Flying into Melbourne but not sure how to get to the city? I’ve got your guide to booking a Melbourne airport transfer.
There is no public transportation to either Melbourne airport. This is surprising not only for a large city, but also one that has such a developed transportation system within the city.
Instead, you’ll need to book a Melbourne airport transfer through a private service.
Which Melbourne airport transfer should I book?
There are really a few different options for booking Melbourne airport transfers, the SkyBus, a private transfer or an Uber/taxi.
SkyBus
The SkyBus is the most affordable, and a very easy transfer service to or from either Melbourne Airport. These are double decker buses for maximum capacity, while still providing comfortable air conditioned rides. The Skybus only goes to or from predetermined locations.
Private Transfers
For larger groups, or couples looking for something a little nicer than a shared bus, there are plenty of private airport transfer services available. These range from luxury vehicles to vans, complete with a personal driver. Private transfers are also a good option if you need to get to a specific destination, rather than the city center.
Taxis
There are local taxi services, but Uber is also readily available in Melbourne if you prefer this option.
Melbourne Airport Transfer Costs
Pricing will vary based on which of the Melbourne airport transfers you book.
- Skybus to/from MEL to Melbourne City is around $25 AUD, whereas Avalon is $27 AUD
- Private transfers range from $33 per person to $100 for a group of 4 passengers
- Uber from MEL is $50-60 AUD for an UberX and starting at $80-90 for a max or XL.
Which airports do Skybus support?
Skybus offers service for Melbourne Avalon, Melbourne Tullamarine and Hobart airports. There are two options for Melbourne Tullamarine, Melbourne City or the Peninsula (bayside suburbs).
Melbourne City Express
This is the most active Melbourne airport transfer service. These buses run from 4 am to 1am every day of the week. The bus has a set time table, leaving both the city and the airport every 15 minutes.
The Melbourne City Express departs from the Southern Cross station. This station is also within the free tram zone, making it easy and cheap to get to if you’re staying in the Central Business District. There are signs throughout the station directing where to find the bus terminal.
Avalon Express
The Avalon Express is less frequent, because the times are determined based on incoming and outbound flights. As this is a small airport, there are a limited number of daily flights, and the buses are timed to align with those schedules. The buses for Avalon will be directly outside the baggage claim for both pick up and drop off.
Where to book your airport transfers
SkyBus
There are a few options for booking the Skybus Melbourne airport transfer service. There are ticket kiosks located at Tullamarine and Avalon airports, and in the Southern Cross station. You can also purchase online directly through Skybus. For Melbourne City to MEL you can buy discounted tickets, which I highly recommend. I did this and it saved me $4 on one route.
Private Transfers
There are a number of private transfer booking options but I prefer Viator, because they are easy to use and come with ratings.
The best Melbourne airport transfer option
To get from the Melbourne airport to city center, I think Skybus is the best Melbourne airport transfer for cost and efficiency. I used this service from Avalon to Melbourne and from Melbourne City to Tullamarine. For anyone solo, or on a budget, this is the option I recommend.
Melbourne Airport Transfer – Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a bus from Melbourne airport to the city?
Yes, you can take the Skybus from the airport to the city. There is no public bus or free melbourne airport shuttle bus.
Is Melbourne airport Skybus free?
No, the Melbourne airport Skybus is not free. Fares range from $22 to $28 AUD depending on which airport and/or which city you are starting or ending in.
How much is Melbourne airport bus?
The Skybus costs $22 to $28 AUD depending on which airport and/or which city you are starting or ending in.
How long does the Skybus take from Melbourne airport to city?
The Skybus takes approximately 35 minutes from MEL to Melbourne City. The bus from Avalon to Melbourne is around 90 minutes.
Is Tullamarine the main airport in Melbourne?
Yes, Melbourne Tullamarine Airport is the largest and closest airport to Melbourne. Avalon is much smaller, and further away, with mostly domestic flights.
Which airport transfer service is popular in Melbourne?
The Skybus Melbourne is the easiest and most popular of Melbourne airport transfers. They offer service to both Melbourne Tullamarine and Avalon airports.
How reliable is the Melbourne Airport Door To Door Shuttle service for timely arrivals?
The Skybus (or Melbourne airport transfer bus) is very reliable. From Melbourne to Tullamarine, the service leaves every 15 minutes, Avalon is less frequent, because it is based on the flight schedule.
How can I get from Melbourne Airport Tullamarine to the CBD of Melbourne
The Skybus is the most efficient and cost effective way to get from the Melbourne airport to the CBD.
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