Airport Overview
Also known as Tullamarine Airport, Melbourne Airport is the primary airport serving the city of Melbourne. It’s the main international airport of the four airports serving the Melbourne metropolitan area.
MEL airport is operated by the Australia Pacific Airports Corporation Limited. MEL is located 23 kilometres (14 miles) northwest of the city centre, adjacent to the suburb of Tullamarine.
Airport Stats & Facts
- Melbourne Airport is the second busiest airport in Australia.
- The airport features direct flights to 33 domestic destinations and to destinations in the Pacific, Europe, Asia, North America and South America.
- MEL is the number one arrival/departure point for the airports of four of Australia's seven other capital cities.
- On July 1 2020, Melbourne Airport celebrated its 50th year of operation.
- In 2019, over 10 million international passengers, and around 25 million domestic passengers used the airport.
- MEL handles more domestic freight than any other airport in the nation.
Airport Traveling Tips
- Melbourne Airport is busiest in the morning between 7:00 am - 8:00 am.
- Passengers are recommended to arrive at least 2 hours prior to the scheduled flight departure.
- Those flying internationally can check in on the first floor of T2, located roughly in the middle of the airport. If you’re entering from the ground floor, you’ll need to go up one level using the escalators or lift.
- For check-in, those flying domestically can check in on the first floor of T1. You’ll need to check your gate number on the screens before heading through security.
- To ensure a hassle-free check-in process, passengers should pack carry-on luggage in a suitable manner, have photo ID ready, and read all the airline guidelines properly prior to arriving at the airport.
- Before heading to the airport for a flight, please have a look at the MEL Airport map.
Passenger Pickup and Drop-off
- Terminal 1, 2 & 3 passengers can be picked up from the pick up zone located on the ground level of the Terminal 1, 2 & 3 forecourt. Terminal 4 passengers can be picked up from Level 1 of the Terminal 4 Car Park.
- Terminal 1, 2 & 3 passengers can be dropped off via Departure Drive on Level 2 of the Terminal 1, 2 & 3 forecourt. Terminal 4 passengers can be dropped off via Level 2 of the Terminal 4 Car Park.
- If the passengers have got their luggage, and are ready to be picked up, you can pick them up from the 1-minute pickup zone located on the ground level of the Terminal 1,2,3 forecourt.
- If the passenger isn’t ready or you arrive too early, then you can stay in the ‘wait zone’, which is free for the first 20 minutes.
- Passengers can be dropped off via departure drive on Level 2 of the Terminal 1,2, and 3.
Flight Status
- For arriving flights: Arrival flight status provides the arrival times, gate information, delays, and time to land for the Melbourne Airport.
- For departing flights: Departing flight status lists scheduled vs actual departure, gate information, map tracking, and flight delays.
- To get the best fares, book a flight at MEL here.
Airport Terminals
The Melbourne Airport comprises four terminals - one international terminal, two domestic terminals and one budget domestic terminal. There are 68 gates, 53 domestic and 15 international.
Terminal 1
Terminal 1 hosts domestic and regional services for Qantas Group airlines, Qantas and QantasLink. Departures are located on the first floor, while arrivals are located on the ground floor.
Terminal 2
Opened in 1970, Terminal 2 handles all international, and limited domestic, flights out of Melbourne Airport. It has 20 gates with aerobridges. Departures take place on the lower deck, with arrivals streamed on to the first floor.
Terminal 3
Terminal 3 is home to Virgin Australia. It has eleven parking bays served by single aerobridges and eight parking bays not equipped with aerobridges.
Terminal 4
Originally called the Domestic Express or South Terminal, Terminal 4 is dedicated to budget airlines and is the first facility of its kind at a conventional airport in Australia.
Airlines Served
Myriad of airlines are served at Melbourne Airport including Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, and more.
View the full list of airlines served at MEL here.
Airport Parking
Value Car Park
Value is the new name for the former Long Term Car Park. If you're planning on staying a while, or simply looking for the lowest rates, it is an ideal option.
Rates:
0-15min - $12
15-30min - $12
30-1hr - $12
1-2hr - $12
2-3hr - $12
3-4hr - $12
4-6hr - $12
6-24hrs - $12
Terminal Car Park
Located right outside Terminals 1, 2 & 3, and at Terminal 4, the Terminal Car Parks offer convenience and value only a couple of minutes’ walk to the terminals.
Rates:
0-15min - $0
15-30min - $15
30-1hr - $15
1-2hr - $30
2-3hr - $45
3-4hr - $49
4-6hr - $49
6-24hrs - $49
Premium Parking
Premium bays are located right at the front of the closest car parks to the terminals. It offers unmatched convenience only a couple of minutes’ walk to the terminals.
Rates:
0-15min - $25
15-30min - $25
30-1hr - $25
1-2hr - $50
2-3hr - $75
3-4hr - $79
4-6hr - $79
6-24hrs - $79
Ground Transport
For ground transportation, passengers can choose between car rentals, taxis, buses, and more after arriving at Melbourne Airport.
Car Rentals
Hiring a rental car from Melbourne Airport is the best way to take in all the amazing experiences Victoria has to offer. Passengers can choose from leading brands including Avis, Budget, Europcar, Enterprise, and more.
Taxis
Taxi ranks are located across from all the terminals. Travelers can pre-book a taxi to pick up from the airport. The taxi will be ready to collect in the outdoor section of the Terminal Car Park at Terminals 1, 2 & 3.
Buses & Trains
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option for ground transportation at MEL, public transportation is a great choice. SkyBus runs express bus services every 10 minutes between Melbourne Airport and Melbourne CBD, operating all-day. Metropolitan and regional public buses also operate to or via the airport.
Amenities & Services
For visitors to have a great stay, Melbourne Airport provides plenty of amenities and services including:
- Store, gift shops, and local souvenir shops.
- Restaurants, bars, and cafes.
- Shoeshine stations, and massage bars.
- Free Wi-Fi internet throughout the airport.
- Multiple art installations and exhibits on display.
- Vending machines, and banks/ATMs.
Contact Information
Address: Locked Bag 16, Tullamarine, VIC, 3043, AUS
Website: https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/
Contact: http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/contact-us.html
Phone: +61 3 9297 1600
Melbourne Airport: A Brief History Timeline
- In 1959, the Commonwealth Government acquired 5,300 ha (13,000 acres) of grassland in the rural Tullamarine.
- In May 1959 it was announced that a new airport would be built at Tullamarine.
- On 1 July 1970, Prime Minister John Gorton opened Melbourne Airport to international operations ending Essendon's near two decade run as Melbourne's international airport.
- Melbourne Airport was originally called 'Melbourne International Airport'.
- In 1988, the Australian Government formed the Federal Airports Corporation (FAC), placing Melbourne Airport under the operational control of the new corporation along with 21 other airports around the nation.
- In 2005, the airport undertook construction works to prepare the airport for the arrival of the double-decker Airbus A380.
- In 2008 a further 270,000 sq ft expansion of Terminal 2 commenced, costing $330 million with completion in 2011.
