Melbourne (Tullamarine) Airport is Australia's second busiest hub by traffic (36 million passengers in 2024), the gateway to a city often considered the country's cultural and gastronomic capital.
It is located approximately 23 km northwest of Melbourne's city center.
How to get to Melbourne International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to MEL
Parking near Melbourne International Airport
Multi-story car parks located a short distance from the terminals offer various rate bands according to parking duration.
Roughly 20-34 Australian dollars for short-term parking at facilities near the terminals (depending on time of day), while outlying areas with shuttle access drop to about 15-16 dollars per day when booking online with advance notice.
How to get to Melbourne from MEL
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
Melbourne: MEL Airport Private Transfer to/from City Center
Melbourne Airport: Express Bus Transfer to/from City Center
Melbourne: MEL Airport to City Private Transfer (One-way)
Melbourne Airport: 1-Way Melbourne Airport Private Transfer
From MEL to the most sought-after destinations
| If you want to... | Choose | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| Spend the minimum | Public bus 901 + train (Myki fare) | ~5-6 AUD |
| Get to the city center as fast as possible | SkyBus City Express to Southern Cross Station | ~24 AUD |
| Reach St Kilda or Docklands/Southbank without changing at Southern Cross | Dedicated SkyBus Express (St Kilda or Southbank/Docklands) | ~24 AUD |
| Heavy luggage or large group | Official taxi or Uber/DiDi | ~55-70 AUD |
Melbourne Aeroporto → Southern Cross Station
It's the terminus of SkyBus City Express and the main hub for regional and metropolitan trains: from here you continue by tram to the rest of the city center and nearby neighborhoods without needing a second SkyBus ticket.
Melbourne Aeroporto → St Kilda
SkyBus St Kilda Express connects the airport directly to the famous seaside promenade, with stops on Fitzroy Street and near The Esplanade, bypassing Southern Cross: convenient for those staying in the area or wanting to avoid the transfer in the city center.
Melbourne Aeroporto → Docklands e Marvel Stadium
For an event at Marvel Stadium the most practical solution is SkyBus Southbank/Docklands Express, with a dedicated stop at Harbour Esplanade just steps from the stadium, or the City Express to Southern Cross and the pedestrian bridge connecting directly to the venue.
Melbourne Aeroporto → Southbank (Crown Casino)
The same SkyBus Southbank/Docklands Express also stops on City Road, just steps away from Crown Casino and restaurants on the Yarra River: a direct connection for those who would otherwise need to change transportation at Southern Cross.
Car rental at Melbourne International Airport
Leading car rental companies have a desk in the arrivals area.
Renting is useful for exploring the Great Ocean Road or nearby wine regions like the Yarra Valley.
Bring a driving licence, passport (or local document) and credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit; take photos of the vehicle condition upon pickup. English-language licenses are generally accepted for visitors; for other languages an International Driving Permit (IDP) or official translation is generally required.
Hotels near Melbourne International Airport
Airport area (Tullamarine)
The Holiday Inn is about 800 metres from the terminals with an on-request shuttle 24 hours a day, free on arrival; the meeting point is between T1 and T2.
Best for: Those with a flight before 7 a.m. or arriving after midnight who do not want to face the 25-30 minutes to the centre.
- Shuttle running at all hours, even for night flights
- Soundproofed rooms and an indoor pool to rest between flights
- You avoid the Tullamarine Freeway on the morning of the flight
- Around you almost only car parks and roads: in the evening you get about by car
- The centre takes 25-30 minutes by SkyBus and taxi
Southern Cross and Docklands
The SkyBus City Express ends at Southern Cross in 25-30 minutes, with services every 10 minutes at peak times.
Best for: Those short on time, arriving by train or wanting to change transport without trips with luggage.
- Direct bus from the airport to the station's door
- Trains and trams leave Southern Cross for the rest of the city
- Marvel Stadium and the Docklands waterfront are a few steps away
- Docklands is an area of offices and apartment blocks, more impersonal than the old centre
- The SkyBus ticket costs more than the combination of bus 901 and train
Recommended hotels
St Kilda
The SkyBus St Kilda Express runs from Tullamarine without passing through Southern Cross, with stops on Fitzroy Street and near the Esplanade.
Best for: Those who want the beach, venues and the seafront instead of a night in the centre.
- Direct bus from the airport, with no change in the centre
- Beach, Acland Street and evening venues on foot
- For the centre you need the tram: St Kilda is outside the heart of the city
- The trip from the airport is longer than the one to Southern Cross
Recommended hotels
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
- lounges
- 12
- with Priority Pass
- 1
- earliest opening
- 02:55
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The airport features international and domestic terminals, connected by internal pedestrian paths.
Typically it takes 8–10 minutes to walk from check-in to the gate. Security checks are the point most subject to queues during peak morning hours.
Map of Melbourne International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. How much does the SkyBus to central Melbourne cost?
Roughly AUD 25-26 one way (AUD 25.90 full fare), cheaper if bought online in advance; the return costs AUD 43.40 online.
Q. Why isn't there a direct train from Melbourne airport?
The airport does not yet have a dedicated rail line: SkyBus remains the fastest public transport option to the city center.
Q. What's the difference between Melbourne airport and Avalon?
Melbourne Tullamarine (MEL) is the city's main international airport; Avalon (AVV) is a more distant secondary airport used by some low-cost carriers.
Q. Is it worth arriving well ahead of time for an international flight from Melbourne?
Yes, 3 hours in advance is generally recommended for international flights.
Q. Which lounges accept Priority Pass?
Plaza Premium Lounge (T2).
Q. What time does the first lounge open?
At 02:55: SilverKris Lounge (T2).
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
