Melbourne Domestic 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 number of domestic airlines service Melbourne Airport, including Alliance Airlines, Jetstar, Link Airlines, Qantas, Rex and Virgin Australia.  

There are three domestic terminals at Melbourne Airport, so make sure you check your ticket to confirm your departure terminal before making your way to the airport. As a general rule, Qantas flights operate out of T1, Virgin Australia out of T3 and other budget airlines (such as Jetstar, Rex Airlines and Link Airways) out of T4.  

Baggage allowances and bag drop cutoff times vary by airline and ticket class, so it’s important to confirm in advance with your airline to avoid any surprises at the airport! In most cases, you’ll want to make sure you’ve checked yourself and your bags in at least an hour before your domestic flight. For more specific information on baggage limits, such as the size, weight and number of bags included in your airfare, as well as bag drop cutoff times, check with your airline or ask your Travel Expert for assistance. 

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

Keen to grab a pre-flight bite or do a little retail therapy at Melbourne Airport? You’re in luck! There are plenty of stores available for you to browse before your flight, including well-known brands like LEGO®, JB Hi-Fi, Mecca and Mimco, as well as a selection of dining options. Check Melbourne Airport’s website for an up-to-date list of stores and their opening information. 

You may be able to earn loyalty points or rewards on eligible domestic 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 for domestic flights departing from Melbourne Airport will vary depending on your ticket, so make sure you confirm with your airline in advance. Remember, it’s often possible to check in online or via your airline’s app, which can help save time at the airport. For more information or help finding your check-in times, talk to your Travel Expert.  

In most cases, you’ll be required to travel with a valid form of photo ID when catching a domestic flight from Melbourne Airport. Keep in mind, different airlines may have different requirements and it’s your responsibility to check what these requirements are before making your way to the airport. For more information or help finding out what travel documents and ID you need for your flight, talk to your Travel Expert. 

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). 

Yes, there are several airport lounges located within the domestic terminals at Melbourne Airport, including the Qantas Domestic Lounge, Rex Lounge and Virgin Australia Lounge. Access to airport lounges may be possible depending on your ticket class, frequent flyer membership, credit card benefits or by purchasing a day pass. Check with the airline directly or talk to your Travel Expert for more information on how to access the airport lounges at Melbourne Airport. 

There are plenty of parking options available at Melbourne Airport, but one of the most convenient short-term options is the Terminal Car Park, which provides direct access to T1, T2 and T3, while also being just a few minutes’ walk from T4. Pick-up and Drop-off zones are available near all terminals, but Melbourne Airport recommends using the Terminal 4 Car Park for picking up and dropping off wherever possible to limit congestion around the Terminal 123 forecourt area.  

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 domestic flights three to six months in advance. When it comes to balancing flexible travel dates with the biggest savings, this should give you the best of both worlds!