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Airport Transportation

Melbourne Airport

Also known as: Tullamarine Airport, Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, Tullamarine, MEL Airport.

MEL · YMML · Melbourne

Airport facts

Name
Melbourne Airport
IATA code
MEL
ICAO code
YMML
City
Melbourne
Country
Australia
Coordinates
-37.6707, 144.8379
Time zone
Australia/Melbourne
Terminals
Four connected terminals: T1 (Qantas domestic), T2 (international), T3 (Virgin Australia), T4 (Jetstar and Rex)

About Melbourne Airport

Melbourne Airport (MEL), often called Tullamarine, is the main airport for Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, Australia. It handled about 37 million passengers in the year to June 2026, and it operates 24 hours a day.

Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar connect Melbourne with Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart and other Australian cities. International airlines including Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, Air New Zealand and United Airlines fly to Asia, the Middle East, the Pacific and North America.

Four terminals sit side by side: Terminal 1 for Qantas domestic flights, Terminal 2 for international flights, Terminal 3 for Virgin Australia and Terminal 4 for Jetstar and Rex domestic flights.

The airport lies about 22 km northwest of the Melbourne CBD, roughly a 30-minute drive, and there is no train link yet. It is a different airport from Avalon (AVV), about 50 km southwest of the CBD near Geelong. From here, travelers head to central Melbourne, St Kilda, Geelong and the Mornington Peninsula.

Airport operator, runways and traffic

Operator

Australia Pacific Airports Corporation (APAC)

Passengers per year

About 37 million in the year to June 2026

Runways

Two crossing runways: 16/34 (3,657 m) and 09/27 (2,286 m)

Hours

Open 24 hours with no curfew

Location

About 22 km northwest of the Melbourne CBD

Arrival tips for Melbourne Airport

International flights arrive at Terminal 2. You pass immigration, collect your bags and then clear customs and biosecurity. Every visitor except New Zealand citizens needs a visa or travel authority before flying, such as an ETA through the AustralianETA app or an eVisitor for many European passports. You must declare food, plant material and animal products on the Incoming Passenger Card; selected Qantas flights let you use the digital Australian Travel Declaration instead.

Domestic passengers collect bags in Terminals 1, 3 or 4, depending on the airline.

Outside, use the taxi ranks on the ground floor outside Terminals 1 and 2 or in the Terminal 4 transport hub, and do not accept taxi offers anywhere else. Rideshare pick-up is in lane 1 of the forecourt for Qantas, international and Virgin Australia passengers, and on level 2 of the Terminal 4 hub for Jetstar, Rex and Link Airways. SkyBus stops are at the kerb outside Terminals 1, 3 and 4.

Melbourne has a temperate climate with changeable weather. Victoria uses UTC+10, moving to UTC+11 for daylight saving from early October to early April, and the currency is the Australian dollar (AUD).

Ground transportation

SkyBus suits most travelers heading to the CBD, while a taxi, rideshare or private transfer is easier for other suburbs, late arrivals or groups with luggage.

  • SkyBus to Melbourne city

    The SkyBus City Express runs from kerbside stops at Terminals 1, 3 and 4 to Southern Cross Station, every 10 to 15 minutes from 4am to 1am. The trip averages about 30 minutes, or about 45 minutes at peak times.

  • Other SkyBus routes

    SkyBus express services also run to St Kilda, Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula, and to the eastern and western suburbs. These stop at Terminals 4 and 1 only.

  • Taxi from Melbourne Airport

    Taxi ranks are outside Terminals 1 and 2 and in the Terminal 4 transport hub. The ride to the CBD takes about 30 minutes, longer in peak traffic.

  • Rideshare

    Uber, Ola, DiDi and GoCatch pick up in lane 1 of the forecourt for Terminals 1 to 3, and on level 2 of the Terminal 4 hub for Jetstar, Rex and Link Airways. Scheduled rideshare pick-ups are not available.

  • Public bus and train

    There is no train to the airport; the Melbourne Airport Rail link is under construction and not expected before 2033. Route 901 runs from Terminal 4 to Broadmeadows Station for trains to the city, a slower but low-cost option.

  • Bus to Geelong

    Gull Airport Service coaches run daily to Geelong from a stop opposite Terminal 3, from 5:30am to midnight.

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Moving between terminals

  1. Walk between terminals

    Terminals 1, 2 and 3 share one building, and Terminal 4 is a short walk from Terminal 3. Walking from one end of the airport to the other takes about 10 minutes.

  2. Separate security

    Each terminal has its own security screening, so you cannot move between terminals airside. Exit to the public area and re-clear security at the next terminal.

  3. Free car park bus

    The free Value North courtesy bus stops at Terminal 4 and Terminal 1, which helps if you are carrying heavy luggage between the ends of the airport.

