Melbourne Airports Travel Guide

Key Highlights

• There are four main airports that serve Melbourne. The biggest one for both international and domestic flights is Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL).

• Avalon Airport (AVV) is another busy airport. This one is used mostly for budget domestic flights.

• Tullamarine Airport has four terminals. Each one handles different airlines and types of flights, like international, regular, or budget flights.

• At Melbourne Airport, you can find many places to shop and eat. There are well-known luxury brands and local cafes here.

• Getting between the airport and Melbourne city is simple. You can choose from airport shuttles, rideshares, or car rentals to get where you need to go.

• Essendon and Moorabbin airports are used mainly for general aviation and flights to other small towns or regions.

Introduction

Welcome to your must-read guide on getting around the airports in Melbourne! It does not matter if you come here on a long flight or if you just take a short trip in the country. Knowing your airport choices is a good start for any trip. The main entrance is Melbourne Airport (MEL). It is a busy international airport and helps travelers come in and out of this lively place. This guide will show you all you need to know when you come to or leave from Melbourne city. The aim is to help make all your travel easy and without worry.

Overview of Melbourne Airports

When you fly to Melbourne, you will find a few airports to pick from. Each airport in the city serves a special need. The main one is Melbourne Airport, also called Tullamarine Airport. This is where most international and domestic flights land and take off.

For other kinds of trips, Melbourne has more to offer. Avalon Airport is a good choice if you want to save money on domestic flights. Essendon Airport and Moorabbin Airport mostly deal with business, local, and general aviation flights. These major airports help make Melbourne a great place for people to fly in and out of easily.

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)

If you fly into Melbourne from another country, you will land at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL). This is the main international airport in the city. It is a major hub for travelers from all over the world, with over 10 million international passengers each year. The place is so big it has its own postal code.

This airport is the best choice if you want to use international flights. It hosts many global airlines and connects Melbourne to places all over the world. The international terminal is set up to help people arriving from or leaving for other countries.

Tullamarine Airport is not only for international flights. It is also important for domestic travel. The route between Melbourne and Sydney gets more air traffic than most places, showing how big a part this airport plays in moving people between cities in Australia. There are four different terminals that make switching between domestic and international flights simple.

Avalon Airport (AVV)

Yes, if you want a smaller airport for domestic flights, Avalon Airport (AVV) is a good choice. It is between Melbourne and Geelong. The airport has become a main place for people who want to save money when flying inside Australia. It is much smaller and easier to get around than the busy Tullamarine Airport.

In the past, Avalon Airport was a big place for budget airlines like Tiger Airways Australia. This helped make the airport known for cheap flying. Now, the airport still offers a lot of low-cost domestic flights. If you need to travel inside Australia and don’t want the crowds at a big international airport, it’s a smart choice.

The airport is one of the major airports near Melbourne, but it almost always works with domestic flights only. This makes travel easy and fast here. If you plan to land near Geelong or just want your trip inside Australia to be less stressful, Avalon Airport can be a great way to go.

Essendon Fields Airport (MEB)

Another one of Melbourne’s smaller airports is Essendon Fields Airport (MEB). It is not a hub for big airlines, but it is very important in the city’s world of flying. This airport mostly handles corporate jets, charter planes, and some regional domestic flights.

The airport is a center for general aviation. It serves private pilots and many businesses. You will not see big jets from international airlines here. Instead, you will find many smaller planes and special air services. This includes air ambulances and planes carrying freight.

If you use private charters or need to fly to certain regional places in Australia, Essendon Fields Airport is easy to use and there are not many crowds. Because it is so close to the city center, this airport is a good choice for business travel and for general aviation flights.

Moorabbin Airport (MBW)

Moorabbin Airport (MBW) is another key part of Melbourne’s airport group. But it is not the same as Melbourne Airport. Moorabbin Airport does a different job compared to the main airport. It is one of the busiest airports in the Southern Hemisphere for general aviation. People do not go to Moorabbin Airport to book commercial flights.

The main job for Moorabbin Airport is flight training. Many pilots in Australia start to fly at Moorabbin Airport. They learn at the many schools based at this airport. You can see a lot of light aircraft, helicopters, and many types of general aviation in this area.

Most people will not go through Moorabbin Airport when they visit Melbourne. Still, this airport is very important to Australia’s aviation field. It is needed for pilot training and aircraft repairs. It helps show how many different kinds of airports, like melbourne airport, are part of how the city of Melbourne runs.

Comparing Melbourne’s Major Airports

Picking the best airport in Melbourne comes down to your travel needs. You have a few choices. The big ones are Tullamarine Airport, Avalon Airport, Essendon Airport, and Moorabbin Airport. All of them are a bit different. What you pick will depend on if you want to fly outside or inside the country, how much money you want to spend, and where you need to end up.

