How to get from Melbourne Airport to the City Centre
Melbourne, the cultural hub of Australia and home to many of the country’s best-known landmarks, such as the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the National Gallery of Victoria and the World Heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building. It has also been declared one of the most liveable cities in the world many times around, thanks to it’s beautiful environment, wonderful food, amazing music scene and young population.
There are 2 different travel options when getting from Tullamarine airport to the city centre; you can either take a taxi or a public bus. Taking a Melbourne airport taxi to the city centre is the most convenient option, providing a door-to-door service in the comfort of a private air-conditioned vehicle. The other cheaper but longer option would be to take a bus; there are two different buses to choose from, you can either take a public bus or the airport SkyBus.
Comparison of the options
| OPTION | PRICE | DURATION | AVAILABILITY | |
|---|
| Taxi | €37 | 30min | 24/7 | |
| Bus | €24 | 45min | 24/7 | |
How to get from Melbourne airport to the city centre by taxi
If you are looking for the easiest and most efficient way to travel to the city centre, then taking a Melbourne airport taxi is definitely the best option for you. Taxis offer a comfortable, air-conditioned, 24/7 door-to-door service, taking only 30 minutes to reach the centre. Taxis in Australia are easy to recognise as they are bright yellow and have large TAXI rooftop signs.
Taxi fare from Melbourne airport to the city centre
Taxis from Melbourne Tullamarine airport don't offer flat rate fees to the city centre, instead, they use a taximeter based on the distance and time travelled. This means that your final price will depend on your exact location within the city, however, it should cost around €37 ($60 AUD). Please note that extra fees may apply during peak hours or on public holidays (within the city and suburb metro area).
Taxi prices
Day time
(05:00–24:00)
Night time
(00:00–05:00)
Duration
FROM MEL TO THE CITY CENTRE
€
€
30 min
FROM MEL TO HOTELS IN THE CITY
€
€
30 min
FROM MEL TO FEDERATION SQUARE
€
€
40 min
FROM MEL TO AVALON AIRPORT
€
€
60 min
FROM MEL TO ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS
€
€
35 min
FROM MEL TO MELBOURNE ZOO
€
€
23 min
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Convenience
As Melbourne airport is the second largest in Australia, it can get very busy and overwhelming. The convenience of taking a fast, comfortable, air-conditioned taxi is undeniable, especially after a long flight. However, as taxis are metered the price can get quite expensive, unless you book your Melbourne taxi in advance at a flat rate fare.
Editor’s Note
It is important to know that there is an extra fee when hailing a taxi outside of the airport's official taxi rank. The fee costs $3.65 AUD and will be directly added to the final price of your trip.
Useful Tips
Make sure that the taximeter is reset and running before you begin your journey.
Taxis in Melbourne accept bank card payments as well as cash payments.
Various taxi sizes are available at the airport, however you might have to wait a while if you wish to travel in a special vehicle. How to get from Melbourne airport to the city centre by bus
If you are travelling on a budget, your best transfer option would be to take the bus. The preferred bus service is the SkyBus at Melbourne airport, which is direct to the city from the airport. It is a very comfortable vehicle and it runs from Terminal 1, 3 and 4 straight into the city centre 24/7. The approximate travel time on the Melbourne airport bus is between 30 to 45 minutes, terminating at the Southern Cross Station in Central Melbourne.
How much is a bus ticket from Melbourne airport to the city centre?
Taking the SkyBus is definitely the cheapest option and a great transfer method for those travelling on a tight budget, with a one-way ticket costing €12 ($19 AUD). You can purchase tickets from the booths located near the pickup/drop off points at the airport or train station or you can purchase them online in advance.
Cost
€12
Trip Duration
45 Min.
There is a waiting time of up to 10 minutes for the SkyBus.
The bus runs every 10 minutes from the airport and is available 24/7.
Where do I get it from?
The SkyBus departs outside the airport's arrival area at terminals 1, 3 and 4. You can also follow the bus and taxi signs marked around the airport until you see the red SkyBus stand.
Convenience
The SkyBus is a great option for those travelling on a budget as it is the cheapest transfer option. Moreover, the SkyBus operates 24/7 and runs frequently. However, when you arrive at the city centre, you will have to find another form of transportation to get from the bus station to your final destination.
Editor’s Note
If you are staying in the CBD area, a free SkyBus Shuttle is available from Southern Cross Station to different hotels in downtown Melbourne, as part of the SkyBus service package.
Useful Tips
Discounts are available for the airport SkyBus if you purchase your tickets online.
The SkyBus offers free WiFi onboard.
A cheaper transfer option is available if you wish to take the local bus service, but takes much longer to get into the centre. A one-way ticket costs $4 AUD, however, the bus only departs from Terminal 4 and has limited operating hours. 
