Short-Term Parking Melbourne Airport

While Melbourne Airport doesn't have a car park designated solely for short-term parking, many people choose from the Terminal 1,2,3 or Terminal 4 car park for stays of a few hours to a few days.

While these car parks are convenient due to their proximity to the terminal, there are a range of options available for short-term parking at Melbourne Airport: 

Melbourne Airport Short-Term Parking Rates

Melbourne Airport's most popular short-term parking options are the Terminal 1, 2, 3 Car Park and the Terminal 4 Car Park.

Many travellers choose the premium self-parking lot at Terminal 1, 2, and 3 for its convenient location, just a 2 to 5-minute walk from the terminals.

For a budget-friendly option, the Value Car Park offers lower rates but requires a 3 to 8-minute shuttle ride.

In contrast, the Premium Self-Park is the most expensive but provides a quick 2 to 5-minute walk to the terminal.

Official car park rates vary by duration:

• 0 to 15 minutes: Free at the Terminal lot, $14.00 at the Value Car Park, and $27.00 at the Premium lot.
• 6 to 23 hours: $14.00 at Value, $53.00 at Terminal, and $84.00 at Premium.
• One week: $112.00 at Value, $432.00 at Terminal, and $672.00 at Premium.

_{*Please note that these rates are drive-up parking rates, they may differ when booked ahead of time and online. Additionally, terminal drive-up rates include Terminal 1-4 car parks, while Premium drive-up rates include valet and business car parks.}

Melbourne Airport Short-Term Parking: Pick-up & Drop-off Zones

• Pick up & Drop Off at Terminals 1 - 3: Passengers arriving or departing from Terminals 1-3 and flying with Qantas or Virgin Australia, pickups and drop-offs are on the ground level outside these terminals.
• Pick up & Drop Off at Terminal 4: Passengers arriving or departing from Terminal 4 and flying with Jetstar, Rex, or AirNorth, pickups are on Level 1 at the Terminal 4 Car Park. Designated airport signs will guide travellers whether they are arriving or departing. 

Please note that vehicles can only stop for 1-2 minutes for pickups at these terminals and car parks before being instructed to move by a kerbside officer.

For longer waits, use the Wait Zone, free for 30 minutes, located on Mercer Drive off Tullamarine Motorway.

Beyond 30 minutes, a fee of $4 applies for up to 1 hour. Additionally, you can park for free for 15 minutes in terminal car parks 1-4; after 15 minutes, the rate is $15 per hour.

How much is short-term parking at Melbourne Airport? 

Travellers can expect to spend between $14.00 - $84.00 for one day of parking at Melbourne Airport.

Parking for 3 days will cost between $42.00 - $252.00, while parking for 8 days, or 1 week, will cost between $112.00 - $672.00.

The cheapest short term car park will be the Value Car Park, however it is furthest from the terminals compared to the Terminal & Premium car parks.

Where can I park for under 3 hours at Melbourne Airport? 

Travellers at Melbourne Airport can park for 2 - 3 hours at the Value, Terminal, or Premium Car Parks.

Prices range from $14.00 to $84.00, with the Value Car Park being the most affordable but located further from the terminals.

In contrast, the Premium Car Park is the most expensive at $84.00 for 2 - 3 hours, offering the convenience of parking right at the terminal doors.

Can I park at Melbourne Airport without booking?

Yes. You can drive to any of the on-site car parks at Melbourne Airport on your day of departure and take a ticket or tap your credit card to gain entry.

Keep in mind that many car parks will likely be full during peak travel hours and seasons. Drive-up rates will be costlier than if you book online, even a few hours in advance. 

^{All costs cited are approximate and subject to change as prices fluctuate based on a variety of factors such as capacity, duration, and service type. The rates quoted were taken based on online booking & drive-up rates, with estimations taken in September 2025.}