The IATA code for Melbourne Airport is MEL. This code is used to identify the airport in airline systems, ticketing, and baggage handling.
How Far Is Melbourne Airport from the City?
Melbourne Airport is approximately 23 kilometers (14 miles) from the city center of Melbourne. The travel time to the city can vary depending on traffic, but it usually takes around 25–30 minutes by car or taxi and around 30–45 minutes by public transport.
What Terminal Is Qantas at Melbourne Airport?
Qantas is primarily located at Terminal 1 at Melbourne Airport. However, some Qantas flights also operate out of Terminal 4.
Melbourne Airport Information
Information | Data |
---|---|
Airport type | Public |
Owner/Operator | Australia Pacific Airports Corporation Limited (APAC) |
Serves | Melbourne metropolitan area and Victoria |
Location | Tullamarine, Victoria, Australia |
Opened | 1970 |
Hub for | Jetstar Airways, Qantas, Tigerair Australia, Virgin |
Elevation AMSL | 434 ft / 132 m |
Coordinates | 37°40′08″S 144°50′22″E |
Website | https://melbourneairport.com.au/ |
IATA: | MEL |
ICAO: | YMML |
FAA LID: | MEL |
WMO: | 94868 |
Total Passengers | 23,117,400 (2019-2020) |
Aircraft operations | 157,342 (2019-2020) |
Total cargo (tonnes) | 291,524 (2019-2020) |

How Do I Get to Melbourne Airport?
There are several transportation options to get to Melbourne Airport, including taxis, ride-sharing services, public transport, and private transfers. The most popular public transport option is the SkyBus, which operates between the airport and the city center 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are also several public buses that operate to and from the airport.
What Time Does Melbourne Airport Open?
Melbourne Airport is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, individual shops, restaurants, and services within the airport may have their own operating hours, so it’s best to check with them directly if you need to know their specific opening times.
What Airlines Fly to Melbourne Airport?
Melbourne Airport is served by a variety of airlines, both domestic and international. Some major airlines operating at the airport include Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, Tigerair, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and Cathay Pacific. There are also many other smaller airlines that fly to and from Melbourne.

How Long Does It Take to Get to the City from Melbourne Airport?
The travel time between Melbourne Airport and the city can vary depending on your mode of transportation and the traffic conditions. It typically takes around 25-30 minutes to reach the city center by car or taxi. Public transport, such as the SkyBus, can take between 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Can I Sleep at Melbourne Airport?
Yes, Melbourne Airport is open 24 hours a day and has a number of areas where you can rest or sleep. There are comfortable seating areas in many terminals, as well as dedicated sleeping pods available for rent. If you prefer more traditional accommodation, there are also several hotels located near the airport.
Is There a Hotel at Melbourne Airport?
Yes, there are several hotels located near Melbourne Airport. Some of the most popular options include the PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport, Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport, and Mantra Tullamarine Hotel. These hotels offer convenient access to the airport and are ideal for travelers who need to catch an early flight.
How Many Terminals Does Melbourne Airport Have?
Melbourne Airport has four terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Terminal 4. Each terminal serves different airlines and destinations, so it’s important to check your flight details to find out which terminal you need to go to. The terminals are all connected by covered walkways and shuttle buses, so it’s easy to move between them if necessary.
Largest Airlines at Melbourne Airport
Rank | Airline | Passengers (2019-2020) | Market Share |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Qantas | 8,661,100 | 37.4% |
2 | Virgin Australia | 5,242,400 | 22.7% |
3 | Jetstar Airways | 3,404,200 | 14.7% |
4 | Tigerair Australia | 1,006,100 | 4.4% |
5 | Emirates | 860,000 | 3.7% |
6 | Air New Zealand | 715,800 | 3.1% |
7 | Singapore Airlines | 612,100 | 2.6% |
8 | Cathay Pacific Airways | 569,800 | 2.5% |
9 | China Southern Airlines | 516,700 | 2.2% |
10 | Malaysia Airlines | 366,200 | 1.6% |
What Is the Melbourne Airport Security Wait Time?
The security wait time at Melbourne Airport can vary depending on the time of day and the volume of passengers. However, the airport recommends arriving at least two hours before your scheduled departure time to allow for enough time to check in, pass through security, and reach your gate.

