Airports in Melbourne Travel Guide 2026

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Key Highlights

Melbourne has a few airports. Melbourne Airport (MEL) is the main international airport.
Avalon Airport (AVV) is used a lot for local flights that don’t cost much.
There are also smaller airports like Essendon Fields and Moorabbin. These are mostly for general aviation and flight training.
It’s easy to get to and from any airport, with public transport or car rentals.
Melbourne Airport will have new upgrades, with a new pick-up and drop-off area ready in Spring 2026.
No matter if you are flying overseas or just in Australia, one of Melbourne’s airports can get you where you want to go from the Melbourne CBD.

Introduction

Welcome to Melbourne! No matter if you are here for work, fun, or study, it’s important to know about the city’s airports. Melbourne has a few airports. They are ready for international passenger flights and short domestic trips. This guide will give you what you need to know for 2026. It covers how to move around Melbourne Airport and how to get from the city centre to catch your flight to the Gold Coast. Let’s help you get started on your Melbourne trip the right way.

Comprehensive List of Airports in Melbourne for 2026

When you plan your trip, it helps to know the list of airports that serve the Melbourne area. The main airports for people are Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) and Avalon Airport. Both airports handle most of the international and domestic flights that come to or leave Victoria. Many people use these two main airports.

Other than the big airports, the city also has a few smaller airfields. These airports are important for general aviation, flight training, and people who need charter flights. They help keep the state’s air travel working well. We’ll have a look at these airports and what they do.

1. Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) is the main international airport for Victoria and the top pick for most trips overseas. The airport sees millions of people every year and links Melbourne to many places around the world. Right now, melbourne airport is getting major upgrades. One of the changes is the bigger international terminal that will help welcome more international passengers.

The main terminal building is always busy, with different terminals set up for each airline and type of flight. If you fly in from another country or head out overseas, you will mainly use Terminal 2. This international terminal has everything global travellers need. Also, British Airways will start flying from there in January 2027. This will make MEL an even better international airport.

melbourne airport has a huge network of airlines and many places you can fly to. They work hard to give all international passengers a wide range of good services and facilities. This means you will find it easy to get in or out of the airport, and your time at melbourne airport will be smooth from the start of your trip.

2. Avalon Airport (AVV)

Avalon Airport (AVV) sits between Melbourne and Geelong. It is a good spot if you want a cheaper option than Melbourne’s main airport. This airport is liked by folks who want domestic flights at lower prices. A lot of big low-cost airlines use Avalon Airport, so it’s popular with people trying to save money.

Avalon Airport is known for domestic flights, but it also has some international flights. The airport is smaller, so there’s less crowd. You can go from check-in to your gate pretty quick. That makes the experience easier, which is good for many people. It’s not hard to find your way around at Avalon Airport. Everything is clear, so you don’t feel stressed.

If you want to spend less to get to Melbourne and you’re okay with a longer trip to the CBD, Avalon Airport should be on your list. Because it focuses on budget airlines, you get more choices and prices stay fair. It comes in handy for all kinds of travel plans.

3. Essendon Fields Airport (MEB)

Essendon Fields Airport (MEB) was once the main international airport for Melbourne, but now it has a new role that is just as important. The airport is really close to the city, which makes Essendon Airport easy to get to. The airport is well-known for general aviation and is a big centre for that. It looks after corporate jets, private planes, and aircraft charter services that are more specialised.

The airport is a key spot for regional air travel. It connects Melbourne to different parts of Victoria and also to places in southeastern Australia. Essendon Fields is also home to some emergency services like the air ambulance and the police air wing. This means Essendon Fields Airport helps out a lot with important state services. The airport’s long history helps to give it a special place in the city.

If you need a private flight or a chartered plane, or if you want to get to smaller regional spots, Essendon Fields Airport is a fast and very accessible choice. Its main focus is general aviation and corporate travellers, so it gives a specialised service, which works well with what bigger Melbourne airports do.

4. Moorabbin Airport (MBW)

Moorabbin Airport (MBW) is one of the main general aviation flight training airports in Australia. You will find it in Melbourne’s southeast suburbs. It is always busy with people learning to fly and others who love flying. Many flying schools and clubs are based here. They offer flight training for private licences and commercial pilot qualifications.

There is always the sound of light planes taking off and landing. This makes Moorabbin a great place for general aviation. The control tower at the airport handles a lot of air traffic every day. That makes it one of the busiest airports in the country, even though there are no big passenger flights here. The air traffic here is mostly about general aviation and flight training.

You cannot get a commercial flight from this airport. Still, Moorabbin Airport is very important for Australia’s future in aviation. It trains the next group of pilots. It is also a home for people who own private planes and enjoy flying for fun.