Terminals

Terminal 1

Domestic and regional flights by Qantas and QantasLink.

Terminal 2

All international arrivals and departures, plus a small number of domestic flights.

Terminal 3

Domestic flights by Virgin Australia.

Terminal 4

Domestic flights by Jetstar, Rex and Link Airways, with some Virgin Australia flights. It is next to the ground transport hub for buses and rideshare.

Airlines and destinations

The main airlines at Melbourne Airport.

Air India T2

Delhi

Airline guide

Air New Zealand T2

Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown, Wellington

Airline guide

AirAsia X T2

Kuala Lumpur

Cathay Pacific T2

Hong Kong

Airline guide

China Southern Airlines T2

Guangzhou

Airline guide

Delta Air Lines T2

Los Angeles

Airline guide

Emirates T2

Dubai

Airline guide

Etihad Airways T2

Abu Dhabi

Airline guide

Jetstar T4

Adelaide, Ballina, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Darwin, Gold Coast, Hobart, Launceston, Newcastle, Perth, Proserpine, Sunshine Coast, Sydney, Townsville

Airline guide

Jetstar T2

Auckland, Bali (Denpasar), Bangkok, Christchurch, Colombo, Ho Chi Minh City, Nadi, Phuket, Queenstown, Singapore

Airline guide

LATAM Airlines T2

Santiago

Airline guide

Malaysia Airlines T2

Kuala Lumpur

Airline guide

Qantas T1

Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Darwin, Gold Coast, Hobart, Perth, Sunshine Coast, Sydney

Airline guide

Qantas T2

Auckland, Bali (Denpasar), Christchurch, Dallas/Fort Worth, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Los Angeles, Queenstown, Singapore, Tokyo, Wellington

Airline guide

QantasLink T1

Adelaide, Brisbane, Burnie, Canberra, Coffs Harbour, Devonport, Hamilton Island, Hobart, Launceston, Mildura, Newcastle, Townsville

Qatar Airways T2

Doha

Airline guide

Rex Airlines T4

Burnie, King Island, Merimbula, Mildura, Mount Gambier, Wagga Wagga

Airline guide

Scoot T2

Singapore

Airline guide

Singapore Airlines T2

Singapore

Airline guide

Thai Airways T2

Bangkok

Airline guide

Turkish Airlines T2

Istanbul, Singapore

Airline guide

United Airlines T2

Los Angeles, San Francisco

Airline guide

Vietnam Airlines T2

Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City

Airline guide

Virgin Australia T3

Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Darwin, Gold Coast, Hamilton Island, Hobart, Launceston, Newcastle, Perth, Sunshine Coast, Sydney

Airline guide

Virgin Australia T2

Bali (Denpasar), Doha, Nadi, Queenstown

Airline guide

Frequently asked questions

How far is Melbourne Airport from the city center?

Melbourne Airport at Tullamarine is about 22 km northwest of the Melbourne CBD. A taxi or car takes about 30 minutes in normal traffic, and the SkyBus City Express to Southern Cross Station averages about 30 minutes, or around 45 minutes during morning and evening peaks. There is currently no train link from the airport to the city.

Is Melbourne Airport the same as Tullamarine?

Yes. Melbourne Airport (MEL) is widely known as Tullamarine or Tulla, after the suburb where it opened. It is the city's main airport for both domestic and international flights. It is not the same as Avalon Airport (AVV), which lies about 50 km southwest of the Melbourne CBD near Geelong and has far fewer flights.

How many terminals does Melbourne Airport have?

Melbourne Airport has four terminals. Terminal 1 serves Qantas domestic flights, Terminal 2 handles international flights, Terminal 3 serves Virgin Australia, and Terminal 4 serves Jetstar, Rex and Link Airways domestic flights. Terminals 1, 2 and 3 share one building, and Terminal 4 sits next to Terminal 3 and the ground transport hub.

Which terminal does my airline use at Melbourne Airport?

All international flights use Terminal 2, including Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia international services. For domestic flights, Qantas and QantasLink use Terminal 1, Virgin Australia uses Terminal 3 and some Terminal 4 gates, and Jetstar, Rex and Link Airways use Terminal 4. Check your booking, because one airline can use different terminals for domestic and international flights.

Can I walk between terminals at Melbourne Airport?

Yes. Terminals 1, 2 and 3 are in one building and Terminal 4 is a short walk from Terminal 3, so the full length takes about 10 minutes on foot. Each terminal has its own security screening, so you must leave the secure area and clear security again when you change terminals. Allow extra time for this.

How does SkyBus work at Melbourne Airport?