To help, let’s talk about the main things that set these airports apart. The two main commercial ones are Tullamarine Airport and Avalon Airport. We’ll look at where each is, what kind of flights there are, and the services that both of them offer.

Location and Distance from City Center

One of the biggest factors in choosing an airport is its proximity to the Melbourne city centre. Tullamarine Airport is significantly closer to the Melbourne CBD, making it the more convenient option for most visitors heading into the heart of the city. Travel time is generally under an hour, depending on traffic.

Avalon Airport, on the other hand, is located much farther out, about 56 kilometers from the city. While shuttle services connect it to Southern Cross Station, the journey is longer and can be less convenient if your destination is in central Melbourne. However, its location is ideal if you’re heading to Geelong or the Great Ocean Road.

Getting from the airport to the city is straightforward from either location, with shuttles, rideshares, and car rentals available. Here is a quick comparison of the distance from the city.

Airport	Approx. Distance to Melbourne CBD	Approx. Travel Time by Car
Melbourne (Tullamarine)	23 km (14 miles)	25-45 minutes
Avalon Airport	56 km (35 miles)	50-70 minutes

Types of Flights and Services

The type of flight you are on will help you pick the right airport. Tullamarine Airport (MEL) is where you can fly to most places. The airport has a lot of international flights and also many domestic flights. If you want to fly overseas, Tullamarine is the only airport you can use in the city.

Avalon Airport (AVV) deals with domestic flights. This airport is popular with budget airlines. Domestic passengers go with Avalon if they want to fly cheap to spots like Sydney or the Gold Coast. Avalon does not have direct flights to other countries.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Melbourne Tullamarine (MEL): This is the main airport for all international flights. It is a major hub for both full-service and budget airlines when you need domestic flights.

• Avalon Airport (AVV): This airport is more for local, low-cost domestic flights.

• Essendon (MEB) & Moorabbin (MBW): These airports are used for general aviation. They are for private or corporate travel, not for regular flights with many passengers.

International vs Domestic Facilities

The facilities in an international terminal are more detailed than the ones in a domestic terminal. At Melbourne Tullamarine’s international terminal (T2), people who arrive must go through immigration and customs. You will need to show your passport and say if you are bringing any goods. This step is a normal and important part for everyone who arrives from other countries.

After you finish with immigration, you go to the baggage claim area to get your bags. Next, you will go through the last checks for customs and biosecurity. Here, you need to tell if you have anything you are bringing to the country. This process is set up to be quick, but you should give yourself some extra time.

When you arrive at a domestic terminal, things are easier. Passengers on domestic flights can get off the plane and walk straight to baggage claim. You do not need to deal with immigration or customs. This makes traveling inside Australia with domestic flights very simple and fast.

Terminals and Facilities at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport

It can look hard to find your way around a big international airport like Melbourne Airport. But when you get inside, you will see that the layout is easy to follow. This airport has four terminals. All of these are under one roof, so you do not have far to go if you need to switch from one to another.

If you are taking domestic flights, you will use Terminal 1, Terminal 3, or Terminal 4. If you need the international terminal, you will go to Terminal 2. It helps a lot to know which airline leaves from each one. This will make your check-in faster and your trip better. Now let us look at what each terminal has for you.

Terminal 1 – Domestic Flights

Terminal 1 at Melbourne Airport is where you go for Qantas domestic flights. If you want to fly with Qantas to another city in Australia, you will check in, drop your bags, and board your plane at this terminal. The place is set up for easy domestic flights, so you will find many check-in kiosks and places to drop off bags.

After you go through security, there are many things to do and places to eat while you wait for your flight. You can grab a quick snack or sit down for a meal, and there are shops to visit as well. When you land, baggage claim is on the ground floor. This allows you to pick up your bags and go out fast.

Melbourne Airport works hard to keep security high in every terminal. This is to keep all travelers safe and to stop any security breach. If you want to use public transport, the SkyBus and several other bus services are outside the arrivals hall. These options help you get into the city and to other places quickly after your domestic flights.

Terminal 2 – International Flights

Terminal 2 is where all international flights in and out of Melbourne and Victoria take place. You will go through this terminal if you fly with big airlines like Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, or United Airlines.

This terminal is the main spot for all trips outside Australia. It has a lot of things to help travelers from around the world. After you check in, you will go through customs and get checked by security. Then, you walk into a big area that has duty-free shops, places to eat, and many airline lounges. If you want to use international flights to or from Melbourne, this airport terminal is a good choice.

When you land here, the first thing you do is go through immigration. After that, you find your bags, then go past customs, and at the end, walk out into the main arrivals area. Terminal 2 is always active, showing why it is one of the busiest and most important terminals in Australia for international flights.

