Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) (MEL) to Melbourne
There is no train yet, so the SkyBus to Southern Cross Station is the standard way into the city, running 24/7 in about 20–30 minutes. Taxis and ride-share cost more but go door to door.
Best for most people: Bus. SkyBus runs around the clock, has luggage space and drops you at Southern Cross, a hub for trams, trains and regional coaches.
All the options
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Hours | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| bus SkyBus City Express from the bus area outside Terminals 1–4 to Southern Cross Station | about 20–30 min | every 10–15 min by day, less at night | about A$24 one way | 24 h | Pay by card or buy online; Myki is not valid on SkyBus. |
| taxi Official taxi rank outside the terminals | about 25–40 min | about A$60–80 including airport fee and tolls | 24 h | CityLink tolls are added to the fare. | |
| ride-hailing Uber and other apps from the signed ride-share pickup area | about 25–40 min | about A$50–75 | 24 h | Prices rise at busy times. |
*Approximate 2026 prices and times. Services change: check the operator before you fly, especially for late arrivals.
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Other airports
- Avalon (AVV), about 55 km south-west, used by a few low-cost flights; a shuttle bus connects it to the city.
Tips
- At Southern Cross, free trams run within the CBD Free Tram Zone.
- Buy a Myki card or use contactless payment if supported for trams and trains after you arrive; SkyBus is separate.
- The road to the city can jam on weekday evenings; allow extra time.
- Some SkyBus services connect to St Kilda and other areas; check the current routes.
Common questions
How much is a taxi from Melbourne Airport to the city?
A taxi from Melbourne Airport to the CBD usually costs about A$60 to A$80, including the airport fee and CityLink tolls. Ride-share apps are often a little cheaper but vary with demand. Take a taxi from the official rank outside the terminal. For one or two people, SkyBus is much cheaper.
Is there a train from Melbourne Airport?
No, there is currently no train to Melbourne Airport; a rail link has been planned but is not open. The main public option is SkyBus, which runs 24 hours a day to Southern Cross Station. Some public route buses connect the airport to suburban train stations, but they are slower.
How long does SkyBus take?
SkyBus usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes to Southern Cross Station, depending on traffic. On weekday afternoons and evenings the freeway can be busy and the trip may take longer. Buses run roughly every 10 to 15 minutes during the day and less often overnight.
Can I pay by card?
Yes. SkyBus accepts card payments at kiosks and online, and taxis and ride-share apps take cards. Cash is rarely needed. Note that the Myki card used on Melbourne trams and trains is not valid on SkyBus, so pay for SkyBus separately.
Compiled by TonyPlan from airport and transport-operator information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.