Getting from Melbourne Airport to city is one of the first decisions every visitor faces — and one of the more confusing because Melbourne is the only major Australian capital without a direct rail link. The good news is the alternatives are reliable, well-signed, and operate 24/7. This 2026 guide compares all six routes from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to the city centre, with current prices, travel times, where each one drops you, and the best choice for different travel styles. We also cover Avalon Airport, late-night arrivals, accessible options, and the Melbourne Airport Rail link (still under construction in 2026).
Melbourne Airport at a glance
Melbourne Airport (IATA code MEL, locally called “Tullamarine” or simply “Tulla”) sits 25 kilometres northwest of the CBD. Four terminals: T1 Qantas domestic, T2 international, T3 Virgin Australia and Rex domestic, T4 budget carriers (Jetstar, Bonza). T2 and T3 share an arrivals concourse; T1 and T4 are separate buildings connected by a short walk or shuttle. International arrivals clear immigration, baggage, and customs in T2 — allow 45–60 minutes from wheels-down to exit at peak times.
The six Melbourne Airport to city options
- SkyBus — A$24, 25 minutes
- Uber / Didi / Ola — A$60–A$90, 25–45 minutes
- Taxi (13CABS, Silver Top) — A$60–A$90, 25–45 minutes
- Route 901 SmartBus to train — A$5.30, 60 minutes
- Rental car self-drive — varies, 25–45 minutes
- Pre-booked private transfer — A$80–A$130, 25–45 minutes
SkyBus: the default Melbourne Airport to city option
SkyBus is the most-used Melbourne Airport to city option, and for good reason. It runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with departures every 10 minutes during the day and every 30–60 minutes overnight. The single dedicated bus lane on the Tullamarine Freeway (the M2 Bus and Transit Lane) means SkyBus is faster than any taxi or Uber during rush hour.
- Cost: A$24 one-way, A$45 return (booked online or with Myki tap-on at the bus).
- Travel time: 25 minutes during the day, 18 minutes off-peak.
- Frequency: Every 10 minutes 5:00 am–10:00 pm; every 30–60 minutes overnight.
- Drop-off: Southern Cross Station (Spencer Street side), in the heart of the CBD.
- From Southern Cross: free SkyBus hotel shuttle (book in advance) drops you at most central-city hotels. Or take a Free Tram Zone tram to your hotel.
- Luggage: generous racks under and inside the bus.
- Where to find it: follow “Buses” signs from any terminal arrivals — the SkyBus stop is right outside.
Booking online via the SkyBus website or app saves the queue at the bus, and gives a paper-free QR code. Walk-up tickets can also be purchased at the bus or via Myki tap-on (A$24 deducted as a single fare).
Uber, Didi, and Ola from Melbourne Airport
- Cost: A$60–A$90 to CBD depending on time of day and surge pricing. Uber Comfort and SUVs are A$80–A$130.
- Travel time: 25 minutes off-peak, up to 45 minutes in heavy traffic.
- Pickup zone: dedicated rideshare zones at all terminals (follow “Rideshare” signs). The pickup areas changed in 2024; double-check the in-app map.
- Pros: direct to your hotel address, no transfers, suits luggage and groups.
- Cons: sometimes slower than SkyBus during peak, surge pricing on Friday nights and after major events.