Melbourne Airport (MEL) Guide to Melbourne Tullamarine Airport

Melbourne Airport (IATA: MEL), also known colloquially as Tullamarine Airport, is Melbourne's principal airport and the second busiest airport in Australia. With its opening in 1970, it took the place of the older Essendon Airport.

This airport has one international terminal, two domestic terminals, and a low-cost domestic terminal. It borders the suburb of Tullamarine and is located 23 kilometers from the city center.

It's possible to fly directly to 33 different cities within Australia and locations in the Pacific, Europe, Asia, North America, and South America from Melbourne Airport. The airports in four of Australia's seven other capital cities receive more passengers and send more off from Melbourne Airport than any other airport in Australia.

Besides serving as a primary hub for Qantas and Virgin Australia, Melbourne Airport is also a hub for Jetstar. It processes domestic freight more than any other airport in Australia. It serves as the national headquarters for both Australian airExpress and Toll Priority.

Transfer Services at Melbourne Airport

From everywhere in the city, the Tullamarine Freeway will take you to Melbourne Airport in just over 30 minutes. Only one motorway exit leads directly to the airport. A second one lies to the south for buses, taxis, and airport personnel.

A second main access point to the airport was made possible with the expansion of Airport Drive, about 1.5 kilometers from the port, on M80 Western Ring Road.

Rental Car Services at Melbourne Airport

Picking up a rental car at Melbourne Airport and seeing the state by car is the ideal way to take advantage of everything that gorgeous Victoria offers.

The car rental companies at the airport are conveniently on-site, under one roof, and are situated on the ground level of Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3 parking garages.

Compare costs and begin your search for the ideal car rental vehicle with us.

Taxi Services at Melbourne Airport

There is a taxi stand outside each terminal. The journey to Melbourne's downtown takes about 30 minutes.

All taxi rides that start at a taxi rank at Melbourne Airport are subject to the $4.50 airport entrance fee currently in effect. The passenger's admittance price must be given to the taxi driver. We provide a free drop-off service to and from the airport. See more information about taxis at Melbourne Airport.

You can arrange to be picked up by a cab at the terminal. Outside Terminal Car Park, which connects to Terminals 1, 2, and 3, your taxi will be waiting for you.

Train Services at Melbourne Airport

Riders should take the 901 to Broadmeadows Station from Melbourne Airport (which leads to Frankston). Time frame: roughly 20 minutes.

Take the Craigieburn Line to Flinders Street, the center of Melbourne's financial district. The journey should take around 40 minutes.

On Monday through Friday, hourly service is available from 5 a.m. to 6:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 9:30 p.m. (Sunday to 9 p.m.). More information about train services near Melbourne Airport.

The Craigieburn Line operates every half hour from 4:31 in the morning until 11:30 at night.

Bus Services at Melbourne Airport

From Melbourne Airport, a bus system connects to many locations in and around Melbourne. Skybus, operated by SkyBus Australia, is the most popular type of airport public transportation.

It runs nonstop, seven days a week, between Southern Cross Station and Melbourne's Central Business District (CBD). More information about buses to and from Melbourne Airport.

Hotel Shuttle Services at Melbourne Airport

The Melbourne Airport's hotel shuttle service offers passengers a dependable, affordable, and hassle-free way to and from the airport. The shuttles are safe to use because they run constantly and are operated by locals familiar with the area.

Passengers can readily find pick-up and drop-off places across central Melbourne, which enables them to get where they're going quickly and without fuss. On request, there is also no charge for assistance with bags and wheelchair accessibility.

Visit our hotel page to learn more about our lodging options.

Rideshare Services at Melbourne Airport

You can be dropped off at any of the usual places if you're taking a rideshare. These are reachable from anywhere along Departure Drive or the Level 1 drop-off area of the Terminal 4 Transport Hub.

Parking Services at Melbourne Airport

The parking garages at the airport were constructed with your needs in mind. The Terminal Car Parks, located outside Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 4 and Terminal 4, offer convenient and affordable parking near the terminals.

All five of Melbourne Airport's parking lots are open seven days a week, 24 hours a day. This is the only type covered except for short-term, multi-level, long-term, commercial, and express parking.

