Space Shuttle Parking
vs Blu Emu Car Park
Finding the perfect space to park your car at the airport can be challenging, whether it is just for a few hours or days. However, when it comes to parking at Sydney Airport, you might want to think twice before booking your next space. The parking rates at the airport should not be overlooked, with prices starting at $51 per day for domestic terminals and a hefty $59 for international terminals, thus making them arguably the most expensive airport parking rates in the country.
So, your next best option is to choose one of the purpose-built airport car parks located close to the airport. In this blog, we take a closer look at Blu Emu Car Park and Space Shuttle Parking. Let’s find out which is most suitable for your needs based on location, parking options, convenience, and prices.

Location
Blu Emu Car Park
Although Blu Emu Car Park is located on airport land, it is approximately 6 km from the Sydney domestic airport terminal. Therefore, via Blu Emu Car Park shuttle bus, it takes about 15-20 minutes to reach the Blu EMU parking space from the domestic terminal, which could be subject to greater traffic in peak times.
Note: Blu Emu Car Park does not shuttle passengers to the international terminal, only the domestic terminal.
Space Shuttle Parking
Space Shuttle Parking is conveniently located at 289 King St Mascot, making it the closest multi-level airport car park to the airport. You are approximately 4 minutes (400 metres) away from the Domestic terminal and 1 km (10 minutes) from the International terminal.
The Verdict:
Space Shuttle Parking gets more favorable points thanks to its close proximity to the Sydney Airport and the ability to transport to both Domestic and International terminals.

Shuttle Bus Convenience
Blu Emu Car Park
Blu Emu Car Park offers a free shuttle bus service to the domestic terminal every 15 minutes during peak times and 20 minutes during off-peak times. Due to large shuttle buses and multi-stop shuttle service, the travel time within the Blu Emu Car Park does take passengers extra time to get to and from the vehicle and airport, depending on car location within the car park. There is no service provided for the International terminal.
Space Shuttle Parking
Space Shuttle Parking provides a 24-hour free on-demand shuttle service between normal hours 4.30 am to 11 pm and a small fee for after-hours service between 11 pm to 4.30 am to both Domestic and International terminals. With the biggest and best-in-class Sydney airport shuttle buses, the shuttle service operates directly between the car park and airport terminals.
The Verdict:
Passengers would prefer Space Shuttle Parking over the Blu Emu Car Park as it provides the biggest fleet of 6 large VW crafters and Ford Transporters for direct and quicker on-demand shuttle service to Domestic and International terminals.
Parking Options
Blu Emu Car Park
Blu Emu Car Park at the Sydney airport has provisions for only open-air, outdoor parking. There is no option for undercover parking available.
Space Shuttle Parking
Space Shuttle Parking is a purpose-built 9-level car park with over 1,300 spaces. 8 levels are undercover with up to extra high 2.6m clearance. The rooftop is mostly undercover with awning and sails with 2.25m clearance protecting from the harsh sun or rainy weather conditions.
The Verdict:
Space Shuttle Parking wins this round as undercover parking is more in demand, especially at great rates. For passengers who need long-stay airport parking for more than a day, getting protection for the car from the wind and rain is an important factor without costing more.
Security
Blu Emu Car Park
Blu Emu Car Park has no 24/7 security, and the CCTV coverage is also limited. The car park is not operated by staff.
Space Shuttle Parking
Space Shuttle Parking has 24/7 on-site security, manned with staff 24 hours, full CCTV coverage to all levels, and number plate recognition at boom gates to ensure your car is safe and secure at all times. The car park is all well-lit and gives security to both passengers and vehicles 24 hours per day.
The Verdict:
Space Shuttle Parking offers superior security arrangements and facilities, providing better security for both passengers and vehicles 24 hours a day.
Additional Features
Blu Emu Car Park
Blu Emu Car Park at Sydney Airport lacks additional features and conveniences, such as a car wash, café, hotel, and EV charging. There is also no assistance provided for disabled individuals.
Space Shuttle Parking
Space Shuttle Parking has an on-site Travelodge Airport Hotel and Cafe. They also provide on-site hand car wash service, so you can return from your flight to a freshly cleaned and spotless car. The car park also offers parking assistance for disabled individuals.
The Verdict:
When choosing a car park, these additional features are more of a luxury than a necessity. However, the lack of disability-friendly features, a car wash, and an airport hotel at the Blu Emu Car Park will be counted as a drawback.
