Melbourne knows how to show up for a big event. Whether it’s a footy festival in Adelaide, a stadium tour in Sydney or a stage halfway around the world, we don’t miss the moments that matter. If you're flying out of Melbourne Airport, where you leave your car can make the lead-up a lot easier.

That’s where parking on-site makes sense. With a range of parking options all within walking distance or a short shuttle ride to the terminals, you can get to your gate without the extra back and forth. It’s one small decision that can make a big difference during event season.

Flying out for a big event usually means early starts, packed bags and not a lot of spare time. Using an on-site parking facility at Melbourne Airport helps keep things simple. You can drive yourself, park close to your terminal and head straight into travel mode. Here’s why it works:

• Easy access to the terminals. Located just off the Tullamarine Freeway, our car parks are easy to reach, even for early flights or tight connections.
• Plenty of parking spaces to choose from. On-site parking means more availability across multiple car parks, so you can pick what works for your timing and terminal.
• Fits short and long stays. Flying out just for a few hours or making a weekend out of it? There are short-term parking and long-term parking options here to suit either plan.
• Ideal for solo or group travel. Whether you’re driving yourself or heading off with others, parking onsite takes the pressure off coordinating lifts or lining up separate drop-offs.

Big events take you in all kinds of directions—short trips, long weekends, even international flights. Each airport car park at Melbourne Airport is set up to support different kinds of travel. Some put you closer to the terminal, others give you more flexibility for longer stays. A few even come with extras like undercover parking or car cleaning.

Here’s how to choose the one that fits your plans:

• Value Car Park: Want the most budget-friendly parking option? The Value Car Park keeps costs down and gets you to the terminals with a free shuttle service running every 15 minutes, 24/7. It’s a short ride, so it works well if you don’t mind parking a little farther out. If the event falls during school holidays, you can upgrade to Value Express—a valet-like service where you drop off your car and we’ll take care of the parking for you.
• Terminal Car Parks: Flying with Qantas or Virgin Australia, or heading overseas from the international terminal? The Terminal 1, 2, 3 car park puts you right near check-in, with a covered link bridge to Terminals 1, 2 and 3. Taking off with Jetstar, Rex or Link Airways? The Terminal 4 car park is just 100 metres from Terminal 4. This car park is also ideal for those flying Virgin Australia with carry-on only. Both options make it easy to park close and move quickly.
• Premium Self Park: After a more convenient spot? Premium Self Park gets you in and out of the car parks quickly. Located  on Level 1 of both Terminal 1, 2, 3 car park and Terminal 4 car park, these are the closest spots to the terminals. It also offers undercover parking, a plus if you’re travelling with luggage or heading out during wet weather.
• Premium Valet: Short on time or don’t want to deal with parking at all? Let our friendly valet parking service team take care of it for you. You just pull up, hand over the keys and head off. It's on Level 1 of the Terminal 1, 2, 3 car park and is ideal if you’re arriving close to boarding time.

Qantas Valet: Want a fast handover with a few extras? Qantas Valet is on Level 1 of the Terminal 1, 2, 3 car park and doesn’t need booking. Qantas Frequent Flyers also earn points here, and there’s the option to add a car wash service while you're out. It’s a good fit if you want to get in, hand over the keys and come back to a freshly cleaned car.

Major event trips move fast, so it helps to have a plan before you even arrive at the airport. Whether you’re heading in solo or with the whole crew, these quick tips can help you get the most out of your parking experience.

• Book parking early. If you book now, you’ll get cheaper rates than drive-up parking rates.
• Sign up for Melbourne Airport’s Parking Deals newsletter to hear about exclusive offers and promotions sent straight to your inbox.
• Using the Value car park? Make sure to allow extra time for the shuttle bus service to and from the terminals.
• Plan ahead in case of road delays and disruptions around the airport precinct that could affect your arrival time.
• Make the most of the grace period. There’s a 1-hour grace period built onto either side of online bookings under 4 hours, and up to 2 hours for longer stays.
• Add the Overstay Guarantee when you book online for extra peace of mind.

Getting dropped off or picked up for your trip? Each terminal has dedicated zones for quick pick-ups and drop-offs. If your ride gets to the airport early, they can head to the Wait Zone on Mercer Drive. It’s free for up to 60 minutes and a handy spot to wait if your flight’s still taxiing or you’re collecting bags.

You don’t need to spend a long time sorting your parking. With a few quick steps, you can book online and be ready to go, whether you’re parking for a few hours or the whole weekend.

1. Go to the Melbourne Airport Parking page.
2. Enter your entry and exit dates and times.
3. Choose your preferred car park from the list of available options
4. Add any extras (like Value Express, Overstay Guarantee, or car cleaning)
5. Pay using a valid debit or credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
6. You’ll get a confirmation email with the QR code and other details you need

Plans changed on the day? Use Manage My Booking to update or cancel at least two hours before your arrival or exit time.

Flying out for a major event takes planning—flights, tickets, luggage, and timing. Parking at Melbourne Airport doesn’t need to add to the list.

With a range of on-site options close to every terminal, Melbourne Airport makes it easy to choose a parking facility that fits your trip. You stay in control of your time, skip the extra runaround and get going with less to think about. So, book early, park with ease, and start your journey knowing that part’s already taken care of.