Melbourne Airport to City Centre: fast and convenient routes

We know it, tomorrow you’ll leave for the legendary Melbourne, but you’ve never been there before, and you want to know how to get from Melbourne Airport to the City Centre as quickly as possible and at the lowest price. Sit back and relax, here you’ll find all the information you need to know!

Melbourne Airport (also known as Tullamarine Airport) is 22 km away from what is called the CBD (Central Business District) and is located in the suburb of Tullamarine.

Despite its distance from the City Centre, Tullamarine Airport boasts excellent connections to the Central district and other Melbourne areas.

Thanks to our guide, you’ll be able to plan your trip with care and choose the route that best meets your needs.

How do I get from Melbourne Airport to CBD?

There are several ways to get from Melbourne Airport to the City Centre:

Shuttle Bus
Public Transport
Taxi
Uber or car rental
Airport transfer

Unfortunately, Melbourne city Airport has no train station (although the idea is being discussed).

SkyBus

Whether you’re arriving from the domestic area of the airport or you’ve traveled a long way to beautiful Australia, you’ll find a SkyBus waiting for you just outside the main entrance.

Once arrived, reach the SkyBus stops at Terminal 1 (Qantas domestic and QantasLink), T3 (Virgin, Regional Express, and all international flights), and T4 (Jetstar and Tigerair domestic).

SkyBus is a red bus with the brand name in white that operates every day and runs every 10 minutes. It connects you directly to the CBD and also provides a free City Hotel Shuttle.

SkyBus services take you to other neighborhoods of Melbourne, such as Docklands, St Kilda, Southbank, Frankston and Peninsula, and Western suburbs.

Due to the Covid-2019 emergency, the SkyBus schedule may be changed, read updated information on the official website.

Melbourne Airport transfers: SkyBus price

SkyBus has a fixed price of A$19.75 (one way). You can purchase your ticket using your mobile phone (store and scan it when boarding). On SkyBus, there are no hidden costs or excess bag charges.

In addition, onboard, there’s a powerful and free WIFI connection.

SkyBus tickets are available online or at a SkyBus ticket office at Melbourne Airport and Southern Cross Station.

To buy your ticket you can also use the dedicated app.

How long does it take to reach the CBD?

It takes 20 to 40 minutes to reach the city center with SkyBus. As Melbourne is a bustling city, you’ll have to consider the traffic and rush hours.

In the city, SkyBus stops at Southern Cross Station, which is located near Marvel Stadium, Queen Victoria Market, and the Aquarium.

Getting from Melbourne Airport to the City Centre by public buses – the cheapest option

Without a doubt, the cheapest way to get around Melbourne is by public transport. Of course, taking a local bus will save you a lot of money, but you’ll have to count that it will take longer to get to the desired destination.

As you know, before arriving at your hotel, you’ll have to get off at the right stop, then walk and maybe take another bus.

However, there are some positive aspects. With public transport, you can visit the city from a comfortable seat!

Line 478, 479 and 482

The lines connecting the airport and city are 478, 479, and 482.

However, before you venture on a public bus, check what areas of the city it reaches.

Here all the information you need to know:

478: West Shopping Centre to Melbourne Airport (via Melrose Drive).
479: West Shopping Centre to Sunbury Station (via Melbourne Airport).
482: West Shopping Centre to Melbourne Airport (via South Centre Road).

Line 901 (Smart Bus)

Line 901 provides a frequent connection between Melbourne Airport and Broadmeadows Station. The journey takes about 20 minutes, but allow more time during rush hours.

Buses 901 run every 15 minutes (7 days a week) between Melbourne Airport and Frankston via Broadmeadows, Roxburgh Park, Epping, and Greensborough.

At Melbourne Airport, all Route 901 buses depart from the bus terminal outside Terminal 4.

Price

For further information about pricing, check the myki Explorer website.

From Melbourne Airport to CBD by taxi

We have arrived at the most convenient means of transport in the world to get around: the taxi!

Thanks to the taxi, you can go from the airport directly to your hotel and, to be honest, if you have made a long trip and you feel tired, the cab is definitely the best way to move around.

Although more expensive, costs can be shared if you travel with your friends or family.

Taxi drivers can help you with your luggage and make your day even more comfortable. Moreover, taxi travel is perfect now, since all cars are scrupulously sanitized.

In Melbourne, as well as in many other cities, the world’s most famous yellow cars can also be booked in advance and will be ready to collect you in the outdoor section of each terminal car park.

How much costs a taxi in Melbourne?

The price of a taxi in Melbourne depends on several factors. These are the route to be traveled, the journey time and the taxi fare valid in Melbourne, and, if applicable, the time. From these components, the taxi price can be calculated.

On average, it costs A$55-65, including the airport tax of A$4.50.
You can also make an estimate of your trip, depending on the destination address, thanks to this convenient service.

Uber from Melbourne Airport

Another very comfortable way to get from Melbourne Airport to the CBD is by booking with Uber, the transportation network well-known for its ride-hailing taxi app.

You can find pickup areas in terminals 1, 2, and 3 by following the signs “Uber Pickup Zone” .

Of course, to look for a car you’ll need to download the app (available for Android or iOS).

A ride from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport to Melbourne’s CBD is $45-$58. If you have requested a UberXL, the price goes up ($65-$83).

Thank you for reading our article and trusting us! If you want to have information about other airport connections, you can search our blog for the city you are interested in!

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All the routes to get from Melbourne Airport to the City Centre

By Anna Maria Parente