After dozens of visits to Melbourne, I have put together this list of Melbourne airport transfers to help you get into the city using the best option for you.
I don’t know about you, but arriving in a new city or country is always confusing to me. Invariably I am tired from the flight, dealing with different rules, perhaps a different language, and I often just don’t know where I am going.
Without the proper research, I have often ended up using expensive or time-consuming transport options to get to my accommodation and found out later I could have done it better.
Here are the best ways to get from Melbourne Airport to the city centre when you arrive here.
Contents
- Melbourne Airport Transfers
- The Easiest Option from Melbourne Airport – Skybus
- The Door to Door Option – Taxi
- The Door to Door But-I-Don’t-Want-a-Taxi Option – Uber
- The Budget Option from Melbourne Airport – Public Transport
- The Luxury Option – Private Transfers
- The Group Option – Shuttle Bus
- The Flexible Option – Renting a Car
- Transfers from Avalon Airport
- FAQs
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Melbourne Airport Transfers
First, a little about Melbourne Airport. In this post I am primarily talking about Tullamarine Airport. This is the main International and Domestic airport in Melbourne. It will have airport code MEL.
Do check your paperwork though, because some of the domestic low-cost carriers fly into Avalon Airport (AVV) instead.
Before Covid, Avalon was also host to international flights, with Air Asia flying into there. While there aren’t any international flights as I write, they may return.
Melbourne domestic airport and international airport are all combined into four terminals located side by side and each terminal is easily accessed from the others by foot.
All four terminals use the same road access too. That means that no matter which terminal you land in, the instructions below will be the same.
The Easiest Option from Melbourne Airport – Skybus
Almost every person you ask will recommend SkyBus Melbourne Airport as the preferred option to get to the city. That is because it is so easy.
Skybus operates 24 hours a day and the wait is usually not more than 10-15 minutes (In the early hours of the morning the timetable says 30 minutes, but I’ve not caught it at this time).
There are three stops where the bus can be caught at Melbourne Airport, outside of T1, T3 & T4, and you will not be able to miss the bright red signage as you walk outside.
The buses have luggage racks, wifi and take about 30 minutes to arrive at Southern Cross station.
There you can connect to trains and trams all over the city.
The Skybus Melbourne City Express airport transfers cost $23.90AUD ($15.60USD/€14.40) one way if purchased online in advance.
You can also buy tickets at the kiosks at each of the bus stops at the airport as well as at Southern Cross Station.
A return ticket is $40AUD ($26.10USD/€24.10).
The Door to Door Option – Taxi
The Melbourne Airport Taxi Service is the best option if you are staying outside of the CBD, have two or three people, or perhaps have more luggage than you want to take on a bus.
The taxi ranks are clearly signed inside the terminals as well as just outside the doors.
There is a queue system, but it normally moves fairly quickly and there will not be much of a wait except at very busy times.
It will cost approximately $60-$70AUD to get from Melbourne Airport to the city by taxi. There is an airport fee and a Tollway fee, but they will both be rolled into the fare, not added on top.
Taxis are metered and no negotiation is required. There will be extra charges at night and for larger cars.
Booking is not required and will incur an extra fee if you choose to book in advance. For more information about taxi fares and fees, click here.
The Door to Door But-I-Don’t-Want-a-Taxi Option – Uber
Australia has Uber, and at Melbourne Airport they can be found right outside the terminal. You will need a code to pick up your ride. You will get this from the app when you book your ride.
Fares into the CBD using UberX start from about $55AUD.
The Budget Option from Melbourne Airport – Public Transport
A direct public transport link to Melbourne Airport has been under discussion for as long as I can remember, but there is not yet one in place.
Even so, it is still possible to get into the city centre using local transport.
It is a little more complex and will take a bit over an hour, but at most, it will cost $10AUD – the Myki daily fare limit – but more likely it will be $5AUD.
As you leave the terminals, turn right and make your way towards the bus zone near T4. This can be a bit of a walk if you are coming from Qantas domestic, but remember the aim here is to save a few dollars.
Take the bus as far as the Broadmeadows Station, this will take about 15 minutes.
Most buses have signs saying the names of the upcoming stops, but if not, ask the driver or use Google Maps to find where to get off.
The bus will stop right outside the train station, making the transfer to a city train easy. Look for trains going to Southern Cross or Flinders Street Stations.
To catch public transport in Melbourne, you will need a Myki card. It is not possible to pay using cash.
The best place to buy your Myki card is from the Skybus ticket kiosks at Melbourne Airport on arrival.
