Make holiday travel smoother with Melbourne Airport parking

Holiday travel will make Melbourne Airport busier than usual, with airport parking demand set to rise. Passenger numbers reached 95% of pre-pandemic levels last holiday season, and this year looks similar. With more people flying during peak times, planning ahead can help make getting through the airport easier. Here are some ways to prepare for a smoother airport visit.

Check updated parking policies

As a major hub in Victoria, Melbourne Airport gets especially busy during holiday travel, with many heading off to visit family or take a break. Parking spaces fill up quickly, which is why understanding the updated policies can help avoid delays and extra charges. 

When parking at Melbourne Airport, a recently updated policy is now in place. Short-term bookings under four hours now include a one-hour grace period before and after the reserved time, adding up to two extra hours. For bookings over four hours, the grace period extends to two hours before and after, giving up to four additional hours.

Choose the right parking option

With holiday travel increasing demand, selecting the right Melbourne Airport parking option can make the process smoother. Value Parking is a cost-effective choice for long-term parking, with a 24/7 shuttle service running every 15 minutes to terminals.

Terminal Parking works well for those looking for more convenience. It’s within walking distance of Terminals 1, 2 and 3 and just 100 metres from Terminal 4.

For even faster access, Premium Parking provides a self-parking option closest to the terminals, while Valet Parking allows for quick drop-offs at any terminal. Qantas Valet Parking includes additional perks, like a dedicated check-in counter. 

To accommodate drivers picking up passengers, the Wait Zone on Mercer Drive offers up to 60 minutes of free parking. This helps reduce congestion in pick-up areas and makes waiting for arrivals more convenient.

Book parking online

Booking parking online means paying less than drive-up prices and knowing exactly which car park to head to without any second-guessing. Every online booking also comes with a grace period, which gives additional flexibility for holiday travel.

The process is easy. Select parking dates and times, and a confirmation email with a QR code will be sent. This QR code allows seamless, contactless entry and exit at the gates, which simplifies the parking experience.

Plan ahead for holiday parking

Checking for updates on traffic changes or terminal projects during peak holiday periods can help avoid delays. Arriving early leaves enough time for parking, check-in and any unexpected issues.

If parking goes over the grace period, drive-up rates apply based on the overstay. Adding an Overstay Guarantee to a booking allows refunds on overstay fees if a flight is delayed for eligible reasons. 

Extra charges are displayed at the exit gate and can be paid with a credit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. The “Manage Booking” feature on the Melbourne Airport parking website makes it easy to extend a booking and get a new QR code for a smooth exit.

To have a smoother airport visit during the busy holiday season, planning ahead is important. Book parking online for the best rates, and visit the Melbourne Airport website for updates and details on parking options.