Melbourne Airport Guide
Melbourne Airport sits 23 km northwest of the Melbourne CBD in Tullamarine. It is the second-busiest airport in Australia by passenger traffic, handling both domestic and international flights from four terminals. The airport opened in 1970 as a replacement for the nearby Essendon Airport. It handles over 37 million passengers annually.
Australia Pacific Airports Corporation has operated the airport under a long-term lease from the federal government since 1997. A planned rail link to the city centre has been discussed for decades but remains unfunded. Melbourne Airport is the only major capital-city airport in Australia with a curfew-free operation, allowing flights around the clock. The airport employs over 18,000 people directly.
Two parallel runways handle all traffic. SkyBus provides the primary public transport connection, running express coaches to Southern Cross Station in approximately 30 minutes. The airport also serves as a gateway to regional Victoria and Tasmania. Major airlines including Qantas, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia operate domestic services from three dedicated terminals.
Services
5 of 6 availableCompare 58 listed options at Melbourne Airport, spanning parking, car rentals, lounges, hotels and shuttles. Each guide sets out locations, distance from the airport, key features and links to book direct, so you can weigh cost against convenience before you fly. Select a service below to see every provider we track for Melbourne Airport.
Location
Key facts
- Size
- 37M passengers (2023)2 runwaysopened 1970
- Location
- -37.671, 144.838
- Operator
- Australia Pacific Airports Corporation
Terminals
4 terminalsMelbourne Airport has 4 passenger terminals — Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3 and Terminal 4, handling both international and domestic flights for around 9 airlines. Check which terminal your airline uses before you travel, as check-in, security and boarding points differ between them, and moving from one to another can take time.
- Terminal 1International
Qantas, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Malaysia Airlines
- Terminal 2Domestic
Virgin Australia, Rex Airlines
- Terminal 3Domestic
Qantas, QantasLink
- Terminal 4Domestic
Jetstar
Nearby cities
3 citiesMelbourne Airport is closest to Sunbury (12 km northwest), and also serves Melbourne, Geelong and other nearby areas. With 3 towns and cities within reach, it is a practical gateway for the wider region. Distances shown are straight-line from the airport, so allow extra time for road transfers, traffic and parking.
- Melbourne23 km southeast
- Sunbury12 km northwest
- Geelong75 km southwest
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the airport codes for Melbourne Airport?
Where is Melbourne Airport located?
Where is Melbourne Airport located?
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What services are available at Melbourne Airport?
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