If you’ve ever flown out of Melbourne Airport with kids, you know how much needs to happen before you even reach the terminal. There’s the packing, the snacks, and the last-minute toilet stops.
Parking might not be the first thing on your mind, but it affects how quickly you can get from the car to check-in, especially with kids and bags to manage. To help make that part easier, here’s a simple guide to choosing parking that fits how your family travels.
This post is written in collaboration with Melbourne Airport.
Choose Parking That Fits Your Day
Travelling with kids means your day doesn’t always follow a set plan. You might be arriving early with time to spare or juggling last-minute bags and snacks on the way out the door.
The parking options at Melbourne Airport work with both. Some car parks are within walking distance to the terminal, which helps when you want to keep it quick and straightforward. Others offer better value if you’ve got more time and don’t mind taking a shuttle.
Think About How Much You’ll Carry
Packing for kids always ends up being more than expected. Even for short trips, there’s often a pram, snacks, wipes, a change of clothes, and sometimes a car seat. It adds up quickly, especially when you’re carrying most of it yourself.
When you’ve got more to carry, it helps to know what the walk looks like. Value Car Park is a good option if you don’t mind a short shuttle ride and want to keep costs down. The shuttle runs every 15 minutes to all terminals, so just allow a little extra time to get everyone sorted.
Pick a Car Park With an Easy Walk
Getting through the airport with kids is easier when you park close to the terminal. Terminal Car Park gives you direct linkbridge access to Terminals 1, 2 and 3, and it’s only a short walk to Terminal 4. With no need for a shuttle, it suits families juggling prams, bags, and a quick check-in.
For families who want the closest access possible, the Premium Car Park includes undercover spaces right near the terminal doors with Premium Self Park and Premium Valet Car Park options. It’s helpful when you’re managing everything on your own or just want the easiest route from car to terminal.
Keep Your QR Code on Your Phone
Your QR code arrives by email after booking, and it’s easier to keep it on your phone than to print it out. Save it to your digital wallet or take a screenshot so it’s easy to find at the boom gate. That way, you can drive straight in without having to search through emails or handle extra paper while managing the kids.
Leave Room for Delays
Getting in and out of the airport often takes longer than expected, especially when you’re travelling as a family. The good news is that online bookings include a grace period to give you a bit more flexibility.
For stays under four hours, that means one extra hour before and after your booked time. You get two extra hours on each end for longer bookings. If you think you’ll need more than that, you can also add time to your booking online.
Get Your Parking Sorted Early
The right Melbourne Airport parking option makes the trip feel more manageable, especially if you’re flying with little ones. Think about what works for your family, book in advance, and give yourself a bit of breathing room. A little planning upfront can make the rest of the day easier to manage.
To make the start of your trip easier, book your Melbourne Airport parking online today. It’s one less thing to manage on a busy day.
