Long weekends have a way of sneaking up on you. One minute you're thinking about booking flights, the next you're packing bags and heading to the terminal. And with more people flying out and time feeling tight, parking can turn into a last-minute scramble.

We see it all the time. But it doesn't need to be that way.

If you're flying out of Melbourne Airport this long weekend, a few simple choices can make your airport parking experience easier from the start. Whether you're travelling solo or with family in tow, these tips can help you get parked, get moving, and get on with your trip.

1. Know Which Terminal You’re Flying From

Before you even think about where to park, it helps to know which terminal you’re flying out of. Sounds simple, but it’s one of the easiest things to overlook, especially during a long weekend when things can feel a bit more rushed than usual.

Here’s a quick rundown so you don’t have to second-guess it on the way:

• Terminal 1 is for Qantas domestic flights
• Terminal 2 handles all international flights, no matter the airline
• Terminal 3 is where you’ll go for Virgin Australia domestic flights
• Terminal 4 is used by Jetstar, Rex, and Link Airways for domestic flights

2. Choose Where to Park at Melbourne Airport Based on Your Flight

Different trips call for different airport parking options. Some are just a few steps from check-in, others are a short shuttle ride away, and a few come with extras that can make things easier on a busy long weekend. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you pick the right airport car park that fits your plans.

• Value Car Park: This car park offers budget-friendly open-air parking spaces off Airport Drive. It comes with a free shuttle bus service that runs every 15 minutes, day and night. The shuttle service stops at Terminal 4 (with a short walk to Terminal 3) and then at Terminal 1 (with a short walk to Terminal 2), so you’re covered no matter which airline you’re flying with. If your long weekend getaway falls during school holidays, you can upgrade to Value Express. It’s a seasonal valet-style service where you drop your car near Bus Stop B and our friendly staff take care of the parking for you.
• Terminal Car Parks: Don’t want to wait for the shuttle? Park close to the airport terminals in our Terminal Car Parks. These multi-level car parks have both undercover and open-air parking bays. There are two locations:
  • Level 1 of the T1 T2 T3 Terminal Car Park connects to Terminals 1, 2, and 3 via a covered link bridge, and is ideal if you're flying Qantas, Virgin Australia, or out of the international terminal.
  • Level 1 of the T4 Terminal Car Park sits just 100 metres from Terminal 4, and is best for Jetstar, Rex, and Link Airways.
• Premium Self Park: If you like the idea of parking yourself but want to be as close as possible to the terminal doors, Premium Self Park is a solid option. You’ll find it on Level 1 of the Terminal 1, 2, 3 car park and the Terminal 4 car park, with bays right near the terminal walkway entry points. It’s all undercover, and you’ll be at check-in in just a few minutes. Handy if you’ve got extra bags, little ones in tow, or just want to get on with your trip.
• Premium Valet: Long weekend flights can be early, late, or somewhere in between, so if you’re after a faster start, Premium Valet is worth considering. It’s a fully undercover valet parking service located on Level 1 of the Terminal 1, 2, 3 car park. Just drop your keys with the valet team and head straight to check-in. This valet service operates 24/7.
• Qantas Valet: Flying Qantas this long weekend? Located on Level 1 of the Terminal 1, 2, 3 car park, Qantas Valet puts you right next to check-in, so you can just drive up (no pre-booking required!), hand over your keys and head straight inside. You can also add an optional car wash service while you’re away and earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points—a handy extra if you fly often. While it’s designed with Qantas travellers in mind, anyone can use this valet service.

3. Check and Compare How Much Parking Is at Melbourne Airport

Long weekends can mean anything from two nights away to stretching it into a few more. To help decide which parking facility to pick, think about how long you'll actually be gone. Once you’ve got that in mind, compare the parking rates for each car park versus what you’ll pay if you pre-book parking online. It’s a good way to see what each option costs, so you can choose the one that suits your plans and budget.

4. Pre-Book Parking Online to Get the Best Rates

Parking tends to fill up fast over long weekends, and prices can climb the closer you get to your flight. Booking airport parking online helps you lock in a better rate before the rush. Plus, booking ahead means you’ll pay less than drive-up rates. Bookings are flexible and can be cancelled up to two hours before your booked arrival time. You can pre-pay using a debit or credit card, or mobile wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay.

5. Sign Up for Airport Parking Deals Ahead of the Long Weekend

Parking over a long weekend doesn’t have to come with a big price tag. At Melbourne Airport, we run special parking offers and discounts throughout the year. The easiest way to hear about them? Subscribe to our Parking Deals newsletter to get the latest offers straight to your inbox.

6. Take Advantage of the Online Booking Grace Period

Long weekend or not, trips don’t always go to plan. You might arrive earlier than expected or get back a little later. That’s where our online booking grace period helps, giving you a little breathing room to help take the pressure off.

If your parking stay is booked for less than four hours, you get a one-hour grace period before and after your booked entry time or exit time. For stays of four hours or more, the grace period extends to two hours on either side. It’s automatically applied to all online bookings, so there’s nothing extra to do.

7. Add the Overstay Guarantee for Peace of Mind

The grace period is great for small timing changes. But if your return ends up delayed by hours or even overnight, the Overstay Guarantee gives you more cover. It’s an optional extra you can add when you book parking online.

How Overstay Guarantee works: If something unexpected happens and you stay longer than planned, you can request a refund on any extra charges, as long as your delay fits the terms and conditions. It’s available across all car parks when you pre-book, and it’s a simple way to protect your trip from the kinds of changes no one plans for.

You can use Manage My Booking for cancellations or to update your entry date and exit date up to two hours before your booked time. If you’ve already parked, you can also extend your booking online before your scheduled exit time.

8. Check Road Conditions Near Tullamarine Before Your Drive

Traffic can pick up quickly over long weekends, especially around major roads leading to Melbourne Airport. Before you head out, check for any road delays and disruptions so you can plan the best time to leave or take a different route if needed.

It’s also worth checking our car park maps ahead of time, so once you arrive, you’ll know exactly where to go. A little prep makes it easier to drive in, park up, and get moving.

9. Consider What To Pack for a Long Weekend Trip

Whether you’re flying interstate or outside Australia, what you bring can shape how easy it is to get from your car to the terminal. For example, if you’re travelling light, a short walk from the Terminal Car Park or Premium Self Park might suit. But if you’ve got extra bags or kids in tow, our valet parking options can make things a lot easier.

Not flying out yourself? If you’re doing the drop-off or pick-up run, there are a couple of ways to make it easier.

For quick goodbyes or pick-ups, use the 1-minute drop-off and pick-up zones right outside the terminals. Need a bit more time? Head to the Wait Zone on Mercer Drive for short-term parking. You can park there for free for up to one hour, which is handy if the flight’s delayed or you’re early.

If you’d rather park closer, drive-up customers get 15 minutes of free parking in our Terminal Car Parks. It’s a good option if you’re helping with bags or walking someone in. Whatever your plans this long weekend, we’ve got a parking option to help you start it off smoothly.