Last updated on January 2023
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Things to know about Melbourne:
1. Five of the six tallest buildings in Australia are in Melbourne’s CBD
How to get from Melbourne Airport (MEL) ✈️ to the City Center
Melbourne Airport (MEL), colloquially known as Tullamarine Airport, is the primary airport of Melbourne and is located about 22 km south of the main city center. Upon arrival, you can reach downtown Melbourne by SkyBus (Express Bus), Public Bus, Taxi, Uber or Rental Car.
💸 The cheapest transfer is by Public Bus
⏱️ The fastest transfer is by Taxi
This guide compares all available airport transfers at Melbourne Airport (MEL) according to classic travel factors. This includes travel time, cost per person (pp), a short route description and links to book or buy tickets.
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Transfer comparison
Overview of all airport transfers from Melbourne Airport to the City Center
Transport | Travel time | Cost | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
SkyBus Express |
40 Min. | AU$ 19.75 | Details | |
Public Bus | 60‑90 Min. | AU$ 4.50 💸 | Details | |
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Taxi | 30 Min. ⏱️ | AU$ 40‑50 | Details |
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Private Shuttle |
30 Min. | AU$ 135 | Details |
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Uber | 30 Min. | AU$ 55‑65 | Details |
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Rental Car | 30 Min. | Individ. | Details |
ⓘ Status 2023

SkyBus Express (AD)
Timetable and tickets here ↗
Travel time:
40 minutesCost:
AU$ 19.75 ppDescription:
SkyBus from Melbourne Tullamarine Int’l Airport (from T1, T3 and T4) to central Melbourne (“Central Business District”, “Southern Cross Station” or “Southbank”)
Public Bus
Timetable here, tickets on-site ↗
Travel time:
60-90 minutesCost:
💸 AU$ 4.50 ppDescription:
Bus line 901 from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (Bus stop at Terminal 4) to “Broadmeadows Station”, change here to the Tram (Craigieburn) to the city center
Taxi
Official local taxis
Travel time:
⏱️ 30 minutesCost:
AU$ 40-50Description:
Taxi from Melbourne Tullamarine International Airport (all terminals) to central Melbourne, CBD or directly to accommodation in the city center
Private Shuttle (AD)
Book a private transfer ↗
Travel time:
45 minutesCost:
AU$ 135Description:
Comfortable private transfer (via GetyourGuide) from Melbourne Airport (Nameplate in the Arrival Hall) to central Melbourne, CBD or to your accommodation
Uber (AD)
Order an Uber ride ↗
Travel time:
30 minutes (+pickup)Cost:
AU$ 55-65Description:
Uber from Melbourne Tullamarine International Airport (pick-up location according to Uber app) to central Melbourne, CBD or to your accommodation
Rental Car
Hire a rental car ↗
Travel time:
30 minutes (+pickup)Cost:
Depending on the companyDescription:
Rental Car from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (Counter in “Terminal T123 car park”) to central Melbourne, to CBD, to your accommodation & moreRoute from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to central Melbourne (CBD)
Things to know about Melbourne:
1. Five of the six tallest buildings in Australia are in Melbourne’s CBD
2. Melbourne’s number one restaurant – the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant – is a tram
3. Melbourne has the highest number of cafes and restaurants per number of people than any other city in the world