Melbourne International Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended…

Tullamarine is 25-30 minutes from the centre and the SkyBus, running from 4 a.m. until one in the morning, reaches Southern Cross Station, so for those visiting Melbourne it makes sense to stay in the city. At the other extreme, with a dawn flight or a night arrival, a hotel a few hundred metres from the terminals removes any transport uncertainty. In between are two choices that depend on the type of trip: Docklands and Southern Cross for those short on time wanting a direct bus, St Kilda for those who want the sea and a SkyBus link that skips the centre.

Airport area (Tullamarine)

Airport area · 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.

Pros

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

Cons

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

Recommended hotels in this area

Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport: About 800 metres from the terminals, with an on-request shuttle 24 hours a day, soundproofed rooms and an indoor pool with sauna.

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Southern Cross and Docklands

Near the airport link · 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.

Pros

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

Cons

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 in this area

Travelodge Hotel Melbourne Docklands: Less than five minutes' walk from Southern Cross, with a reception open 24 hours and a kitchenette in every room.

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St Kilda

Neighbourhood · 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.

Pros