Help me find a better way to get to and from Melbourne airport

[randomtraveller]

We always use Melrose Parking when travelling domestically for pleasure. They are very good and some people I know get their cars serviced there while they're away. If we are going away long term internationally and for work always Australian Chauffeur Driver - flat rate (where we live it is cheaper than a cab), car is generally 'luxury' category, spotless and the driver never ask for directions and meets you in the airport on your return. The car is parked as close as is legally possible to your terminal. Once you have given them your booking for airport pick up they monitor the flight arrival, you don't have to do anything else.

 

[tuapekastar]

I guess everyone has their own personal faves and they're probably all OK (except the airport - it got really shocking over time, which is why I abandoned it - I even witnessed Long Term Car Park Rage :shock.

I have used Ace Undercover Self-Park (formerly Jetport) many times now and am happy with them overall. Twice I have had to wait 15 mins at the airport to be picked up, but they have enough brownie points with me for that be tolerated just once in a while. If you are an RACV member, you can book it through them and get a discount (some other companies also discount via RACV). 3 days standard undercover price is 41.50, with RACV discount is 37.75. Contrast to the Airport's $69 in the open. They are 5 - 7 minutes from the terminals.

Andrew's (the first off-Airport parking I tried) OTOH kept me and two other drivers standing around outside their office for 15 minutes waiting for our cars to be delivered. They didn't have any brownie points so off to Ace!

Once when Ace was full (late booking, peak travel weekend) I tried A1 'Under shadecloth'. Was OK until I returned and the car had plainly not been undercover (windscreen took 5 minutes to make clear enough for driving). It was then I noticed a piece of fine print (on the 'receipt' you get after you drop the car off and have paid) which stated that your car may not be under cover on the last day. So no more A1.

 

[PLANT]

Gee wish I new the train and local bus route....grrrrrr
Oh well will give it a go in future for fun!

 

[serfty]

I have tried most of the varying off site places - they still cost time.

If I must drive these days, I investigate the Melbourne airport website for a parking discount, there are often good weekend ones available.

For longer term and other options I can rent a car each way for around $110 all up (two separate rentals).

 

[joyvee]

Try this thread and plan your journey on public transport within Melbourne public transport area and regional areas.

Google Public Transport Victoria au journey planner

sorry haven't done enough posts to put up URL link.

I have used it before successfully. Gives times and distances you need to walk as well as station changes when you click "detail". JoyV

 

[sammm]

I guess everyone has their own personal faves and they're probably all OK (except the airport - it got really shocking over time, which is why I abandoned it - I even witnessed Long Term Car Park Rage :shock.

I have used Ace Undercover Self-Park (formerly Jetport) many times now and am happy with them overall. Twice I have had to wait 15 mins at the airport to be picked up, but they have enough brownie points with me for that be tolerated just once in a while. If you are an RACV member, you can book it through them and get a discount (some other companies also discount via RACV). 3 days standard undercover price is 41.50, with RACV discount is 37.75. Contrast to the Airport's $69 in the open. They are 5 - 7 minutes from the terminals.

Andrew's (the first off-Airport parking I tried) OTOH kept me and two other drivers standing around outside their office for 15 minutes waiting for our cars to be delivered. They didn't have any brownie points so off to Ace!

Once when Ace was full (late booking, peak travel weekend) I tried A1 'Under shadecloth'. Was OK until I returned and the car had plainly not been undercover (windscreen took 5 minutes to make clear enough for driving). It was then I noticed a piece of fine print (on the 'receipt' you get after you drop the car off and have paid) which stated that your car may not be under cover on the last day. So no more A1.

I also use ACE undercover, and they have been pretty good, and reasonably cheap.

 

[dodgeyhack]

Get your motorbike license and get a bike/scooter with a lockable top box.
No tolls, free parking, and it's the fastest way to get there.
For trips up to a week you'll be able to carry all you need.
Then leave the bike gear locked up in the top box while you're away.
If you have decent waterproofs rain won't even bother you.
You can always change/shower in the lounge if need be anyway.

 

[smit0847]

Just an update to this thread. Last weekend I needed airport parking for 36 or so hours. Melbourne Airport long-term wanted $49 for the privilege so I decided to try and off-site option. I went with Alpha as they were by far the cheapest ($18 - undercover). They are the cheapest because they are slightly further away than the other off-sites (past that very oddly placed Mantra Tullamarine). I pre-booked, turned-up, was served immediately, a shuttle van was waiting for me and I was at the terminal less than 10 minutes after driving in which is as quick as the long-term bus. You park right next to the door and give them your keys and they then move your car after you've left. I had heard stories of long, long waits at night waiting to be picked up from the airport so rang them as soon as I landed. The bus zone was absolutely packed with off-site vans and mine turned up about 5 mins after I got there. The pick-up was a bit chaotic as there were people everywhere trying to get into our van. We were taken back to Alpha, my car was waiting next to the van park and I was given my keys and on my way about 15-20 mins after calling them which is on par with the long term car park. I was in the front door at Collingwood 43 minutes after my plane landed.

Perhaps I was just lucky because everything went smoothly but I will absolutely be using them again. It took the same time as the long term door to door and was well under half the price. I was also sent an email the following day offering a days free parking for completing a feedback survey. Im very impressed.

 

[docjames]

Just an update to this thread. Last weekend I needed airport parking for 36 or so hours. Melbourne Airport long-term wanted $49 for the privilege so I decided to try and off-site option. I went with Alpha as they were by far the cheapest ($18 - undercover). They are the cheapest because they are slightly further away than the other off-sites (past that very oddly placed Mantra Tullamarine). I pre-booked, turned-up, was served immediately, a shuttle van was waiting for me and I was at the terminal less than 10 minutes after driving in which is as quick as the long-term bus. You park right next to the door and give them your keys and they then move your car after you've left. I had heard stories of long, long waits at night waiting to be picked up from the airport so rang them as soon as I landed. The bus zone was absolutely packed with off-site vans and mine turned up about 5 mins after I got there. The pick-up was a bit chaotic as there were people everywhere trying to get into our van. We were taken back to Alpha, my car was waiting next to the van park and I was given my keys and on my way about 15-20 mins after calling them which is on par with the long term car park. I was in the front door at Collingwood 43 minutes after my plane landed.

Perhaps I was just lucky because everything went smoothly but I will absolutely be using them again. It took the same time as the long term door to door and was well under half the price. I was also sent an email the following day offering a days free parking for completing a feedback survey. Im very impressed.

That's a good comparison, and if the shuttle connections maintain that way, it's time competitive with the Melb AP long term (outdoor) parking.

 

[drewbles]

<snip>
www.andrewsairportpark.com.au
www.busybeaverairportparking.com.au

These are the same company in different locations. I used to use Andrew's and found them excellent. I then switched to Busy Beaver. Sign up for their corporate program ($25) and you save 15% off rack rates. Park more than 5 times in 6 months it increases to 20%. Excellent service (they remember who I am most the time when I call and ask for a pickup from the airport), rates are great and you get a free wash every 5 stays under the corporate program. It's a little further from the terminal than most, but i've never waited more than 5-10 minutes for a pickup from the terminal (call when there, Zone 2 or 5) and the busses from the office to the airport no more than 5 minutes ever (and you can wait indoors in the reception). If you are a member of the corporate program, you can book Andrew's as well on their website (albeit at the higher rates). I just did a 23 day park and it was $130. A weekend will be around $17ish (it's based on calendar day not 24 hour period so it's 3 days if you drive in on Friday and leave on Sunday). Still, huge cost saving over the airport Long Term (even with their 20% discount). I use the bus ride back to catch up on emails