Melbourne Airport Guide

Melbourne Airport (MEL), also called Tullamarine, is Melbourne's main international airport. Its four terminals share one walkable terminal precinct:

• T1: Qantas domestic.
• T2: international flights for all airlines.
• T3: Virgin Australia domestic.
• T4: domestic flights for Jetstar, Rex, Virgin Australia, and Link Airways.

The buildings are under one roof and linked landside on foot. There is no inter-terminal shuttle. Do not assume domestic terminals are universally connected airside; follow the airline's transfer instructions and the signed route for the specific flights.

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's transfer help directs passengers to confirm connection requirements with the airline or travel agent.

International to domestic

International flights arrive at T2. Australian customs requires arriving passengers to collect luggage and clear customs before transferring to a domestic flight. After entering the public arrivals area, walk under cover to T1, T3, or T4, check in or drop bags as directed, and clear domestic security.

T1 and T3 sit on either side of T2; T4 is about 100 metres south of T3. There is no inter-terminal shuttle.

Other connections

For domestic-to-international, walk landside from T1, T3, or T4 to T2 and complete the airline's international departure process. For domestic-to-domestic or international-to-international itineraries, ask the airline whether an airside transfer is available and whether bags are through-checked. Separate tickets generally require completing arrivals and a new check-in.

Connection requirements depend on airline, baggage, and border processing, so the unsupported minimum-time and walking tables have been removed.

Melbourne Airport has no passenger-rail station. SkyBus City Express provides the direct coach to Southern Cross Station; PTV buses connect the T4 Ground Transport Hub with Broadmeadows, Airport West, and Sunbury corridors. Taxis, rideshares, and private vehicles use terminal-specific pickup areas. Road journeys are traffic-sensitive, so check live conditions.

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

Rideshare pickup points:

• T1 Qantas, T2 international, and T3 Virgin Australia passengers: follow current signs to the forecourt pickup lane.
• T4 Jetstar, Rex, or Link Airways passengers: use Level 2 of the T4 Ground Transport Hub.

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

The Melbourne City Express runs between the airport and Southern Cross Station daily from 04:00 to 01:00. Airport stops are outside T1, T3, and T4. Melbourne Airport lists peak departures about every ten minutes and off-peak departures about every fifteen minutes; verify the current timetable and fare with SkyBus.

Other SkyBus services link the airport with the Peninsula/St Kilda corridor, eastern suburbs, and Sunshine Station. These services use T1 and T4 airport stops. SkyBus uses its own ticket and does not accept myki.

PTV buses

Routes 478, 479, 482, and 901 depart from the bus terminal on the ground floor of the T4 Transport Hub and accept myki.

• Route 901 links the airport with Broadmeadows Station for Craigieburn-line trains and continues through Melbourne's northern and eastern suburbs.
• Routes 478, 479, and 482 serve Airport West and, depending on route, Sunbury.

Use the PTV Journey Planner for the correct combination, current operating hours, and myki fare. For central Melbourne, compare the direct SkyBus with route 901 plus a train from Broadmeadows.

Melbourne Airport offers multiple parking options:

Short-term parking:

• T1/T2 Car Park: From A$15/hour, A$80/day max
• T4 Terminal 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 3 (Virgin Australia Domestic):

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

Terminal 4 (Jetstar/Rex/Link Domestic):

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

Terminal 2 (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: T2 International has the best variety and quality. T1 is strong for coffee and quick meals. Arrive early at T2 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 2 (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
• T2 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: T2 International and Centre Precinct
• UAE Exchange: T2 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 (T2 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: T2 International
• Spirit of Australia: Australian gifts and souvenirs
• News & Gifts: All terminals

Notable stores:

• RM Williams: Australian boots and leather goods (T2)
• 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 international): Modern lounge with food, drinks, and WiFi. Can get crowded during peak times.

Credit Card Lounges

• Rex Lounge (T4): Basic amenities for Rex passengers and eligible Priority Pass members
• American Express Lounge (T2 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 3 (Virgin Domestic):

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

Terminal 2 (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: Opposite the terminal precinct with covered access (from A$200/night). Most convenient for international departures from T2.
• 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 covered access to T2 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.