Please see our parking page for additional information about parking at our facilities.

Other Services at Melbourne Airport

Melbourne Airport serves as a great starting point for all kinds of travelers. The airport is home to an array of retail stores, restaurants, cafes, and other services such as ATMs, currency exchanges, information desks, and more. Business passengers can take advantage of the extensive executive lounges available in both terminals.

Melbourne airport also offers free Wi-Fi throughout its premises so that you stay connected while on the go. International travelers can use the dedicated Immigration Processing Area to streamline their arrival into Australia with minimal hassle.

As one would expect from any world-class airport facility, safety & security are paramount at Melbourne Airport, with 24/7 CCTV coverage monitored by trained professionals around the clock, ensuring your trip gets off without a hitch.

Disabled Passengers at Melbourne Airport

Melbourne Airport takes great pride in its commitment to providing an accessible and safe environment for disabled passengers and their companions. The airport's facilities are specifically designed with the needs of passengers with disabilities in mind, from dedicated parking and assistance services to enhanced seating areas throughout the terminals.

The airport also offers specially designated wheelchair-accessible bathrooms, lifts, ramps, and other access points across all three terminals. Passengers can also request a complimentary assistance transfer service if they require help getting around the airport or need additional support while boarding their flight.

Wi-Fi at Melbourne Airport

Wi-Fi at Melbourne Airport is free of charge and available in all areas. This includes the baggage claim area, check-in counters, food court, gates, and lounges.

You can then open a web browser to access the internet and stay connected. At the same time, you wait for your flight or catch up with family and friends before leaving Melbourne Airport.

Baggage Claim at Melbourne Airport

Baggage Claim at Melbourne Airport is an excellent resource for travelers. The service allows you to track your bags and ensure they arrive safely at their destination, no matter the airline you are flying with. It also offers an online check-in option so travelers can avoid long in-person lines.

Customers can also select their seat preferences when booking flights and learn more about specific flight details, including delays or cancellations. In addition to these services, baggage claim staff are always available to assist customers with any queries or concerns regarding their journey or luggage.

Information Desk at Melbourne Airport

The Information Desk at Melbourne Airport helps travelers with anything they need. From providing directions to the nearest restrooms to answering any questions regarding flights and transit arrangements, the staff at the desk are always willing and eager to help.

In addition, they offer a range of services, such as advice on passport/visa requirements for international visitors, assistance locating lost items or luggage, and even helping passengers find accommodations if needed.

They can provide flyers, maps, and other materials related to upcoming events near the airport, as well as details on how travelers can participate.

Smoking at Melbourne Airport

Smoking at Melbourne Airport is an absolute no-no. However, there are designated smoking areas outside the airport in a sheltered spot at each terminal. All other airport rooms are non-smoking, including cafes, restaurants, and bars, as well as all indoor spaces, including baggage carousels and waiting areas.

Any passengers found smoking will be fined heavily or asked to leave, depending on their behavior. To ensure everyone can enjoy a smoke-free environment at the airport, travelers need to understand where they can or cannot smoke at Melbourne Airport.

Lost and Found Section at Melbourne Airport

The Lost and Found section at Melbourne Airport provides a vital service for travelers who may have misplaced their personal items while in the airport. This is a free service, with no costs associated with making a claim.

The Lost and Found team is available to assist customers seven days per week; inquirers can contact them directly via phone or email. Lost and Found staff will work hard to reunite customers with their lost possessions as quickly as possible.

Queries should be made within 24 hours of the loss occurring so that any potential sightings can be investigated promptly. Items that cannot be reunited with an owner are stored securely until they can either be claimed by someone else or donated to charity organizations around Melbourne City if they remain unclaimed after 30 days.

Restrooms at Melbourne Airport

Restrooms at Melbourne Airport are some of the cleanest and most comfortable in the country. They are located conveniently at each terminal, making them easily accessible to travelers.

The bathrooms are spacious, with plenty of counter space for changing diapers or touching up makeup, as well as a variety of amenities such as hot air hand dryers and baby changing tables.

Additionally, all toilets undergo an intense daily cleaning routine to remain spotless throughout the day.

