Melbourne Airport (MEL) Guide
Quick summary
Melbourne's main airport at Tullamarine, about 20-25 km northwest of the CBD, with four terminals clustered around a single precinct. There is still no train line to the airport, so the SkyBus express coach and taxis or rideshare are your options into the city — a fact worth planning around.
Terminals at MEL
Melbourne Airport has four terminals in one walkable precinct. Terminal 2 (T2) is the international terminal, handling all overseas arrivals and departures including Qantas, Jetstar and other carriers' international flights. Terminal 1 (T1) is the Qantas domestic terminal, Terminal 3 (T3) is the Virgin Australia domestic terminal, and Terminal 4 (T4) is the low-cost domestic terminal used by Jetstar, Rex and Link Airways. T1, T2 and T3 are directly connected and easy to walk between, while T4 is a short covered walk from the others. International arrivals clearing customs at T2 who then take a domestic connection simply walk to the relevant domestic terminal — allow time to re-check bags and pass domestic screening, especially for a T4 budget flight.
MEL parking rates & options
| Value (long-term) — per day | About A$12 per day, flat rate, with free shuttle every 15 min |
| Terminal T1/T2/T3 — per day (drive-up) | About A$62 per day |
| Terminal T4 — per day (drive-up) | About A$62 per day |
| Premium T4 — per day | About A$61 per day |
| Premium T1/T2/T3 — per day | About A$77 per day |
| Business — per day | About A$72 per day |
🚆 Getting to & from the airport
There is no train link to Melbourne Airport — this is the single most important thing to know, and a long-promised rail line is still years away. The SkyBus Melbourne City Express is the main public option: it runs to Southern Cross Station in the CBD in about 22-30 minutes, roughly every 10-15 minutes from early morning until around 1am, for about A$23 one way (cheaper with a return), with stops outside Terminals 1, 3 and 4. Taxis and rideshare (Uber, Didi, Ola) pick up at the terminals; a taxi to the CBD usually runs around A$60-70 and takes about 20-30 minutes via the Tullamarine Freeway, and note there is a small airport access fee built into taxi fares. For most solo travellers heading to central Melbourne the SkyBus is the best value; a taxi or rideshare wins for groups, lots of luggage or door-to-door convenience.
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🛋️ Lounges
Lounge options are split by terminal and airline. In the international Terminal 2, the Qantas Business and Qantas Club lounges serve eligible Qantas and Oneworld passengers, and there are other airline and pay-in lounges airside. Terminal 1 has the Qantas domestic lounges plus a pay-per-use Plaza Premium Lounge open to all travellers (and to Priority Pass and eligible cardholders), while Terminal 3 has Virgin Australia's lounge for Velocity members and eligible flyers. If you don't have airline or card access, the Plaza Premium option in T1 is the easiest walk-up choice.
📶 Wi-Fi
Free unlimited Wi-Fi is available across all terminals with no time limit, along with charging points throughout the gate areas.
😴 Layovers & overnight
Melbourne Airport is more of a transfer point than an overnight-camping airport, but a wait is manageable. The four terminals are close together with plenty of food, cafes and shops, and the pay-in Plaza Premium Lounge in T1 offers a quiet seat, showers and refreshments. For an overnight stay, the PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport hotel is directly connected to the terminal precinct by a short covered walk, and other hotels sit nearby with shuttles. Sleeping in the terminal is possible but the public areas can be cool and are not especially private overnight, so a nearby hotel or a lounge is the more comfortable choice for a long layover.
Insider tips
- Remember there is no airport train — budget for SkyBus (about A$23) or a taxi/rideshare (about A$60-70) and factor 20-30 minutes to the CBD.
- SkyBus is far cheaper than a taxi for one or two people; a taxi or Uber makes more sense for a group or with lots of bags.
- Value (long-term) parking is only about A$12/day with a free 15-minute shuttle — book it online rather than paying drive-up terminal rates near A$62/day.
- T4 is the budget terminal (Jetstar, Rex, Link) and is a short covered walk from T1-T3, so leave extra time if connecting there.
- No airline lounge access? The Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 1 is pay-per-use and open to everyone, including Priority Pass holders.
MEL airport — FAQ
How much is parking at Melbourne (MEL) airport?
The cheapest option is the Value long-term car park at about A$12 per day (flat rate) with a free shuttle every 15 minutes. Drive-up terminal parking is around A$62 per day, and premium parking runs about A$61-77 per day depending on the terminal. Booking online usually beats drive-up rates.
Is there a train from Melbourne airport to the city?
No. There is no train line to Melbourne Airport yet. The main public transport is the SkyBus Melbourne City Express to Southern Cross Station (about 22-30 minutes, roughly A$23 one way), with taxis and rideshare as the door-to-door alternatives.
Is Wi-Fi free at Melbourne airport?
Yes. Free unlimited Wi-Fi is available across all four terminals with no time limit, plus charging points throughout the gate areas.
How do I get between terminals at Melbourne airport?
Terminals 1, 2 and 3 are directly connected and easy to walk between, and Terminal 4 is a short covered walk from the others. International arrivals at T2 connecting to a domestic flight just walk to the relevant terminal, allowing time to re-check bags and clear domestic screening.
What is the fastest way into Melbourne from MEL?
A taxi or rideshare is usually fastest at about 20-30 minutes to the CBD via the Tullamarine Freeway for roughly A$60-70. The SkyBus to Southern Cross Station is the cheaper option at about A$23 and a similar 22-30 minutes. There is no airport train.
Sources
This guide is independent and not affiliated with Melbourne Airport. Parking rates, terminal layouts, and transit options change often — always confirm on the airport's official website before you travel.