Melbourne Airport (MEL) Parking

A new 1-minute public pickup zone is now available at the 'Outer Lane'.

If you pick up a passenger at Melbourne Airport, you can use the free 'Ring & Ride Waiting Zone' (Cell phone lot) - free for the first 20 mins and $2 for 20-40 mins.  Stay with your car until your party has retrieved bags and calls you to be picked up at the curb.  This lot is occupying a designated area within the Long-term carpark. Enter through 2 long-term carpark gates on Terminal Drive & Center Road, and exit through the long-term lot on to Melrose Drive and the terminal forecourt.  The automatic pay station si lose to the 'Ring & Ride' zone.

Parking options at Melbourne Airport: The Airport has 1 short-term, 2 long-term, business & Express carparks available:
1. Long-term Parking is available at:
(a) the multi-level long-term parking garage in front of Terminals 1, 2 & 3., accessible by covered walkways (except Level 6, which is uncovered). To get from Terminal Drive to the garage, turn right into Center Road, then left into the long-term garage. Pay by credit card at entry/exit points of the garage, or at automatic payment machines at pedestrian entry/exit points of the garage.
(b) The Long-term parking lot with 12,500 spaces is 400 meters from the passenger terminals and is served by frequent shuttle buses 24/7.  NOTE: a new entry allows visitors coming from the City via Tullamarine Freeway to enter Mercer Drive.

2. Short-term parking is available opposite the terminal complex, with a majority of covered parking spaces. It is ideal for picking up or dropping off a passenger, or for stays of one day or less.  It also the place to return your rental car to.

3. Business Park North lot is accessible from Melbourne Drive - directly opposite Terninal 1 (by credit card only).

4. Express & Business Carpark on North Thru Road & Service Road, within a few meters of Terminals 3 & T4, also ideal for dropoff/ pickup of passengers, has a payment machine accepting cash or credit card.

5. ParkRoyal Hotel has its own parking facility.

7. The on-Airport ABP Petrol Station is off Melbourne Drive (right exit)

As an alternative to on-site parking, there are off-airport parking at Melbourne airport options which may offer significant discounts. Most have shuttle vans or buses which operate from their facilities to the terminals, and feature secure facilities with security guards and cameras 24 hours.

Many local hotels offer up to 2 weeks free parking with one night stay. This can be especially convenient if you have an early flight and need to park at Melbourne airport. They provide shuttle service too.

Nothing is more frustrating than circling an airport parking lot looking for space when you're already running late for a flight or paying an exorbitant amount for parking when you return from a trip. You can avoid these common predicaments by doing your homework before leaving to park your vehicle at the airport.

Most airports offer multiple parking lots at various rates (hourly, daily and economy). Some airports even offer costly, but convenient valet parking. Visit the airport website or call the airport to determine the location and rates for each type of parking garage or service. During peak travel times, it's also prudent to check the short-term and long-term parking lot availability before leaving for the airport, so you can make other arrangements if lots are full. Parking in a daily garage (short-term parking) instead of an economy (long-term parking) lot for multiple days will burn a big hole in your wallet.

You’ll find commercial off-site parking lots near most major airports. These parking lots are farther from the airport, but the distance is often compensated with lower prices, 24-hour security, car-to-terminal shuttle services and other perks like frequent parker programs. Aside from off-site commercial parking lots allow you to reserve a parking spot in advance, which can be a real timesaver during peak travel times. In addition, many airport hotels offer stay, park and fly deals in which you stay at the hotel the night before your flight and then you can park your car at the hotel for free or a low daily rate. Just make sure the hotel parking lot is secure as some aren’t monitored around-the-clock like airport and commercial lots.

It’s too easy to forget where you parked or where you put the parking ticket after an extended trip. Even if you’re running late, take the time to note where you parked in your cell phone, PDA or on the parking ticket if you take it with you. Just make sure you don’t lose the parking ticket, because most airports charge a hefty fee for missing tickets. For that reason, it may be safer to leave the ticket in your car.