Terminal 3 – Virgin Australia and Regional

Terminal 3 is where you will find Virgin Australia. If you want to fly within the country with this airline, your trip will start and end at T3. The terminal is made to make flying easy for people taking Virgin Australia. It even helps with small country flights, so you can get from Melbourne to smaller places.

The Virgin Australia Lounge in Terminal 3 is different. It is placed before security, so your friends can join you even if they are not flying. There are plenty of places in the terminal to get food, shop, or pick up something you need just before your flight.

The airport depends on air traffic control to keep things running smooth. They manage many flights each week. With their help, planes can take off and land in a safe way from all the terminals. Terminal 3 is also an important part of this big and busy airport system.

Terminal 4 – Budget Airlines and Jetstar

If you are flying with a budget airline inside Australia, you will most likely use Terminal 4. The terminal is mainly for cheaper airlines, such as Jetstar. It used to be where Tigerair Australia was based. The terminal has a history with budget carriers and in the past, Virgin Blue also operated from there.

Terminal 4 aims to be fast and does not cost too much to run. This focus helps keep ticket prices low for domestic flights. There are self-service check-in machines and places where you can drop your own bag. These features help speed up the process. It might look more simple than other terminals, but you will find all you need before you get on your flight.

Even though Terminal 4 takes care of domestic flights, picking a flight from this terminal could still affect your overseas travel. For example, you could land at T4 on a budget airline coming from another part of Australia. Then, you may need to move over to T2 for an international flight. Because of this, Terminal 4 is an important part of the travel network.

Shopping and Dining Options at Melbourne Tullamarine

Melbourne Airport gives you a lot of shopping and eating choices. This means you can have fun or grab something to eat before you get on your flight. If you need to pick up gifts, want nice things, or just want good food, you will find many options in all four terminals at melbourne airport.

There are high-end shops, big food courts, and places to sit and have coffee. Many of the cafes show off local brands, too. After the new work in Terminal 2, there is now a new area for luxury shopping. Now, melbourne airport is a good spot to shop even if you are not flying.

Duty-Free and Retail Stores

Yes, shopping at Melbourne’s international airport is very good. There are a lot of duty-free and retail stores. You will find the biggest duty-free shopping in Terminal 2, the international terminal. At Melbourne Duty Free by Dufry, you can get liquor, fragrances, cosmetics, and electronics with no tax.

The international terminal at this airport is a great place for luxury shopping too. The new T2 luxury area has many top fashion brands. You can see the newest collections from some of the biggest names in fashion. It’s a good place to shop before you fly.

Some stores you can visit are:

• Luxury Brands: Shop famous brands like Burberry, Tiffany & Co., Salvatore Ferragamo, and Emporio Armani.

• Travel Essentials: Buy things for your trip at Carry On, Kathmandu, and Rolling Luggage.

• Gifts and Souvenirs: Get gifts with an Australian touch at Australian Way or The Melbourne Store.

Food Courts, Cafes, and Restaurants

Melbourne Airport has lots of places to eat, so you can find something that fits your taste or how much money you want to spend. There are busy food courts where you can pick up something fast. There are quiet cafes where you can sit down for a cup of coffee. You can also find restaurants where you can sit for a while and have a nice meal. Many of these places give you a taste of the famous food in Melbourne.

In Terminal 2, you can try Spanish tapas at Bar Pulpo by MoVida. You can also pick up a nice lunchbox at Cafe Vue. If you go to Terminal 4, you can eat at Brunetti, an Italian restaurant that is well-known for its pizza, pasta, and amazing cakes. Every terminal has its own style of food. So, you can always get something tasty, no matter where you are in Melbourne Airport.

If you want a small snack, you can stop at Muffin Break. They also serve fresh juice. If you want to sit down for dinner and have a glass of wine, head over to Little Ludlow. There are lots of cafes and restaurants here. You will find good food any time, before or after your flight.

Specialty Shops and Local Brands

Melbourne Airport has more than just big international stores. You will also find a great mix of specialty shops and local brands. These shops give you one last time to buy something from Australia before you leave. You can pick up local fashion and special souvenirs that are hard to get anywhere else.

Shops like Melbourne & Beyond and Out of Australia are good if you want gifts or keepsakes that show off local culture. If you want clothes, look for Australian brands like Country Road, Sportsgirl, and Witchery. They offer clothes and things to wear with a true Aussie feel.

The focus on specialty shopping and local brands adds something extra to shopping at melbourne airport. It lets you try Australian items even as you get ready to leave. This can make your trip out of Melbourne a bit more fun.

Transport and Access to Melbourne Airports

Getting to and from Melbourne’s airports is easy because there are many ways to travel. You can use shuttle buses for comfort and speed. If you like more control, you can rent a car. Public transport is a good choice if you want something that does not cost much. This way, you can pick what works best for you and your money.

