Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)

Terminal 1 (T1) — Qantas Domestic

Terminal 1 is dedicated to Qantas domestic and regional services. Check-in and bag drop are on the first floor, with a wide Qantas domestic lounge precinct airside offering some of the best domestic lounge facilities in Australia. The terminal is physically connected to T2 and T3 within the same building complex, with a short internal walk between them.

Qantas sold its T1 terminal to Melbourne Airport for $355 million in 2019, after which APAC took on management. The terminal underwent an upgrade to CTX (computed tomography) security scanning in 2024, bringing it in line with the newer systems at T3 and T4 — passengers no longer need to remove laptops and liquids from bags at T1 security.

Lounges in T1:

• Qantas Club (T1 domestic): After security, spacious lounge with all-day dining, barista coffee, showers, 350-seat capacity. Open daily 04:45–00:00.
• Qantas Business Lounge (T1 domestic): Flagship premium lounge for Business class and high-tier Qantas frequent flyers. Retro marble/wood design, floor-to-ceiling apron views, dining, showers. Open daily 04:45–00:00.
• Little Lygon café (T1): Priority Pass members can receive a $36 credit here as a lounge alternative.

Terminal 2 (T2) — International

Terminal 2 is Melbourne Airport's sole international terminal, handling all international arrivals and departures. Check-in is on the first floor (Level 1). The departures hall connects to a large duty-free precinct and the international gate areas. International arrivals on the ground floor include customs, biosecurity, and baggage claim. T2 is connected to T1 and T3 within the same building.

T2 is currently undergoing expansion planning — a major international terminal extension into the current forecourt is planned once the Naarm Way road project is completed (expected late 2026), delivering more gates, aircraft stands, check-in capacity, and a larger baggage reclaim hall.

Key airlines in T2 include: Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qantas international, Cathay Pacific, Turkish Airlines, Air New Zealand, Etihad, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Thai Airways, Garuda Indonesia, Scoot, AirAsia X, Vietnam Airlines, China Eastern, Air India, British Airways, United Airlines, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, and many more.

Lounges in T2 (all airside, after security):

• Qantas International Business Lounge (T2): oneworld flagship lounge; retro mechanical departure board, marble/wood, reclining armchairs. Access for Qantas/oneworld Business and elite passengers.
• Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge (T2, Level 1): Star Alliance lounge; accessible to SQ Business/First, Star Alliance Gold members on qualifying flights. Hours aligned with SQ departures.
• Air New Zealand Lounge (T2, ground floor after security): Star Alliance; accessible to NZ Business/elite and Star Alliance Gold on qualifying flights.
• Plaza Premium Lounge (T2, near Gate 9): Open access; Priority Pass, DragonPass, Amex Platinum, or walk-in (~AUD $65–90). Food, bar, Wi-Fi, showers.
• The House by Aspire (T2): Open access; Priority Pass, DragonPass, or walk-in. Food, beverages, Wi-Fi.
• Marhaba Lounge (T2): Open access; Priority Pass, DragonPass, or walk-in. Comfortable seating, food, beverages, Wi-Fi.
• American Express Centurion Lounge (T2, between Gates 9–11, Level 3): For Amex Platinum and Centurion cardholders.

Terminal 3 (T3) — Virgin Australia Domestic

Terminal 3 is the home of Virgin Australia domestic services. Check-in is on the first floor. T3 is physically connected to T1 and T2. A major refurbishment project costing $81 million commenced in late 2023 to double the size of the baggage claim and arrivals hall, with completion expected in 2025. The terminal's passenger experience reflects Virgin Australia's repositioning as a full-service carrier post-restructure.

Lounges in T3:

• Virgin Australia Lounge (T3): Situated after security on the mezzanine level. Access for Virgin Australia Business, Velocity Gold/Platinum, and Amex Platinum cardholders. Food, drinks, Wi-Fi.
• Stomping Ground Brewery / Biggie Smalls (T3): Priority Pass members receive $36 credit here as lounge alternative.

