Compare routes and dates, understand Melbourne's two passenger airports and plan the smoothest transfer to your apartment.
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Use the three-letter airport or city code for your departure point, such as SYD, BNE, ADL or LHR. Prices and booking conditions are supplied by the travel provider.
Plan the whole arrival
Choose the airport that fits your stay
Melbourne is served by Melbourne Airport at Tullamarine and Avalon Airport. The best option depends on your airline, route, arrival time and where you are staying—not simply the fare shown first.
MEL · Tullamarine
Melbourne Airport
Melbourne Airport is the city's principal domestic and international gateway. Its terminals handle international arrivals as well as major domestic airlines, so it is the usual choice for interstate and overseas itineraries.
SkyBus connects the airport with Southern Cross Station. Taxis, rideshare services, rental cars and scheduled public buses are also available. Check the terminal shown by your airline before travelling, particularly when domestic and international sectors are on separate bookings.
Avalon Airport lies southwest of central Melbourne and may suit selected domestic routes, travellers continuing towards Geelong or the Surf Coast, or an itinerary that pairs Melbourne with the Great Ocean Road.
The Avalon City Express links the airport with Southern Cross Station and is scheduled around major flights. Because Avalon is farther from the centre, compare the full door-to-door journey—including transfer time and cost—before choosing between AVV and MEL.
Southern Cross Station is a useful arrival hub for the CBD and the eastern edge of Docklands. Southbank generally requires an onward tram, taxi, rideshare or arranged transfer.
Express coach
SkyBus
The Melbourne City Express runs between Melbourne Airport and Southern Cross Station, while Avalon's service also terminates there. Confirm the latest timetable against your flight, especially for very early or late arrivals.
Door to door
Taxi, rideshare or transfer
A door-to-door option can be practical with several bags, a group, children or an arrival outside convenient public-transport hours. Use official airport pickup zones and compare any current access charges before confirming.
Onward travel
Tram, train and bus
Once in the centre, Melbourne's tram and train network connects the CBD, Docklands and Southbank. The Free Tram Zone includes the CBD and Docklands; journeys beyond it require the correct fare.
Stay close to your plans
Match your arrival with the right Melbourne base
Choosing accommodation before you finalise transfers can simplify the first and last day of the trip.
For interstate flights, compare departure time, checked-baggage rules and the airport transfer alongside the fare. A cheaper flight can be less useful if it arrives after your preferred transfer service or creates a difficult check-in window.
If you are connecting from another Australian city, check whether your flights use the same terminal and whether baggage is transferred automatically. Separate tickets may require you to collect and recheck bags.
International arrivals
Allow for border processing and onward transport
International travellers should leave flexibility for immigration, baggage collection and biosecurity processing. Do not plan a tightly timed city activity immediately after landing.
Check current entry, transit and baggage requirements directly with your airline and the relevant government authority. If your apartment has a fixed check-in process, coordinate that separately after confirming the flight.
Before you confirm
A smarter flight comparison
Compare the fare you will actually use
Review cabin baggage, checked baggage, seat selection, change conditions and cancellation terms. Low headline fares may exclude items that matter on a longer Melbourne stay.
For flexible trips, compare nearby dates and both Melbourne airport options. For fixed events or appointments, prioritise a workable schedule and a sensible arrival buffer.
Connect the flight with the rest of the stay
After choosing a route, review things to do in Melbourne and decide whether you need car hire. Central visitors can often use trams, trains and walking, while regional extensions may make a rental car more useful.
Keep the airline booking, airport transfer and accommodation confirmation as separate records so each can be changed or checked independently.
Useful answers
Flights to Melbourne FAQs
Which airport should I choose for Melbourne?
Melbourne Airport (MEL) is the main domestic and international gateway. Avalon (AVV) serves selected routes and can suit travellers heading towards Geelong or the Surf Coast. Compare the complete flight and transfer, not only the airfare.
How do I get from Melbourne Airport to the CBD?
Options include the SkyBus Melbourne City Express to Southern Cross Station, taxi, rideshare, rental car and scheduled bus services. Check current operating times with the provider before travel.
How do I get from Melbourne Airport to Docklands?
SkyBus arrives at Southern Cross Station beside the eastern edge of Docklands. Depending on the exact accommodation, continue on foot, by tram, taxi or rideshare.
Is there a train from Melbourne Airport to the city?
Melbourne Airport's current official transport information does not list a direct airport rail service. Express coach, taxi, rideshare, car rental and public-bus connections are the practical alternatives.
Should I hire a car immediately after my flight?
Not always. A car can be useful for regional day trips or outer-suburban plans, but central CBD, Docklands and Southbank stays are well served by walking and public transport. Compare parking and rental costs before deciding.
When should I confirm accommodation?
Confirm the flight and accommodation in a coordinated way, especially around weekends and busy travel periods. Check the property's current availability and the provider's terms rather than relying on general assumptions.
