Getting from Melbourne city center to Melbourne airport
The fastest options are taxi and private transfer, while budget travelers often choose the SkyBus coach or train.
Melbourne is served by one major international airport: Melbourne Airport (MEL), also known as Tullamarine Airport, located approximately 23 km northwest of the Melbourne CBD. A second airport, Avalon Airport (AVV), lies around 55 km southwest of the city center and serves a smaller number of domestic and international routes. Travelers heading to either airport from the city center have a range of options including coach, taxi, ride-hailing, and private transfer. Note that Melbourne does not currently have a direct rail link to Melbourne Airport (MEL), though a rail project is underway. This guide covers the most practical and verified transport options from Melbourne city center to its airports.
How to get from Melbourne to Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) (MEL)?
AUD 120–180 metered or estimated fare (approx. USD 76–114)
on-demand; traffic dependent
direct door-to-door service
Notes:
Prices are in AUD; table created in 2026 and subject to change.
USD equivalents are approximate and based on prevailing exchange rates at time of publication.
Melbourne Airport (MEL) does not currently have a direct rail link from the CBD. The Melbourne Airport Rail project is planned but not yet operational.
SkyBus is the primary public coach service connecting Southern Cross Station to both MEL and AVV. Timetables are aligned with flight schedules for Avalon Airport.
Taxi fares are metered and may vary significantly depending on traffic conditions and time of day. Ride-hailing prices are subject to surge pricing.
All prices are subject to change. We recommend checking official transport websites for your travel planning.