Melbourne Airport: Parking, Skybus, Car Hire & Hotel

Melbourne is served by two primary airports, offering different benefits depending on your budget and airline choice: Melbourne Airport (MEL), also known as Tullamarine, and Avalon Airport (AVV). While it is further

Together, MEL and AVV connect Victoria to the rest of Australia and the world. Below, you’ll find essential information on navigating both airports and the smartest ways to travel to and from each.

Melbourne Airports

Melbourne Airport takes stress out of travel with smart-security ...

Melbourne primarily has two main airports: Melbourne Airport (MEL), also known as Tullamarine Airport, is the main international and domestic hub, located relatively close to the city center. The other is Avalon Airport (AVV), which mainly serves budget airlines and is located further from the city. The majority of passenger traffic is concentrated at Melbourne Airport and Avalon Airport.

Melbourne Airport (MEL) / Tullamarine Airport​

• Features:​ The largest airport, handling most international and domestic flights, located about 23 kilometers from the city center.
• Terminals:​ Terminals 1, 3, and 4 handle domestic flights, while Terminal 2 handles international flights.

Avalon Airport (AVV)​

• Features:​ Primarily serves low-cost carriers, such as Jetstar, located about 55 kilometers from the city center.

Melbourne Airport Parking & Value Car Park

Source from Melbourne Airport

The Value Car Park (often referred to as "Long Term" at other airports) is the most budget-friendly option, though it is located furthest from the terminals. Here is everything you need to know:

• Pricing & Booking:
• • Online Booking: AU$12/day (Recommended).
  • Drive-in Rate: AU$14/day.
• Entrance Locations:
• 1. Entrance 1: Located on Mercer Dr, right opposite the Free Waiting Zone (take the exit before the T2 Terminal).
  2. Entrance 2: Located on Airport Dr (heading North to South). Turn left from Central Rd and drive for 200m.
  3. Entrance 3: Permanently Closed. Do not attempt to use this entrance as it caused safety issues with queues backing up onto the freeway.
• Parking Strategy (Finding a Spot):
• • Spots near the main road are often full. Head towards the Airport Dr side of the lot; since it’s further from the bus shelters, there are usually plenty of vacant spaces.
• Timing:
• • It takes approximately 25 minutes to get from Shelter G to Terminal 1 under normal conditions. Always allow extra buffer time before your flight.
• Special Services:
• • Value Express (School Holidays only): A valet-style service is available at Shelter B during peak periods for a one-off fee of AU$24.
  • Overflow: If the main lot is overbooked, "Overflow" parking areas will be opened to accommodate more vehicles.

Melbourne Airport Departures & Arrivals

Melbourne Airport exploring international terminal expansion

Melbourne Airport Departures

Melbourne Airport has four terminals all located under one roof complex. You can walk between any two terminals in about 5–10 minutes.

Terminal Guide by Airline

Check-in & Security

• Recommended Arrival: Domestic: 1.5 to 2 hours before departure.
• • International: 3 hours before departure.
• T4 Special Note: T4 uses a centralized check-in on the Ground Floor. After checking in/bag drop, you must go to Level 1 for security screening and the main departure lounge.
• Liquids & Security: At T2 (International), the 100ml liquid rule still strictly applies. For domestic terminals (T1, T3, T4), rules are more relaxed, but laptops and tablets usually need to be removed from bags.

Melbourne Airport Arrivals

The Arrival Process

1. International (T2): Immigration: Eligible passport holders (including AU, NZ, UK, USA, Singapore) can use the SmartGate self-service kiosks to speed up entry.
2. • Biosecurity (Customs): Australia has very strict biosecurity laws. Always declare food, wooden items, or dirty sports gear. When in doubt, mark "Yes" on your incoming passenger card.
2. Domestic (T1, T3, T4): Straightforward exit to baggage carousels. T4 baggage reclaim is on the Ground Floor, a short walk from the gates.

Ground Transport from Arrivals

• SkyBus: Located right outside T4, T3, and T1.
• Rideshare (Uber/Didi): There are dedicated "Rideshare Pickup" zones. Follow the green signs. At T2/T3, the pickup is usually in the V-Line/Group Pick-up area or the T1/T2/T3 parking structure.
• Public Bus (901): Head to the Transport Hub on the ground floor of the T4 Car Park.

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Melbourne Airport Transportation

Melbourne Airport | Skybus

The SkyBus is the most popular way to travel between Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) and the City (Southern Cross Station). Here is your step-by-step navigation guide.

From Melbourne CBD to the Airport

1. Locate Southern Cross Station: Head to the main entrance and find the large grand staircase at Platform 2.
2. Find the Hidden Path: Do not go up the stairs. Instead, take the walkway beside the stairs and head to the right. You will see the SkyBus electronic screens straight ahead and a self-service luggage locker on your right.
3. The Turn: Keep walking forward until you see the entrance to the bus terminal. Turn left to find the ticketing area.
4. Buying Tickets: Use the Self-Service Kiosks located here. They are quick and easy to use.
5. Boarding: Melbourne Tullamarine (MEL): Head to Bay 75\Avalon Airport (AVV): Head to Bay 74.
6. Arrival at Airport: The bus makes two stops. It stops at T4 first, then T1/T2/T3. Don't stress about where to get off—all terminals are connected and only a 2-3 minute walk apart.