How Do I Get to Melbourne Airport from Southern Cross Station?
You can get to Melbourne Airport from Southern Cross Station via several transportation options. You can take the SkyBus, which runs 24/7 and takes around 30–45 minutes, depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or ride-share service like Uber, which takes around 25–35 minutes, depending on traffic.
Busiest International Routes from Melbourne Airport
Rank | City/Airport | Passengers | Carriers |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Singapore Changi (SIN) | 1,267,600 | Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Scoot |
2 | Auckland International (AKL) | 1,081,800 | Air New Zealand, Qantas |
3 | Hong Kong International (HKG) | 824,100 | Cathay Pacific, Qantas, Virgin Australia |
4 | Kuala Lumpur International (KUL) | 741,800 | AirAsia X, Malaysia Airlines, Malindo Air, Qantas |
5 | Denpasar Bali Ngurah Rai International (DPS) | 695,800 | Garuda Indonesia, Jetstar, Qantas, Virgin Australia |
6 | Dubai International (DXB) | 604,300 | Emirates, Qantas |
7 | Los Angeles International (LAX) | 551,700 | American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Qantas, United Airlines |
8 | Nadi International (NAN) | 547,500 | Fiji Airways, Jetstar, Qantas |
9 | Guangzhou Baiyun International (CAN) | 521,900 | China Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Qantas, Xiamen Airlines |
10 | Tokyo Narita International (NRT) | 477,300 | Japan Airlines, Qantas |
Can I Store My Luggage at Melbourne Airport?
Yes, Melbourne Airport offers luggage storage services. Storage facilities are located in the International Terminal and the Terminal 4 ground floor. The cost depends on the size of the luggage and the duration of storage.
How Many Runways Does Melbourne Airport Have?
Melbourne Airport has two runways. The main runway, Runway 16/34, is 3,657 meters long and can accommodate large aircraft such as the Airbus A380. The second runway, Runway 09/27, is 2,286 meters long and is mainly used for general aviation and regional flights.
What Is the Melbourne Airport Duty-Free Allowance?
If you are departing Melbourne Airport for an international destination, you are entitled to a duty-free allowance. This includes 2.25 liters of alcohol, 25 cigarettes, or 25 grams of tobacco. If you are traveling to an Australian domestic destination, you are not entitled to a duty-free allowance.
How Do I Get from Melbourne Airport to the City?
You have a few options to get from Melbourne Airport to the city. The most popular one is taking a taxi or rideshare service, which should take around 30–45 minutes, depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can take the SkyBus, which runs 24/7 and departs every 10–15 minutes. The bus will take you to Southern Cross Station in the city, and from there, you can either walk to your destination or take a connecting train, tram, or bus.

How Much Is Parking at Melbourne Airport?
The cost of parking at Melbourne Airport varies depending on the duration of your stay, the type of parking you choose, and whether you book in advance or not. The most affordable option is the Long Term Car Park, which starts at $20 per day if you book online in advance. Short Term Parking starts at $15 for the first hour and then increases to $40 for 24 hours. The Valet Parking service costs $79 per day.
What Is the Melbourne Airport Departure Tax?
There is no separate departure tax at Melbourne Airport. However, if you’re traveling internationally, you may need to pay an Air Passenger Duty as part of your ticket price. This is a tax that the Australian Government levies on all passengers departing Australia, and the cost depends on your destination.
Busiest Domestic Routes from Melbourne Airport
Rank | City/Airport | Passengers (2019-2020) | Carriers |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Sydney | 6,191,600 | Jetstar Airways, Qantas, Tigerair Australia, Virgin Australia |
2 | Brisbane | 2,673,800 | Jetstar Airways, Qantas, Virgin Australia |
3 | Gold Coast | 1,935,600 | Jetstar Airways, Tigerair Australia, Virgin Australia |
4 | Adelaide | 1,603,900 | Jetstar Airways, Qantas, Tigerair Australia, Virgin Australia |
5 | Perth | 1,210,800 | Jetstar Airways, Qantas, Virgin Australia |
6 | Cairns | 869,500 | Jetstar Airways, Qantas, Virgin Australia |
7 | Hobart | 659,300 | Jetstar Airways, Qantas, Virgin Australia |
8 | Sunshine Coast | 619,700 | Jetstar Airways, Virgin Australia |
9 | Canberra | 611,500 | Qantas, Virgin Australia |
10 | Launceston | 573,500 | Jetstar Airways, Qantas, Virgin Australia |
How Early Should I Arrive at Melbourne Airport?
It’s recommended that you arrive at Melbourne Airport at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure time for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights. This will give you enough time to check in, clear security, and board your flight without feeling rushed or stressed. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your airline for any specific requirements or recommendations they may have.
How Do I Get From Melbourne Airport to Avalon Airport?
The easiest and most convenient way to get from Melbourne Airport to Avalon Airport is by taking the SkyBus. The bus service runs every hour and takes approximately 50–60 minutes, depending on traffic. The bus will drop you off at the Avalon Airport terminal. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer or take a taxi, which will be more expensive than the bus.