Melbourne Airport (MEL), still known to locals as Tullamarine or "Tulla," is about 23 km north-west of the CBD. Its four terminals all sit in one connected complex, so moving between flights is easy — but there's no train yet, so how you reach the city matters. Here's everything, from the people who drive it every day.
Getting to & from the airport — the local way
Melbourne is the biggest Australian capital still without an airport train, so the choice really matters. The honest rundown:
Private transfer & shuttle
Door-to-door, no stairs with your bags, and a driver watching your flight so a delay doesn't cost you the ride. Best for the suburbs and beaches, landing late, travelling as a group, or with luggage. Our fixed fares start from $95 and never surge — tolls included in your quote.
SkyBus
The SkyBus coach runs from the terminals to Southern Cross Station in the city. Good value for solo travellers headed near the CBD, but it's a coach with a transfer at the other end — less ideal with a family and bags.
Taxi & rideshare
Ranks and rideshare zones sit at the terminals. Fine for a quick CBD trip, but meters, the CityLink toll and surge pricing add up — and there's no flight tracking if you land late.
At the International terminal (T2), pre-booked cars pick up from Roadway B — the pre-booked vehicle zone — not the taxi rank on Roadway A. Your driver will confirm exactly where to meet.
Know where you're headed? Lock in a fixed fare in under a minute — tolls included, no surge.
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The four terminals & getting between them
Melbourne runs four terminals, and the good news is they're all connected in one building:
- T1 — Domestic (Qantas and QantasLink).
- T2 — International (all international carriers, plus Qantas international).
- T3 — Domestic (Virgin Australia).
- T4 — Domestic (Jetstar, Rex and regional low-cost).
T1 and T2 are linked by a covered walkway (3–5 minutes); T3 and T4 are next to each other; and T1/T2 to T3/T4 is a 10–15 minute walk, with a free shuttle bus every 10–15 minutes, 24 hours a day if you'd rather ride.
Because everything's connected, a domestic-to-international connection at Melbourne is far easier than at Sydney — but still allow 60–90 minutes off an international arrival for immigration and baggage.
Transfer times & fixed fares from MEL
Approximate driving times and our fixed one-way fares to the places travellers ask for most. No meter, no surge — the price you're quoted (tolls included) is the price you pay.
| Destination | Approx. drive | Distance | From (1–4 pax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne CBD | ~30 min | ~23 km | $95 |
| Docklands / Southbank | ~30 min | ~24 km | $95 |
| Carlton / Fitzroy | ~30 min | ~22 km | $99 |
| Richmond / South Yarra | ~35 min | ~27 km | $105 |
| St Kilda | ~35 min | ~28 km | $115 |
| Box Hill | ~40 min | ~30 km | $125 |
| Brighton | ~40 min | ~32 km | $129 |
| Geelong | ~60 min | ~55 km | $189 |
Indicative fares for illustration — live prices, including CityLink tolls, are confirmed in your instant quote. Larger vehicles for groups of 5–57 are available on every route.
Parking at Melbourne Airport
Parking sits close to the terminals, for every trip length. As a rough guide:
- Short-term / premium — closest to the terminals, best for quick pick-ups and drop-offs.
- Long-term / value — cheaper daily rates with a shuttle to the terminal.
- Pre-book online — Melbourne's drive-up parking is pricey; booking ahead saves a lot.
For anything beyond a day or two — or with two-plus travellers — a return transfer usually beats parking plus the CityLink toll and fuel, with none of the freeway driving after a flight.
Airport lounges
A calm spot before boarding, whether you've got status, a pass, or want to pay in.
Qantas First & Business
Flagship Qantas lounges for eligible international passengers and members.
Marhaba & Plaza Premium
Pay-in lounges open to more travellers, regardless of airline.
Qantas Club & Business
Qantas domestic lounges at the T1 Qantas terminal.
Virgin Australia Lounge
Virgin's home lounge for members and eligible fares.
Hotels near the airport
Handy for an early departure, a late arrival or a tight connection.
PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport
Directly connected to the terminals — the easiest option for an early or late flight.
Airport precinct hotels
Holiday Inn, Ibis and more a short drive from the terminals, with shuttle links.
Melbourne CBD
The full range of city hotels, a fixed-fare transfer from the airport.
Suburbs & bayside
We transfer to any Melbourne hotel or address — fixed fare, door to door.
Insider tips from our drivers
The stuff you only learn from doing the run every day.
Unlike Sydney, Melbourne's four terminals are under one roof — a domestic-to-international change is an easy indoor walk or a free shuttle.
At the International terminal, pre-booked cars use Roadway B, not the taxi rank. It saves confusion when you land tired.
Melbourne is famous for "four seasons in a day" — even in summer, keep a layer handy for a cool, wet arrival.
A pre-arranged kerbside meet-and-greet beats circling a busy pick-up area. Your driver tracks the flight and is there when you clear the doors, even after a delay.
