Travelling through Melbourne Airport doesn't have to be stressful. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport, whether you’re flying domestically or internationally, heading there to pick up family or friends, or just transiting through. Here’s what you need to know about Melbourne Airport before you go:
While Melbourne Airport offers various transport options to the CBD, the quickest way to access the terminals is by car. Located 23 kilometres from the city centre, the airport is easily reachable via the Tullamarine Freeway. To alleviate congestion, a secondary access road was completed in 2015, extending the M80 Western Ring Road to Melrose Drive, just 1.5 kilometres from the terminal precinct.
If you opt for taxis, rideshare services, or public transport, it's essential to allow extra time for your journey, as there will likely be congestion within the precinct. Many travellers have reported that bus services can take up to twice as long compared to private car or taxi rides, particularly since buses may run less frequently after 8:00 p.m.
You can compare all the major transport options, including pricing and journey time below:
Travellers can park with any of the Melbourne Airport parking providers below:
| Car Park | Cost per Week | Service & Transfer Time | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Travel Parking | $96.00 | Shuttle: 8 min | Book |
| Jetaway Airport Parking | $105.00 | Shuttle: 10 min | Book |
| Melrose Airport Parking | $125.49 | Shuttle: 8 min | Book |
| Value Car Park | $112.00 | Shuttle: 3 - 5 min | Book |
| T1-3 & T4 Melbourne | $432.00 | Walk: 2 - 5 min | Book |
| Qantas Valet | $525.00 | Walk: 1 - 2 min | Book |
| Business Car Park | $672.00 | Walk: 1 - 2 min | Book |
| Premium Self-Park | $672.00 | Walk: 1 - 2 min | Book |
| Valet Car Park | $672.00 | Walk: 1 - 2 min | Book |
Please note that these rates are subject to change without notice, but were verified in November 2024. These are both online & drive-up rates. Compare car parks in Melbourne in the search bar above, or consult the official Melbourne Airport website to see the most updated online rates.
SkyBus also operates routes to Southbank, Docklands, St Kilda, and bayside suburbs. Tickets can be purchased online or at the airport.
Note: Public buses may take longer due to multiple stops, so plan ahead if taking these routes to catch a flight. For schedules and ticketing, visit the SkyBus website or the Public Transport Victoria (PTV) website.
A taxi ride from Melbourne Airport to the CBD takes approximately 30 minutes and can cost $65.00 - $70.00 for a one-way trip. Melbourne Airport charges a $4.78 pick-up fee, which is included in the overall taxi fare, while there is no fee for drop-offs.
If you wish to pre-book a taxi, they can wait for you at the designated pick-up area near the Terminal 123 Car Park, making it easier to avoid the hassle of waiting for an available taxi after landing.
Rideshare services are also available at Melbourne Airport. There is a fixed rideshare fee of $4.48 per ride, while the overall fare will depend on the operator. You can expect to pay around $45.00 to $60.00 one-way, for a 30-minute journey. The following rideshare companies serve Tullamarine Airport: Uber, Ola, Didi, and GoCatch.
Rideshare drivers may pick up travellers from two locations. Qantas, International, and Virgin Australia passengers should meet their driver at lane 3 of the forecourt; while Jetstar, TigerAir, Rex, and AirNorth passengers should head to level 2, inside the T4 Ground Transport Hub. Passengers can be dropped off anywhere along Departure Drive, or the T4 Transport Hub drop-off zone on level 1.
Currently, there is no direct train link between Melbourne Airport and the CBD. Preliminary plans have been approved for a direct rail line from Southern Cross to the airport, possibly via Sunshine Station, but this project is many years away from completion.
For drop-offs at Melbourne Airport:
For longer drop-offs, head to any one of the Terminal Car Parks for 15 minutes of free parking. After that, parking is $15.00 for up to 3 hours.
For pickups at Melbourne Airport:
All pick-up zones allow for a one-minute waiting time. If your passenger is not ready, please proceed to the 'Wait Zone' on Mercer Drive near the freeway, where vehicles can wait free of charge for up to 30 minutes.
There are four terminals at Melbourne Airport, which include 68 gates: 53 domestic and 15 international.
| Terminal 1 | Domestic | Qantas; QantasLink; Qantas Airways |
| Terminal 2 | International & Limited Domestic Flights | Any International Flight |
| Terminal 3 | Domestic | Virgin Australia |
| Terminal 4 | Domestic | Jetstar; Rex Airlnes; Link Airways |
Melbourne Airport offers a variety of services for travellers, including:
ATMs: Located in Terminals 1- 3. Most are located next to the gates & shops.
Baby Change Facilities: 19 baby change rooms available pre- and post-security.
Currency Exchange: Travelex services within Terminals 1 and 2.
Disabled Access: Available in terminals, parking, and pick-up/drop-off areas.
Drinking Water: Melbourne Airport is one of the few airports in Australia that offers free filtered drinking water to its guests. Water fountains are available at all terminals.
Lost property: Assistance is available at Smartcarte in Terminal 2.
Luggage: Baggage storage in Terminals 2 and 4; wrapping services available at Terminal 2.
Mobile Phone Charging: After security, phone charging stations can be found all over the airport.
Open Access Lounges: Pre-book access is for around $40.00; it is also available to pass holders for Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Priority Pass.
Pharmacies: Located in each terminal, before & after security.
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout Melbourne Airport.
Although Melbourne Airport is open 24 hours a day, passengers who do not wish to stay overnight at the airport can book a room in one of the four nearby hotels:
Melbourne Airport's International Terminal is open 24/7.
Security wait times at Melbourne Airport will take anywhere from 15 minutes - 1 hour. During holidays & peak hours (5:30 am - 9:30 am and 3:30 pm - 7:00 p.m.), expect longer wait times of 30+ minutes. Travellers should plan to be at Melbourne Airport 1 hour before domestic flights, and 2 - 2.5 hours before international flights.
Peak travel times at Melbourne Airport occur from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM daily. Notably, Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons see particularly high passenger volumes. Additionally, the airport experiences increased traffic during the December to January holiday period, the Easter break, and the school holidays in July, as more travellers transit through the airport during these times.
During these times, travellers should plan to arrive at the airport 15 - 30 minutes before they regularly would.
Please note that the information above is provided for reference only, and does not constitute travel advice. For the most recent and relevant information about Melbourne Airport, you should check their official website.
