Melbourne Airport Guide

Travelling through Melbourne Airport doesn't have to be stressful.

With ParkMundo (formerly Flyparks), you’ll find everything you need to know about navigating Melbourne Airport, whether you’re flying domestically or internationally, heading there to pick up family or friends, or just transiting through. 

How to Get to Melbourne Airport

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.

By Car 

• From the CBD, you can take Mount Alexander Road/State Route 60, merging onto the Tullamarine Freeway
• Follow the signs for State Route 43 toward Melbourne Airport, and take the Terminal Drive South exit
• The Tullamarine Freeway is a toll road, so having a CityLink pass is necessary to avoid fines
• If you want to skip tolls, an alternate route is taking the Western Ring Road, although it may add some extra travel time​

Travellers can park with any of the Melbourne Airport parking providers below: 

^{Please note that these rates are subject to change without notice, but were verified in September 2025. 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.}

By Bus 

• The SkyBus Melbourne City Express runs 24/7 from Southern Cross Station in the Melbourne CBD to the airport, with departures every 10 minutes during peak times. The journey takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic, and tickets start at around $19.75.

SkyBus also operates routes to Southbank, Docklands, St Kilda, and bayside suburbs. Tickets can be purchased online or at the airport.

• Public Buses:
  • Route 901 (SmartBus) connects Melbourne Airport to Broadmeadows, Epping, Greensborough, and Blackburn train stations. This route requires a Myki card (approximately $6), with fares starting around $4.40 to reach the CBD.
  • Routes 478, 479, and 482 operate between the airport and nearby suburbs, connecting to the tram network at Westfield Airport West (Route 59 terminus).
• Regional Bus Services:
  • Several regional bus services link Melbourne Airport to places like Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, and the Mornington Peninsula. These services generally require reservations, with pricing varying by destination and provider.

Note: Public buses may take longer due to multiple stops, so plan if taking these routes to catch a flight. For schedules and ticketing, visit the SkyBus website or the Public Transport Victoria (PTV) website.

By Taxi

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.

By Rideshare Service

Rideshare services are also available at Melbourne Airport. T

here 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.

By Train

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. 

Melbourne Airport Drop-off & Pick-Up

Drop-off

For drop-offs at Melbourne Airport: 

• Terminals 1, 2, and 3: All travellers can be dropped off on Departure Drive, located on Level 2 of the Terminal 1,2, & 3 forecourt
• Terminal 4: All travellers can be dropped off on Level 2 of the Terminal 4 Car Park

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.

Pick-up

For pickups at Melbourne Airport:

• Terminals 1, 2, and 3: The designated pick-up zone is on the ground level of the forecourt outside these terminals.
• Terminal 4: Head to Level 1 of the Terminal 4 Car Park for pick-up.

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.

Melbourne Airport Terminal Guide

There are four terminals at Melbourne Airport, which include 68 gates: 53 domestic and 15 international.

Facilities at the Airport 

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. 

Airport Hotels

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:

• PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport – This is the closest hotel, situated just 100 meters from Terminal 2, offering immediate access to the airport.
• Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport – Located about 400 meters from the main terminal, it’s a short walk or shuttle ride away.
• ibis Budget Melbourne Airport – Roughly 600 meters from the terminals, it offers budget accommodations within walking distance.
• Mantra Tullamarine Hotel – Situated approximately 2 kilometers from the airport, this hotel is a short drive away and provides convenient airport access.

What time does Melbourne International Airport open?

Melbourne Airport's International Terminal is open 24/7.

What are Melbourne Airport's security wait times? 

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 long 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.

What are Melbourne Airport's busy times? 

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 typically 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.}