After dozens of visits to Melbourne, I know that choosing an airport transfer isn’t just about finding the cheapest fare. Where you’re staying, how many people you’re travelling with and how much luggage you have all make a difference.
Arriving somewhere unfamiliar can be confusing, especially when you’re tired. I’ve certainly paid more than I needed to, or taken a complicated route, because I hadn’t worked out my options beforehand.
SkyBus offers a straightforward transfer into the city, public transport is cheaper, and taxis or rideshares take you directly to your accommodation. Here’s how to choose what works best for your trip.
This article may contain affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on a link, I may receive a small commission. Read the full disclaimer here.
Which Melbourne Airport Are You Flying Into?
Check the airport code on your booking before arranging transport.
Melbourne Airport, also called Tullamarine, has the code MEL. This is the airport covered by most of this guide.
Avalon Airport has the code AVV. It is further from central Melbourne and has different transfer services, covered below.
Melbourne Airport’s four terminals are within walking distance of each other, but transport pickup points vary. Follow the signs for your chosen service rather than assuming everything leaves from the same place.
Melbourne Airport Transfers at a Glance
All prices are in Australian dollars and were checked in October 2026.
| Transport | Cost | Destination | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| SkyBus | Adult $25.90 one way or $43.40 return | Southern Cross Station | A straightforward city transfer |
| Public bus and train | Currently $2.85 for a full-fare two-hour journey, plus a myki card if needed | City stations via Broadmeadows | Keeping costs down |
| Taxi | Metered fare, plus applicable charges | Your accommodation | Door-to-door convenience |
| Rideshare | Live quote in the app | Your accommodation | Comparing prices before booking |
| Private transfer | Quote for your vehicle and destination | Your accommodation | Organising your arrival in advance |
| Hire car | Rental, fuel, tolls and parking | Wherever you’re heading | Exploring beyond Melbourne |
SkyBus prices are the operator’s published fares; third-party offers may differ. Public transport prices reflect temporary half-price fares until 1 January 2027.
For several adults travelling together, compare the total SkyBus cost with a taxi estimate or rideshare quote. Three adult one-way tickets cost $77.70 and four cost $103.60, before any onward travel from Southern Cross.
SkyBus – A Straightforward Transfer to the City
SkyBus Melbourne Airport connects Tullamarine with Southern Cross Station on the western side of the CBD.
Airport pickup stops are outside Terminals 1, 3 and 4. If you arrive internationally at Terminal 2, follow the signs to a nearby SkyBus stop.
Melbourne Airport currently lists operating hours as 4 am to 1 am daily. Check the SkyBus timetable for your travel date, particularly for late arrivals or early departures.
You don’t need to reserve a particular departure. Buy your ticket and join the queue for the next service. You can buy online, through the SkyBus app or at card-only self-service kiosks.
The published adult fares are:
- $25.90 one way
- $43.40 return
Child and senior fares are also available, subject to eligibility.
Check SkyBus ticket prices and book here.
Getting from Southern Cross to Your Hotel
SkyBus gets you into the city, but you may still need to reach your accommodation.
Check the walking distance from Southern Cross before booking. Otherwise, plan an onward tram, train, taxi or rideshare journey.
A tram can be free if your entire journey stays within Melbourne’s Free Tram Zone. Travel beyond the zone requires a valid ticket.
A few blocks might look easy on a map, but they can feel much longer when you’re dragging a suitcase in the rain.
Taxis – Straight to Your Accommodation
A taxi is convenient when you have heavy bags, are staying away from Southern Cross or simply want an easy arrival.
Follow the signs to the official ranks at Terminals 1, 2 and 4. There’s no need to book ahead. Melbourne Airport estimates approximately 30 minutes to the CBD, although traffic can make the drive longer.
Taxis taken from the ranks must use the meter. Your fare depends on the destination, journey time and time of travel.
Airport charges, tolls and payment surcharges can increase the total. Ask for an estimate including these before setting off. Additional charges can also apply for larger vehicles.
Check the current taxi fares and charges here.
For a group, compare the estimated fare with your combined SkyBus ticket cost, making sure the vehicle has enough luggage space.
Use the official rank rather than accepting a ride from someone approaching you in the terminal.
Rideshares offer door-to-door transport with a fare quote shown in the app before you commit.
Prices depend on demand, destination and vehicle type, so don’t assume a rideshare will always be cheaper than a taxi.
Once you’ve collected your luggage, check the quote and follow the app’s pickup instructions. Melbourne Airport has designated areas, with meeting points depending on your terminal and service.
Some Uber bookings use a PIN to match you with a driver at the rank. Others match you with a particular vehicle. Follow the process shown in your app.
Check luggage capacity as well as passenger numbers. Four seats won’t necessarily mean room for four large suitcases.
If you’re staying outside the CBD, compare the direct fare with the cost and time of travelling into Southern Cross and back out again.
Public Transport – The Cheapest Option
There is no direct airport train, but you can take the 901 bus to Broadmeadows Station, then a city-bound train on the Craigieburn line.
How to Get to the City
- Follow signs to the public bus interchange on the ground floor of the Terminal 4 car park.
- Catch the 901 bus towards Frankston.
- Get off at Broadmeadows Station.
- Change to a city-bound Craigieburn line train and get off at the station that suits your accommodation.
