✈ Transfer Options from Melbourne Airport to the City

There are three different travel options when getting from Tullamarine Airport to the city center; you can either take a taxi, a private transfer, or an express bus. Taking a Melbourne Airport taxi or private Melbourne Airport transfer to the city center is the most convenient option, providing a door-to-door service in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle in as little as 30 minutes.

A more affordable alternative is the airport SkyBus which offers regular services to the city center in 30 to 45 minutes. After reaching Southern Cross Station in the city you would need to make your own way to your hotel.

*There currently isn’t a train from Melbourne Airport to the city center.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Melbourne at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€37	30min	24/7
SkyBus	€29.40	30min	04:00–01:00
Welcome Airport Transfer	€65	30min	24/7

How to get from Melbourne Airport to the city by taxi

If you’re looking for the easiest and most efficient way to travel to the city center, then taking a Melbourne Airport taxi is the best option for you. Taxis offer a comfortable, air-conditioned, 24/7 door-to-door service, taking just 30 minutes to reach the center. Taxis in Australia are easy to recognize, they are bright yellow with large “TAXI” rooftop signs and typically seat 4 passengers.

How much does a taxi from Melbourne Airport to the city cost?

Melbourne taxis don’t offer flat rate fees to the city center, instead, they use a taximeter which calculates the fare based on the time and distance traveled. This means that for rides between Melbourne Airport and the city, the taxi fare will depend on your exact destination. However, you can expect to pay around €35.40 (AUD 57.50), for up to 4 passengers, during the day. Please note that extra fees apply at night, during peak hours, and on public holidays (within the city and suburb metro area).

Cost

€37

Trip Duration

30 Min.

*Rates may vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport.

Where can I catch a taxi from?

Designated taxi stands are located directly outside Terminals 1 and 4, just a short walk from any of Melbourne Airport’s terminals.

Convenience

Given Melbourne Airport is Australia’s second-largest airport, it can become very busy and overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors. The convenience of taking a fast, comfortable, air-conditioned taxi is undeniable, especially after a long flight. However, unless you book your Melbourne taxi in advance at a flat rate fare, metered taxis can become quite expensive.

Editor’s Note

If you're traveling in a group of 3 or more people, a shared taxi is likely your cheapest transfer option.

Useful Tips

There is an extra fee of €2.94 (AUD 4.78) for taking a taxi from the airport which will be directly added to the final price of your trip.

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.

Taxis in Melbourne are also sometimes white or silver.

How to get from Melbourne Airport to the city center by bus

If you are traveling on a budget, the Melbourne Airport bus to the city is your best transfer option. The bus service, called SkyBus, offers a direct route between Melbourne Airport and Southern Cross Station in the city center. The bus is comfortable and takes between 30 and 45 minutes to reach Central Melbourne.

How much is the bus from Melbourne Airport to the city?

The Skybus from Melbourne Airport to the city is the cheapest way to travel, perfect for solo travelers and anyone traveling on a budget. A one-way ticket costs €14.70 (AUD 23.90) per adult. You can purchase tickets from the kiosks located near the pickup/drop-off points at the airport or online in advance.

Cost

€14.70

Trip Duration

30 Min.

The SkyBus runs every 10-15 minutes.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The bus is available daily between 04:00 and 01:00.

Where do I get the bus 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 traveling 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 center, you will have to find another form of transportation to get from the bus station to your final destination.

Timetables

SkyBus Information

SkyBus Melbourne Airport

Timetable

Melbourne Airport - Southern Cross Station

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

If you plan on returning to the airport within three months, it is more economical to purchase a return ticket for €24.60 (AUD 40).

Discounts are available for the 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 it takes much longer to reach the center. A one-way ticket costs $4 AUD, however, the bus only departs from Terminal 4 and has limited operating hours.

Getting from Melbourne Airport to the city by private transfer

Choosing a Melbourne Airport transfer for your transportation is the most convenient way to travel when visiting this vibrant city. Private transfer companies like Welcome offer 24/7 door-to-door services in the privacy of your own vehicle, for a competitive fixed rate price.

Some of the extra perks you’ll enjoy include:

Guaranteed on-time pickups
Trained English-speaking drivers
24/7 customer support
Flight monitoring
Flexible cancellation

Designed with travelers in mind, you’ll also receive a mini tour of the city on the way to your accommodation to help you get your bearings.