5. Lilydale Airport

Lilydale Airport sits in the beautiful Yarra Valley. This airport has an important role in general aviation across Melbourne. It’s not like the city’s larger airports. The place has a calm, country feel that pilots and aviation fans really like. Most people come here for recreational flying, flight training, and to keep their private planes.

The airport is busy on weekends, as many people go up for a joy flight. You get an amazing view of the local wine region and the Dandenong Ranges. There is also a strong community of aviation lovers here. People can use the airport to look after and store their small planes. The focus at Lilydale is just on general aviation, so you won’t find big airlines or passenger flights at this spot.

Lilydale Airport shows how different the aviation infrastructure in Melbourne can be. It works alongside major airports in the city. This airport is all about flight training and leisure flying. Both new students and seasoned pilots have a place here.

6. Point Cook Airport

Point Cook Airport is a place with a lot of history. Many people see it as the true start of the Royal Australian Air Force. You can find it to the southwest of Melbourne. It is also known as the oldest military airfield in the world that is still being used today. The story of Point Cook goes all the way back to before World War I. It was very important during World War II for training pilots and kept doing this job after the war as well.

The airport is still used by the RAAF, but the main work being done there has changed these days. Point Cook now has the RAAF Museum, and it is a great spot to see if you want to learn more about Australia’s military aviation. Some military flying and training still take place at the airport. The air traffic control team handles all the air traffic to make sure these flights run smoothly.

Point Cook is not like Essendon Aerodrome, which switched over to commercial flights for the public. Point Cook has stayed under the care of the military. The airport does not run public passenger flights, but it really is a special place for people interested in air traffic control, military history, or flying. If you want to look into aviation or stories from World War II, Point Cook is one of the best places to visit.

7. Metropolitan Airports and Regional Airfields

Beyond the big metropolitan airports, there is a network of smaller regional airfields that help with aviation in Victoria. These airfields are an important part of how people stay connected in regional areas. They also support emergency services and are used for farms and crops from the air. The kind of air traffic you see here is different from the main airports near the central business district.

These smaller airports help make sure people living in faraway or smaller towns can also use air transport. They are key for services like the Royal Flying Doctor Service, for putting out bushfires from the air, and for spraying crops. All of these airfields play a part in making general aviation in Victoria strong and able to handle what comes its way.

Some of the main regional airfields are:

Ballarat Airport (YBLT): This is where flight training and general aviation happens for Ballarat, which is a city full of history.
Bendigo Airport (YBDG): This airport in Bendigo is growing, and it connects with other main cities.
Shepparton Airport (YSHT): An airport that is important for people and work in the Goulburn Valley region.

Comparing Melbourne’s Major Airports

When you fly to or from the city, you will have two main options—Melbourne Airport (MEL) and Avalon Airport (AVV). Melbourne Airport is the main airport in this city. It handles most of the international flights and many of the domestic flights. The airport is big, has more airline options, and there are lots of places and services inside.

Avalon Airport is not as big as Melbourne Airport. It mainly has budget airlines and looks after domestic flights, but there are some international flights too. This airport can be less busy and cheaper, so you can get through quicker if the flight times work for you.

Location and Accessibility from City Centre

Your choice of airport can be influenced by how easy it is to get to from the Melbourne CBD. Melbourne Airport (MEL) is located about 23 km northwest of the city centre. While there is no direct train station on the airport grounds yet, it is well-connected by the SkyBus shuttle, public buses, taxis, and rideshares, making the journey reliable.

Essendon Fields Airport is the closest to the city, just 10 km away, making it incredibly convenient for private and corporate travel. Avalon Airport is the furthest, situated about 55 km southwest of the Melbourne CBD. It is connected by a dedicated shuttle bus service that coordinates with flight schedules.

Here is a quick comparison of travel times and distances from the city centre:

Airport	Distance from CBD	Approx. Travel Time (Car)
Melbourne Airport (MEL)	23 km	25-45 minutes
Avalon Airport (AVV)	55 km	50-70 minutes
Essendon Fields Airport (MEB)	10 km	15-25 minutes

Types of Flights: International vs Domestic

Melbourne Airport (MEL) is the main airport in the city when it comes to all kinds of flights. For international flights, it has a special international terminal (T2) that serves many big global airlines like Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Cathay Pacific. You can fly straight to Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas from this airport.

For flights inside Australia, melbourne airport is also a major hub. Terminals 1, 3, and 4 all handle domestic flights. Flights from Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, and most other local airlines come and go from here. This means you can get to every state and territory around Australia from melbourne airport.

Avalon Airport (AVV) is a bit different. Most of its flights are within Australia. It is known for low-cost flights, especially with Jetstar. Even though avalon airport does have a few international flights now and then, there are not as many as you will find at MEL. If you want a cheaper way to fly around Australia and avalon airport has a flight to where you want to go, it is a good choice.

