PerkJolt
How do I get from Melbourne airport to the city?
Short answer: The easiest option is the SkyBus Express coach from the terminals to Southern Cross Station in the CBD. A taxi or rideshare costs more but takes you straight to your hotel, which can make sense for groups or very late arrivals. There's no train from the airport yet.
The details
- SkyBus to Southern Cross Station. This is the default for most visitors. Coaches leave from outside the terminals and run to the Southern Cross coach terminal. The ride typically takes roughly 30 minutes, and longer in weekday peak traffic. Last we checked, one-way adult fares were in the mid-A$20s, with a return ticket costing a bit less than two single fares. Fares, frequency and overnight hours change, so confirm them at skybus.com.au before you book.
- Taxi or rideshare. Taxis are metered, so there is no flat fare. The total depends on your destination, traffic and time of day. Budget roughly A$55–90 to the CBD, and expect 25–45 minutes. If you're two to four people with luggage and your hotel is not near Southern Cross, the cost per person can be close to SkyBus.
- Local public bus plus train. Melbourne's public transport network includes a bus from the airport to a suburban train station. This is the cheapest option, but it is slower and involves a transfer, so it's a hard slog with big bags. Check routes, fares and myki requirements at ptv.vic.gov.au.
- No airport train yet. Early works on the Melbourne Airport Rail Link are underway and construction is expected to be completed by late 2033. (checked Oct 12, 2026) Don't plan around a rail connection on this trip.
- Rental car. Only worth it if you're heading straight out to the Great Ocean Road. Driving and parking in the CBD is expensive and awkward, so most visitors pick up a car on the city fringe or the day they leave.
Tips
- Use Southern Cross as a hub. It connects to Melbourne's trams and trains, so a SkyBus-plus-tram trip can reach most inner suburbs. Check your accommodation's nearest tram or train line before you land.
- Book ahead only if it saves you money. SkyBus doesn't require you to reserve a departure time, so you can usually just turn up. Compare the online and kerbside prices.
- Allow for peak traffic. If you have a morning flight out, leave extra time for weekday rush hour on the Tullamarine Freeway.
- Arriving after midnight? Check the SkyBus overnight timetable. If it's thin, a pre-booked transfer or rideshare gives you more certainty than waiting at the rank.
- Heading to the Great Ocean Road first? Compare a one-way rental pick-up at the airport against taking SkyBus into the city and collecting a car there. Doing the airport pick-up first can save a backtrack.
FAQ
Is there a train from Melbourne Airport to the city?
No. A rail link is under construction, and the Australian Government's project page expects it to be completed by late 2033 (checked Oct 12, 2026). Until then, use SkyBus, a taxi or rideshare, or a local bus connecting to a suburban train.
How long does SkyBus take to reach the city?
Typically roughly 30 minutes, though it's longer in weekday rush hours. Journey times depend on traffic on the Tullamarine Freeway. Allow extra time if you have a connecting tram, a hotel check-in or a flight to catch.
Is SkyBus cheaper than a taxi or Uber?
Usually, for one or two travelers. For a group of three or four, a metered taxi or rideshare can come close per person, and it takes you to your door. Check current SkyBus fares at skybus.com.au and get a fare estimate in your rideshare app.
Can I get to the city from the airport at night?
Yes, but options thin out. SkyBus advertises extended or round-the-clock service with less frequent overnight departures, and taxis and rideshares operate through the night. Check the SkyBus timetable for your arrival time before you fly.
Where does SkyBus drop me off?
Southern Cross Station, on the western edge of the CBD, is the main stop. You can transfer there to trams, trains and other SkyBus routes. Check the SkyBus site for hotel shuttle options in the CBD.
Want the whole trip planned? The PerkJolt Melbourne + Great Ocean Road guide puts the routes, timing and points strategy in one place. Get the Melbourne + Great Ocean Road guide
More questions about Melbourne + Great Ocean Road
- Should I take a Great Ocean Road tour or self-drive, and do I need a car?
- How much does a Great Ocean Road day trip cost?
- How many days should I spend in Melbourne?
- What is the best time of year to visit Melbourne?
- How many days do I need for the Great Ocean Road?
See every question about Melbourne + Great Ocean Road → /answers/melbourne/
Last verified: 2026-10-12. SkyBus fares and overnight frequency are the most likely to change, so check skybus.com.au. For public transport routes and fares, check ptv.vic.gov.au.
Good to know before you go
. Confirm hours, fees, schedules and road or trail status on the official page before you book or go.
Sources
- https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/projects/097140-17vic