Nursing Mothers Station at Melbourne Airport

For nursing mothers, Melbourne Airport has a dedicated Nursing Mothers Station. It provides a comfortable and private space for breastfeeding or expressing milk.

Additionally, the stations offer free Wi-Fi access so moms can check emails or browse the web while breastfeeding their babies. Privacy screens are also provided to ensure complete discretion when needed.

With this convenient amenity available at the airport, traveling with young children becomes much more accessible, knowing there is somewhere they can go if they need some privacy or want to take care of themselves while waiting for their flight.

ATMs at Melbourne Airport

ATMs at Melbourne Airport are located outside the terminal and provide 24/7 access to cash. All ATMs accept major credit cards, debit cards, and prepaid cards from international and domestic banks.

Customers can also withdraw foreign currency at select ATMs in the airport. Most of these machines offer competitive exchange rates compared to other providers, allowing customers to get more bang for their buck. In addition, some ATMs have a minimum withdrawal amount that may be higher than others – so check before withdrawing your money.

Currency Exchange at Melbourne Airport

Currency Exchange at Melbourne Airport has always been a convenient and secure way to exchange foreign currency. The airport offers a full range of international currencies, and the staff is knowledgeable and helpful. All transactions occur in a safe environment monitored by security cameras.

The rates at Melbourne Airport are competitive with other outlets in the area, making it an ideal choice for any foreign exchange needs you may have when visiting or departing from Australia. Also, free Wi-Fi is available to keep up to date with the latest exchange rates while waiting on your flight.

Food and Beverages at Melbourne Airport

Melbourne Airport offers a range of food and beverage outlets for travelers. Whether you're looking for a quick snack or a sit-down meal, there's something to cater to everyone's tastes. There is also an array of bars offering refreshing drinks to quench your thirst after a long flight.

Shopping at Melbourne Airport

Shopping at Melbourne Airport is a great experience. There are a variety of shops and services, ranging from high-end luxury boutiques to fast food outlets, souvenir stores, and duty-free retailers.

The airport has everything, whether you're looking for gifts or exciting items to take home. From designer fashion labels to electronic gadgets and books, Melbourne Airport has unique finds that suit any budget or taste.

Pet Relief at Melbourne Airport

Pet Relief at Melbourne Airport is a service for travelers with pets. The Pet Relief area provides designated outdoor areas for pet owners to take their furry friends for fresh air and exercise.

Melbourne Airport has also introduced initiatives such as dog-friendly seating in certain restaurants and pubs near the departure gates, making it easier than ever before to travel with your beloved companion.

Moreover, there are specific check-in procedures for animals when traveling by plane, which provide helpful advice about what paperwork needs to be completed beforehand.

Ticketing Services at Melbourne Airport

Ticketing Services at Melbourne Airport provide various services, including ticketing and reservations, baggage handling, check-in assistance, advance seat selection, and priority boarding. The staff at the Ticketing Services Desk are available to help with any queries or difficulties you may have when booking flights or checking in.

History of Melbourne Airport

Before building Melbourne Airport in the 1960s, Essendon Airport was the city's primary airport. Essendon Airport began to reach total capacity in the mid-1950s when over 10,000 passengers were using the facility.

Runways at Essendon needed longer to accommodate aircraft, and the terminals couldn't accommodate the influx of extra passengers. Midway through the 1950s, a northern hangar was constructed to house an international overflow terminal. Since the airport was encircled by neighborhoods, expansion was out of the question.

Starting in February 1958, when a commission was established to evaluate Melbourne's civil aviation needs, the hunt for a new airport to replace Essendon began. Tullamarine and Laverton were chosen because of their similarity to each other and their reduced development costs compared to other options.

Problems with coordinating military and civilian activities that could not provide the required level of safety contributed to Laverton's eventual demise. Traffic management would be simplified with a shorter distance between the two cities.

After nearly two decades as Melbourne's international airport, Prime Minister John Gorton officially opened Melbourne Airport to global operations on July 1, 1970, replacing Essendon. Domestic flights remained at Essendon for another year until moving to Melbourne Airport on June 26, 1971, shortly after the first arrival of a Boeing 747. During its first year of operation, Melbourne welcomed 155,275 international passengers on board six international carriers.

