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MEL Airport Insights & Guide


Key MEL Airport Topics:

Frequent Flier Tips

To help make your experience at Melbourne Airport (MEL) as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from MEL-based frequent travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff. Their first-hand insights are sure to provide you with valuable guidance. Here’s what they have to say:

Navigating the Terminals

"If you're flying Qantas from Terminal 1, arrive early to enjoy the Qantas Club lounge. It's a great way to relax before your flight. For international flights from Terminal 2, the duty-free shopping is top-notch, so allocate some time for that." — Emily H., Sunbury, VIC, June 2023

"Transferring between terminals is a breeze. Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are connected by covered walkways, making it easy to move around. If you need to get to Terminal 4, the shuttle bus runs every 10 minutes and is free." — Raj P., Melton, VIC, August 2023

Getting To/From the City

"The SkyBus is a reliable option to get to and from the airport. It runs every 10-15 minutes and takes you directly to Southern Cross Station in the CBD. It's faster and cheaper than a taxi during peak hours." — John K., Essendon, VIC, May 2023

"If you're renting a car, the rental counters are easy to find in the Terminal 1 Arrivals Hall. Make sure to book in advance to get the best rates and availability." — Lisa M., Broadmeadows, VIC, September 2023

Parking

"For short trips, the Express parking is the way to go. It's close to the terminals and reasonably priced if you're only staying for a few days. For longer stays, the Long Term parking offers better rates." — Ahmed S., Tullamarine, VIC, November 2023

"If you're picking someone up, use the cell phone waiting area. It's free and saves you the hassle of circling the airport. Once your passenger is ready, you can drive up to the terminal for a quick pickup." — Maria G., Keilor, VIC, July 2023

Inside the Airport

"Melbourne Airport has some fantastic dining options. Don't miss out on the local cuisine at Café Vue in Terminal 2. They serve a great breakfast menu." — Sophie L., Moonee Ponds, VIC, October 2023

"For shopping, Terminal 2 has a great selection of high-end boutiques like Emporio Armani. It's a good way to kill time if you have a long layover." — Tom W., Pascoe Vale, VIC, December 2023

Avoiding Delays and Stress

"Always check the flight status online before heading to the airport. MEL's website provides real-time updates, which can save you from unnecessary waiting." — Henry B., Craigieburn, VIC, April 2023

"Security lines can get long during peak hours. Arrive early and have your documents ready to speed up the process. Also, avoid wearing metal accessories to breeze through security checks." — Olivia T., Airport West, VIC, January 2024

Helpful Tips & Resources

Is Tullamarine, VIC Airport (MEL) airport a bit unfamiliar to you? Look no further than iFly.com for insightful tips and advice. Read on!

Getting to Know MEL Airport

Welcome to the online guide for Melbourne Airport, a bustling hub that serves as the gateway to the vibrant city of Melbourne and beyond. As Australia's second busiest airport, MEL prides itself on its efficient operations and diverse range of services. One of its unique features is the dedication to local culture, with a variety of dining options showcasing Melbourne's renowned food scene. Whether you're embarking on a new journey or returning home, MEL strives to make your travel experience smooth and enjoyable. If your journey takes you to other destinations, be sure to explore our comprehensive guide to worldwide airports for more useful information.

Airport News

Melbourne Airport (MEL) is making headlines with recent developments that enhance the travel experience. The airport has introduced a full-service gym, catering to the growing trend of wellness travel. This new facility aims to offer passengers a way to stay fit and relaxed while on the go. Additionally, Turkish Airlines has celebrated its inaugural flight to Australia, marking a significant milestone for the airline and providing more travel options for passengers flying to and from Melbourne. (sources: Athletech News, Business Traveler USA)

Melbourne Airport has four terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Terminal 4. Terminal 1 is exclusively used by Qantas, Terminal 2 is used by Tigerair Australia, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia, Terminal 3 is used by Regional Express Airlines, and Terminal 4 is used by Jetstar and Tigerair Australia. Each terminal has a range of shops, restaurants, and services available for passengers.

To navigate the airport, passengers can follow the signs and directions provided throughout the terminals. There are also information desks located in each terminal to assist passengers with any questions or concerns they may have.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

At MEL, there are several options for getting between the terminals. If you need to transfer between Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3, you can do so on foot, as they are all connected via covered walkways. The walk time between each terminal is approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on your walking speed.

If you need to transfer to Terminal 4, there are shuttle buses available that run every 10 minutes, 24/7. The shuttle bus stop is located outside Terminal 3, near the Virgin Australia check-in area. The shuttle bus ride takes approximately 5 minutes, and it's free of charge.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

At Melbourne Airport, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at designated areas outside each terminal. Curbside parking is strictly prohibited, and vehicles left unattended may be towed. However, there are several options available for those who need to wait for arriving passengers.

For those who prefer to wait in their vehicle, there are cell-phone waiting areas located near each terminal. These areas provide a convenient place to wait for arriving passengers without having to circle the airport or pay for parking. Once the arriving passenger has collected their luggage and is ready to be picked up, the driver can simply call or text them to let them know they are waiting outside.

Parking Facilities & Options

MEL offers a variety of parking options to suit the needs of all travelers. There are multiple on-site parking options available, including Express, Long Term, and Valet parking. The parking lots and garages are located within walking distance of all four airport terminals, making it easy to access your vehicle upon arrival.

For those who prefer to wait in their car for arriving passengers, there are designated cell phone waiting areas available free of charge. These areas are located near the airport entrance and provide a convenient place to wait until your party is ready to be picked up.

Handicapped parking is available in all parking lots and garages, with designated spots located close to the terminal entrances. Additionally, there are wheelchair accessible shuttle buses available to transport passengers from the parking lots to the terminals.

