only heading away for a few days, the best car park is one that gets you to check-in quickly. You won’t need to think about shuttle times or long walks, especially during the Christmas rush. Here are your best picks for short stays at Melbourne Airport:

• Terminal car parks: These multi-level car parks are ideal if you want to park close and walk straight into the terminal. There are two locations: the Terminal T123 car park sits directly across from Terminals 1, 2 and 3, and the Terminal T4 car park is just 100 metres from Terminal 4. It’s a simple option that keeps you ahead of the holiday crowds without the premium cost. You’ll cut down on time between parking and check-in, which is especially handy if you’re flying domestically for just a few days.
• Premium Self Park: Located on Level 1 of the T123 and T4 car parks, this parking option gives you the closest self-park bays to the terminals. You’ll be under cover and just minutes from the terminal gates via a covered link bridge. No shuttle or handover needed. It’s ideal if you’re flying early, juggling bags, or travelling with kids during the Christmas rush.
• Premium Valet: Want the quickest way from car to check-in? Premium Valet lets you drive into Level 1 of the T123 car park, hand over your keys, and walk straight to the terminal. Our friendly valet staff will park your car while you get on with the rest of your day. It’s especially helpful during the Christmas period, when things are moving a little slower. The customer service team is also available 24/7 if you need a hand.
• Qantas Valet: Unlike Premium Valet, there’s no need to pre-book here. Just pull into Level 1 of the T123 Car Park, hand over your keys, and walk straight to check-in. It’s the closest option for Qantas flyers heading off over Christmas, with Frequent Flyer points earned every time you park. Not flying Qantas? This parking option is open to all travellers who just want a quick handover during the busy holiday period. You can also ask for car cleaning while you’re away.

Flying out over the Christmas holidays and staying away until New Year’s Eve? The Value car park is a smart choice for longer trips. With entrances off Airport Drive and Mercer Drive, it’s our most affordable parking option. It has open-air bays and 24/7 shuttle buses that run every 15 minutes. The bus drops you off at Terminal 1 and Terminal 4, so you’re never too far from check-in.

If you'd rather not park the car yourself, Value Express is available over the Christmas-New Year holiday period. Just head to Bus Stop B, hand over your keys, and our team will park your car for you while you ride the next shuttle to the terminals. It's a time-saver during the airport’s busiest travel days and a simple way to take one more thing off your list before you fly.

All other onsite parking options at Melbourne Airport are available for long-term stays too. It just comes down to what matters most to you, whether you want to park closest to the terminal, stay under cover, or hand over your keys and walk straight in. But if you're looking for value and don’t mind a short ride on the shuttle, the Value car park is the most affordable place to start your trip.

Delays and cancellations can happen during the Christmas travel period, especially with last-minute airline changes or unexpected illness. Planning ahead helps, and just like you would with travel insurance, you can add a few extras to make your return smoother if something changes.

For extra peace of mind, here’s what’s available when you book airport parking online:

• Grace period: If your stay is under four hours, you get one hour before and after your booking. For longer stays, that extends to two hours either side. This means if you arrive a bit earlier than planned or your flight gets in late, you’ve got time built in, and you won’t be charged extra for it.
• Overstay Guarantee: Add this to your online booking and we’ll cover any extra charges if something unexpected stops you from returning on time, like flight cancellations, illness, or border delays. With this optional add-on, you’re not paying out of pocket for something not in your control.

Changes can be made up to two hours before arrival, so there’s still room to adjust if your travel plans shift. Simply head to Manage My Booking to update your booking. Already parked? You can extend your booking easily using Manage My Booking online, anytime before your booked exit time.

You can book parking at Melbourne Airport online in just a few steps. Head to our Parking page and follow the prompts. Online booking is available 24/7, between 12 months and up to two hours before arrival.

Here’s what to do once you’re on the booking page:

Step 1: Select your travel dates, times, and terminal.
Step 2: Compare parking options based on location, features, and rates.
Step 3: Choose your car park and add any extras like the Overstay Guarantee.
Step 4: Enter your details and pay using your debit or credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
Step 5: Check your inbox for a confirmation email with a QR code. You’ll use this to enter and exit the car park.

Christmas time is one of the busiest periods at Melbourne Airport, but a few small steps can help your travel day run more smoothly. From booking parking ahead of time to knowing which terminal you’re flying from, being prepared means there’s less to figure out once you arrive.

Keep these holiday travel tips in mind even if you’re flying out on Christmas Day. They’re simple things you can plan in advance, so when it’s time to check in, all you need to think about is getting to your flight.

To make sure you don’t miss the best deals, sign up for Melbourne Airport’s Parking Deals newsletter. You’ll be the first to know about special offers, peak travel updates, and tips to help you park smarter all year round.