Melbourne Airport

Melbourne Airport (MEL), also known as Tullamarine, is the primary international airport serving Melbourne and Victoria. Located 23 km northwest of Melbourne's CBD, it is Australia's second-busiest airport and a hub for Qantas and Virgin Australia.

The airport has four terminals arranged in a connected layout:

• Terminal 1 (T1): Qantas domestic hub. Handles Qantas and QantasLink domestic flights.
• Terminal 2 (T2): Virgin Australia, Jetstar domestic, and budget carriers (Bonza, Rex overflow). The newest terminal.
• Terminal 3 (T3): Regional Express (Rex) regional services.
• Terminal 4 (T4): International terminal. All international flights depart and arrive here.

Key layout note: All terminals are connected under one roof and accessible via walkways, making transfers straightforward. Unlike Sydney, you do not need buses or trains to move between terminals. T1, T2, and T3 are connected airside for domestic-to-domestic transfers. T4 (International) is connected landside but requires exiting security for international-domestic connections.

Alternative airport: Melbourne is also served by Avalon Airport (AVV), located 55 km southwest of the CBD. Jetstar operates some domestic routes from Avalon, and it handles occasional international charters. Check which airport your flight uses when booking.

Melbourne Airport is 23 km northwest of Melbourne CBD. There is no rail connection to the airport. The main transport options are SkyBus, taxi, rideshare, and driving.

Travel times to popular areas:

• Melbourne CBD (Southern Cross, Flinders St): 25-45 minutes
• St Kilda: 35-50 minutes
• South Yarra/Prahran: 30-45 minutes
• Brunswick/Fitzroy: 25-40 minutes
• Geelong: 60-80 minutes

Traffic warning: The Tullamarine Freeway can experience significant congestion during peak hours (7-9am inbound, 4-7pm outbound). Allow extra time during these periods.

Uber, Ola, DiDi, and 13cabs (taxi app) all operate at Melbourne Airport.

Rideshare pickup points:

• All terminals: Designated rideshare pickup area in the Ground Transport Hub, accessible via covered walkway from arrivals
• Follow signs to "Rideshare" from any terminal

Typical fares to common destinations:

Destination	Uber/Rideshare	Taxi
Melbourne CBD	A$45-65	A$55-75
St Kilda	A$55-75	A$65-85
South Yarra	A$50-70	A$60-80
Geelong	A$100-130	A$130-170

Taxi ranks are located outside the arrivals halls at all terminals. Taxis are metered; expect an A$3.50 airport surcharge. Credit cards accepted.

Peak hour note: Fares can increase significantly during rush hour due to traffic and surge pricing. The freeway to the city can add 20-30 minutes during peak times.

SkyBus

SkyBus is the primary public transport link to Melbourne, running express coaches between the airport and Southern Cross Station in the CBD.

Route: Melbourne Airport → Southern Cross Station (direct)

Fare:

• Adult: A$22 one-way, A$38 return
• Child (4-16): A$9 one-way, A$16 return
• Family pass: Available (2 adults + up to 4 children)

Journey time: 25-35 minutes (varies with traffic)

Frequency: Every 10-15 minutes (peak), every 15-30 minutes (off-peak and overnight)

Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week

Pickup: Outside arrivals at all terminals, clearly signposted

To use SkyBus:

1. Purchase tickets online (cheapest), at the SkyBus counter, or via the app
2. Follow signs to "SkyBus" outside arrivals
3. Board the coach to Southern Cross Station
4. At Southern Cross, connect to trains, trams (free City Circle), or other SkyBus routes

SkyBus also operates routes to:

• Southbank Docklands: Direct service
• St Kilda: Connect at Southern Cross or direct service
• Avalon Airport: Separate service

Money-saving tip: Book return tickets online in advance for the best rates. Family passes offer significant savings for groups.

No Airport Rail Link

Melbourne does not have a train to the airport. A rail link has been proposed but remains years away from construction. SkyBus is the only public transport option to the CBD.

