The way you travel shows up in the way you park. Are you someone who arrives early and parks right by the terminal? Do you prefer to book online and save with a shuttle ride? Or maybe you’re the type who decides where to park while driving up the freeway.

At Melbourne Airport, every on-site airport car park suits a different kind of traveller, and your choice often reflects more than just your flight time. From planners to last-minute travellers and everything in between, here’s what your parking choice might say about you.

Parking isn’t just a detail you tick off before a trip. It’s often the first travel choice you make. And that decision can reveal more about your habits than you might expect. From how far ahead you plan to how close to check-in you like to park, each choice hints at your travel personality.

If Value Car Park is your go-to, chances are you prefer locking in the best rates ahead of time and don’t mind a short shuttle ride to the terminal. Planning matters, but so does value. This option gives you both.

Located just a few minutes from the terminals, Value Car Park offers low daily rates when booked online, making it ideal for long-term parking or holidays. The free shuttle bus service runs every 15 minutes, 24/7. During peak travel periods like school holidays, you can upgrade to Value Express—a valet-style service that gets you on your way even faster.

This choice says you like a smooth, budget-friendly start to your trip and that you're probably the one who already checked in the night before.

If you usually park in the Terminal Car Parks, you probably want to stay close to check-in, keep walking time short, and skip the extra steps. It’s not about rushing but about getting from your car to the terminal without delay.

Located within walking distance of all terminals, these on-site airport car parks are ideal for both long-term and short-term parking. Use the T1 T2 T3 Terminal Car Park for Qantas domestic, Virgin Australia, or international flights. For Jetstar, Rex, or Link Airways, the T4 Terminal Car Park is the closest option to Terminal 4.

The first 15 minutes are free, making it a smart pick for quick drop-offs or pick-ups. Choosing this option says you like being close to the action, and you probably check the walk time before you even start the car.

Prefer to park yourself and get moving without delay? Premium Self-Park is made for travellers who like to be in control—no waiting, no handovers, no unnecessary stops.

Located on Level 1 of both the T1 T2 T3 and T4 Terminal Car Parks, these undercover parking spaces are right near the terminal walkway. It’s ideal if you're travelling light, flying for work, or just want the quickest route from car to check-in.

If this is your go-to, you’re probably someone who likes to set the pace. You don’t mind paying a little extra for easy access, as long as you’re the one behind the wheel the whole way.

Want the most convenient parking experience? Premium Valet is designed for travellers who’d rather hand over the keys and head straight inside. It’s quick, efficient, and ideal if you’re juggling luggage, travelling with kids, or flying early in the morning.

Located on Level 1 of the T1 T2 T3 Terminal Car Park, Premium Valet offers undercover drop-off just a short walk from the terminal. Simply drive up, hand over your keys, and our valet parking team will take care of the rest. The service runs from 4 AM to 1 AM daily, with 24/7 customer support available if you need assistance.

Choosing this parking service says you like things streamlined. You’ll happily trade a few extra dollars for a faster start, and you’ve probably already checked your flight status before leaving home.

If you fly Qantas often, you probably already know the drill—park, drop, walk. Qantas Valet makes that routine even smoother. No circling, no waiting, and no need to book ahead.

Located at the northern end of Level 1 in the T1 T2 T3 Terminal Car Park, this valet service offers the fastest access to Terminal 1. Just pull up, hand over your keys, and head straight to check-in. You can also opt for extras like car cleaning, and you’ll earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points while you’re away.

If this is your pick, you’re probably the kind of flyer who values time, knows their way around the airport, and doesn’t want to waste a minute getting to the gate.

Once you’ve picked the parking option that suits how you travel, a few quick extras can make the experience even smoother. Whether you like to plan early or stay flexible, these tips help match your travel habits to the best parking experience.

• Book online to get the best rates. Like to lock things in early? Booking online means you’ll pay less than drive-up parking rates and get more choice. It also gives you a clear view of each parking facility, whether you want a premium car park or something more budget-friendly with a free shuttle service. All online bookings also include a built-in grace period—one hour before and after your booked time for stays under four hours, and up to two hours each side for longer bookings.
• Subscribe to our newsletter. If you’re someone who loves a deal, sign up for the Melbourne Airport Parking Deals newsletter. You’ll get access to seasonal discounts, upgrade offers, and smart tips sent to your inbox.
• Pre-book now. Travelling during school holidays or long weekends? If you like to stay ahead, you can pre-book parking up to 12 months in advance—a smart move at one of Australia’s busiest airports.
• Add Overstay Guarantee if plans might change. If you’re someone who builds in a buffer, this add-on is for you. Flight delays, cancellations, or last-minute changes can throw off your return time. Overstay Guarantee helps cover those unexpected changes, so you won’t be hit with extra charges if you exit later than planned.
• Use Manage My Booking to update or extend your stay. Prefer having the option to adjust things on the fly? If your travel plans change, head to the ‘Manage My Booking’ page. You can modify or cancel your booking up to two hours before your scheduled entry time, or extend your stay before your booked exit time.
• Plan ahead if you need accessible parking. Every parking facility at Melbourne Airport includes accessible parking bays located close to terminal entrances, lifts, or shuttle stops. The free shuttle service from the Value Car Park is also wheelchair accessible, and special assistance can be arranged in advance if needed.
• Save the QR code to your phone for seamless entry and exit. If you like to keep things moving, save your QR code to your phone after booking. It lets you scan in and out of the car park without stopping at a payment machine—quick, simple, and right in line with how you travel.
• Check for road delays before heading to Tullamarine. To avoid last-minute surprises, use Google Maps to check your route. Roadworks around Tullamarine airport can add time to your trip, so check Melbourne Airport’s website or social channels for any updates on access routes before you leave.
• Use the Wait Zone. There are designated pick-up and drop-off zones outside each terminal, with a one-minute standing time for quick stops. For longer waits, use the Wait Zone on Mercer Drive. It offers free parking for up to 60 minutes and saves you from circling the terminals while your passenger clears customs or waits for baggage.

Still have questions? If you’re unsure about how to book parking, which parking facility suits your trip, or how the grace period works, the FAQs on the Melbourne Airport website cover it all. You can also get in touch with our friendly customer service team for help before, during, or after your trip.

At Melbourne Airport, we know your parking choice reflects your travel style, and we’re committed to making that experience easy, accessible, and reliable.