Melbourne Airport Parking Guide
Pick-up, drop-off and terminal access guide
Terminals 1–4 · T123 Transport Hub · Updated for October 2026
Where to drive first
Terminal map: which airline, which door
Collecting someone from Melbourne Airport is a different job from parking, and the terminal you drive to depends entirely on where they land. Ask the traveller for their terminal, not just their airline, when a carrier operates from more than one airport.
Melbourne Airport parking groups T1, T2 and T3 together as the T123 terminal precinct. That grouping shapes every pick-up route on this page, and it is why parking Melbourne Airport travellers pre-book by precinct rather than by airline alone.
Terminal 1 — Qantas domestic
Use the T123 Transport Hub lanes for pick-up and drop-off. Follow T123 signs from Departure Drive.
T123 precinct
Terminal 2 — International
All international arrivals and departures. Same Transport Hub route as T1, but allow extra time for customs and check-in.
T123 precinct
Terminal 3 — Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia domestic uses Terminal 3 inside the T123 network. No separate Virgin-only entrance.
T123 precinct
Terminal 4 — Jetstar and Rex
Stands apart from T123. Follow purple T4 signs and use the T4 lanes, not the Transport Hub.
About 100 m to car park
If you are comparing airport parking for a departure rather than a lift, start with the terminal car park that matches this map. That single check saves the loop between precincts.
The T123 Transport Hub at night
Free short-stop zones for Terminals 1, 2 and 3 — not a waiting lane.
Pick-up and drop-off zones
The T123 Transport Hub now handles free pick-up and drop-off for Terminals 1, 2 and 3. Follow the Hub signs instead of circling the old arrivals kerb, and arrive when the traveller is ready — not when the flight lands.
Short stops only · International arrivals use the same route
How the Hub works
The zones cover international arrivals at Terminal 2 as well, so an overseas pick-up follows the same route as a domestic one. They are built for quick stops. Track the flight, wait away from the terminal, then move in once bags are in hand.
What to avoid
Do not sit in the zone waiting for landing. That is how drivers end up circling and blocking the lane. If you are early, hold off at a service area or side street until you get the call.
Terminal 2 exit — passport, bags and customs sit between landing and the meeting point.
Terminal 2 international arrivals timing
International arrivals take longer than domestic ones, and the gap is not small. Passport control, baggage reclaim and customs all sit between the aircraft door and the meeting point. A flight that lands at 7am may not produce a traveller at the kerb until well after that time.
Because the Transport Hub is a designated zone rather than a waiting lane, track the flight and move to the zone once the traveller clears customs. Guessing early is how drivers end up circling.
Terminal 3 and Virgin Australia access
Virgin Australia domestic services use Terminal 3 inside the T123 precinct. Signage leads to the same area as Terminals 1 and 2, and anyone parking for a T3 departure can use the T123 Terminal Car Park and walk in. Check the terminal on the booking confirmation if you are unsure.
See T123 parking optionsWhere to wait without circling
Circling the arrivals kerb is restricted and stressful. The free zones at the T123 Transport Hub are for the actual stop, not for waiting. The habit that removes most friction from Melbourne Airport pick-ups is simple: wait away, then move in.
Hold off early
If you arrive before the traveller is ready, stay clear of the terminal loop. A service area or quiet side street beats a second lap past departures.
Move on message
Ask for a message once bags are collected and customs is cleared. That call is your cue to enter the Hub — a few minutes at the kerb is all you need.
Skip the paid park
For a true pick-up, keep out of the paid car parks. Save Melbourne Airport parking for trips where you leave the car and fly.
Terminal 4 pick-up and drop-off
Terminal 4 is the Jetstar and Rex terminal and sits apart from the T123 precinct. The T4 Terminal Car Park is roughly 100 metres from the doors, which suits a short stop where someone meets you with the car.
Follow T4 signs
For a T4 drop-off, follow T4 signage rather than the T123 Transport Hub. They are not the same location — getting this wrong adds a loop and a delay.
Drop-off timing
Domestic passengers need less time before departure than international ones, and Terminal 2 needs the most. Work backwards from the airline check-in time, then add the drive. On a peak morning the T123 precinct is the busiest part of the airport, so keep a small buffer.
When the driver also flies
If the driver is on the same booking, you are not making a pick-up run — you are parking. T123 Terminal Car Park covers Terminals 1, 2 and 3, T4 covers Terminal 4. Pre-book through the official flow, save the QR code, and walk in rather than paying drive-up rates at a kerb you did not need.
Terminal answers
Four questions drivers ask before they leave home. For entry steps and QR codes, read the booking guide.
Read the booking and entry guideWhich terminal does Virgin Australia use at Melbourne Airport?+
Melbourne Airport identifies Terminal 3 with Virgin Australia domestic services, and parking guidance groups T3 within the T123 terminal precinct.
Where are the free pick-up and drop-off zones?+
They are in the T123 Transport Hub and serve Terminals 1, 2 and 3. Follow Hub signs and keep the stop short.
Is Terminal 2 the international terminal?+
Yes. Melbourne Airport labels Terminal 2 as its international terminal for both arrivals and departures.
How far is T4 Terminal Car Park from the terminal?+
It is positioned about 100 metres from Terminal 4, a short walk for Jetstar and Rex travellers.
Know the terminal before you leave home
Parking or just a lift? Choose the right plan.
Level 2, Terminal 2, Departure Drive, Melbourne Airport, VIC 3045 · Open 24 hours, 7 days · +61 3 9297 1600. If you are leaving the car, compare terminal car parks first.