So what is airport parking? If you are going on vacation or a business trip and you own a vehicle, then you would need to park your vehicle away safely for the duration of the trip. The other major consideration is cost. In this regard, you may want to look at airport parking in Australia, especially at long term Melbourne airport parking.   You may also want to consider other alternative methods for parking your vehicle.

Melbourne airport is situated northwest of Melbourne at Tullamarine.  This is a full international airport that has flights all over the world –Asia Pacific, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Europe.  It has four different terminals, which makes Melbourne an important international airport.

Your Options:  Long- term vs. Short-term Melbourne Airport Parking

When it comes to Melbourne airport parking, there are a number of options available. The main three car parks are Melbourne Airport Parking, Ace Car Parking, and the Long Term Car Park. There are a number of other commercial operators available. All of them receive a fair number of complaints. These include delays in picking passengers up to go to the airport for check-in, bird droppings all over their vehicles, and damaged vehicles when their owners return for them.

Given these considerations, it would make a lot of sense to closely and carefully evaluate all information before you make a decision on which Melb airport parking to use. For any flight, you need to make sure that you allow enough time to book in.  You would also want a stress- free return back to Melbourne when you pick up your car.

Whether to choose long-term or short-term parking depends on the length of time you’ll need to leave your car parked. Parking up to seven days usually constitutes short-term parking; if you need a longer time, then you’ll need long-term parking. For short-term parking, the car park is usually located within the airport’s premises, usually within walking distance. On the other hand, car parks for long-term parking are usually located at a distance from the airport, either outside its own land or located in a totally separate location. Short-term parking is also more expensive than long-term parking services.

Short-term airport parking is ideal for people picking up friends and family, which means a wait time of an hour or two. It would be more cost-effective in this case, as short- term airport parking is usually charged by the hour.  For longer periods, you may want to consider long term parking at Tullamarine Airport, Melbourne. They charge for parking by the day, making it the cheaper option in the long run. Once you have decided on a good long-term airport parking option, make sure you book in advance.  Space could be limited, so you need to be assured of an available slot at a car park if you are going on a long trip.

Restrictions for Long-term Melbourne airport parking

There are height restrictions for short-term parking, specifically around 1.9 m to 2.1 m; there are no such restrictions for long-term airport car parks. However, large commercial trucks and trailers would not be welcome. These car parks are designed for standard saloons, SUVs, and the like.  There are also special arrangements for cycles, scooters, and motorbikes. Leaving these on the side or in a long-term car park is not allowed.

Where to find long-term Melb airport parking

There are 16 tong-term Melbourne airport parking providers, all found around Melbourne airport in Tullamarine.  These are either off the M80, going southwest, or the M2 going northwest, close to the main International Melbourne airport in northwest Melbourne.

The Best Prices for Long-term Melbourne airport parking

The cost of long-term airport parking varies, especially with 16 long term car parks competing for business.  You can also find a lot of “deals” online. On average, long-term airport parking costs 43.00 AUD a day. Deals for three days cost 29.50 AUD while those for seven days would cost around 48.00 AUD. The longer the parking duration, the more the unit price goes down.  A lot will also depend on the time of the year you intend to fly.  Holiday periods like Christmas may push the price up. Hunting around online or via phone may also get you a good deal.  However, you pay for what you get.  With many complaining about the kind of service they get, it’s important for you to do your research first.  Don’t go for the cheapest option either.  You need peace of mind when you board a plane; you need assurance that your car stays safe and secure while you’re away. You need careful preparation before you make a decision about long-term parking at Tullamarine airport.

Options for Melbourne Airport Parking

Airport parking comes with various options such as self-parking, meet-and-greet-parking, and business airport parking. Self-parking refers to car parks where you take care of parking your car and keeping your car keys. You can leave your car and return to it anytime you want. This usually applies to short-term parking.

Also known as valet parking, meet-and-greet services refer to leaving your car with a driver or valet in an area that you pre-agreed on, usually at the terminal’s drop-off and pick-up area. The driver takes your keys and is responsible for driving your car to a parking area that is located one or two miles from the airport. After you’ve returned from your trip, you just need to call the company, and they will drive your car to where you left it or to a place nearby. This may be the most convenient option but it’s also the most expensive. You should also verify the credibility of valet who will be in charge of your car.

You may also opt for business airport parking. It comes with additional benefits such as closer proximity to the terminal, a direct link to the airport, more frequent bus services, or a more luxurious shuttle bus. Understandably, these perks come with additional cost.