There is a special Myki Explorer card available for visitors for $15AUD, which includes $9AUD of travel, enough to cover your first full day no matter how many rides you take (as the daily limit is $8.60AUD).
You will also receive a bunch of discounts to popular Melbourne tourist attractions too.
More credit can be easily added to the Myki Explorer card. I find it convenient to do it at any 7-Eleven, but there are other options too, including online or via the app.
You can also find standard Myki ticket vending machines in T2, T3 and T4, which you can purchase and top up with whatever amount you choose.
There is no difference between the two cards except that one comes preloaded with some credit.
The Luxury Option – Private Transfers
Do you prefer to walk through arrivals, see a sign with your name on it, and then sink back into luxury leather seats as you are whisked to your hotel? Then this option is for you!
This completely stress-free option can be booked well in advance.
The Group Option – Shuttle Bus
If travelling with a group it is possible to book seats in advance on a small, door-to-door shuttle bus for around the price of the Skybus.
This alleviates the need to move a whole group from one bus to another at Southern Cross Station.
The Flexible Option – Renting a Car
All of the major car rental companies – and a few smaller ones – have offices in the various arrivals areas of Melbourne Airport.
If you are planning to continue your holiday with a car, renting as you arrive is a good option.
Melbourne can be a very busy airport, so I suggest booking your car in advance to be sure you get what you want.
Click through to RentalCars.com to compare the rates of all the big names in one place.
Transfers from Avalon Airport
Getting from Avalon Airport to Melbourne city has many of the same options as from Tullamarine. Skybus is the most convenient option and costs $25AUD for a one-way ticket and takes approximately 50 minutes.
Again, buy tickets in advance or at the Skybus stop at the airport. A taxi will be more than $100AUD. One option that is not currently available is public transport.
I hope you have been able to find your perfect Melbourne Airport Transfers and have a smooth trip into the CBD.
Stuck in the Airport? Click here to purchase entry to the Plaza Premium Lounge
FAQs
What’s the quickest way to get from Melbourne Airport to the city?
Most people find the SkyBus to be the fastest public transport option, taking around 30-45 minutes to Southern Cross Station.
Is there a direct train or tram from Melbourne Airport to the CBD?
No, Melbourne Airport isn’t connected by train or tram. You’ll need to take a bus, shuttle, taxi, or rideshare.
How much does the SkyBus cost?
SkyBus tickets are generally around $23.90 one way for adults, with return and family tickets also available.
Are taxis or rideshares readily available at Melbourne Airport?
Yes, taxis and rideshares like Uber are easy to find at designated zones at the airport.
How long does it take to drive from Melbourne Airport to the city?
Driving typically takes 20-35 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Are there shuttle buses available to specific hotels?
Yes, some hotels in Melbourne offer shuttle services, or you can book private shuttles in advance.
Can I use my Myki card on public transport from Melbourne Airport?
Myki cards are not accepted on the SkyBus, but they can be used for trains, trams, and buses within Melbourne.
What’s the best option for a large group or family?
For groups, a private shuttle or a rideshare service like UberXL might be the most convenient and comfortable option.
Is there luggage storage or help available at the airport or city?
Luggage storage is available at Southern Cross Station, and there are also storage options at the airport.
There are kiosks with staff at each location to help visitors.
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
Find flights – I always use Skyscanner as my starting point when searching for flights. One search will give many options including airlines I may not have thought of. This means I can find the best possible flights to suit my needs
Book accommodation – my go to is always Booking.com for the best places to stay. It’s not just hotels anymore, but hostels, apartments, B&Bs and more. I love that the bookings are usually cancellable, and that I can book now and pay later.
Hire a rental car – RentalCars.com is my go to here. It allows me to do just one search and it finds cars from many of the different supplies, so no checking multiple websites to compare.
Get travel insurance – you would have heard by now that saying “if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel”. If we’ve learnt anything from the last couple of years it should be how essential travel insurance is. I use CoverMore for my insurance.
Pick up an eSIM – I tried an eSIM on my last trip and it was fantastic. I set it up before I went so it was ready as soon as I landed, and I still had access to my home number for emergencies. Get your own eSIM at Airalo.
Book activities, tours & attractions – I use a few different websites for this. Viator and Get Your Guide tend to be the first places I look. In Asia, Klook often has more options, and in Australia it’s Experience Oz.
Manage your money – the best way to manage your different currencies is with an account from Wise. You can hold money in many different currencies, and use them with the ATM card or from your phone.
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