Best Ways To Get From Melbourne Airport To The City

If you're planning a trip to Melbourne, or you've just landed at Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport, you'll need to decide how to get into Melbourne CBD. The best option depends on your budget, luggage and how quickly you want to reach the city.

Unlike many major airports around the world, Melbourne Airport still doesn't have a train station. Yes, in 2026 we're still catching buses to and from Australia's second-busiest airport. Thankfully, there are several good alternatives ranging from affordable public transport through to private transfers.

For most travellers, SkyBus offers the best balance of price, speed and convenience. Uber and DiDi provide easy door-to-door transport, while private transfers offer a more luxurious arrival experience. There's also a little-known budget option that combines a public bus with Melbourne's train network, which can save you a surprising amount of money.

In this guide, we'll compare every way to get from Melbourne Airport to the city, including travel times, costs and who each option is best suited to.

Most Popular: SkyBus

Best For: Those seeking a solid combination of value and convenience.

SkyBus is the most popular way to get from Melbourne Airport to Melbourne CBD. They operate a Melbourne City Express service between Melbourne Airport and Southern Cross Station, on a turn up and go basis from 4:00am to 1:00am 7 days per week.

There are two clearly marked SkyBus pickup zones outside the terminal. On arrival at Southern Cross Station in the city you can easily connect to Melbourne's train, tram and bus networks or walk to many city hotels.

Departures run every 10 to 15 minutes during peak periods, and the average SkyBus journey time is 30 minutes. SkyBus Melbourne City Express fares are as follows:

• Adult: $25.90 one-way or $43.40 return
• Child 4-16 years: $6.60 one-way or $11 return
• Seniors card holder: $20.70 one-way or $35.10 return

You can either book SkyBus tickets online in advance, or more easily at one of the bus stop kiosks. Alternatively, Klook regularly offers discounted SkyBus tickets here.

SkyBus offers a convenient Melbourne Airport express service

Easiest: Uber & DiDi Rideshare

Best For: Travellers who value convenience and door-to-door transport.

If convenience is your top priority, ridesharing apps work well at Melbourne Airport. The two most popular options are Uber and Didi, and unlike SkyBus, a rideshare will take you directly to your destination without needing to transfer to another form of transport.

After collecting your luggage, follow the signs to the rideshare pick-up areas located near the terminals. Uber offers three dedicated and very clearly marked pickup zones at T1, T2/T3 and T4. Didi uses the general rideshare pickup zones.

Once your driver arrives, a journey to Melbourne CBD typically takes between 25 and 40 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Pricing varies based on demand, traffic and the type of vehicle selected, but is generally around $50 -$90.

You can also earn Qantas Points with Uber and Velocity Points with Didi.

Traditional Choice: Taxi

Best For: People who don’t want to download apps.

Taxis are available from dedicated ranks outside all terminals at Melbourne Airport, with no need to pre-book. Fares are metered, so you shouldn’t need to negotiate a price, and you can generally expect to pay between $60 and $110 for a one-way trip to Melbourne CBD depending on traffic conditions and your final destination.

Getting a taxi from Melbourne airport is normally more expensive than Uber and other rideshare services, but can be a good option if you prefer a more traditional travel experience or if your phone battery is running low after a long flight. Simply join the taxi queue and you'll be on your way without needing to download an app, compare prices or request a ride.

Melbourne is globally celebrated for its vibrant laneway street art

Most Comfortable: Private Transfer

Best For: When a stress-free arrival is the priority.

If you're travelling with a large group, young children or plenty of luggage, a private airport transfer is one of the most comfortable ways to get from Melbourne Airport to the city. Your driver will meet you at the airport, assist with your bags and take you directly to your hotel, home or destination without any waiting, transfers or detours. While more expensive than other transport options, the personalised service and door-to-door convenience can be worth the extra cost.

Private transfers are usually the most expensive way to get from Melbourne Airport to Melbourne CBD, but they also offer the highest level of service. Many providers offer a choice of vehicle types ranging from standard sedans through to luxury vehicles and larger people movers.

We recommend comparing private transfer options on Klook, where you can often find competitive pricing and choose from a range of vehicle types to suit your group size and luggage requirements.

Cheapest: Bus + Train

Best For: Budget travellers with light luggage and plenty of time.

The cheapest way to get from Melbourne Airport to Melbourne CBD is by combining the 901 bus with a train from Broadmeadows Station. While it’s probably the longest journey, it's significantly cheaper, costing just $2.85 for an adult 2-hour Myki fare using Melbourne's regular public transport network.

Before travelling, you'll need a Myki card, which can be purchased from vending machines inside the airport terminal. There are a few located on the ground floor near baggage claim.

1. Purchase a Myki card from a vending machine in the terminal nearby baggage claim.
2. Exit the terminal and walk towards the T4 Carpark and T4 Rideshare area.
3. Locate the bus stop on the ground level of the T4 Carpark.
4. Take bus 901 toward Frankston, and get off at Broadmeadows Station.
5. Transfer to the train and board the Craigieburn line towards the city.

Does Melbourne Airport Have A Train?

Melbourne Airport does not currently have a train station, meaning there is no direct rail service between the airport and Melbourne CBD. While it is possible to catch a bus to Broadmeadows Station and continue into the city by train, the journey typically takes around an hour. As a result, most travellers choose alternatives such as SkyBus, Uber, taxis or private airport transfers.

The Melbourne Airport Rail Link gained momentum after the Victorian and Federal Governments committed funding in 2018. The project has faced several delays due to planning and design disputes, although both governments recommitted to the rail link in 2025. Major construction works are expected to begin from 2026, with the first stage currently scheduled for completion around 2030.

Until a dedicated airport rail link is built, travellers should plan to use buses, rideshares, taxis or private transfers when travelling between Melbourne Airport and Melbourne CBD.