From Melbourne Airport to the CBD

1. Exit the Terminal: Upon arriving at T2, head to Level 1 (Ground Floor) and walk towards the T3/T4 direction.
2. Locate the Bus: Exit through the glass doors. You will immediately see the iconic red SkyBus.
3. Ticketing: Ticketing machines are located right next to the bus. The process is identical to the CBD kiosks.

Skybus Essential Notes

• Operating Hours: 4:00 AM – 1:00 AM (Next Day).
• • Runs 365 days a year.
• Important Rules:
• 1. Card Only: Self-service kiosks are cashless (card only).
  2. Cash Payments: If you need to pay with cash, you must go to the staffed service counter.
  3. No Myki: Unlike city trains and buses, the SkyBus does NOT accept Myki cards. You must purchase a separate SkyBus ticket.

Melbourne Airport to City for Only AU$5.50 | Bus+Train

Letter to Premier Daniel Andrews details firm's concerns over myki ...

Want to save on the AU$22 SkyBus fare? If you have a bit of extra time and want to travel like a local, you can get from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to the CBD for just AU$5.50. Here is exactly how to do it:

Step 1: Get Your Myki Card

Head towards Terminal 4 (T4). Near the exit by Baggage Reclaim 6 and 7, you will find Myki machines.

• The Cost: The card itself costs AU$6 (non-refundable).
• Top-up: Since the total trip to the city is AU$5.50, top up your card with AU$6.
• Total Initial Spend: AU$12 ($6 for the card + $6 credit). You now have enough balance to reach the city.

Step 2: Find the Bus Stop

Follow the signs to the T4 Terminal Car Park. Walk inside and head to the very end of the last row. Look for Bay 17, where you will catch the 901 Bus.

Step 3: The Journey (Bus + Train)

1. The Bus Ride: Board the 901 Bus (don't forget to touch on with your Myki). It takes about 15 minutes to reach Broadmeadows Station. This leg costs roughly AU$3.50. (Touch off when you exit).
2. The Transfer: Enter Broadmeadows Station and take the pedestrian underpass to Platform 1. The transfer is seamless with no heavy stairs, making it manageable even with large suitcases.
3. The Train Ride: Touch on again at the platform. Trains to the city are frequent (usually less than a 10-minute wait). We headed to Southern Cross Station, which took about 40 minutes.
4. Arrival: Touch off at the station gate. This leg will only deduct the remaining AU$2.00 due to the fare cap.

Total Time & Experience

• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes (from buying the card to exiting the city station).
• The Experience: The route is surprisingly comfortable and rarely crowded. Aside from the one transfer, it’s a smooth ride.

Why It’s Worth It

• Daily Cap Benefit: In Melbourne, public transport fares are capped at AU$11 per day. Since you’ve already spent $5.50, you can travel anywhere else outside the "Free Tram Zone" for the rest of the day for just another AU$5.50.
• The Verdict: Even if you never use the card again, a AU$12 total spend (including the card fee) is still significantly cheaper than the SkyBus or an Uber. It’s a win for budget travelers!

Avalon Airport (AVV) Transport Guide

Melbourne Avalon International Airport (AVV/YMAV) | Arrivals ...

Avalon Airport is Melbourne’s secondary airport, primarily serving Jetstar domestic flights. While it is further from the city (about 55km) than Tullamarine, its single-terminal layout makes it incredibly fast to navigate.

Here are the best ways to get to and from Avalon Airport:

1. SkyBus: Avalon City Express

The SkyBus is the most reliable public transport option, specifically timed to meet every major flight arrival and departure.

• Route: Avalon Airport $\leftrightarrow$ Southern Cross Station (Melbourne CBD).
• Travel Time: Approximately 50–60 minutes.
• Pricing: Adult One-Way: AU$25/Adult Family/Return: AU$46
• Key Tip: You don't need to worry about missing the bus if your flight is slightly delayed; SkyBus monitors Avalon's flight schedules and waits for passengers. Tickets can be bought at the airport kiosks or via the Trip.com app/website.

2. Rideshare & Taxis (The Most Direct)

If you are traveling in a group or have heavy luggage, rideshares like Uber, DiDi, or Ola are available.

• Pickup Point: Follow the signs to the dedicated Rideshare/Taxi zone right outside the terminal exit.
• Cost: Usually between AU$90 – $130 to Melbourne CBD, depending on the time of day and surge pricing.
• Pro Tip: If you are heading to Geelong, a taxi/rideshare is very affordable (approx. $30–$45) as Avalon is actually closer to Geelong than to Melbourne.

3. Car Rental

Avalon is the perfect starting point if your goal is the Great Ocean Road.

• Location: Car rental desks (Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Enterprise) are located inside the terminal near the arrivals area.
• Advantage: By starting at Avalon, you bypass all Melbourne city traffic and hit the highway towards Torquay and the 12 Apostles immediately.

Hotels Near Melbourne Airport