Metropolitan Bus

SmartBus Route 901 connects the airport to regional areas but is not practical for CBD travel:

• Runs to Broadmeadows Station (train connections)
• A$5 with Myki card
• Slower than SkyBus for most destinations

Melbourne Airport offers multiple parking options:

Short-term parking:

• T1/T2 Car Park: From A$15/hour, A$80/day max
• T4 International Car Park: From A$15/hour, A$80/day max

Long-term parking:

• Long Term Car Park (Blue): From A$30/day (10-minute walk or free shuttle)
• Long Term Car Park (Orange): From A$26/day (shuttle service)
• Value Car Park: From A$19/day (shuttle service)

Express parking (pickup/drop-off zone): First 15 minutes free, then A$6 per 15 minutes

Off-site alternatives:

• Ace Airport Parking: From A$12/day with shuttle
• Melbourne Airport Park & Fly: Various operators from A$15/day

Pre-booking online through the Melbourne Airport website typically offers 20-30% savings over drive-up rates. Weekend and multi-day bookings offer better value.

Melbourne Airport has a reasonable selection of dining options across all terminals.

Terminal 1 (Qantas Domestic):

• Brunetti: Italian cafe, excellent coffee
• Urban Providore: Gourmet deli and cafe
• Bar Pulpo: Tapas and wine

Terminal 2 (Virgin/Budget):

• T2 Food Court: Multiple quick-service options
• Hudsons Coffee: Reliable coffee chain
• Urban Diner: Burgers and pub food

Terminal 3 (Rex Regional):

• Limited options; walk to T1 or T2 for better variety

Terminal 4 (International):

• Movida Next Door: Spanish tapas from renowned Melbourne restaurant
• Pascale Bar & Grill: Steakhouse
• SumoSalad: Healthy quick service
• Brunetti: Italian pastries and coffee
• Urban Providore: Fresh food and supplies

Best for food: T4 International has the best variety and quality. T1 is strong for coffee and quick meals. Arrive early at T4 for a proper meal before international flights.

Free WiFi is available throughout all terminals:

• Network: "Melbourne Airport Free WiFi"
• Speed: Adequate for browsing, email, and video calls
• Limit: Unlimited, requires accepting terms

Connection is straightforward with no registration required. For faster speeds, airport lounges offer premium WiFi connections.

SIM cards are available at several locations:

Terminal 4 (International arrivals):

• Optus: Shop in arrivals area
• Vodafone: Kiosk near arrivals
• Telstra: Available at newsagents

Carriers and typical prices:

• Telstra: Best regional coverage, prepaid from A$30 (30GB, 28 days)
• Optus: Good coverage, prepaid from A$30 (40GB, 28 days)
• Vodafone: Competitive data, prepaid from A$30 (40GB, 35 days)

For travel beyond Melbourne (Great Ocean Road, Grampians, regional Victoria), Telstra offers the best coverage. All three carriers work well in metropolitan Melbourne.

Tip: Prices at the airport are typically standard retail prices. You can purchase immediately upon arrival without paying extra.

ATMs are located throughout all terminals:

• Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, Westpac, NAB: Major Australian banks represented
• ATMs available in arrivals and departures at all terminals
• T4 has ATMs before and after immigration

Most ATMs dispense Australian dollars (AUD). International cards (Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus/Plus) widely accepted. Check with your bank about foreign transaction fees.

Currency Exchange:

• Travelex: T4 International and Centre Precinct
• UAE Exchange: T4 arrivals area

For better exchange rates, withdraw cash from ATMs or exchange in the CBD. Melbourne is highly card-friendly with contactless payments accepted almost everywhere.

Melbourne Airport offers duty-free and retail shopping:

Duty-Free (T4 International):

• Heinemann Tax & Duty Free: Main duty-free retailer (liquor, cosmetics, fragrances, electronics)
• Large selection of Australian wine and spirits
• Purchase on arrival or departure

Australian souvenirs:

• Australian Geographic: T4 International
• Spirit of Australia: Australian gifts and souvenirs
• News & Gifts: All terminals

Notable stores:

• RM Williams: Australian boots and leather goods (T4)
• Jurlique: Australian skincare
• JB Hi-Fi: Electronics (Centre Precinct)
• Cotton On: Australian fashion brand

The Centre Precinct connecting all terminals has additional retail options accessible to all passengers and visitors.

