Parking at Melbourne Airport, or any airport for that matter, can be a total pain – not to mention, expensive! If you’re lucky enough, you can ask a friend or a relative to drop you off at the airport, but for everyone else there are few options – and they’re often expensive or inconvenient.

Driving and parking at the airport in the short or long term parking bays is the most convenient option, but if you’re not careful, it can also be the most expensive!

With a bit of thriftiness however, you can save money and skip the stress of parking at the Melbourne Airport.

1. Reserve your parking space online

Melbourne airport parking is easy with the new undercover self-parking option at Melbourne Airport that you can book online. You can choose undercover self-parking or a valet option and there is a shuttle bus in the cark park, which will get you to the airport terminal in 5 minutes flat. Knowing that you have a guaranteed parking sopt at the airport, at a reasonable price, takes away the stress of getting to the airport.

If you’re travelling with two or more people, it’s more economical to drive to the aiport and park, with an average fee of around $50. A SkyBus round trip fare for a family consisting of two adults plus kids costs around $82. Talk about savings!

2. Scour the net for online discount parking coupons

Save a fortune by searching for discount parking coupons around the same time that you’re booking your flight. Car parks want their lots filled so you will find that they often offer discount vouchers. Discounts range from 3% less up to 50% so it really pays to stay alert and grab them when you see them online.

3. Book your parking in advance

Airport parking is limited, so don’t get caught out! Rates are cheaper if you book weeks or months in advance, rather than at the last minute.

4. Make sure your car keys are safe

If the post-holiday blues aren’t bad enough, can you imagine how you would feel when you arrive back at Melbourne airport – jetlagged and struggling with all your luggage – and when you get to your car you can’t find your keys?

Avoid the stress and let someone else park your car for you. Melbourne Airport has a valet parking service, so you can leave your car and keys at the gate and let someone else park it. Additional options of like car washes and detailing are also offered, so you can return to a fabulously clean and polished car.