Terminal 4 (T4) — Budget Domestic

Terminal 4 opened in August 2015, covers 35,000 m², and is the home of Jetstar, Rex Airlines, and Link Airways for domestic services. It is linked to the main T1/T2/T3 complex via a covered walkway (3–5 minute walk). T4 has a food court, shops, and lounge on the first floor, with check-in and baggage claim on the ground floor. A dedicated T4 Transport Hub provides access to taxis, rideshare, SkyBus, and long-distance buses.

Lounges in T4:

• Rex Lounge (T4, after security, ground floor): Access for Rex Business/Flex fare passengers, Rex Lounge members, or Priority Pass (AUD $33 walk-in). Open Mon–Fri 06:00–19:00, Sat 06:00–12:00, Sun 10:00–19:00.

Getting to and from Melbourne Airport

Melbourne Airport is located 23 km northwest of the CBD via the Tullamarine Freeway (CityLink). As of 2025, there is no direct rail link — the Melbourne Airport Rail Link is in planning and expected in the early 2030s. The primary options are SkyBus express coach, public bus plus train, taxi, rideshare, and private car.

SkyBus (Express Coach) — Recommended Option

SkyBus Melbourne City Express is the fastest, most direct public transport link between the airport and the CBD. Double-decker coaches run between all airport terminals and Southern Cross Station (edge of the CBD), with luggage racks, free Wi-Fi, and air conditioning.

• Journey time: 30–45 minutes to Southern Cross Station, depending on traffic
• Frequency: Every 10 minutes at peak times; every 15–30 minutes overnight (4:00 AM – 1:00 AM "turn up and go"; reduced frequency 1:00 AM – 4:00 AM)
• Fare (adult, 2025): AUD $24.60 one-way (~€14.30), AUD $41.20 return (~€24); pre-purchasing online gives AUD $20.85 each way on return tickets (~€12.10)
• Child fares: Available for ages 4–16
• Stops: Kerbside at T1, T3 & T4; follow red SkyBus signage outside arrivals
• Other SkyBus routes: Peninsula Express (to St Kilda/Frankston), Eastern Express (to Box Hill/Doncaster), Sunshine Express (western suburbs)
• From Southern Cross Station, trams and trains connect to the entire Melbourne network.

Public Bus + Train (Budget Option)

The cheapest option uses PTV (Public Transport Victoria) buses from the T4 Ground Transport Hub to Broadmeadows Station, then the Craigieburn train line to the CBD (Southern Cross or Melbourne Central).

• Total journey time: 60–75 minutes (bus 20–30 min + train 30–40 min)
• Fare: AUD ~$4.60–5.50 for a 2-hour Myki fare (zones 1+2)
• Requirements: Myki card required — cash not accepted. Buy a Myki card at SkyBus kiosks at the airport (Myki Explorer card AUD $15 includes AUD $9 credit + tourist discounts)
• Note: Not recommended for late-night arrivals or heavy luggage

Taxi

Metered taxis are available 24/7 at designated ranks outside T1, T2, and in the T4 Ground Transport Hub. Do not accept offers from drivers outside official ranks.

• To Melbourne CBD: approximately AUD $65–75 (~€38–44), 25–40 minutes
• Airport access fee: AUD $4.78 per trip added to meter for airport pickups
• Night rates (9:00 PM – 5:00 AM) are higher
• Silver Top Taxis and 13CABS are the main operators; pre-booking available

Rideshare (Uber, Ola, DiDi, GoCatch)

Rideshare is very popular and often cheaper than taxis. A surcharge of AUD $4.48 per trip applies at the airport (charged by the airport and often passed to the passenger).

• Pickup zones: T1/T2/T3 passengers: Lane 1 of the T123 forecourt. T4 passengers: Level 2 of the T4 Ground Transport Hub.
• To Melbourne CBD: approximately AUD $45–65 (~€26–38) via UberX, depending on demand
• UberXL/Comfort: AUD $60–90 for larger groups or comfort rides
• UberX PIN system operates at T1/T2/T3 — you receive a PIN and show it to the matching driver.