Melbourne Airport has various lounge options:

Priority Pass Lounges

• The House (T2 domestic): Modern lounge with food, drinks, and WiFi. Can get crowded during peak times.

Credit Card Lounges

• Rex Lounge (T3): Basic amenities for Rex passengers and eligible Priority Pass members
• American Express Lounge (T4 International): Amex Platinum cardholders, good quality with full meal service

Airline Lounges

Terminal 1 (Qantas Domestic):

• Qantas Club: Qantas Club members, Business Class, Oneworld Sapphire
• Qantas Business Lounge: Premium domestic offering with excellent food and barista coffee
• Qantas Chairmans Lounge: Invite-only

Terminal 2 (Virgin Domestic):

• Virgin Australia Lounge: Virgin status holders, Business Class passengers, and guests

Terminal 4 (International):

• Qantas International First Lounge: First Class passengers and Platinum One. Outstanding quality.
• Qantas International Business Lounge: Business Class and Oneworld Sapphire/Emerald
• Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge: Star Alliance Gold, Singapore Airlines Business Class
• Emirates Lounge: Emirates Business and First Class passengers
• Air New Zealand Lounge: Star Alliance Gold, Air New Zealand Business Class
• Marhaba Lounge: Pay-per-use lounge (from A$65)

The Qantas International First Lounge is one of Australia's best lounges, with spa treatments, a la carte dining, and premium drinks.

At the airport:

• Parkroyal Melbourne Airport: Connected to T4 via covered walkway (from A$200/night). Most convenient for international departures.
• Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport: Adjacent to terminals with shuttle (from A$160/night)
• Ibis Budget Melbourne Airport: Short walk from terminals (from A$110/night)

Near the airport:

• Mantra Tullamarine Hotel: 5-minute drive with shuttle (from A$140/night)
• Quality Hotel Melbourne Airport: Shuttle service (from A$130/night)
• Travelodge Melbourne Airport: Budget option with shuttle (from A$100/night)

Day rooms/sleep pods:

• Parkroyal offers day-use rooms for layovers (check availability)
• Some lounges have quiet rest areas

For early morning international departures, the Parkroyal offers direct access to T4 International via the Centre Precinct walkway.

Melbourne is Australia's cultural capital and offers diverse attractions:

City center (30-45 min from airport):

• Federation Square: Cultural hub with galleries, bars, and events
• Flinders Street Station: Iconic Melbourne landmark
• Laneways and arcades: Street art in Hosier Lane, coffee in Centre Place, shopping in Block Arcade
• Queen Victoria Market: Fresh produce, food stalls, and souvenirs (closed Mondays and Wednesdays)

Neighborhoods to explore:

• Fitzroy/Collingwood: Melbourne's hipster heart, vintage shops, craft breweries
• South Yarra/Prahran: Upscale shopping, Chapel Street, Prahran Market
• St Kilda: Beach, Luna Park, Sunday market, penguins at sunset on the pier
• Carlton: Little Italy, Lygon Street restaurants, Melbourne University
• Brunswick: Multicultural dining, live music, Sydney Road

Day trips:

• Great Ocean Road: 90-minute drive to Torquay, Twelve Apostles 4 hours (iconic Australian road trip)
• Yarra Valley: Wine region, 1-hour drive east
• Phillip Island: Penguin parade at sunset, 2-hour drive south
• Mornington Peninsula: Beaches, hot springs, wineries, 90-minute drive
• Grampians National Park: Dramatic ranges and hiking, 3-hour drive west

Getting around the city: Melbourne has an excellent tram network (free within the CBD Free Tram Zone). Use a Myki card for trains, trams, and buses outside the free zone. The free City Circle tram (Route 35) loops around the CBD, passing major attractions.

Best for short layovers (5-6 hours): Take SkyBus to Southern Cross Station, walk to Flinders Street Station and Federation Square, explore the laneways (Hosier Lane street art, Centre Place coffee), and grab lunch in a laneway restaurant. Return via SkyBus. Allow 4+ hours minimum after clearing customs and before returning to the airport.