Here is everything you need to know about Melbourne Airport, also known as the Tullamarine Airport, Victoria’s main domestic and international airport and the second busiest in Australia.
Melbourne Airport (MEL) is in Tullamarine, 20km northwest of Melbourne’s CBD, has four terminals with a total of 56 gates serving millions of travellers yearly.
Getting to and from Melbourne Airport
- Train. There is no train service connecting the airport to the city.
- Bus. The Skybus service is the most viable option as it connects both interstate and international travellers to the city stopping at Southern Cross Station and its rail services. Skybus fares are 23.90 one-way and $40 return. They can be booked online or at kiosks at exit points of the terminal.
- Taxi. Taking a taxi or rideshare requires an additional airport access fee of $4.50 which is added to the fare. Taxi ranks and ride share are located outside the terminals.
- Private vehicles. Using private vehicles is another way to get to and from the airport with pick-up points and carparking available outside each terminal. Look for designated pickup zones.
- Hire cars. There are several car hire firms under the multi-storey carpark opposite the terminal. You may have to get a shuttle bus to the hire care base to pick up your vehicle.
Parking options
The airport parking facility offers drive up and pre-booked rates.
- Value parking. A great low-cost option with access to all terminal within minutes.
- Value express. Upgrade to Value Parking option for a one-time fee. It allows travellers to drive up to the car park and have attendants park their cars. Upon return, an attendant will locate and bring the car back to the traveller.
- Terminal car park. These car parks are located right outside each terminal. Although a bit more expensive, it is just a few minutes’ walk away. There is also long-term carparking some distance away from the airport precinct and connected by shuttled bus.
- Valet parking. This provides the ultimate parking convenience.
Things to do at Melbourne Airport
- Meals. The airport holds various dining options from the AFL Kitchen & Bar, Biggie Smalls, Brunetti Classico, and Pickett’s Deli & Rotisserie.
- Drinks. Travellers can have a pot (the standard beer size in Victoria) or a pint at Stomping Ground Brewery or a java fix at Axil Coffee Roasters.
- Airport lounges. There are several airport lounges available for airline guests, plus travellers can purchase a daypass to private premium lounges.
- Shops. There is a wide variety of retail shops for last-minute needs, local produce or to pass the time window shopping.
- Free Wi-Fi. Travellers can choose to use the free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal.
Departure procedures
- Check in. There are self-service check in options depending on your airline (check with your airline).
- Security check. Queues at the security check may be long so it is recommended passengers are allow at least an hour to clear security, especially if they have a GST refund to claim.
- Tax refund claim. The tax refund claim counter for international travellers is the first counter after clearing security.
Arrival procedures
- Immigration clearance. Having a compatible passport allows this process to be faster with the help of the scanning kiosks. Otherwise, queues can get long depending on the number of flights.
- Duty free. The Arrivals Hall Duty Free store is perfect for last minute purchases with its competitive prices.
- Local network. Foreign travellers who need a local network can purchase data and phone cards in the Arrivals Hall.
The terminal after midnight
While the airport is open, all terminal close from after midnight until 5:30am. Travellers with domestic transfers following an international arrival after midnight must exit immigration and collect their luggage.
There is no in-terminal or short stay transit hotel and food options are limited as only a 24hour McDonald’s is open. Many travellers choose to wait at the Qantas Domestic Departure Hall (Terminal 1) as it is well lit with patrolling security guards.
For those needing to leave the airport after midnight, Skybus operates from the bays just outside the terminal 24/7 with ticket kiosks near the queue lines.
Hotels nearby
- Holiday Inn. It is located just 400m from the terminal with 24hr shuttle service from the airport.
- PARKROYAL. This hotel is connected to the airport terminal via a pedestrian skybridge and offers an indoor heated pool, spa, sauna, and steam room among other amenities.
- Quality Hotel. A small hotel with 68 spacious rooms, free shittle bus, Wi-Fi, and parking.
- Best Wester Airport Motel and Convention Centre. A 4-star hotel located near the airport that offers free shuttle transfer to and from the terminal.
The T123 Transport Hub
Melbourne Airport is sunsetting its Arrivals and Departures Drive in October 2026 after more than half a century and replacing it with the T123 Transport Hub.
The $500 million transport hub will more than double pick-up and drop-off capacity. The transport hub, which is free for travellers, will become the only pick-up and drop-off point for passengers travelling on Qantas, Virgin Australia and all international flights. New express ramps will connect directly from the Tullamarine Freeway, separating private cars from commercial vehicles for the first time.
The project unlocks Melbourne Airport’s next major development: a $4.5 billion expansion of the international terminal into the existing forecourt, which couldn’t proceed without first clearing the current road layout.
The airport has launched a new journey planner to help travellers prepare for the opening of new Pick up and Drop off zones for Terminals 1, 2 and 3 in October. This change will affect travellers flying Qantas, Virgin Australia and all international airlines.
Korean Air to return in December
Korean Air will commence direct flights between Melbourne and Seoul in December, marking the first time since 2013 the carrier has operated out of Melbourne.
The Melbourne–Seoul seasonal service will operate three times a week, with flights arriving into Melbourne at 8:30pm and departing for Seoul Incheon at 10:00pm on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
It will operate from 18 December 2026 until 14 March 2027 on a Boeing 787-9.
