Where Is Melbourne Airport?

Melbourne Airport (MEL), also known as Tullamarine Airport, is in Tullamarine, about 25 km northwest of Melbourne CBD in Victoria, Australia. It is Melbourne’s main international airport and also handles domestic flights.

The airport is well connected to Melbourne CBD by major roads, buses, taxis, rideshare services, and private transfers. For most travelers arriving in Melbourne, understanding where the airport is located can make it easier to choose accommodation, plan transportation, and estimate travel time.

Melbourne Airport location and address

Melbourne Airport is located at Arrival Drive, Melbourne Airport VIC 3045, approximately 25 km northwest of Melbourne CBD.

Travel time between Melbourne Airport and the CBD varies with traffic. The drive can take less than 25 minutes in light traffic, but allowing extra time is sensible during busy periods or when roadworks affect airport access.

Melbourne Airport is different from Avalon Airport

Melbourne Airport (MEL) and Avalon Airport (AVV) are different airports serving the Melbourne region. If your booking shows MEL, your flight uses Melbourne Airport in Tullamarine.

Melbourne Airport (MEL) is the primary airport for Melbourne and handles a large range of international and domestic flights. It has four terminals:

Terminal 1: Qantas domestic flights
Terminal 2: International flights
Terminal 3: Virgin Australia domestic flights
Terminal 4: Jetstar, Rex, Virgin Australia and Link Airways domestic flights

Avalon Airport, meanwhile, is located much farther southwest of Melbourne, near Geelong. If your flight confirmation says MEL, you are flying through Melbourne Airport in Tullamarine.

Getting from Melbourne Airport to the city

Travelers can reach Melbourne CBD from the airport by SkyBus, taxi, rideshare, rental car or private transfer. Melbourne Airport does not currently have a direct rail connection to the city centre.

SkyBus is one of the most convenient choices for visitors heading directly to the city centre. SkyBus runs a regular express service between Melbourne Airport and Melbourne City Centre every 10 minutes, 24/7.

Other transport options include:

Taxi: Taxi ranks are situated near the terminal areas, and usually, a 30-minute drive is needed to get into Melbourne CBD.
Rideshare: Rideshare is provided at the airport with pickup/drop-off dedicated areas for the service.
Rental car: Many big car rental agencies also operate at the airport.
Private transfer: This can be convenient for families, groups or travelers carrying a large amount of luggage.
Regional buses: Services link the airport to places that are further away than the CBD.

The Tullamarine Freeway provides a direct road connection

If you are driving from Melbourne CBD, the Tullamarine Freeway (M2) provides the main road connection to Melbourne Airport. The airport advises that the journey can take less than 25 minutes by car depending on traffic.

Keep in mind that using the Tullamarine Freeway may involve CityLink tolls. Travelers who want to avoid these tolls can consider alternative routes such as the Western Ring Road.

Plan your Melbourne arrival in advance

Knowing where Melbourne Airport is gives you a better starting point for planning your Melbourne trip. Located about 25 km northwest of the CBD, Melbourne Airport is close enough for a relatively straightforward transfer but far enough that traffic and transportation choices should be considered when planning your itinerary.

Before traveling to Melbourne, check the visa and entry requirements that apply to your trip. If you need help preparing an Australian visa application, Australia Immigration Services provides independent visa application support.

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