Overview
Got a flight booked? Whether it’s for a footy match, a sunny coast trip, or just a couple of days away from the usual routine, quick weekend getaways are more popular than ever. And while flights are easy to sort, airport parking isn’t always top of mind. Well, it should be.
A good parking experience can save you time, cut out the faff, and make the start of your trip feel that bit easier. That’s why Melbourne Airport offers parking solutions for every traveller, all right onsite.
Why Weekend Travellers Are Choosing to Park Onsite
Weekend trips are quick, so every step counts. Parking onsite at Melbourne Airport helps make the most of your time from the moment you arrive.
- You’re already where you need to be. All car parks are right here at the airport, so there’s no extra travel time between your car and your terminal.
- More time to get settled before your flight. When you’re closer to check-in, it’s easier to get through the usual steps—drop bags, grab a coffee, check the board—and still feel like you’re not in a rush.
- Walkable access across all terminals. Most parking spaces are within a few minutes’ walk of the terminal doors, which makes getting in and out faster, especially if you’re flying with carry-on.
- Support on the ground if you need help. With our friendly customer service team on-site 24/7, you’re never far from assistance if you need it.
On-site parking is built for convenience, so you can spend less time figuring things out and more time enjoying the trip. Let’s run through the parking options that work best for weekend getaways.
Melbourne Airport Parking Options for Weekend Getaways
With a few days to travel and not a lot of time to spare, finding the right place to park can make a real difference. Here are onsite parking options designed to fit around your weekend plans, not the other way around:
Value Car Park
If you want to keep things low-cost, the Value Car Park is an easy pick. Located just off Airport Drive, it’s Melbourne Airport’s most affordable parking option. A free shuttle bus service runs every 15 minutes, 24/7, with stops at Terminal 1 (Qantas domestic and all international flights) and Terminal 4 (for Jetstar, Rex, Link Airways, or Virgin Australia domestic travellers).
Planning to fly out during a peak travel period? During school holidays, you can upgrade to Value Express. This seasonal valet-style add-on lets you pull in, leave your car in a designated bay near Bus Stop B, and have the valet team take care of the parking for you. You can add it when you book online or upgrade on arrival (subject to availability).
Terminal Car Park
Flying out Friday and back by Sunday? The Terminal Car Parks are a great fit for short-term parking. They’re right next to the airport terminals, so you can park and head to check-in in just a few minutes’ walk—no need for a shuttle ride. There are two Terminal Car Parks at Melbourne Airport:
- The T1 T2 T3 Terminal Car Park, with direct link bridge access to Terminals 1, 2, and 3. This one’s ideal if you're flying with Qantas, Virgin Australia, or heading overseas; and
- The T4 Terminal Car Park, located about 100 metres from Terminal 4. It’s the closest parking for Jetstar, Rex, and Link Airways flights.
These multi-level airport car parks offer both undercover and open-air bays, with walkable access to all terminal entrances. If you’re only stopping by for a quick pick-up or drop-off, the first 15 minutes are free, making it a convenient option if someone needs a little longer to unload or get through security. You can also head to the Wait Zone on Mercer Drive, where parking is free for up to 60 minutes while you wait for your passenger to be ready.
Premium Self-Park
Prefer to park it yourself and be on your way? Premium Self-Park is the closest self-parking option to the terminals, with fully undercover bays and quick and easy access to check-in. It’s a smart choice for weekend travellers who want to keep things moving. You’ll find Premium Self-Park on Level 1 of both the T1 T2 T3 Terminal Car Park and the T4 Terminal Car Park.
Parking bays are positioned near the terminal walkway entry points, so you can get from your car to the terminal in just a few minutes’ walk. There’s no need to wait around—just park, grab your bags, and go. It’s ideal for carry-on travellers, early flights, or anyone who wants a smooth start and a quick return.
Premium Valet
Short on time or just want to keep things simple? With Premium Valet, you can drive up, drop your keys, and head straight to check-in. There’s no need to find a parking space or carry your bags through the car park—the valet parking team takes care of it all while you get on with your weekend trip.
You’ll find Premium Valet on Level 1 of the T1 T2 T3 Terminal Car Park. It’s fully undercover and just a short walk to the terminal entry. The service operates 24/7 with our friendly staff available if you need help along the way. This parking service is a popular option for early flights, tight schedules, or travellers who simply want a faster start and finish to their weekend.
Qantas Valet
Qantas Valet gets you as close as possible to Terminal 1. But the best part? You can just drive up, drop off your keys, and head straight to check-in counters—no pre-booking required.
You’ll find Qantas Valet on Level 1 of the T1 T2 T3 Terminal Car Park. It’s available to all travellers, but it’s especially convenient for Qantas passengers wanting the most direct route from car to check-in. And if you’re a Qantas Frequent Flyer, you’ll earn points just for using the service.
Optional car cleaning services are also available, including exterior wash and interior detailing—a nice touch if you’re heading off for a few days and want to return to a clean car.
Pre-Book Airport Parking Online for More Perks
Once you’ve picked the parking option that suits your weekend plans, the next step’s just as easy. Booking parking online takes just a couple of minutes and gives you access to better parking rates than drive-up rates. Like getting ahead of a good deal? Sign up for the Parking Deals newsletter to get updates on limited-time offers, exclusive discounts, and parking tips delivered straight to your inbox!
All online bookings also come with a grace period, so if you arrive a little earlier or leave a bit later than expected, you won’t get charged straight away. For stays under four hours, you’ll get one hour on either side of your booked time. But for longer stays, that grace period extends to two hours. Plus, you can add extras when you book online, like:
- Value Express, for a quicker drop-off at the Value Car Park during peak travel periods and school holidays
- Overstay Guarantee, which helps cover extra charges if your return flight is delayed, cancelled, or moved
After you book parking, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your QR code—that’s what you’ll scan to enter and exit the car park. You can pay with a debit/credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay, whatever suits you best. And if your plans change? No problem there, too. You can update or cancel your booking online through Manage My Booking.
Park Onsite and Get the Most Out of Your Weekend Trips
A short weekend trip doesn’t need a complicated start. Parking onsite at Tullamarine airport puts you closer to the terminals, with a range of airport parking facilities designed to match how you travel.
You can book online up to 12 months in advance, or as late as two hours before arriving at the airport. Either way, you’ll have access to the best rates, plus the option to add extras like Value Express or Overstay Guarantee for a smoother parking experience.
Not sure which option works best? Our FAQs cover everything from shuttle times to booking changes, so you can feel confident before you drive in. Ready to sort your parking? Book now and start your weekend trip with one less thing to think about.