Melbourne Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

Melbourne, Australia’s cultural and sporting capital, is served by two major passenger airports: a primary international and domestic hub, and a secondary airport focusing on low-cost carriers. Each serves distinct airlines and traveller needs, and they are located in different parts of the metropolitan area. Understanding which airport and terminal you are using is critical for planning transport and connection times.

Melbourne Airport (MEL) – Tullamarine

Overview: Melbourne Airport (IATA: MEL), commonly called Tullamarine, is the city’s primary and busiest international and domestic gateway. Located approximately 23 km (14 miles) northwest of the Central Business District (CBD), it is the main hub for full-service airlines like Qantas, Virgin Australia, and numerous international carriers.

Terminals:

• Terminal 1 (T1): Dedicated to Qantas and QantasLink domestic flights.
• Terminal 2 (T2): The international terminal, handling all non-Qantas international airlines and some domestic Virgin Australia flights on same-terminal connections.
• Terminal 3 (T3): Handles Virgin Australia domestic flights and some regional services.
• Terminal 4 (T4): The budget domestic terminal, used by Jetstar, Rex, and other low-cost carriers.

All four terminals are connected under one roof landside. Walking between T1, T2, and T3 is easy (5-10 mins). T4 is a separate building a short walk or free shuttle bus ride away.

Getting to and from Melbourne Airport (MEL):

• SkyBus (Express Coach):
  The most popular and efficient public transport option. Dedicated express services run 24/7 between the airport and Melbourne CBD’s Southern Cross Station (approx. 20-40 min, depending on traffic). Separate SkyBus routes also serve the St Kilda and Frankston lines. Frequent departures and online ticketing available.
• Taxi & Ride-Hailing:
  Taxis and ride-hailing services (Uber, Didi, Ola) are readily available. A trip to the CBD typically costs $50-$70 AUD and takes 25-45 minutes, heavily dependent on the time of day and traffic on the Tullamarine Freeway.
• Private Transfer / Hotel Shuttle:
  Many hotels offer shuttle services (sometimes complimentary for higher-tier hotels). Private transfer companies also provide pre-booked car services.
• Car Rental:
  All major car rental companies have desks in the ground transportation hall of each terminal. The rental car precinct is located directly opposite T1.
• Public Bus + Train:
  A slower, cheaper alternative involves taking a local Public Transport Victoria (PTV) bus (Route 478, 479, or 482) to a nearby train station (Broadmeadows or Essendon), then catching a train to the city. Requires a myki card and is not recommended with luggage.

Note: There is no direct train line to Melbourne Airport, though one is under construction.

Best for: International travelers, full-service domestic flights, and most business travel.

Melbourne Avalon Airport (AVV)

Overview: Avalon Airport (IATA: AVV) is Melbourne’s secondary airport, located about 55 km (34 miles) southwest of the CBD, near Geelong. It is primarily a base for low-cost carrier Jetstar, handling a select number of domestic routes and some international services (primarily to Southeast Asia).

Terminal:

• Single Passenger Terminal: A modern but relatively small terminal building handling all flights.

Getting to and from Avalon Airport (AVV):

• Avalon Airport Express Bus:
  The dedicated coach service operated by SkyBus connects the airport to Melbourne CBD (Southern Cross Station) and Werribee train station. The journey to the CBD takes approximately 45-60 minutes. Timetables are coordinated with flight schedules.
• Taxi & Ride-Hailing:
  Available but very expensive for the long distance to Melbourne CBD (can exceed $120 AUD). More practical for travel to Geelong or nearby suburbs.
• Car Rental:
  Major rental companies are available at the airport.

Best for: Travelers on specific Jetstar routes, those based in Melbourne’s western suburbs or Geelong, and budget-conscious flyers.

Which Airport Should You Choose for Melbourne?

Your choice depends heavily on your airline, destination, and where you are staying.

• Melbourne Airport (MEL – Tullamarine): Choose this for the widest range of international and domestic flights, better connectivity to the city (SkyBus), and if you are staying in central Melbourne or the northern/western suburbs.
• Avalon Airport (AVV): Only choose this if you are flying on a Jetstar route that specifically operates from Avalon, are staying in the southwest (e.g., Geelong), or the cost saving is significant enough to justify the longer, less frequent transfer to the CBD.

Always double-check your airport code (MEL vs. AVV) when booking.

Airport Transfers Between Melbourne Airports

Melbourne Airport (MEL) and Avalon Airport (AVV) are completely separate facilities located on opposite sides of the city, approximately 75 km (47 miles) apart with a travel time of at least 90 minutes by road in good traffic.

Is it feasible to connect between MEL and AVV?
No, it is not recommended for same-day flight connections. They operate independently, with no direct or coordinated transport. A transfer would require you to clear immigration and customs (if arriving internationally), collect baggage, and undertake a lengthy and expensive taxi/bus journey across Melbourne, risking major disruptions due to the city’s notorious traffic.

If you must transfer:

• By Taxi/Rideshare: The most direct but very costly option (easily $150+ AUD).
• By Public Transport: A complex, multi-leg journey involving SkyBus to the city, a walk or tram to Southern Cross Station, a train to Lara or Geelong, and then a taxi to Avalon. This could take 3+ hours and is impractical with luggage.

Golden Rule: Never book incoming and outgoing flights on separate tickets at different Melbourne airports on the same day. Even on a single ticket, an airline would only schedule such a connection if there were absolutely no alternative, and you would need a minimum connection time of 5-6 hours.

Key Tips for Melbourne Airports

• Terminal Transfers at MEL: Allow at least 30-45 minutes to transfer between terminals at MEL, especially if moving between T4 and the international terminal (T2), as this may require a shuttle bus.
• CBD Transport: For MEL, the SkyBus is the gold standard for value, speed, and frequency. Pre-book online for a slight discount.
• International to Domestic Connections at MEL: You must clear Australian immigration and customs, collect your bags, and then re-check-in for your domestic flight. Allow a minimum of 2.5 to 3 hours between scheduled landing and domestic departure.
• Traffic Warnings: Road travel to/from MEL is highly susceptible to congestion on the Tullamarine Freeway, especially during weekday peaks (7-9am, 4-7pm). Always add a significant time buffer.

Bottom line: For most visitors, Melbourne Airport (MEL) at Tullamarine will be your point of entry. Use the SkyBus for a reliable transfer to the city. Always confirm you are flying into MEL and not AVV, and carefully note which terminal you need within MEL for your specific airline.