Melbourne Airport to the City: Your Options

Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) is 23 km from the CBD with no direct train — yet. Your options are SkyBus (every 10 min, 24/7, ~30 min), taxi or rideshare (door-to-door, ~30–45 min), or public bus + train via Broadmeadows (cheapest, ~60 min). A direct rail link is under construction, due ~2033.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Is Uber or DiDi available at Melbourne Airport?

Yes. Rideshare services including Uber, Ola, and DiDi operate from Melbourne Airport. Pick-up is from Level 1 of the T2/T3 Car Park (accessible via the elevated walkway). The airport charges a $4.48 rideshare access fee per trip, which may be passed on to passengers. Typical UberX fares to the CBD range from $45–$65, but surge pricing applies during peak times.

How do I get the public bus from Melbourne Airport?

PTV bus routes 478, 479, 482, and 901 all depart from the bus interchange on the ground floor of the Terminal 4 (T4) car park. Route 901 SmartBus is the most useful for city-bound travellers, connecting the airport to Broadmeadows Station in about 16 minutes, running every 15 minutes on weekdays. A valid myki card is required — there is no myki vending machine at the bus stop itself, so load your card in advance.

How much does SkyBus cost from Melbourne Airport to the city?

A one-way adult SkyBus ticket costs $25.90 in 2026, or $21.70 each way if you buy a return fare. Group fares are also available online: 2 adults for $38, 3 for $50, and 4 for $75. Note the Victorian government's half-price public transport offer does not apply to SkyBus.

How often does SkyBus run and where does it go?

SkyBus Melbourne City Express runs every 10 minutes, 24/7, between Melbourne Airport and Southern Cross Station in the CBD. 'Turn up and go' services operate 4:00am–1:00am, with scheduled services outside those hours. SkyBus also runs Eastern Express (Box Hill, Doncaster, Watsonia) and Bayside Express (St Kilda, Frankston) routes.

Is there a direct train from Melbourne Airport to the city?

No. As of 2026, there is no direct train from Melbourne Airport to the CBD. Construction on the Melbourne Airport Rail Link began in early 2026 at Sunshine Station, with the full link expected to be completed by late 2033. Until then, travellers must use buses, taxis, or rideshare.

What is the cheapest way to get from Melbourne Airport to the city?

The cheapest option is taking PTV SmartBus route 901 to Broadmeadows Station, then a Craigieburn line train into the CBD. The full myki fare is $5.70 for adults, or just $2.85 until 1 January 2027 under Victoria's half-price public transport scheme. The total journey takes around 55–75 minutes. A myki card is required and can be purchased at city loop stations.

When will the Melbourne Airport train open?

Construction on Stage 1 of the Melbourne Airport Rail Link officially began in February–March 2026, starting with a $4.1 billion rebuild of Sunshine Station including 6 km of new track and 2 new rail bridges. The full project — a $12 billion joint federal and state investment — is expected to be completed by late 2033. The line will run via Sunshine Station and connect to the Metro Tunnel.

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

A metered taxi from Melbourne Airport to the CBD typically costs A$60–A$85 on the day rate, plus the CityLink toll (around A$8) if the toll route is taken. A $4.50 airport rank fee also applies. Night tariffs (10pm–4am) add a 20% surcharge. Taxis use government-regulated meters with no surge pricing.

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