Melbourne International Airport (MEL)

Melbourne Airport has lots of options when it comes to parking, catering to all budgets and timeframes. The Value Car Park offers the most affordable options, and a free 24/7 shuttle runs from the car park to each of the terminals every 15 minutes. Prefer to park within walking distance of the terminals? Try the Terminal Car Park with direct access to T1, T2 and T3, and just a few minutes’ walk from T4. Valet and premium parking options are also available, as well as the Qantas Valet service. No matter which parking option you choose, it's a good idea to book online in advance to secure your spot and access the best rate. 

If you’re picking up or dropping off, Melbourne Airport recommends making use of the T4 Car Park to avoid congestion in the Terminal 123 forecourt area. Need a little extra time? Head to the airport’s Wait Zone on Mercer Drive where you can enjoy the first hour of parking for free.  

As far as convenience goes, it’s hard to beat the SkyBus airport transfers. The most popular service is the Melbourne City Express, running frequently between Melbourne Airport and Southern Cross Station in the city centre. However, there’s also the Peninsula Express (for St Kilda and Frankston), Eastern Express (for Doncaster and Box Hill) and Sunshine Express (for Melbourne’s western suburbs). Visit the SkyBus website for up-to-date information on timetables and fares, or to book a ticket. 

Melbourne Airport has four terminals: T1, T3 and T4 for domestic flights and T2 for international. They can all be found within the same precinct and it’s easy to walk between them if you’re arriving on an international flight and need to transfer to a domestic terminal (or vice versa). 

Planning to explore the Great Ocean Road, the Dandenongs or the Yarra Valley? Renting a car is one of the best ways to get out of the city and see the sights of Victoria! Car rental companies, including AVIS, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt, can be found on the ground floor of the Terminal Car Park at Melbourne Airport. Talk to your Travel Expert about organising car hire for your trip or book it yourself online before you leave. 

One of the cheapest ways to get to and from Melbourne Airport is via the local buses operated by Public Transport Victoria. There are a number of different bus routes that service the airport from the T4 Ground Transport Hub. Visit the Public Transport Victoria website for up-to-date information on bus timetables and fares, and keep in mind you’ll generally need a myki travel card to pay for public transport in Melbourne.  

Although pricier than the SkyBus, a direct trip home might be just what you need post-flight! A ride from Melbourne Airport into the CBD takes around 30 minutes (although this will depend on where you’re staying and whether you hit Melbourne’s infamous rush-hour traffic or not). You’ll find dedicated taxi ranks, as well as rideshare collection points for Uber, DiDi and Shebah, close to all four terminals, making airport departure a breeze. 

A large number of international airlines fly into and out of Melbourne Airport. Major airlines servicing the airport include Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Fiji Airways, Jetstar, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Australia and more.  

Melbourne Airport only has one international terminal, T2. It’s always important to check your ticket before making your way to the airport, but if you’re flying internationally, you’ll likely check in and depart from T2. 

As a general rule, you should aim to arrive at Melbourne Airport at least three hours before your scheduled departure time for international flights. This should give you enough time to complete check-in, drop your bags and pass through any necessary security screenings before your boarding time. Keep in mind that you may experience longer lines and delays during busy holiday periods, so check with the airport, airline or your Travel Expert directly for more information on recommended arrival times. 

There are currency exchange options and stores selling local SIM cards in the T2 international terminal at Melbourne Airport, as well as ATMs located in each terminal.  

Yes, there are shower facilities, two 24/7 multi-denominational prayer rooms, dedicated parents’ rooms and baby change facilities available in the T2 international terminal at Melbourne Airport. 

You may be able to earn loyalty points or rewards on eligible international flights booked with us to or from Melbourne. When booking online, you’ll see a place to add your loyalty program or frequent flyer membership details if this is available, or you can ask your Travel Expert for help when booking in-store. If the booking meets your program’s requirements, you’ll earn points! For more information, check with your specific loyalty program and see our Booking Terms and Conditions. 

Keen for even more travel perks? Subscribe to our email list for birthday surprises, competition entries, exclusive deals and VIP pre-sale access to the hottest holiday savings around. 

Check-in times and required travel documents for international flights departing from Melbourne Airport will vary depending on your ticket and where you’re going, so make sure you confirm with your airline in advance. For more information on travel documents and help finding your check-in times, talk to your Travel Expert.  

Whether you need a visa or not will depend on a number of factors, such as what passport you hold, where you’re coming from and going to, how long you're travelling for and the purpose of your trip. Keep in mind, travel documents and entry requirements vary from country to country, and it’s your responsibility to check what these requirements are before making your way to the airport. For more information or assistance, talk to your Travel Expert. Immigration and customs are located in the Arrivals area of T2 at Melbourne Airport.  

Melbourne Airport has four terminals, T1, T3 and T4 for domestic flights and T2 for international. They can all be found within the same precinct and it’s easy to walk between them if you’re arriving on an international flight and need to transfer to a domestic terminal (or vice versa). 

Duty-free shopping hours at Melbourne Airport vary in line with flight schedules and duty-free allowances are set by the Australian Government, so we recommend checking the Australian Border Force website for the most up-to-date information. For more general information on duty-free shopping, you can also talk to your Travel Expert. 

There are plenty of transport options available from Melbourne Airport’s international terminal to the city centre, including public transport, SkyBus airport services, taxi and rideshare options or car rentals. 

While last-minute sale fares to and from Melbourne Airport may become available, you’ll generally find it pays to plan ahead. As a rough guide, we recommend booking international flights six to nine months before you plan to fly. When it comes to balancing flexible travel dates with the biggest savings, this should give you the best of both worlds!