Melbourne Airport

Understand

Melbourne Airport is Victoria’s largest airport and operates 24/7 without a curfew, unlike some other major Australian airports, allowing flexibility for both travellers and airlines. Opened in 1970 to replace Essendon Airport, it quickly became a major gateway to Australia and remains one of the nation’s busiest airports. The terminal layout enables easy access by foot between terminals, allowing seamless connections between international and domestic flights within the same complex. This setup is a notable advantage compared to airports such as Perth, where international and domestic terminals are further apart.

Melbourne Airport website

Getting around

Melbourne Airport is compact and easy to navigate on foot, making it one of the more user-friendly airports in Australia. There are no trains, shuttles, or other forms of transport within the airport itself, so all movement between terminals and facilities is done on foot. Like in other Australian airport, non-travelling members of the public are welcome to pass through security to go airside in the domestic terminals.

Walking distances: The main terminals (Terminals 1 to 3) are within the same building complex. It takes approximately 10 minutes to walk from one end of the main terminal complex (T1) to the other (T3). To reach Terminal 4, it’s an additional 10-minute walk. Connecting between terminals: If you’re connecting between domestic flights, you can walk directly between T1, T2, and T3 without needing to exit security. However, if you're connecting between international (T2) and domestic (T1, T3), you will need to exit security and re-enter, which adds extra time to your journey. Terminals layout: The terminals are laid out in a straight line, which makes navigating the airport easy, but there may be long stretches of walking, particularly if you’re traveling between T1/T3 and T4, which is located further away. Be sure to allow sufficient time if you're transferring between terminals. Access to services: There are clear signs throughout the airport to guide you to the various services, such as baggage claim, toilets, and check-in counters. Walkways are mostly flat, but there may be occasional escalators or lifts, particularly between different levels in Terminal 4. Long stretches of walking: While the terminals are relatively close together, if you're heading from Terminal 1 or 3 to Terminal 4, be prepared for a bit of a longer walk, as Terminal 4 is set apart. Additionally, the walk between Terminals 1-3 and the SkyBus terminal (located outside T3) can be a bit longer, especially when carrying luggage. Melbourne Airport’s layout is one of the most convenien

Buy

Melbourne Airport offers a range of shopping options, catering to both last-minute travel necessities and souvenirs. Whether you need to pick up a quick snack, book, or local specialty, there are plenty of places to shop.

Duty-free shopping There's a large duty-free store in Terminal 2 (International) just after passport control, easily accessible along the path to the gates. It offers a wide range of products, including perfumes, cosmetics, liquor, tobacco, and luxury goods tax-free for those flying internationally.

General shopping You can find a selection of stores selling newspapers, magazines, books, snacks, and travel essentials across all terminals.

Terminal 1 (Domestic): Includes several small kiosks and stores offering snacks, magazines, and quick-serve food. Terminal 3 (Domestic): More food and beverage options, as well as stores selling travel accessories and books. Terminal 4 (Domestic): A variety of shops for magazines, snacks, and essential travel items.

Currency exchange and ATMs There are ATMs in all terminals, and currency exchange services are available in Terminal 2 (International).

Local souvenirs and specialties Melbourne Airport offers shops with a selection of souvenirs and local specialties. These include Melbourne-themed gifts, Australian wines, gourmet chocolates, and Aboriginal art pieces.

Sleep

Inside the airport 1 Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport, 10-14 Centre Road, ☏ +61 3 9933 5111, [email protected]. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM. This hotel is a convenient option a short distance from the terminals. It offers comfortable rooms and is ideal for those with early or late flights. From $200. (updated Apr 2022) 2 ibis Budget Melbourne Airport, Caldwell Drive, ☏ +61 3 8336 1811, fax: +61 3 8336 1822, [email protected]. Check-in: noon, check-out: 10AM. A budget-friendly option offering basic accommodations. It’s ideal for short stays, providing easy access to the airport. (updated Nov 2024) 3 Parkroyal Melbourne Airport, Arrival Drive, ☏ +61 3 8347 2000, toll-free: 1800 01 7747, fax: +61 3 8347 2001, [email protected]. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM. This hotel is directly connected to the terminals by two short pedestrian flyovers, making it incredibly convenient for travellers. It offers 276 high-quality rooms, with amenities including a 24-hour gym, a heated pool, a spa, a sauna, and paid Wi-Fi. (updated Nov 2024)

Nearby 4 Mantra Tullamarine Hotel, 2 Trade Park Drive, Tullamarine, ☏ +61 3 9093 6500, fax: +61 3 9093 6599, [email protected]. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 10AM. Located a short drive from the airport, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and is well-connected to the terminals via shuttle service. (updated Nov 2024) 5 Quality Hotel Melbourne Airport, 265 Mickleham Road, Tullamarine, ☏ +61 3 9335 9300, fax: +61 3 9338 3818, [email protected]. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 10AM. It provides easy access to the airport with a shuttle service and comfortable accommodations for both short and long stays. (updated Nov 2024) Sleeping inside the airport: If you’re not checking into a hotel, you can find some places to rest within the terminals, although seating may not be the most comfortable for extended sleep. There are seats in the public areas, but they can be limited, and you may need to stay in you