Airport Hotels Melbourne

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Melbourne International Airport

Melbourne Airport (IATA: MEL) is 22km north-west of the city centre, adjacent to the industrial suburb of Tullamarine. There are regular flights from all major Australian and New Zealand cities, and there are direct international flights to many Asian hubs, and onwards connections to Europe. There are direct flights to the west coast of the USA and Canada, Santiago, Fiji and Hawaii. It is practical to fly direct to Melbourne from most international points.

The airport has four terminals, T1, T2, T3 and T4. T1, T2 T3 are in the same building, and it is easy to walk to T4, however each terminal has separate security screening, and access between terminals is not available once in the sterile area.

* T1 (the "North Terminal") is used by Qantas and Jetstar domestic services.
* T2 (the "International Terminal") is used by all international airlines. It is the middle terminal of the airport.
* T3 (the "South Terminal") is used by Virgin Blue and REX Regional Express domestic services.
* T4 is used by Tiger Airways Australia domestic services.

All arrivals are on the lower level of the terminals, with departures from the upper level.

Taxis between the airport and the city centre cost around $40-$45 and take about 25 minutes in clear traffic.

Skybus [14], tel +61 3 9670 7992, runs a 24/7 shuttle to and from the Southern Cross Station Coach Terminal on Spencer Street at the west end of the Central Business District, just north of Lonsdale Street. There are two airport pickup locations. One is outside the Virgin Blue/REX terminal (T3), 50m from the international terminal (T2). The other is outside the Qantas/Jetstar domestic terminal (T1). There are ticket desks at both T1 and T3, and if unattended, tickets can be purchased electronically or from the driver.

The trip takes around 20 minutes (in good traffic) and runs directly using the freeway with no stops. It costs $16/26 adult one-way/return, $6 child one-way (between 4 and 14 years of age). There are also several family ticket options available. Frequency ranges from hourly during the wee hours to quarter hourly from about 6:30AM-7:30PM (always on the quarter hour). They also run a connection service between the terminal and central hotels/hostels during the day (M-F 6AM-8PM, Sa-Su 8AM-6PM), and this is included in your fare. Otherwise, you can board any train at Southern Cross, or take a tram down Collins St through the city centre. Bookings are not needed for travel from the airport to hotels, but on the way back, book hotel pick-up at least 3 hours ahead.

Alternatively, if heading to southern Melbourne (St Kilda and points beyond), the Frankston and Peninsula Airport Shuttle (FAPAS) [15] runs roughly-hourly minibus services, advance bookings required either online or at +61-3-97831199. Full adult fares from $18, but there are group discounts and some hostels even offer free rides if you stay for three or more nights.

The airport recently got a new SmartBus service, which offers long operating hours, and high frequencies (minimum 15 minutes during the daytime). If you are economising, a 2-hour 2-zone Metcard gets you into the city for $5.80. Catch bus 901 to Broadmeadows (sign will read "FRANKSTON"), and switch to a train. A bus towards Moonee Ponds (Essendon) will also get you to a railway station, however, operates much less frequently.

From Melbourne CBD to MEL Airport direction. Get a 2-hour zone-1/2 ticket at Flinders Street station for AUD 5.80 to Broadmeadows Station (Craigieburn line). From Boradmeadows Station, you can catch either bus 500 to Melbourne Airport, or bus 901 to Melbourne Airport (which is a SmartBus service). The journey from Flinders Street Station to Broadmeadows station takes about 25~30 minutes. The route 901 operates from 4:54am till 12:01am, and has a minimum frequency of 15 minutes during the daytime. The bus from Broadmeadows to MEL airport takes 15 minutes.