SkyBus City Express runs non-stop from kerbside stops at Terminals 1, 3 and 4 to Southern Cross Station in the CBD. Buses leave every 10 minutes at peak times and every 15 minutes otherwise, from 4am to 1am. Tickets are sold online, at kiosks by the stops and at baggage storage counters in Terminal 2 arrivals.

Is there a train from Melbourne Airport?

No, Melbourne Airport has no train service in 2026. The Melbourne Airport Rail project, which will link the airport to the city via Sunshine, has been delayed, with completion now expected by 2033. Until then, use SkyBus, a taxi or rideshare, or take bus route 901 from Terminal 4 to Broadmeadows Station for metropolitan trains.

Where do I find taxis and Uber at Melbourne Airport?

Taxi ranks are on the ground floor outside Terminals 1 and 2 and in the Terminal 4 transport hub; do not accept taxi offers elsewhere. Uber and other rideshare services pick up in lane 1 of the forecourt for Qantas, international and Virgin Australia passengers, and on level 2 of the Terminal 4 hub for Jetstar, Rex and Link Airways.

What do I need to enter Australia at Melbourne Airport?

Except for New Zealand citizens, every visitor needs a visa or travel authority before flying, such as an ETA through the AustralianETA app or an eVisitor for many European passports. On arrival you declare food, plant and animal items on the Incoming Passenger Card. Selected Qantas flights let you use the digital Australian Travel Declaration instead of the paper card.

How do I get from Melbourne Airport to Geelong or St Kilda?

Gull Airport Service coaches run daily to Geelong from a stop opposite Terminal 3, between 5:30am and midnight. SkyBus runs express services to St Kilda and on to Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula, stopping at Terminals 4 and 1. Taxis, rideshare and private transfers also go directly to both areas.

What time zone and currency does Melbourne use?

Melbourne uses Australian Eastern Standard Time, UTC+10, and moves to daylight saving time, UTC+11, from the first Sunday in October to the first Sunday in April. The currency is the Australian dollar (AUD). Weather is temperate and changeable, with warm to hot summers and cool winters, so pack a layer at any time of year.

Who operates Melbourne Airport and how busy is it?

Melbourne Airport is operated by Australia Pacific Airports Corporation (APAC). It handled about 37 million passengers in the 2025/26 financial year, including more than 12 million international passengers. The airport has two runways and no curfew, so flights can operate 24 hours a day, and it opened for international flights in 1970.

Why book with Airport Transportation?

We provide private transportation from any airport to any hotel at the best price, and we are licensed with complete insurance liability.

Is the transportation private or shared?

Airport Transportation provides private transportation only, in vans, luxury SUVs, or semi-buses.

Are prices per person or per vehicle?

Prices on our website are per vehicle, not per person, based on a range of passengers.

How many people can a van carry?

Regular vans carry up to 9 passengers, semi-buses up to 16, and luxury SUVs up to 6 passengers.

How do I find you at the airport?

Walk all the way out of the airport. You'll see representatives holding boards. Look for the Airport Transportation logo or your name.

What kind of vehicles do you use?

Commonly Toyota Hiace, Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Chevrolet Suburban.

Do you have insurance?

Yes. We carry insurance with complete liability for all passengers while using our services.

Do you provide baby seats?

Baby seats are provided with prior notice, subject to availability, one seat maximum per vehicle.

How far in advance should I book?

You can book any time in advance; we suggest one week to one day ahead. Same-day reservations are available.

What payment methods are accepted?

PayPal is our main payment method; a cash option is also available when booking through our website. Credit cards are accepted through PayPal.

Do vehicles have air conditioning?

Yes. For your comfort all our units have air conditioning.

What if my flight is delayed?

During booking we ask for your airline and flight number so we can track delays and wait for you.

Can I make stops during my ride?

Yes, you can add an extra stop to your service during the booking process.

Do children pay differently than adults?

No. Prices are set per passenger range or per vehicle, not per age.

Is my reservation refundable?

Yes. Cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your pick-up and you are refunded in full. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before service are not refundable.

Do drivers speak English?

Yes. While their English may not be native-level, drivers have the skills to communicate with passengers.

Are tips mandatory?

Tips are not mandatory but are highly recommended; drivers earn them through service quality.

What currencies are accepted?

All prices are in USD. Via PayPal you can pay in almost any currency; cash payments accept USD only.

Are pets allowed?

We can transport domestic pets kept in cages that fit in a normal vehicle.

Is there room for luggage?

Yes. There is plenty of room for one suitcase and one carry-on per person.

What is included in the price?

Every private transfer includes a professional, licensed driver; an insured, well-maintained vehicle; real-time flight monitoring; meet-and-greet service at arrivals; and door-to-door service with no hidden fees added after booking. Your fixed price covers the full route to your destination.

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