Shuttle Bus Child Seats
Blu Emu Car Park
Blu Emu Car Park does not provide child seats, which can make it less convenient for families travelling with infants or toddlers. This may require parents to bring their own, adding to their travel load.
Space Shuttle Parking
Goes the extra mile for families by offering child seats on request for its shuttle bus service. This thoughtful addition ensures safety and comfort for young travellers from 6 months, making it the go-to provider of shuttle service to Sydney Airport for families with children.
The Verdict:
Space Shuttle Parking is the better choice for family-friendly travel, offering child seat options for added safety.
Live Flight Times
Blu Emu Car Park
Blu Emu Car Park does not provide live flight time updates, which means travellers must rely on their devices or airport screens to get this information. This can be less convenient, especially for those in a rush.
Space Shuttle Parking
Offers live flight time displays on-site, ensuring travellers are always updated on flight changes or delays. This modern feature enhances its reputation as one of the best parking options near Sydney Airport, saving travellers the hassle of manually checking flight schedules.
The Verdict:
Space Shuttle Parking wins over Blu Emu Car Park with its added convenience of live flight time displays on site, which are ideal for keeping passengers informed of plane movements at Sydney airport.
Free Car Jump Start
Blu Emu Car Park
Blu Emu Car Park does not provide a free car jump-start service, which means travellers would need to make their own arrangements in case of battery issues.
Space Shuttle Parking
Offers peace of mind with its free car jump start service, ensuring that travellers never have to worry about a dead battery upon returning. This service further solidifies its position as one of the best parking options at Sydney Airport, adding a layer of reliability for its customers.
The Verdict:
Space Shuttle Parking stands out over Blu Emu Car Park as it provides a stress-free return experience with its complimentary car jump-start assistance, if needed, making it one of the most reliable airport car parks in Sydney airport.
Car Park Lifts
Blu Emu Car Park
Space Shuttle Parking
The Verdict:
Space Shuttle Parking prioritises customer convenience with its fully equipped car park lifts, which is why it proves to be a better and more practical option for airport parking.
Onsite Travelodge Hotel Sydney Airport
Blu Emu Car Park
Space Shuttle Parking
The Verdict:
Space Shuttle Parking is a superior choice for travellers looking for parking with easy and quick access to nearby Hotel accommodation and on-demand shuttle bus transfers to Sydney airport terminals.
Loyalty Program
Blu Emu Car Park
Space Shuttle Parking
The Verdict:
EV Charging Spaces
Blu Emu Car Park
Unfortunately, Blu Emu Car Park does not cater to electric vehicles as no EV charging stations are available. This lack of facility may deter EV owners from using their services.
Space Shuttle Parking
Space Shuttle Parking is the biggest Sydney airport EV charging facility. It leads in sustainability by offering 40 of 22Kw fast EV charging spaces for electric vehicles to support the growing trend of eco-friendly car owners. This feature makes it especially appealing for those needing long-term airport parking in Sydney while ensuring their car is fully charged.
The Verdict:
When it comes to Space Shuttle Parking vs Blu Emu Car Park, Space Shuttle Parking is the preferred choice for eco-conscious travellers, offering the biggest state-of-the-art EV charging stations.
Conclusion
Finding a decent parking space at Sydney Airport has become a challenge for most car drivers. However, when it comes to airport parking, Sydney Airport is almost notorious for its obscene parking charges at domestic and international terminals. When comparing Blu Emu Car Park with Space Shuttle Parking in terms of facilities, convenience, and service, Space Shuttle Parking is your first choice for Sydney Airport parking.
We offer the best airport parking experience with 24-hour access, a manned car park, and exclusive 24-hour on-demand shuttle service. Space Shuttle Parking dominates the market with the largest bays, highest vehicle clearance, and biggest on-demand shuttle bus fleet. Coupled with the best Sydney Airport pricing and Price Beat Guarantee, Space Shuttle Parking is the obvious airport parking choice, providing first-class airport parking at economy rates!
Go to our website today and plan your trip with Space Shuttle Parking!
Blu Emu Car Park | Space Shuttle Parking | Location |
---|---|---|
Shuttle Bus Convenience | ||
Parking Options | ||
Security | ||
Additional Features | ||
Shuttle Bus Child Seats | ||
Live Flight Times | ||
Free Car Jump Start | ||
Car Park Lifts | ||
Onsite Travelodge Hotel Sydney Airport | ||
Loyalty Program | ||
EV Charging Spaces | ||