Car Rental

Six car rental companies operate on-site with desks on the ground floor of the Terminal Car Park building (between T1 and T3): Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt. Opening hours align with flight schedules; most operate approximately 6:00 AM – midnight daily.

Hotel Shuttles

Several nearby hotels offer complimentary shuttle services to/from the airport: PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport, Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport (24-hour), Ciloms Airport Lodge, Best Western Airport Motel, Mantra Tullamarine. Confirm details when booking.

On-Site / Connected Hotels

PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport is the only hotel directly connected to the terminals via a covered walkway (~2-minute walk from T2/T3). Originally opened as a Hilton in 2000, it was rebranded in 2011 and underwent full room refurbishment in late 2023. It offers 278 rooms, a gym, restaurant, and bar. Rates from approximately AUD $200–350/night (~€115–205). Ideal for early departures, late arrivals, or long layovers. Day rooms are also available.

Novotel Melbourne Airport (4.5-star, 248 rooms) and Ibis Styles Melbourne Airport (4-star, 216 rooms) opened together on 1 July 2024 in The Hive precinct — a 5-minute walk from T3/T4 and 10 minutes from T1/T2. Both hotels offer modern rooms, restaurant, bar, and gym. Novotel from AUD $250–380/night; Ibis Styles from AUD $160–240/night.

Hotels Within 5 km

• Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport (4-star) — 400 m from the terminal precinct; 24-hour free shuttle. Rates from AUD $160–230/night (~€93–133).
• Ibis Budget Melbourne Airport (budget) — 600 m from terminals; no shuttle. Rates from AUD $90–130/night (~€52–75). Good for solo or budget travellers.
• Mantra Tullamarine Hotel (4-star) — 2 km from terminals; free shuttle available. Modern rooms, pool, gym. Rates from AUD $145–200/night (~€84–116).
• Ciloms Airport Lodge — Free 24-hour shuttle, indoor pool. Rates from AUD $130–180/night (~€75–105). Popular with transit passengers needing a quick rest.
• Best Western Airport Motel & Convention Centre — 24-hour shuttle, conference facilities. Rates from AUD $110–160/night (~€64–93).

Budget & Capsule Options

Melbourne Airport does not have a dedicated capsule hotel or sleep pod facility inside the terminals. The most affordable in-terminal rest option is using the airside rest areas in T1 or T3. For budget overnight stays, Ibis Budget (600 m) is the closest low-cost option. Off-site park-and-fly operations (Jetaway, Busy Beaver) sometimes bundle parking with accommodation deals.

Parking at Melbourne Airport

Melbourne Airport offers five main parking zones. Booking online in advance is always recommended — online rates are equal to or lower than drive-up rates, and online bookings include a 2-hour grace period before/after the booked time for stays over 4 hours. Rates were updated in November 2025.

Terminal Car Park (T1/T2/T3 and T4)

The closest parking to the terminals, with direct access to T1, T2, and T3 via a link bridge, and just 100 m from T4. Best for business trips and short stays.

• Drive-up rate: from AUD $59/day for T123; from AUD $54/day for T4
• First 15 minutes free — useful for quick pickups
• EV charging bays available on multiple levels
• Note: T123 car park capacity has been reduced by 2,000+ bays for the Naarm Way construction project (2025–2026)

Premium Self Parking

Located closest to the terminal entrance; a short walk to check-in. Valet-style convenience without a valet attendant. From approximately AUD $75–99 for 3 days when booked online.

Value Car Park (Long-Term)

Budget-friendly outdoor car park; connected to all terminals via a free 24/7 shuttle (every 15 minutes). Walkable in 10–12 minutes from T4.