How much is a private transfer from Melbourne Airport to the city?

One of the benefits of booking a Melbourne Airport transfer is receiving a fixed fare price ahead of time that you can settle up before you travel. Unlike local airport taxis, the price won’t be affected by the time of day or getting stuck in traffic, and there are no hidden charges.

For a private transfer from Melbourne Airport to the city, the cost will be €65 (AUD 105.50) for 3 passengers with standard luggage, whereas if you need a larger more spacious option, you can opt for a 5-seater SUV which costs €90 (AUD 146). Otherwise, our minivans can seat up to 8 passengers and cost €120 (AUD 194.80).

Rides can be booked in less than a minute through the Welcome Pickups website or their handy easy-to-use app. You simply need to enter your details and flight information, along with the time and date you wish to be picked up.

Cost

€65

Trip Duration

30 Min.

*When booked in advance a vehicle will be waiting on arrival.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Private transfers are available at any time of day from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport.

Where will my private transfer depart from?

Welcome’s fully-trained drivers will meet you at the arrivals gate, outside the baggage claim area, holding a sign with your name on it. They will then help you with your luggage and answer any questions you may have whilst sharing local knowledge on the best things to do and see when visiting Melbourne.

Convenience

Both taxis and private transfers offer a convenient and direct mode of transport to your hotel, which is ideal for families or those traveling with luggage. However, private transfers provide added flexibility, allowing you to customize your journey to include extras such as baby seats, wheelchair-accessible vehicles, and taxis for any group size. Furthermore, drivers are highly trained and know the city well, ensuring a safe and seamless ride.

Editor’s Note

We suggest selecting a pickup time at least 30 minutes after your flight’s scheduled arrival time to ensure you have enough time to pass through Immigration and collect any luggage.

Useful Tips

You will not be expected to tip your driver, although you are welcome to show your appreciation for good service. You can opt to leave a tip through the app.

Your driver will receive live status updates on any changes to your scheduled arrival so that they can adjust the pickup time accordingly.

You will be emailed your driver's details the day before you travel, including their name, number and photo.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Melbourne. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from Melbourne Airport into the city?

There are three ways to get from the airport; you can either take a taxi, private transfer, or a bus. If you choose to take a taxi your transfer will take 30 minutes to downtown Melbourne or if you prefer to take the cheaper bus option, you should allow for up to 45 minutes to reach the city center.

How much is a taxi from Melbourne Airport to the city center?

Taxis are metered in Melbourne, meaning they calculate their prices based on the time and distance traveled. However, a taxi from Melbourne Airport to the city should cost around €35.40 (AUD 57.50), under normal traffic conditions. If you wish to travel at a fixed price you can always book a private taxi in advance.

How long is the SkyBus from Melbourne Airport to the city?

If you’re traveling from Melbourne Airport to the city by bus, you should allow between 30 and 45 minutes on the SkyBus to reach Southern Cross Station, depending on traffic.

Is Melbourne Airport close to the city?

From Melbourne Airport to the city the distance is 23 km, making it the closest airport to the city center, taking only 30 minutes. On the other hand, Melbourne Avalon Airport is a good 50 minutes away.

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How to get from Melbourne Airport to the city by taxi

How much does a taxi from Melbourne Airport to the city cost?

Cost

€37

Trip Duration

30 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport.

Where can I catch a taxi from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Melbourne Airport to the city center by bus

How much is the bus from Melbourne Airport to the city?

Cost

€14.70

Trip Duration

30 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The bus is available daily between 04:00 and 01:00.

Where do I get the bus from?

Convenience

Timetables

SkyBus Information

SkyBus Melbourne Airport

Timetable

Melbourne Airport - Southern Cross Station

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Getting from Melbourne Airport to the city by private transfer

How much is a private transfer from Melbourne Airport to the city?

Cost

€65

Trip Duration

30 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Private transfers are available at any time of day from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport.

Where will my private transfer depart from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Welcome Pickups transfer

Best drivers

Flight monitoring

Quality support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from Melbourne Airport into the city?

How much is a taxi from Melbourne Airport to the city center?

How long is the SkyBus from Melbourne Airport to the city?

Is Melbourne Airport close to the city?

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