The original name for Melbourne Airport was "Melbourne International Airport." Tullamarine, from the Aboriginal word Tullamareena, is the location in question. Tullamarine Airport is one of four airports serving the Melbourne area; the others are Avalon Airport, Essendon Airport, and Moorabbin Airport.

The International Terminal was in the middle of Melbourne Airport, with the Ansett Terminal to the south and the Trans Australia Airlines Terminal to the north. Minor expansion works conducted in 1973 allowed Boeing 747s to serve the airport, increasing its capacity from its original eight Boeing 707s and 500 passengers per hour. The airport's peak passenger throughput of 900 per hour in the late 1980s caused substantial congestion.

Late in 1989, Inspector A. Rohead of the Federal Airports Corporation was given the duty of renaming streets in Melbourne Airport for the bicentennial. The new names would pay tribute to the area's indigenous peoples, early European settlers, and aviation history. Ian Hunter (a Wurundjeri researcher) and Ray Gibb (a local historian) provided data for the first two groups.

Gowrie Park Drive, named for the farm in the center of the airport, was designated after the project was finished but then abandoned. In the 1920s, the farm served as a backup landing spot in case Essendon Aerodrome was destroyed during World War II.

About Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne, the state capital and largest city in Victoria, is the second-most populous city in Australia and Oceania. Greater Melbourne, an urban agglomeration including 31 local municipalities, is the standard reference when this word is mentioned. It spans an area of 9,993 square kilometers. In another context, though, it refers to the local government of Melbourne, Australia, centered on the city's core business district.

Port Phillip Bay's northern and eastern shores are primarily occupied by the bustling metropolis. The Yarra Valley, the Dandenongs, and the Macedon Ranges are all in their sphere of influence. It has also moved into the Mornington Peninsula and a portion of West Gippsland. According to the 2021 census, the city's east side is home to the vast majority of its approximately 5 million residents.

Many Australian monuments may be found in Melbourne, including the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the National Gallery of Victoria, and the Royal Exhibition Building.

The city is well-known for its rich history, having been the birthplace of such cultural touchstones as Australian rules football, Australian impressionism, and Australian cinema. It has recently gained international prominence as a UNESCO City of Literature and a hub for street art, live music, and theater.

The Australian Grand Prix, the Australian Open, and the 1956 Summer Olympics were all held there. Throughout the 2010s, Melbourne held the title of "most livable city in the world." It has developed into one of Asia's most important financial hubs.

Weather in Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne has warm summers, chilly and windy winters, and consistent cloudiness throughout the year. In terms of annual temperature range, you can expect an average of 43 F to 79 F, with lows of 36 F and highs of 94 F quite rare. Traveling to Melbourne in January and February is ideal because of the mild temperatures.

From December through March, the average daily high is over 74 degrees Fahrenheit, making this the warm season. It's the hottest time of year in Melbourne, with February being the most desirable. From May until September, the average daily high temperature is below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, making this the chilly season. In Melbourne, July is the coldest time of the year.

From April to November, seven months of rainy weather are expected. The wettest days in Melbourne occur in August. From November through April, the weather is drier than usual. It rains less often in Melbourne in February than in any other month.

Useful Details in Melbourne, Australia

In the case of a police or medical emergency in Melbourne, Australia, it is essential to remain calm and call either Triple Zero (000) for police assistance or Triple One (111) for an ambulance. Be sure to provide as much information as possible - such as your location and what has happened.

It is also helpful to have a local contact number ready so that they may call you back if necessary. If you are on public transport, alert the driver or station staff, who can contact authorities immediately. If there are bystanders, ask one of them to make the call while you attend to anyone injured at the scene until help arrives, if possible.

Australia National Emergency Number: 000

Hospitals

St. Vincent's Private Hospital

Address: 159 Grey Street, East Melbourne Vic

Phone: (03) 9928 6555

Police

Victoria Police

Address: 202-204 Bourke Street Melbourne East VIC 3000

Phone: (03) 9637 1100

Fax: (03) 9244 2329

Email: vpwebsite-mgr@police.vic.gov.au

Melbourne Airport Contacts