Long weekends and school holidays are some of the busiest travel periods of the year. With so many people heading off on holidays or visiting family, Melbourne Airport sees a surge in travellers. That means longer queues at check-in, security, and even parking.

This is where planning ahead can make all the difference. Pre-booking your airport parking lets you skip the last-minute rush, giving you more time to focus on your trip. Whether you're flying domestically or internationally, having your parking sorted before you arrive keeps things simple.

Pre-booking your parking at Melbourne Airport is a smart move, especially during peak travel periods. It’s an easy way to save money and make your trip smoother from the start.

• Get the best parking rates. Online prices are cheaper than drive-up rates, so booking ahead means you’ll pay less for the same parking space​.
• Extra time with every booking. All online bookings come with a grace period. If your booking is under four hours, you have up to one extra hour for both before and after your booked hours. For longer bookings, you get up to two extra hours​.
• Skip the queue. Paying online means you can drive straight in and out using the QR code, with no need to line up at payment machines​.
• Cover unexpected delays. Consider adding Overstay Guarantee for extra peace of mind. If your return is delayed due to airline cancellations or border closures, you can claim a refund on overstay fees​.
• Modify or cancel easily. Change your booking up to two hours before your scheduled entry time at no extra cost​. Need to extend your stay? You can extend your booking online via Manage My Booking before your scheduled exit time.
• Parking options to suit your trip. Choose from a range of car parks, including budget-friendly and premium options, so you can park as close to your terminal as you like​.

Want even better deals next time? Sign up for Melbourne Airport’s Parking Deals newsletter to get exclusive discounts, upgrade offers, and parking tips sent straight to your inbox.

With more travellers heading to the airport over busy holiday periods, choosing the right parking option can make a big difference. Whether you’re after a budget-friendly option or want to park as close to your terminal as possible, there’s a range of options to suit your trip.

Value Car Park + Value Express

If you’re after an affordable parking option, the Value Car Park is a great choice. This outdoor car park connects to the terminals via a free shuttle bus, running every 15 minutes, 24/7. With stops at Terminal 4 and Terminal 1, it is an easy option if you’re travelling on a budget.

During peak school holiday travel periods, you can also upgrade to Value Express. This lets you drop your car in a designated area, where staff will park it for you, and bring it back on your return. It’s just like a valet service, making parking during busy periods easier so you can be on your way faster.

Terminal Car Park

The Terminal Car Park puts you just a short walk from the terminals, no need to catch a bus. It’s a great choice for both short trips and longer getaways. Available in two locations and offering both undercover and outdoor options:

• The T1 T2 T3 Terminal Car Park is best suited for travellers flying domestic Qantas (T1), International (T2) and domestic Virgin Australia (T3).
• The T4 Terminal Car Park is best suited for travellers flying domestic with Jetstar, Rex, or Link Airways (T4) and domestic Virgin Australia (T3).

Just here to drop off or pick up someone? Parking at the Terminal Car Park is free for the first 15 minutes. If you need more time, you can park for free at the Wait Zone on Mercer Drive for up to an hour while you wait for your passenger​.

Premium Self-Park

For an even quicker walk to check-in than the Terminal Car Park, Premium Self-Park offers the closest self-parking spaces. These fully undercover prime spots are located on Level 1 of the T1 T2 T3 Terminal Car Park and Level 1 of the T4 Terminal Car Park, reducing walking time to the terminal.

This option is perfect if you’re flying with extra luggage, travelling with family, or just want the fastest route from your car to the terminal. This is a popular choice during peak travel times like school holidays and long weekends, so we recommend booking ahead.

Premium Valet

Skip parking your car with the Premium Valet. Simply drive up, drop off your keys, and head straight inside. Located on Level 1 at the T1 T2 T3 Terminal Car Park, this option is ideal for travellers with kids or on business, as it cuts down time between arrival and check-in.

Qantas Valet

Qantas Valet offers the quickest way to park for those flying Qantas, but travellers flying other airlines are welcome to use this service, too. Located on Level 1 of the T1 T2 T3 Terminal Car Park, it’s the closest valet parking option to the Qantas domestic terminal. Just drive up, leave your car with the valet team, and walk straight to the check-in counter. You can also opt for car cleaning services so your car is freshly cleaned when you return.

Whether you're heading off on a domestic flight or catching an international flight, booking your parking online is the best way to save time and lock in the best rates. Here’s how to do it in just a few steps:

Step 1: Go to the official Melbourne Airport Parking page.

Step 2: Select your entry and exit times.

Step 3: Choose your car park and add-ons. Extras like Value Express or the Overstay Guarantee can help streamline your parking experience and cover unexpected delays​.

Step 4: Pay securely using a debit/credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay to complete your booking​.

Step 5: Receive your booking confirmation. An email will be sent with all your details, including a QR code for easy entry and exit​.

Need to change your plans? You can modify or cancel your booking up to two hours before your scheduled entry time. Just head to the Manage My Booking section on the website, enter your details, and update your booking.

School holidays and long weekends are the busiest times to travel, and with more cars on the road, delays and disruptions are common. Booking your parking in advance means one less thing to think about when you arrive at Melbourne Airport. With online rates, extra time built into your booking, and parking options close to the terminals, getting to check-in is much easier.

If you have questions about refunds, parking terms, or accessible parking bays, check out the FAQs on the Melbourne Airport website for more details.