Melbourne Airport to City Transfer

Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) is about 23 kilometres north-west of the city centre, and with no airport rail link yet, the connection runs on wheels: the SkyBus express, public buses, taxis and rideshare.

SkyBus: the standard choice

The SkyBus express coach runs between the airport and Southern Cross Station in the city centre in about 25 minutes, less off-peak. It operates 24 hours a day including public holidays, roughly every 10 minutes during the day and every 30 to 60 minutes overnight. A one-way ticket costs around 24 Australian dollars online, with return fares discounted; buy at skybus.com.au, from terminal kiosks, or tap on with a contactless card. SkyBus also runs connections towards St Kilda, Frankston and Avalon Airport, and there is a SkyBus stop at Terminal 4 next to the Novotel and ibis Styles.

Public buses: the budget route

The cheapest way into town is a public bus and train combination with a myki card: a bus from the airport to Broadmeadows Station, then a Craigieburn Line train to the city. Allow about an hour; it costs a fraction of the SkyBus fare but involves a change and is less practical with heavy luggage. Check ptv.vic.gov.au for current routes and times.

Taxis and rideshare

Taxis wait at Terminals 1, 2 and 3; a ride to the business district costs approximately 60 Australian dollars and takes 25 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. Rideshare (Uber, DiDi and others) picks up from designated zones and is usually somewhat cheaper. The M2/CityLink toll road is the direct route, and peak-hour traffic can add substantially to the journey.

Hotel shuttles

The hotels in this guide handle the last few hundred metres in different ways: the PARKROYAL needs no transport at all (covered skybridge), the Holiday Inn runs a free 24-hour shuttle on request, and the Hyatt Place Melbourne, Essendon Fields runs a free scheduled shuttle from Zone L opposite the main terminal.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A one-way SkyBus ticket costs around 24 Australian dollars booked online, slightly more at the walk-up rate, with return fares discounted. Fares change periodically, so check skybus.com.au before travelling.

How long does the SkyBus take from Melbourne Airport to Southern Cross?

About 25 minutes in normal traffic, less off-peak. SkyBus runs 24 hours: roughly every 10 minutes during the day and every 30 to 60 minutes overnight.

Is there a train from Melbourne Airport to the city?

No, Melbourne Airport has no direct rail link yet. The cheapest public transport route is a public bus to Broadmeadows Station and a Craigieburn Line train to the city, paid with a myki card; the SkyBus is the faster, simpler option.

Information last verified: August 1, 2026