• Online booking from AUD $14/day; drive-up from AUD $21/day
• Best option for trips of 3+ days

Wait Zone

On Mercer Drive. Free for the first hour — ideal for passengers picking up arrivals who may be delayed at customs/baggage claim.

Off-Airport Parking

Third-party operators including Jetport and Busy Beaver offer prices from approximately AUD $7.50/day, with free shuttle to/from terminals. Book in advance via their websites.

Approximate Parking Summary

Wi-Fi

Free unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout all terminals. In T2, T3, and T4: connect to "Airport Free Wi-Fi" — registration via email or social login is required. In T1: connect to the Qantas network (no registration required for most). Average download speeds are 20–30 Mbps. Coverage is consistent across all terminal public areas, airside and landside.

Lounges Summary

• T1: Qantas Club (domestic), Qantas Business Lounge (domestic)
• T2: Qantas International Business Lounge, Singapore Airlines SilverKris, Air New Zealand, Plaza Premium, The House by Aspire, Marhaba, Amex Centurion (Gates 9–11, Level 3)
• T3: Virgin Australia Lounge (mezzanine after security)
• T4: Rex Lounge (ground floor after security)
• Priority Pass members: access to Plaza Premium (T2), The House by Aspire (T2), Marhaba (T2), Rex Lounge (T4); or $36 credit at selected cafés/restaurants in T1, T2, T3, T4

Shopping

T2 international departures has the main duty-free precinct operated by Heinemann Tax & Duty Free, featuring spirits, tobacco, cosmetics, fragrances, confectionery, and local Australian products. Brands include Jo Malone, MAC, Lancôme, and a wide range of Australian wines and spirits. Retail in domestic terminals includes WHSmith (newsagency/books), JB Hi-Fi (electronics), Optus, Vodafone, Tech2Go, and various fashion and accessories stores. Free 240V power outlets and USB ports are available throughout all terminals.

Dining

All terminals have multiple dining options, with several operating 24 hours:

• T1: Little Lygon Street café precinct, coffee bars, fast casual
• T2 (international): Pickett's Deli & Rotisserie, Bar Pulpo by MoVida, Urban Provodore, Café Sol, Nando's — several with 24h service
• T3: Stomping Ground Brewery and Beer Hall, Biggie Smalls kitchen, fast food
• T4: Food court with McDonald's (airside), Hungry Jack's (T2 airside Gate 3), and various quick-serve outlets
• 24-hour options: McDonald's (T3 landside, T4 airside), Hungry Jack's (T2 airside), Subway (T1/T2 walkway, Thu–Sun overnight)

Medical

Melbourne Airport Health & Medical Centre is located in T1 landside Level 1, open weekdays. Amcal pharmacies are in T1 (Gate 1), T2 (arrivals hall), and T4 (food court). Emergency assistance is available 24/7 via airport staff and security.

Family Facilities

A children's play zone is located in T2 airside near Gate 15B. Baby care/feeding rooms are in all terminals. Family security lanes are available at peak times. Prams and stroller hire are not offered by the airport — bring your own.

Accessibility (PRM)

Wheelchair assistance must be pre-arranged with your airline. Accessible parking bays are on Levels 1, 2, and 3 of both the T123 and T4 car parks. The Value Car Park courtesy bus is wheelchair-accessible. All terminal facilities and security lanes are accessible for PRM passengers. Contact +61 3 9297 1600 for pre-arrival arrangements.

Currency Exchange & ATMs

Prosegur currency exchange counters operate in T2 (landside departures and airside after customs). ATMs from major Australian banks (ANZ, CommBank, NAB, Westpac) are located in all four terminals. Airport exchange rates carry higher margins than city banks or ATMs — use ATMs for better rates. Australian Dollar (AUD) is the local currency; approximately 1 EUR = 1.70 AUD as of 2025.