The 901 runs seven days a week. Check the Transport Victoria journey planner for departure times, connections and disruptions.
As a planning allowance, I’d leave around 60–90 minutes to reach the city, including walking and waiting. Your actual journey may take longer, so check your particular arrival time.
This route is worth considering with manageable luggage and time to spare. It’s less appealing when you’re tired, arriving late or facing another connection afterwards.
Public Transport Fares
In October 2026, the full-fare Zone 1+2 two-hour fare is $2.85. The bus and connecting train are covered when you transfer within the fare’s validity.
The full-fare daily cap is $5.70 on weekdays and $4 on weekends and public holidays.
These are temporary half-price fares until 1 January 2027. Check the current fares if you’re travelling later. The discount does not apply to SkyBus.
Buying and Using Myki
You’ll need a myki with enough credit before boarding the 901. You can’t buy or top up a card on the bus.
A standard adult physical card costs $6, with travel credit added separately. That makes the card plus a $2.85 journey $8.85, although you may choose to load more credit for your stay.
Melbourne Airport lists myki machines at T2 Arrivals, T3 Arrivals and T4 Baggage Reclaim. Follow the machine prompts to buy or top up your card, or ask airport staff for help.
Compatible Android phones can use Mobile myki through Google Wallet.
Touch on and off for both the bus and train, and keep your card for other journeys during your stay.
Looking for more ways to keep your trip affordable? Here are my favourite free things to do in Melbourne.
A pre-booked private transfer is useful if you want your arrival organised before leaving home.
You book a vehicle for your party and arrange transport to your accommodation. It can be worth comparing for families or groups, especially when everyone has luggage.
Before paying, check:
- Whether the price is per person or per vehicle
- Passenger and luggage allowances
- The meeting point
- Whether tolls and airport charges are included
- Flight-delay, waiting-time and cancellation conditions
Confirm any child-seat or accessibility requirements directly with the provider.
If you’re considering a shared shuttle, check that it serves your accommodation and flight time. You may need to wait for other passengers or make several hotel stops.
Compare the total cost of individual shuttle seats with a private vehicle quote.
Hiring a Car – Best for a Road Trip
Collecting a hire car at the airport can make sense if you’re heading straight out to explore Victoria.
For a city stay, I’d usually wait until I needed it. Rental costs, hotel parking and tolls can add up while the car spends most of its time parked.
Compare airport pickup with collecting a car in Melbourne later, including the cost of your airport transfer.
Check collection hours, whether the provider requires a shuttle, toll administration fees, the insurance excess and luggage space.
Compare Melbourne Airport car hire prices here.
Transfers from Avalon Airport
If your booking shows AVV, allow for a longer journey into Melbourne.
SkyBus Avalon City Express
The Avalon City Express connects Avalon Airport with Southern Cross Station, with a Werribee stop.
Services meet major flights, and departure times can change to accommodate delayed arrivals. SkyBus advises that the journey can take around 90 minutes, depending on traffic.
Published adult fares are $29 one way or $54.80 return. Family fares are also available.
Buy online, through the app or at card-only kiosks. Select Avalon City Express, rather than the Tullamarine service.
Public Transport via Lara
Route 18 connects Avalon Airport with Lara Station, where you can catch a train towards Melbourne.
The bus runs seven days a week and connects with most flights. Check your arrival in the journey planner and organise a myki before relying on this option.
Taxis and Private Transfers
Get a quote for your destination before committing to a door-to-door transfer.
A cheaper flight into Avalon can still be good value, but include the transfer cost and extra travel time when comparing your options.
Which Transfer Would I Choose?
For a solo trip with accommodation near Southern Cross, I’d lean towards SkyBus.
If saving money is the priority and I’m arriving with manageable luggage, I’d consider the public bus and train.
With several people travelling together, I’d compare a taxi estimate or rideshare quote with the total SkyBus fare.
After a late flight, I’m also happy to pay more for an easier arrival. The best value depends on the whole journey, including how you’ll reach your accommodation.
Melbourne Airport Transfer FAQs
Is there a direct train from Melbourne Airport?
No. The public transport route involves the 901 bus to Broadmeadows Station, followed by a city-bound Craigieburn line train.
Can I use myki on SkyBus?
No. SkyBus requires a separate ticket. Myki covers the public bus and train route via Broadmeadows.
Does SkyBus run all night?
Melbourne Airport currently lists City Express operating hours as 4 am to 1 am daily. Check your travel date’s timetable and allow time to collect your bags after landing.
Does SkyBus take me to my hotel?
Melbourne City Express takes you to Southern Cross Station. You’ll need to arrange the final leg to your accommodation if it isn’t within walking distance.
Looking for things to do now that you are in Melbourne?
Click here to check out my list of the best free things to do during your visit.
TRAVEL PLANNING ESSENTIALS
Flights – Book direct with the airline, always.
Book accommodation – My go to is Booking.com
Hire a rental car – DiscoverCars.com is where I search many car rental companies in one place
Get travel insurance – I use CoverMore for my insurance.
Pick up an eSIM – My eSIM of choice is Airalo
Book activities, tours & attractions – I use a few different websites for this. Viator, Get Your Guide and Klook are my first options.
Stay safe with a VPN – I use NordVPN to keep me safe online
Manage your money – I use Wise and ING (Australia) for my travel accounts.
Found this information useful? Pin for later or share with your friends.