Facilities and Amenities Offered

Melbourne Airport gives you what you need for a good time while travelling. There are lots of helpful things across the airport grounds. You get easy baggage claim and a place to change money. You can find many places to eat or shop too. The airport keeps getting better, so it is now good for more people.

No matter if you are waiting for takeoff or you have just arrived, there is a lot to pick from. There are many cafes, restaurants, and bars at Melbourne Airport. There are also duty-free shops and other places to buy what you want. You can pick out things online with Laneway Duty Free, and pick them up when you get there or leave. There is plenty of airport parking for both short trips and long visits.

Key facilities and services include:

Lounges: Airline and pay-per-use lounges for taking it easy.
Accessible Facilities: Things to help people who find it harder to get around.
Car Rentals: Many car hire spots are ready for you right at Melbourne Airport.

Terminals and Services at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport

Getting around Melbourne Airport is easy. The main terminal building has four terminals, and they are all linked together. Each one is for certain airlines and types of passenger flights. This helps make check-in, security, and getting on your plane smoother. The first thing you need to know is which terminal to head to for your flight if you want things to go well.

From Qantas, which gives you extra services, to cheaper options like Jetstar, every terminal at Melbourne Airport has something for you. Here is what you can find in each of the airport’s four main terminal building areas, so you will know what to expect when you get there for your passenger flights.

Terminal 1 – Qantas Domestic

Terminal 1 at Melbourne Airport is where you go if you are flying within Australia with Qantas. This domestic terminal is set up to handle many domestic passengers each day. You can find Terminal 1 at the northern end of the main terminal building.

When you walk into T1, you will see check-in counters, self-service kiosks, and bag drop areas. There is security screening just for Qantas flights. From this terminal, the airline gives you ways to fly to many domestic spots. You can go to big cities like Sydney and Brisbane or head out to smaller places in the country.

Once you get through security, you can use the Qantas Club lounge. There are good choices for shopping, and you can grab food and drinks at different spots too. The way the terminal is set up, you move from check-in to the gate without trouble. This helps give everyone a smooth start to their trip in the domestic terminal at Melbourne Airport.

Terminal 2 – International Flights

Terminal 2 is Melbourne Airport’s main spot for overseas travel. It’s the international terminal. Here, the airport handles all flights coming in and out from other countries. You’ll find big names flying from here, like Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, United Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and a lot of other international airlines. This helps people in Melbourne connect to a lot of big cities around the world.

Right now, the international terminal is getting a big makeover. The airport is adding more space and new technology. There will also be better shops and more places to eat. If you’re coming into Melbourne, you will do things like immigration, baggage claim, and customs in Terminal 2. If you’re flying out, you can enjoy the international terminal’s duty-free shopping.

With direct international flights to places all across Asia, the Americas, Europe, and the Pacific, Terminal 2 makes Melbourne Airport a top choice if you need to travel overseas. It’s where many trips begin for people from Victoria and where visitors from all over the world first step into Australia.

Terminal 3 – Virgin Australia & Regional Airlines

Terminal 3 is the main place in Melbourne for Virgin Australia’s domestic flights. It connects the city with many big spots across Australia. The terminal is set up to make things easy for Virgin Australia travellers, starting with check-in right through to getting on the plane.

Along with Virgin Australia, T3 also handles flights for some regional airlines like Rex (Regional Express). So, it is an important terminal if you are heading to smaller towns in Victoria or other states. You will find its own security check, baggage claim, and lots of shops and places to eat inside the terminal.

In the past, this area was used by Tigerair Australia, but that airline does not fly anymore. Now, Terminal 3 is focused on being a great spot for Virgin Australia and its partner regional airlines. It helps domestic travellers get to where they need to go with easy connections.

Terminal 4 – Budget Airlines and Jetstar

Terminal 4 at Melbourne Airport is made for budget airlines. This spot is the main place for low-cost domestic flights. Jetstar uses T4 the most, but other airlines such as Rex and Link Airways fly from here too. The airport built this terminal to give a smooth and simple experience. It helps cut costs and keeps prices lower for travellers.

T4 feels a bit different from the other terminals at Melbourne Airport. Everything is about speed and getting you where you need to go fast. You will find self-service check-in and bag drop areas that help everyone get through the line quickly. There are not as many extras here as in the other terminals, but you can still grab some food, have a drink, or look for something to buy.

In the past, this terminal was put up because airlines like Tiger Airways Australia and Virgin Blue (now called Virgin Australia) started getting bigger. Now, T4 is very important for making sure more people can afford to catch domestic flights in Australia every day.

Arrival and Departure Information

It’s important to keep up with your flight’s status, as this helps you have a good and stress-free travel day. If you want real-time updates for arrivals and departures at Melbourne Airport, your best option is the official site for the airport. You can get live updates on flight times, any delays, gate info, and baggage carousel details for the baggage claim area down on the ground floor.

