Flying out of Melbourne Airport soon? School breaks, long weekends, and big events mean more travellers, busier car parks, and higher drive-up rates. If you’ve ever circled the airport looking for a spot or paid more than expected, you know how tricky it can get. The good news? You don’t have to leave airport parking to chance.

Melbourne Airport offers seasonal parking deals that help you lock in the best rates before you even leave home. Whether you need long-term parking for a big trip or short-term parking for a quick pick-up or drop-off, there’s an option to suit your plans and your budget. Let’s go through the best parking options, how to cut costs, and the seasonal discounts to watch for.

Parking at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport doesn’t have to be expensive. That is, if you know where to find the best airport parking deals. The key is to park onsite and know where to look and when to book. Here’s how you can access and take advantage of these parking deals:

• Subscribe to the Melbourne Airport Parking Deals Newsletter: Seasonal parking deals don’t last long, and the best way to catch them is by subscribing to Melbourne Airport’s Parking Deals newsletter. Subscribers get early access to discounts, limited-time offers, and special promotions that aren’t always available on the website.
• Book Online for Cheaper Rates vs. Drive-Up Prices: Seasonal discounts are often available if you book parking online, giving you a lower rate compared to drive-up prices. When you book online, you can access discounted pricing across different airport car park options.

Plus, all online bookings come with a built-in grace period, which is especially helpful if you're parking during busy holidays when flight delays are more common. For stays under four hours, you get a one-hour grace period before and after your booked time. For stays over four hours, this extends to two hours.

• Check for Corporate Parking Discounts: If you travel often for work, Melbourne Airport’s Corporate Parking Program offers year-round savings, even during peak travel seasons. Businesses and frequent flyers can access discounted parking rates across different parking services.

Travel plans don’t always go as expected. So, we encourage travellers to opt for the Overstay Guarantee add-on to avoid extra charges if your return flight is cancelled or delayed. This way, you can leave your car in the onsite parking facilities with peace of mind, knowing you won’t be charged extra for reasons beyond your control.

Travellers can also extend their booking online via the Manage My Booking function on the parking page as long as it's before their scheduled exit time.

Here’s a breakdown of Melbourne Airport’s parking options, how they fit different travel plans, and what to consider during peak seasons.

Value Car Park

The Value Car Park is the most affordable parking option at Melbourne Airport. This outdoor parking option is linked to all terminals via a free shuttle bus service that runs every 15 minutes. The shuttle stops at Terminal 4 (best stop for travellers flying domestically with Jetstar, Rex, Link Airways, or Virgin Australia) and at Terminal 1 (best for travellers flying domestically with Qantas, or for all international airlines). Just make sure to factor in a little extra travel time when planning your journey.

If you book online, rates start from $12 per day. But during peak travel times, you can upgrade to Value Express. This seasonal service makes parking even easier—simply drop off your car in a designated area, and valet staff will park it for you. Value Express can be added when pre-booking online or as an on-the-spot upgrade when you arrive.

Terminal Car Parks

During peak travel seasons, when time is tight and the airport is busy, Terminal Parking helps you skip the extra steps. Available in two locations, they're directly linked to Terminals 1, 2, and 3 via a covered bridge, and about 100 metres away from Terminal 4. This makes them ideal for everyone, whether you’re flying Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin, Link Airways, Rex, or international carriers.

Plus, if you pre-book online, rates start from $49 per day, making it a great choice for short trips or weekend getaways.

Just stopping by for a quick drop-off or pick-up? You can use Terminal Car Parks for free for the first 15 minutes—no booking required. If you need more time, you can wait at the Wait Zone for up to an hour for free.

Premium Self-Park

Premium Self-Park offers the closest self-parking spots at Melbourne Airport, with fully undercover parking spaces positioned for faster check-in. Located on Level 1 of the T1 T2 T3 Terminal Car Park and Level 1 of the T4 Terminal Car Park, it puts you right near the entrances, so there’s less walking. This makes it even easier to get in and out, especially during peak travel seasons.

Premium Valet

Want to skip parking your car altogether? With Premium Valet parking, you can drive right up, hand over your keys, and head straight to check-in. No circling for a spot, no long walks—just pull in and go.

Whether you're travelling for business, flying with kids, or just want a smoother airport parking experience, this option makes departure day that much easier. For this reason, Premium Valet is in high demand during peak seasons, so it’s best if you book online ahead of the rush. Online rates start from $79 per day.

Qantas Valet

For Qantas domestic passengers, Qantas Valet parking offers the fastest, most direct parking option. Located on Level 1 of the T1 T2 T3 Terminal Car Park, it puts you steps from check-in, so you can drop off your car and head straight inside.

Need a car wash while you’re away? Optional interior and exterior car cleaning, as well as car detailing services, are available so you can return to a freshly cleaned car.

Pre-booking your airport parking not only helps you lock in better rates but also means one less thing to worry about before your trip. Plus, it’s quick and easy to do online. Here’s how:

1. Head to the official Melbourne Airport parking page and click on the ‘Parking’ button in the upper right corner of the page.
2. Select your entry and exit times to see your options. You can book as early as 12 months before your flight, but if your plans change, check FAQs for modifications or cancellations.
3. Choose your parking option. Whether you want budget-friendly outdoor parking or quick terminal access, our platform makes it easy to compare distance, price, and features.
4. Add extras if needed. The Overstay Guarantee protects you from extra charges if your return flight is delayed. If you’re in a hurry, Value Express helps you park faster in peak holiday periods.
5. To complete your booking, pay using a debit/credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. You’ll then receive a confirmation email with a QR code—this is your entry and exit pass for the car park.

Not all airport parking options are the same, especially when travel demand is high. Some are closer to the terminals, others offer better value, and a few come with added perks. Knowing what’s available can help you find the right spot, no matter how busy it gets.

The best way to get the lowest rates is to book online ahead of time and subscribe to our Parking Deals newsletter. With seasonal parking deals, flexible options, and convenient onsite parking, Melbourne Airport makes it easy to find a parking option that works for you. Pre-book today and enjoy a smoother parking experience.