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Melbourne Airport MEL

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MEL Airport Insights & Guide

Key MEL Airport Topics:

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.

iFly Tip: Explore short-term and long-term parking options on our Airport Parking page.

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.

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

"Melbourne Airport has four terminals: T1 for domestic flights with Qantas, T2 for international flights, T3 for domestic flights with Virgin Australia, and T4 for budget airlines like Jetstar and Tigerair. Make sure to check your terminal before arriving to avoid any last-minute confusion." — Emily W., Sunbury, VIC, August 2023

"If you need to transfer between terminals, there's a free shuttle bus service that runs every 10 minutes. It’s a real time-saver, especially if you’re in a rush." — Liam H., Tullamarine, VIC, September 2023

Getting To/From the City

"The SkyBus is the most convenient way to get to Melbourne’s CBD. It runs 24/7 and takes about 30 minutes. Plus, it has free Wi-Fi, so you can catch up on work or entertainment during the ride." — Olivia M., Essendon, VIC, October 2023

"If you prefer a more direct route, rideshare services like Uber and taxis are readily available. Just follow the signs to the designated pickup zones outside each terminal." — Jack T., Broadmeadows, VIC, November 2023

Parking

"For short trips, the Terminal Car Park is your best bet. It’s just a short walk from the terminals, making it super convenient for quick drop-offs and pickups." — Sophie K., Glenroy, VIC, December 2023

"If you’re planning to park for several days, the Long Term Car Park offers better rates and a free shuttle service to the terminals. It’s a great way to save some money." — Ethan B., Craigieburn, VIC, January 2024

Inside the Airport

"There are plenty of food options in T2, ranging from fast food to sit-down restaurants. If you have time, I recommend grabbing a bite at Brunetti’s for some delicious Italian pastries." — Mia L., Moonee Ponds, VIC, February 2024

"For shopping, T2 also has a wide variety of duty-free stores. It’s a great place to pick up last-minute gifts or travel essentials." — Noah R., Keilor, VIC, March 2024

Avoiding Delays and Stress

"Always check the real-time wait times for security screening on the Melbourne Airport app. It can help you plan your arrival and avoid unnecessary stress." — Lucas J., Airport West, VIC, April 2024

"If you’re traveling during peak hours, consider using the express lanes available for a small fee. It can significantly reduce your waiting time, especially during the morning rush." — Ava P., Greenvale, VIC, May 2024

iFly Tip: Navigate the gate pass request process smoothly with advice from our gate pass information page.

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.

iFly Tip: Learn about the strict safety measures in place during cockpit operations in our cockpit safety guide.

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

  • Location: Melbourne Airport (MEL), also known as Tullamarine Airport, is located 23 kilometers northwest of Melbourne's city center, Australia.
  • Terminals: The airport has four terminals: Terminal 1 (domestic), Terminal 2 (international), Terminal 3 (domestic), and Terminal 4 (domestic).
  • Airlines Served: The airport is served by major airlines including Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar Airways. For a list of all airlines, check out the MEL Airlines Served page.
  • Passenger Traffic: Melbourne Airport handles approximately 100,000 passengers daily.
  • Daily Flights: The airport manages around 700 daily flights.
  • Top International Destinations: The most popular international destinations served from MEL are Auckland, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, and Dubai.
  • Hub Status: Melbourne Airport is a hub for Jetstar Airways, 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).

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Melbourne Airport Q&A

The airport has four terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Terminal 4.
Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are connected by covered walkways. For Terminal 4, a shuttle bus runs every 10 minutes and is free of charge.
The SkyBus is a reliable option, running every 10-15 minutes to Southern Cross Station in the CBD.
Car rental counters are located in the Terminal 1 Arrivals Hall.
The airport offers Express, Long Term, and Valet parking, as well as free cell phone waiting areas.
Yes, the airport has a variety of dining options, including local cuisine at Café Vue in Terminal 2.
You can check flight status using the in-airport flight displays, your airline's mobile app, or the airport's website.
Options include car rentals, taxis, shared ride services like Uber, airport shuttles, and public transportation such as the SkyBus.
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Connect to the "MEL Airport" network.
The lost and found office is located in Terminal 2.