Airport Car Park Options in Australia—And How To Pay Less

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, one of the biggest drains on your travel budget is car parking at the airport. However, many people prefer to drive themselves to and from the airport car park in their own vehicles. Travel experts opine that it’s one of the most preferred transportation options for travelers, and there are plenty of good reasons for it. 

It gives you better control over time and logistics. Public transport is no doubt cheaper, but if you’re traveling with seniors, children, or lots of luggage, negotiating crowded trains and buses can be a challenge. Sometimes you may need to make a couple of stops en route to the airport, perhaps to drop your pet off at the boarding or to pick up or drop someone off. Driving your own vehicle gives you that flexibility. 

You can avoid rush-hour traffic or crowded routes and travel in the privacy and comfort of your own vehicle. You don’t have to spend anxious moments waiting for your ride-share or cab, panic when you miss a bus or train to the airport, and, horror of horrors, leave important travel documents or bags in the cab, train, or bus. 

Which brings us back to the issue of parking. It’s not all smooth sailing, and that’s the truth. It can be expensive, stressful, and unpredictable. You could return from your trip or holiday to find your vehicle vandalized or broken into. On-site parking within the airport premises can cost a pretty penny, and you could still face safety issues. 

Let’s unpack the available car park options across Australia and figure out some hacks that help you cut costs. For more information on finding the best park at the most affordable prices, visit unitedairportparking.com.au

Airport Parking: Tips & Tricks

If you’re looking at Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport or Sydney’s Kingsford Smith (the busiest in the country), you can choose a budget option such as Value Parking, especially if you’re planning to park long term. At Tullamarine, your vehicle is parked outdoors, and you can avail of a convenient shuttle service to your terminal. In Sydney, there are both covered and open-air options that you can choose depending on your terminal location. 

Long-term parking is perfect when you know that you will be away for a certain period. This option is more affordable, but you may have to park for a minimum time to avail of this convenience. In some airports, you can avail of both on-site and off-site options. Some are managed by the airport car park authorities, while others are owned by private players.

Short-term parking is the best option for pickup or drop-off at most airports across the country. This is also ideal if you need to park for just a few hours or a day/night, but it works out a tad more expensive than other options, mainly because these car parks are often located very close to the terminals. 

Valet parking is a great choice when you want personalized services and want to save yourself the time and hassle of parking the car yourself. If your priority is convenience and a smooth experience, and the cost doesn’t matter, go right ahead and book your valet parking. It is a premium service that gets you right to your terminal on the way out, and you get picked up here too on your return. 

Another deluxe service is Premium Self-Parking, where you can park the vehicle yourself without the help of a valet. Here, car parks are usually located at a convenient walking distance from terminals and the check-in counters. It is cheaper than valet parking but more expensive than other options. The big advantage is convenience and time saving. 

Cost Saving: Tips and Tricks

Airport car park authorities and private companies offer online services, so book your parking space along with your travel schedules. You could find great early bird or discounted options, collect loyalty points, find amazing deals, and more when you book early and online. Ensure that you check their cancellation and refund policies. 

If you’re parking long term, don’t worry about off-site parking, provided you choose a reliable, well-established company. This can be much cheaper, and you can time your parking schedule based on your flight timing and the shuttle service timings. If you’re serious about cost-cutting, look for parking areas that are located a distance away from the airport car park and offer a shuttle to and fro. 

Plan your trips when it’s not a holiday rush, school break, or festival time. If you’re a frequent flyer, look out for membership programs, loyalty points, and last-minute or early-bird deals online. Some companies provide discounts on full payment upfront or during promotions.