Melbourne Airport caters to over 30 million passengers a year, making it the second busiest in Australia. Unlike Sydney or Brisbane, both international and domestic airports are housed within Tullamarine’s four terminals. With T2 being the hub for international flights, domestic travellers will pass through T1, T3 or T4; generally, Qantas arrives and departs from T1, T3 is reserved for Virgin Australia passengers, and all remaining airlines fly from T4.
You’ll find a great range of facilities at Melbourne Airport, with plenty to keep you occupied before your flight.
For domestic flights, Melbourne Airport recommends arriving at least one hour before departure and three hours for international flights. Whether you’re flying from T1, T2, T3 or T4, check-in is located on Level 1, a short escalator ride from each terminal’s bus stop on the ground floor.
If you’re being dropped off or arriving by taxi to T1, T2 or T3, simply walk through the main entrance to check-in for your flight. But for T4 departures, drop off is located on Lever 2 of the car park, a few minutes walk from the check-in area.
Baggage allowances vary depending on airline, class of travel, and departure. It’s always best to confirm your particular flight’s luggage requirements with your airline or Travel Expert, especially for checked-in items.
Tullamarine also has a number of luggage services available. The aptly named Secure Travel provides the airport's luggage wrapping facilities. Domestic travellers should note that this service is located in T2 (the International Terminal) right next to Flight Centre! Even though the terminals are all in the same building it's a good idea to allow extra travel time if you're planning to walk between to get your bag wrapped.
If you’re venturing into the city between flights, or simply need a place to hold your bags, the airport offers Smartcarte storage services. Travellers can find Smartcarte on the ground level of T2, before security.
There are a number of currency exchange ATMs and branches conveniently located throughout the International Terminal (T2) of Melbourne Airport. Prefer to get your foreign currency sorted out in advance? Travel Money Oz can help you get organised before you head to the airport so you're ready to go as soon as you land!
Transport and terminal transfers
What’s the best way to get to and from Melbourne Airport?
Melbourne Airport – or Tullamarine, as it’s sometimes known – is located 25 kilometres northwest of the Melbourne city centre in the suburb of (you guessed it) Tullamarine. Currently there is no direct rail link to the airport from the city, but it's in the works! In the meantime, there are a number of different ways to travel to and from Melbourne Airport. From modest public bus routes and dedicated shuttle services to private-chauffeurs, there are plenty of options.
SkyBus: For convenience, it's hard to beat the SkyBus Melbourne City Express. Running daily between 4:00am and 1:00am from the airport to the Southern Cross Station in Melbourne city, the bus stops outside Terminals 1, 3 and 4. The SkyBus departs every 10 minutes during peak times and every 15 minutes during off-peak, so you'll never be left waiting long. Tickets can be purchased online or inside the Terminal 2 Arrivals Hall at Prosegur or Smartcarte. Staying in St Kilda, Frankston or the surrounding bayside suburbs? The SkyBus Peninsula Express will likely be more convenient for you.
Taxi: Although pricier than the SkyBus, a direct taxi trip home might be what you need post-flight. A ride from the airport to the CBD takes around 30 minutes and could cost between $60 to $100 depending on where you're staying and whether you manage to miss Melbourne's infamous rush-hour traffic or not. Note that an airport access fee will be added to all taxi pick-ups from Melbourne Airport.
All four terminals have taxi ranks located nearby, or you can pre-book a taxi to pick you up from Melbourne Airport. Pick-up will be in the designated area at the northern end of the Terminal 1, 2 and 3 Car Park.
Rideshare: If you're using Uber or another rideshare app, you will be directed to one of two pick-up spots. For passengers arriving in Terminal 1, 2 or 3, you'll be ushered to Lane 3 of the forecourt, whereas if you're arriving in Terminal 4 you can head to Level 1, inside the T4 Car Park.
Chauffeur/Door-to-door transfers: Whether you’re travelling for business or just want your holiday to last right up until the moment you reach your front door, a private chauffeur is one of the best ways to reach your destination. Although there are no service desks at the airport, your Travel Expert can help you organise your airport transfers before you leave.
Public Transport – Buses: One of the cheapest and most popular ways to get to and from Melbourne Airport is via the buses operated by Public Transport Victoria. There are a number of different bus routes that service the airport from the Terminal 4 Ground Transport Hub. Visit the Public Transport Victoria website to find the right service for your destination. To use public trams, trains, ferries and buses in Melbourne, you'll typically need a myki travel card. You can top up or check your myki balance at machines located in Terminals 2, 3 and 4.
Regional and charter buses: There are many regional bus services to transport you around Victoria to destinations like Ballarat, Bendigo, Dandenong, Geelong and Gippsland. Talk to your Travel Expert or your bus company for specific information on pick-up or drop-off locations at Melbourne Airport as these will vary depending on where you're going.
Car rental: Fancy driving down Great Ocean Road? Or perhaps cruising through the rolling, green countryside in Gippsland is more your style? Renting a car from Melbourne airport is a great way to escape the city and embark on the perfect road trip. All major car rental companies, such as Avis, Budget and Hertz, are located on the ground floor of the Airport Terminal Car Park at Terminal 1, 2 and 3. Prefer to sort everything out before you take off? Talk to your Travel Expert about organising car hire for your trip or book it yourself online before you leave.
Helicopter shuttle: Not a fan of buses? Or perhaps you just want to feel like a rockstar for a day? Or maybe you just really, really like flying. Whatever your reasons, the Microflite Aviation Melbourne Airport Transfer services can take you through the skies to various locations in Victoria and Melbourne's CBD. What a way to announce your arrival!
Picking up and dropping off: If you’re dropping off friends or family at the airport, Melbourne Airport recommends using the Terminal 4 Car Park (Exit 19A via Naam Way) while their terminal road network undergoes construction to avoid congesting the Terminal 123 forecourt.
Melbourne Airport enforces a one-minute standing limit for all cars entering the pick-up area, so it's a good idea to make sure your passenger is ready and waiting for you! No sign of them? Just off the Tullamarine Freeway you'll find the Wait Zone which provides free parking for the first 60 minutes. That should be enough time for your friends or family to make it out to the pick-up area.
Melbourne Airport parking
Melbourne airport has a lot of choice when it comes to parking, catering to all budgets, baggage requirements and timeframes.
Value Car Park: If you'd like to wave to your loved ones from the departure gate or greet your guests without worrying about the car, parking at Melbourne Airport's Value Car Park is the perfect affordable option. A free 24/7 shuttle runs from the car park to the terminals every 15 minutes and you can book online from $12 a day.
Terminal Car Parks: It doesn't get more convenient than this! The Terminal Car Parks offer direct access to Terminals 1, 2 and 3 (if you're travelling from Terminal 4 don't worry, it's just a short walk away) and won't require any shuttles. Book in advance online from $49 a day.
Premium Self-Park: Located directly outside the terminals, this parking option will put you just a few minutes away from check-in making it the most efficient choice. Book online in advance from $79 a day.
Valet Parking: For the ultimate stress-free arrival experience, valet parking is available either with Premium Parking or in the Qantas Valet Car Park (only available to Qantas passengers). You can book Premium Valet Parking online in advance from $79 a day.
How do I transfer between terminals?
Conveniently, Melbourne’s domestic and international airports are located in the same building. With Terminal 1 being a 10-minute walk from Terminal 4, transferring between flights is easy. If you do need assistance, contact any one of the airport staff.