Another option you may have is whether to use the airport’s own parking or to use an independent service provider. The airport’s own parking areas are considered safest and most reputable. However, they’re also the most expensive. In this regard, independent service providers are usually a more cost-effective option. Those at major airports are known to provide the same level of service as the airport’s own parking services. However, you should still check whether they are indeed credible and trustworthy. You can ask for referrals and recommendations from your friends and family.

Hotel Airport Parking

Although airport hotels can provide you with rest and leisure, they can also be quite expensive. However, some airport hotels allow you to park your vehicle in their car parks even when you’re not checked in the hotel. This is an option you might consider taking, particularly because of the hotel’s proximity to the airport. It also provides you with a high level of security.

Some airport hotels offer underground or covered car parks. They may also provide walkways across to the terminal, which means that you will no longer need to go outside once you get out of the car to go to the terminal. These airport hotels usually charge the same as the airport’s short-term parking services.

Security in Melbourne Airport Car Parks

Whether you choose the airport’s own parking services or those of an independent operator, you must determine the level of security they offer. Check whether they provide CCTV surveillance or if someone’s looking after the car park 24 hours a day. Also ask if there are security barriers at the car park’s exit, and if there are regular patrols of the car parking area.

Other Considerations when Choosing Long-Term Airport Parking in Melbourne

When choosing airport parking services in Melbourne, other considerations you should take are the length of time it will take you to get to the terminal from the car park. Most long-term airport parking services provide bus transfer services. In this case, try to determine how often the bus runs and how long the trip takes. Some transfers take as long as thirty minutes, so be sure to add this to your considerations when you leave your home to go the airport, as well as when you arrive from your trip, especially if you’re scheduled to arrive very late at night.

Be sure to also determine whether the shuttle buses run regularly or whether you need to call them first. In this case, you may want to choose a parking service whose buses run constantly and where you just need to head to your nominated bus stop where you can wait for the next bus. This is a more expensive option, but it can get you to your car more quickly. In contrast, a parking service provider that requires you to call them once you’ve landed costs cheaper. However, it can mean a longer wait time for you, as the operator usually waits for the arriving customers to build up before they send the bus.

Also, be sure to clarify whether the parking service provides outdoor or covered parking spaces. Which one you choose will depend on the type of vehicle you want to leave at the car park, how long you will be away, and your budget for your trip among others. Naturally, you would rather opt for covered parking if your vehicle is more on the expensive side or if you’ll be away for a longer time; covered parking will provide more security for your car.

Precautionary Measures When Leaving Your Car for Long-term Airport Parking

Despite the security provided by long-term Melbourne airport parking services, it is still best for you to not leave your valuables in the car. This can entice someone to break into the vehicle or even tempt the valet to steal your things. Also keep in mind that other people will have access to the parking lot, so you can never be sure of who might take an interest in your belongings.

Be sure to also turn off the car lights. You don’t want to return from vacation to a car with a dead battery. Make sure that all interior lights and headlights are properly turned off before you leave. Also double check that the glove box light is not turned on by accident, as this, too, can drain your car’s battery  while you’re away.

Alternative to long- term Melbourne airport parking

There is a whole other way of going about storing your vehicle for a certain length of time if you are on a longer term vacation or business trip. That is to use a long-term garage rental or a similar space for your car.  This gives you the assurance that your vehicle will be safe for the period you are away.  It will not be left out in the open as in long-term Melbourne airport parking.

There are companies that provide storage services. They can also connect you with people who are renting out their garage. This can mean a more cost effective option for your car’s temporary home.

Conclusion

Long-term Melbourne airport parking is a good option if you’re going away for a while and need somewhere to safely leave your car. Keep in mind that in addition to the long-term airport parking services at the Tullamarine Airport, there are also independent airport parking services available. Consider your options very well, as they offer various types of services at different prices. Your car’s security and your convenience should be your top considerations. Ensure that the service provider you choose has adequate security measures to ensure your car’s safety while you’re away. Also ensure that they provide you with a convenient and easy way to get to and from the terminal to the car park. If you need additional perks, then be sure to ask your chosen service provider if they can accommodate your needs. You can also ask your friends or relatives for recommendations and feedback.

If long-term airport parking does not appeal to you, then renting a garage may be the right option for you. For more information on renting garages in Melbourne, visit https://spacer.com.au.