The main roads link Tullamarine and Avalon airports to the city center and other important spots. There are shuttle buses, taxis, rideshares, and public buses. These choices make it simple to start or end your trip.

Airport Shuttle and Bus Services

One of the best ways to get from Melbourne Airport to the city is to use an airport shuttle. The SkyBus is the main service people use. It gives you fast and direct rides between Tullamarine Airport and Southern Cross Station in the middle of Melbourne. The shuttle buses run all day and night, so you can use them any time your flight comes in.

You can find the same kind of shuttle service from Avalon Airport. These buses take people to both Melbourne’s CBD and to Geelong. The shuttle buses cost less than a taxi and are made just for airport travel. There is plenty of space for your bags, too.

Key benefits of using airport shuttle buses include:

• Direct Routes: They take you right to big transport spots, like Southern Cross Station.

• Frequency: The shuttle buses run often. You do not have to wait long at any time of day or night.

• Convenience: You may buy your tickets ahead of your trip online. You can also get tickets when you arrive at the airport.

Taxis, Rideshares, and Car Rentals

For the best direct access and easy way to get to your destination, you can use taxis, rideshares, or car rentals. Taxi ranks are right outside the terminals at both Tullamarine and Avalon airports. This makes it simple to get to your hotel or meeting from there.

Rideshare services like Uber also pick up at special zones in the airports. You can use an app on your phone and get a ride in just a few minutes after getting your baggage claim. Many people find this a good and comfortable choice compared to regular taxis.

If you want to drive yourself, all big car rental companies have desks in the airports. Renting a car helps you go around Melbourne and nearby places in your own way and your own time. The rental car desks are close to the baggage claim, so moving from your flight to your car is quick and easy.

Public Transport Connections – Trains and Buses

There is not a train station at Tullamarine Airport right now. But you can still use the city’s public transport. Buses go from the airport to different suburbs and train stations. From there, you can travel into the Melbourne CBD and the central business district.

The public buses are the cheapest way to go, but they may take more time and are not as fast as airport shuttles. You will need a Myki card to get on these buses. It is the card you use for public transport in Melbourne.

This way is good for people who want to save some money or for those heading to places outside the Melbourne CBD that are easy to reach by bus. You will need to plan a little more, but this lets you move around the city using public transport.

Airport Parking Options and Rates

If you want to drive to Melbourne Airport, there are many parking choices for you. These options fit different needs and prices. It does not matter if your trip is quick or if you will be gone for a while, you can find something that works for you. Prices change based on how close you want to park to the terminal and how long you need to stay.

It is a good idea to book your parking spot online before you go. This step can help you save a lot of money compared to paying when you get there. The official Melbourne Airport website shows live spaces and prices, so you can secure your spot ahead of time.

Here are some main parking options:

• Terminal Parking: This is the closest and is just a few steps from the terminals. It works well for short trips.

• Long-Term Parking: This choice costs less if you plan to stay away longer. Free shuttle buses are there to bring you to the terminals.

• Valet Parking: This is the most easy and high-end option. You get to drop off your car right at the terminal door.

This makes it simple for you to make the best choice for your own trip in and out of Melbourne Airport. If you use the shuttle buses, getting to the terminal from long-term parking is quick and simple. For the best prices and ease, remember to book early and check your options on the airport’s website.

Conclusion

So, to sum up, getting around Melbourne’s airports is important if you want your trip to go well. There are a few airports to pick from, and each one has its own services. If you know what each airport gives you, it will be easier to pick the right one for your trip. You can shop and eat at Tullamarine. You can check out Avalon or go to Essendon Fields for something different. There really is something for everyone.

Don’t forget to think about how you will get there and what you’ll pay for parking. This helps you travel with no stress. No matter if you fly around the country or to another country, it helps to know what to expect. Now you just need to pack your things and get ready to enjoy some time in Melbourne!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Melbourne airport is best for international travel?

If you plan to fly overseas, the only international airport you can use in Melbourne is Tullamarine Airport (MEL). This is where all international flights come and go. The airport has customs and immigration services that every international passenger will need.

How do I get from Melbourne Airport to the city center?

The easiest way to travel from Melbourne Airport to the city centre is by using the SkyBus shuttle. The SkyBus goes straight to Southern Cross Station. You can also choose other ways. Taxis, rideshares, or renting a car are open to you. Another way is to take a local bus from the airport. This connects you to public transport.

Are there smaller airports in Melbourne for domestic flights?

Yes, there are some smaller airports. Avalon Airport (AVV) is a major hub for people who want cheap domestic flights. Essendon Airport (MEB) takes care of a few regional and company flights. Moorabbin Airport (MBW) is more for general aviation and flight training. It is not really used for normal commercial trips.