Festival season brings packed flights, tight schedules, and a rush of travellers heading to events across the country. With so many people flying out of Melbourne Airport, finding long-term parking at the last minute can be a challenge. Arriving only to struggle for a parking space could mean wasting time or even cutting it close for check-in.

The good news? Booking Tullamarine Airport’s long-term parking in advance gives you the best parking options, saves money, and makes your trip easier. Here’s how to find the right Melbourne Airport parking for your festival getaway.

With thousands of travellers moving through Tullamarine Airport during festival season, knowing where to park can save time and keep your plans on track. Here’s a look at the best parking options for your festival getaway:

Value Car Park

Festival tickets, flights, and travel costs add up fast, so the last thing you need is expensive airport parking. The Value Car Park is the best choice for festival-goers looking for a low-cost, long-term parking option at Melbourne Airport, with rates starting from $12 per day when you book online.

Located just off Airport Drive, it offers plenty of parking spaces for both small cars and SUVs. A free shuttle bus service runs on demand every 15 minutes, 24/7, getting you to the terminals without the stress of a long walk. Just add a few extra minutes to your journey. The bus stops at Terminal 4 (best stop for domestic flights with Jetstar, Rex, Link Airways, and Virgin Australia at T3) and at Terminal 1 (best stop for Qantas domestic and international flights from T2).

Since the festival season typically runs during peak travel periods like school holidays, Value Express may be available around this time. For a one-time fee of $24, this upgrade lets you drop off your car at the entry while staff park it for you.

Terminal Car Parks

Festival season means busy airports, so parking close to check-in can save time. At Melbourne Airport, the Terminal Car Parks put you just a short walk from the terminals. Whether you’re travelling short-term or long-term, these multi-level car parks are a convenient parking option for travellers who want easy access to check-in, without catching a bus.

A covered link bridge connects the T1 T2 T3 Terminal Car Park directly to domestic Qantas, Virgin Australia, and international flights, so you can go from your parking space to the terminal in minutes. If you're flying Jetstar, Rex, or Link Airways, the T4 Terminal Car Park is only 100 metres from the entrance—no shuttle needed.

Premium Parking

Festival travel can be hectic, but Premium parking makes it easier. Just a two-minute walk from the terminals, this parking option is perfect for festival-goers who want a quick and direct route to check in.

With Premium Self-Park, you can park in an undercover parking space just minutes from departures, so you can park and walk straight to your terminal. Available in two locations: at Level 1 of the T1 T2 T3 Terminal Car Park, and at Level 1 of the T4 Terminal Car Park.

If you’d rather skip parking altogether, Premium Valet lets you pull up, drop off your keys, and head inside while staff park your car for you. Premium Valet is available only at Level 1 of the T1 T2 T3 Terminal Car Park.

Whether you choose valet or to hold on to your keys, Premium parking gets you as close as possible to the terminals. It’s a good option if you’re in a rush or want to make carrying luggage easier.

Qantas Valet Parking

Short on time or just want a smoother start to your festival trip? Qantas Valet is the quickest way for Qantas travellers to park at Melbourne Airport, putting you right at Terminal 1. You can drop off your car and head straight to check-in!

A car cleaning service is also available for an additional fee if you want your car to look fresh when you return. There’s no need to book, too—simply roll up on the day of your flight. And while it’s designed for Qantas travellers, it’s available to all passengers.

Festival season means high demand for long-term airport parking, and the best way to lock in affordable parking rates is to book online ahead of time. Whether you're off for a long trip or just a few days, reserving your airport car parking early gives you more options and better value.

Here’s how to book parking online:

1. Visit the Melbourne Airport parking page.
2. Select your travel dates and long-term car park.
3. Choose the parking option that suits your trip.
4. Complete payment and receive your QR code for easy access.

All online bookings also come with a grace period—up to 1 hour for short-term parking under 4 hours and up to 2 hours for longer bookings. If you're worried about delays extending beyond the grace period, you can add Overstay Guarantee, which refunds overstay fees if your return is delayed due to airline cancellations or border closures.

Sorting out parking before you go means one less thing to worry about. With a range of Tullamarine airport parking services, you can find a long-term parking option that fits your plans—whether you're after the best rates, a short walk to check-in, or the ease of valet parking.

Just picking someone up? The Wait Zone gives you up to 60 minutes of free parking, so there’s no need to circle the terminals for pick-up. For drop-offs, designated areas near the terminals allow quick stops, while the Terminal Car Parks offer 15 minutes free—a useful option when passengers need more time to unload and get to check-in.

With friendly staff, affordable parking rates when you book online, and a smooth airport parking experience, parking at Melbourne Airport means you can focus on your trip, not the logistics. Check the FAQs for more details and enjoy a smooth start to your getaway.