Luggage Storage

SmarteCarte Storage is located between T2 and T3 on the ground level. Operating hours: 6:00 AM – 1:00 AM. Rates approximately AUD $12–20 per item per day. Coin/card-operated lockers are also available on Level 1 of the T4 car park (24 hours, AUD $10–15). Luggage storage is also available at Southern Cross Station in the CBD.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited inside all terminal buildings. Designated outdoor smoking areas are located outside the terminals at specific exit points. Vaping regulations follow state Victoria tobacco laws — treated the same as smoking in public spaces.

Prayer/Multi-Faith Rooms

Multi-faith prayer rooms are located between T2/T3 on the ground floor (landside) and in T2 airside on the mezzanine level. Open to all faiths.

Showers

Complimentary shower facilities are located in T2 landside departures (near Nando's) and T2 airside Level 1 (after duty-free). Bring your own towel and toiletries, or purchase a kit from WHSmith. Paid showers are also available bundled with entry to the Plaza Premium Lounge.

Hub Airlines

Qantas (oneworld) — Australia's flag carrier and Melbourne's dominant airline. Qantas operates from T1 (domestic) and T2 (international), with an extensive domestic network to all Australian capital cities and major regional destinations, plus international routes to London, Los Angeles, Dallas, Vancouver, Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, and more. Qantas holds the top slot at MEL for domestic seat capacity.

Jetstar — Qantas Group's low-cost subsidiary, operating domestically from T4 with routes to all major Australian cities and internationally from T2 to Bali (Denpasar), Phuket, Osaka, Tokyo, and Auckland. Jetstar is the second largest domestic carrier at MEL by capacity.

Virgin Australia — Operates exclusively from T3, providing a full-service domestic network to all capital cities and key leisure destinations. Also serves Bali from T2 internationally.

Rex Airlines (Regional Express) — Operates from T4, providing domestic routes to secondary and regional Australian cities including Albury, Mildura, and major capital routes following its jet services expansion.

International Airlines (T2)

Star Alliance: Singapore Airlines (SQ), Air New Zealand (NZ), Lufthansa, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, Air India, Asiana Airlines, Juneyao Air

oneworld: Qantas, Cathay Pacific, British Airways, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Finnair, Royal Jordanian, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, American Airlines

SkyTeam: China Eastern, Korean Air, Vietnam Airlines, Air France, KLM, China Southern, Garuda Indonesia

Unaligned: Emirates, Etihad Airways, AirAsia X, Scoot, Vietjet, Philippine Airlines, Fiji Airways, Batik Air Malaysia, IndiGo, Air China, Hainan Airlines, Gulf Air, Royal Brunei, Sri Lankan Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, RwandAir, Hong Kong Airlines (from December 2025 — 39th international carrier)

Top International Routes from MEL (2024)

Distances from Melbourne Airport (MEL)

Passenger Traffic — Annual Summary

Melbourne Airport experienced a sharp recovery from COVID-19 travel restrictions and has been setting new records since 2023. The FY2024–25 financial year (July 2024 – June 2025) produced the airport's busiest-ever international result with 11,953,262 international passengers (+8.3% YoY), while total passengers reached 36,151,615. December 2024 was the busiest single month in the airport's history with 3,393,977 passengers, surpassing even pre-pandemic December 2019 (3,322,940).

Rankings & Context

• 2nd busiest airport in Australia (behind Sydney Kingsford Smith)
• 2nd busiest in Oceania
• Number one airport pair for Perth, Adelaide, Hobart and Sydney — the top domestic partner airport for four of Australia's other seven capitals
• International seat capacity at all-time high: 113% of pre-pandemic levels in 2024
• 39 international carriers operating as of late 2025

Expansion

A third parallel runway (north-south) was approved by the Federal Government in September 2024. Construction commences 2025, completion expected 2031, cost AUD $3 billion (fully funded by the airport). The Melbourne Airport Rail Link elevated station is in detailed planning, with an anticipated opening in the early 2030s. The Naarm Way road project ($500M) will restructure all road access to T1/T2/T3, enabling the international terminal expansion out into the existing forecourt.