Most airlines have their own apps you can use on your phone. These apps send you push notifications about your flight status. If there are any changes or delays, you will hear from the airline right away. It’s a good idea to download the app for the airline you will be flying with. That way, you can get all the latest info straight to your phone with no hold ups.

Here are the best ways you can keep track of your flight:

Check the official Melbourne Airport website: You’ll find live flight boards for every terminal.
Use your airline’s mobile app: This gives you direct updates and notifications.
Look at the big display screens: These are all over each terminal, so they’re easy to find.
Sign up for flight status alerts: Many airlines will send notifications to your email or by SMS.

Getting To and From Melbourne’s Airports

Melbourne has many easy ways for people to travel to and from its airports. You can choose public transport if you want a good price. If you want the trip to be simple, you can take a taxi. There is also the option to rent a car if you want more freedom. So, you will find one way that suits your budget and needs. If you plan how to get to the airport before the day you travel, you can save your time and avoid stress.

If you are starting in the city centre, you can use many ways to reach the airport. You can take a shuttle bus made for airport travel, use public bus routes, or pick a rideshare. There is also lots of parking at the airport if you want to drive your own car.

Public Transport Options – Trains, Buses, Shuttles

Public transport is a good and cheap way to get between Melbourne’s airports and the city. Right now, you can’t catch a direct train from the train station at Melbourne Airport. The SkyBus express shuttle is the fastest way to go between the airport and Southern Cross Station in the Melbourne CBD. The SkyBus runs all day and night.

If you want to save more, there are a few public bus routes that go from the airport to other parts of Melbourne. You can change to the train network using these buses. Avalon Airport has its own shuttle bus, which takes people to Southern Cross Station and to Geelong.

Key public transport options include:

SkyBus: The best and fastest shuttle running between Melbourne Airport and the city.
Public Buses (PTV): Routes 901, 478, 479, and 482 connect Melbourne Airport to other parts of the public transport system.
Avalon Airport Shuttle: Runs between Avalon Airport, Melbourne, and Geelong.

Taxis, Rideshares, and Car Rental Services

Taxis and rideshares can be found at all the main airports in Melbourne for direct, door-to-door trips. There are set-up areas on the airport grounds where you can easily catch your ride as soon as you leave the terminal. This works well if you are carrying a lot of bags or if you are with a group.

Rideshare companies like Uber, DiDi, and Ola are allowed to pick you up at the airport. There are special spots where you can wait for your driver. The drive to the city centre is simple. Prices can go up or down, and they change with traffic and how many people need a ride.

If you want to go at your own pace, you can hire a car. A lot of car rental companies have desks at the airport grounds. You can book before you get there or once you arrive. You will then get to see Melbourne and Victoria in your own time, which gives you the most freedom for your trip.

Airport Parking Facilities

If you drive to Melbourne Airport, you will see there are many airport parking choices for you. You can get short-term parking if you need to do a fast pick-up or drop-off. You can also choose long-term parking if you plan to be away for more days. There are special places for cars in each area of the airport. In Spring 2026, a new pick-up and drop-off spot will open. This will help traffic move better.

The multi-level car parks are right across from the main terminal building. This means you can get in and out very fast. If you want to save money, you can park in the long-term car park. This is not close but is in another area of the airport. You can take the free shuttle bus, and it will bring you to the terminals. All of the official car parks have monitors, which helps keep your car safe.

It is a good idea to book your parking online before you come. If you do, you will have a place to park, and you can save money because it costs less online than at the airport gate. You will find a parking guide on the airport’s website. That can help you know what parking is good for you and your travel.

Conclusion

Melbourne’s airports have what you need, whether you’re flying for work or to see more of this lively city. The main airports—Tullamarine, Avalon, and Moorabbin—have the things that make each one good in its own way. These include how close they are, the flights you can get, and the services on offer. If you know the differences between these airports, you can make your trip better.

You should also think about how you will get to and from the airport. You can use public transport or rideshare to get there with less stress. If you want any help or advice for your travel plans, just get in touch for a free chat. We want your trip to be easy from the start.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which airport in Melbourne is best for international travel?

Melbourne Airport (MEL) is the main airport for people flying overseas. The international terminal, known as T2, is made for international passengers. It helps them fly with many international airlines to places all over the world. Melbourne Airport offers the best flight options and important services for people travelling overseas.

Are there direct flights from Melbourne to other Australian cities?

Yes, you can get lots of direct domestic flights from Melbourne to cities around Australia. Melbourne Airport and Avalon Airport both have flights that go all over the country. Airlines such as Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar fly often to big places like Sydney, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast. They also fly to other smaller towns.

Can international students easily access Melbourne’s airports?

International students can reach Melbourne Airport without any trouble. The airport is close to the city centre and university areas. You can use public transport, like the SkyBus. It is not expensive. There are different ways to get to and from the international terminal. This helps students travel between their place and the airport with ease.