Wondering how to get from Melbourne airport to the city? You’ve come to the right place. Travelling from the airport can be a breeze, but it helps to know your options before you go.
Melbourne is a city of over 5 million people, located in the state of Victoria, Australia. It’s known for its open-air markets and great food. Melbourne is also a hub for Australian culture, with art galleries and museums that house some of the best pieces of indigenous art and history in the country. Nature is close by too with some wonderful walks a short drive away and great Melbourne bike paths.
Melbourne is a city of many firsts. The first traffic lights in Australia were installed in Melbourne, it has the world’s largest stained glass ceiling at the National Gallery of Victoria and it’s also home to the very first railway station in all of Australia. You can see this history reflected in the architecture of the city, which combines old-world charm with modern design, making it one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It was also ranked as the number one most liveable city seven years in a row!
Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, you’ll want to make sure that you don’t waste any time getting from point A to point B when you land.
Melbourne Airport (informally called Tullamarine) is located about 25 minutes outside of the central business district (CBD). It opened in 1970 and is currently Australia’s second busiest airport.
If you’re a first-time visitor to Melbourne, it can be a little bit confusing and overwhelming to figure out the best way to get from Melbourne Airport to the city. There are many options for transport, and each one can be confusing if you don’t know what you’re doing. Hopefully this helps you.
(If you’re travelling to Vietnam and want to know how to get from Ho Chi Minh City airport to District 1 in the city centre click here to find out)
SkyBus
The SkyBus is a popular choice for travellers who are looking for a fast way to get from the airport into the city. It’s a daily bus service that departs from Terminal 1, 3 and 4, every 10 minutes between 4:30am to midnight. It takes you right to Southern Cross Train Station, which is located on Spencer Street in Melbourne’s Central Business District.
The journey takes around 35 minutes, includes free Wifi—and if you’re travelling alone or in a small group, it could be just the thing for you!
Cost: $19.75 one way. $32.00 return. 1 adult.
(I always use this option and find it the easiest. There are red Skybus signs everywhere and it flows really well with no hassle at all)
Taxi
Is a great option for a group of people who want to split the cost. The taxi rank runs really well as a queue system at Melbourne Airport and you can pay cash at the end.
Cost: $60-$70 one way for the whole car.
These are similar to a Taxi, but you’ll need their app downloaded to your phone beforehand and set up with a credit card. Then you can order a rideshare when you’re out of the Terminal.
Cost: Around $60 for the whole car.
Public Transport (Bus then Train)
The local bus disembarks at the Terminal 4 ground transportation area (below the Terminal 4 carpark). Catch the 901 Frankston bus. Disembark at Broadmeadows Train station (takes about 20 minutes on the bus to get here).
Step onto a train that says “City” or “Flinders Street” or “City Loop”. There are 2 platforms so just make sure you get onto the train that takes you to the city. You’ll be on the train for about 40 minutes then you’ll arrive into the city. This is a great option if you’re a backpacker.
To buy a Myki, head to the SkyBus counter and you’ll be able to buy one to use for your Melbourne trip.
There is also a Myki Machine in Terminal 1 on the ground floor where you can buy a new Myki and top up your card.
Cost: $6 to buy the full fare Myki card (which you can use for years and top it up when needed), then $4.60 to get from the airport to the city (this is a 2 hour Myki Money fare)
FAQ’s
How far is it from Melbourne Airport to the city? About 23kms (14 miles)
Is Melbourne airport the same as Tullamarine? Yes. We informally call it Tullamarine (or Tulla) as that’s the suburb it’s located in.
How long does the skybus take? Around 35 minutes depending on traffic.
How much does Uber cost? Around $60
How much does it cost to get a taxi from Melbourne airport to the city? $60-$70 (possibly more depending on traffic)
How much does public transport cost from Melbourne Airport to the city? $4.60 (the 2 hour fare) + $6.00 (for the Myki card)
What is the cheapest way to get from Melbourne airport to the city? Public Transport. (Bus and Train)
Which airport is closest to Melbourne city? Tullamarine
Is there a train from Melbourne airport to the city? Not yet! But there is one being built called the Melbourne Rail Link with a target opening date of 2029.
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