For those looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking is available near MEL Airport. These lots offer shuttle service to and from the airport, and can often be reserved in advance for added convenience.

Get details about the airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking .

Transportation Options

Melbourne Airport, also known as Tullamarine Airport, is located approximately 23 km northwest of Melbourne's central business district. There are several transportation options available for passengers arriving at the airport.

Car rental facilities are available at Melbourne Airport. Major providers include Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, and Thrifty. The car rental counters are located in the Terminal 1 Arrivals Hall.

Taxi services are available at the airport, with designated drop-off areas located outside the terminals. The fare from the airport to the central business district is approximately AUD 60-70. Additional fees may apply for tolls and airport pickup fees.

Shared ride services, such as Uber and Ola, are also available at MEL. Pickup areas are located outside each terminal. Please note that there may be restrictions on the type of vehicle that can be used for pickups at the airport.

Airport shuttles are available for passengers traveling to and from MEL Airport. These shuttles provide door-to-door service to and from the airport. Pickup areas are located outside each terminal. Fares vary depending on the destination and the number of passengers.

Public transportation options are available for passengers traveling to and from the airport. The SkyBus provides express service between the airport and the central business district, with departures every 10-15 minutes. The fare is approximately AUD 19 one way.

Airport Hotels

Looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay near the airport? We've got you covered. Our guide provides a list of the best hotels near the airport, handpicked based on their proximity, quality of amenities, and value for money. Whether you're on a budget or looking for a luxurious retreat, we have options for every traveler. From hotels offering free shuttle service to those with sound-proof rooms and fitness centers, there's something for everyone. Ready to explore? Check out our Melbourne Airport Hotels now.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

If you're traveling through MEL Airport and looking for some delicious food or a shopping spree, look no further than the wide variety of options available at MEL. From Italian cuisine at Gian Carlo to a pint of beer and pub food at P.J. O'Brien's, there's something for everyone. And when it comes to shopping, MEL has you covered with high-fashion boutiques like Emporio Armani and local souvenirs at Melbourne & Beyond. These are just a few of the many options available to you at MEL.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at the airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, get details of all shops and services here.

Passenger Services

Melbourne Airport offers a range of passenger services to make your travel experience as comfortable as possible.

For those needing to stay connected, free wifi is available throughout the airport. Simply connect to the "MEL Airport" network and follow the prompts to access the internet.

If you have lost an item during your travels, the lost and found office is located in Terminal 2. You can also contact them via phone or email to report a lost item.

Traveling with children? Melbourne Airport has dedicated children's play areas in Terminals 2 and 3, featuring interactive games and activities to keep little ones entertained.

For passengers with special needs, MEL offers a range of services including wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and designated parking spaces. Be sure to contact your airline in advance to arrange any necessary assistance.

Need to access banking services? There are ATMs and currency exchange kiosks located throughout the airport, as well as a full-service bank in Terminal 2.

If you require medical assistance during your travels, MEL Airport has a medical center located in Terminal 4. Trained medical staff are available 24/7 to provide medical assistance and advice.

Flight Status Info

As a traveler, it's important to stay up-to-date with the status of your flight. Fortunately, there are several ways to check the flight status at the airport.

One of the easiest ways to check flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS). These displays can be found throughout the airport and provide real-time information on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Another convenient option is to download the mobile app of your airline. Most airlines offer mobile apps that allow passengers to check their flight status, receive alerts about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes via text, email, or push notifications. Make sure to enable notifications so you can stay informed about any changes to your flight.

Passengers can also check the status of their flight departure at Melbourne Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

By using these resources, travelers can stay informed and avoid any unexpected surprises during their journey.

Airport Facts & Stats

Melbourne Airport, also known as Tullamarine Airport, is the second busiest airport in Australia, after Sydney Airport. It is located 23 kilometers northwest of the city center and serves as a hub for several airlines, including Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar.

The airport has four terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Terminal 4. Terminal 1 is used for international flights, while Terminals 2, 3, and 4 are used for domestic flights.

On average, MEL handles around 100,000 passengers daily, with an average of 700 daily flights. The airport serves over 40 airlines, with the top airlines being Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, Tigerair Australia, and Emirates.

MEL Airport serves over 30 domestic destinations and over 30 international destinations. The top five international destinations served are Auckland, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, and Dubai.

Several airlines use the airport as a hub, including Jetstar, Tigerair Australia, and Regional Express Airlines.

Airport History

Melbourne Airport, also known as Tullamarine Airport, is the second busiest airport in Australia and serves the city of Melbourne and its surrounding areas. The airport has a rich history dating back to the 1920s.

Significant events in the airport's history include:

  • 1921 - Essendon Airport, Melbourne's first airport, opened for business.
  • 1959 - Plans were approved for the construction of a new airport to cater for Melbourne's growing population.
  • 1970 - Melbourne Airport, also known as Tullamarine Airport, officially opened for business.
  • 1984 - The airport's first international terminal was opened, allowing for international flights to and from Melbourne.
  • 1997 - MEL underwent a major redevelopment which included the construction of a new domestic terminal.
  • 2006 - A second runway was opened at the airport, increasing its capacity and allowing for more flights to operate.
  • 2013 - MEL Airport welcomed its first Airbus A380, the world's largest passenger aircraft, to its runways.
  • 2020 - The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the airport, leading to a decrease in passenger numbers and the suspension of many international flights.

Today, the airport continues to be an important hub for air travel in Australia and a gateway to the city of Melbourne.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Melbourne Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

  • IATA Code: MEL
  • Airport Website
  • Phone: +61 3 9297 1600
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mailing Address: Melbourne Airport, Locked Bag 16, Gladstone Park, Victoria 3043, Australia

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).