Planning a trip from Melbourne Airport? One of the first things you’ll need to decide is how to get there. Two popular options are driving and parking your car at the airport, or taking a taxi. Both have their pros and cons, but the biggest question for most travellers is: Which is cheaper? This blog post will break down the costs, convenience, and other factors to help you decide whether airport parking or a taxi is the best choice for your Melbourne trip.
The Cost of Melbourne Airport Parking
Parking at Melbourne Airport can seem like a straightforward option, but the costs can quickly add up. Let’s examine the different parking options and their associated prices.
Short Term Parking
Short-term parking is designed for quick pick-ups and drop-offs. If you’re just seeing someone off or welcoming them at arrivals, this might seem like a good idea. However, the minutes and price increases very quickly. This option should be mainly considered only to be a very short time when dropping people off.
Long Term Parking
Long-term parking is where most travellers leaving their car at Melbourne Airport will park. However, long term parking can be very expensive. There are options located at the airport, but cheaper parking locations are a short bus trip away.
Parking Rates
Melbourne Airport offers various parking options, each with different rates. Here’s a general overview, but be sure to check the Melbourne Airport website for the most up-to-date prices for each car park.
- Value Parking: This is generally the most economical option for long term parking, but it may be further from the terminal, requiring a shuttle bus.
- Short Term: Ideal for stays up to a few hours, but can become very expensive for longer durations.
- Premium Parking: Closest to the terminal, offering the most convenience, but also the most expensive.
Additional Parking Costs
Beyond the basic parking fee, there are other potential costs to consider:
- Booking Fees: Some online booking platforms charge a fee for reserving your parking spot.
- Credit Card Surcharges: Paying with a credit card may incur a surcharge.
- Unforeseen Delays: If your flights are delayed, you’ll pay extra for the additional time your car spends in the car park.
Deals and Discounts
Keep an eye out for deals and discounts on Melbourne Airport parking. These are often available online or through travel agencies. You might also find deals if you are a frequent flyer. However, some deals need to be booked in advance to be used.
The Cost of Taking a Taxi to Melbourne Airport
Taking a taxi to Melbourne Airport offers convenience, but what about the cost?
Taxi Fares
Taxi fares from the Melbourne CBD or surrounding suburbs to Melbourne Airport are based on a metered price, which includes a flag fall (initial charge) and a per-kilometre rate. The final fare will depend on several factors, including:
- Distance: The further you travel, the higher the fare.
- Time of Day: Peak hour traffic can significantly increase fares due to longer travel times.
- Tolls: Tolls may apply depending on the route taken.
- Surcharges: There may be surcharges for late-night travel or public transport holidays.
Additional Taxi Costs
- Booking Fees: Some taxi companies charge a fee for online bookings.
- Tolls: Taxis can take toll roads to the airport, so these will be added to the fare.
- Late Night Surcharges: There is a late night surcharge when taking a taxi during certain times.
Comparing Parking vs. Taxi Costs
To accurately compare the costs of airport parking and taxis, let’s consider a few scenarios:
- Short Trip (1-2 Days): For very short trips, airport parking might seem cheaper, but the convenience and potential for delays can quickly make a taxi more appealing.
- Mid-Length Trip (3-7 Days): This is where the comparison becomes more nuanced. Long term parking offers become more competitive, but you also need to factor in the hassle of driving to the airport, finding a parking spot, and taking a shuttle bus to the terminal.
- Long Trip (8+ Days): For extended trips, long term parking can be very expensive. A taxi might actually be the more economical and hassle-free option.
Additional Taxi Costs
- Booking Fees: Some taxi companies charge a fee for online bookings.
- Tolls: Taxis can take toll roads to the airport, so these will be added to the fare.
- Late Night Surcharges: There is a late night surcharge when taking a taxi during certain times.
Convenience: Taxi vs Airport Parking
Beyond the monetary cost, convenience is a major factor to consider. Let’s see how airport parking and taxis stack up:
Airport Parking Convenience
- Driving Yourself: You have the freedom to drive yourself to the airport at your own time, without relying on anyone else. However, this also means dealing with traffic, finding a parking spot, and potentially waiting for a shuttle bus.
- Luggage Handling: You’re responsible for handling your own luggage, both at the car park and on the shuttle bus.
Taxi Convenience
- Door-to-Door Service: A taxi provides door-to-door service, picking you up from your home or office and dropping you off directly at the terminal.
- Luggage Assistance: The taxi driver will assist you with your luggage, saving you time and effort.
- No Parking Hassles: You don’t have to worry about finding a parking spot or navigating the car park.
Considerations for Business Travellers
For business travellers, time is often of the essence. A taxi can be a more efficient option, allowing you to work on the go or simply relax and prepare for your flights. In addition, you will not need to spend time trying to find a spot to park your car when arriving to Melbourne Airport.
Other Transportation Options to Consider
While airport parking and taxis are common choices, other transportation options exist:
Public Transport
Public transport, such as trains and buses, can be a budget-friendly option, but it’s often the least convenient, especially with luggage. It also takes considerably more time than airport parking or taxis.
Ride-Sharing Services
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Ola are available, but prices can fluctuate significantly depending on demand and time of day.
SkyBus
As discussed in our previous blog posts, the SkyBus is a popular option, but its limited drop-off points and potential for crowds can make it less appealing than a taxi for some travellers.
Saving Money on Your Trip
Regardless of whether you choose airport parking or a taxi, there are several ways to save money on your airport trip:
Book in Advance
Booking your parking or taxi online in advance can often secure better prices. Some taxi services even offers to manage booking if you book early.
Compare Prices
Don’t settle for the first price you see. Compare prices from different parking services and taxi companies to find the best deals.
Travel Off-Peak
If possible, avoid travelling during peak hours to reduce both taxi fares and parking rates.
Look for Discount Codes
Search for discount codes online before booking to potentially save even more money.
Public Transport
Public transport is one way to get to the airport, however it may take you a long time to get to your destination when arriving at Melbourne Airport.
Short Term Options
If you are looking for a very short term parking melbourne look no further than the short term car park, however be aware of the costs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it cheaper to park at Melbourne Airport or take a taxi?
It depends on the length of your trip and the number of passengers. For short trips or solo travellers, parking might be cheaper. For longer trips or groups, a taxi can be more cost-effective.
How much does long term parking cost at Melbourne Airport?
Are there cheaper parking options near Melbourne Airport?
How do I book a taxi to Melbourne Airport?
What happens if my flight is delayed and I've booked airport parking?
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Melbourne Airport Trip
Deciding between Melbourne Airport parking and a taxi comes down to weighing the costs, convenience, and your personal preferences. For solo business travellers on short trips and require high convenience, the taxi is hard to beat, but you will need to pay more. Meanwhile, if you are looking for cheaper long term parking for a long trip, driving to Melbourne Airport can be a good shout but may be more inconvenient due to the time spent. Each of these parking options can be booked online, so make sure to find the right one for you.
Now that we’ve covered how to get to Melbourne Airport, and how to get from the airport, our next blog will explore a critical concern for those early risers: “Early Morning Flight? How to Guarantee a Punctual Melbourne Airport Transfer”. Also consider public transport. In our previous blog post we explored Skybus to show you different methods of getting to Melbourne Airport.
Taxi to Melbourne Airport offers 24/7 taxi services in Melbourne at fixed price. Book your ride now by calling 0460 306 061, or use our Online Booking System to reserve your taxi with ease.
