Melbourne Airport guide: parking, food and getting to the city

Melbourne Airport guide: everything you need to know

Which terminal do I need at Melbourne Airport?

Melbourne Airport has four terminals, each serving different airlines and destinations.

• Terminal 1 (T1) - Qantas domestic flights.
• Terminal 2 (T2) - International flights.
• Terminal 3 (T3) - Virgin Australia domestic flights.
• Terminal 4 (T4) - Jetstar domestic flights and other select regional domestic flights.

All four terminals are located within the same airport precinct and are accessible on foot. Check your airline and boarding pass before travelling to confirm your departure terminal.

Where do I drop someone off at Melbourne Airport?

For drop-offs, use the T123 Transport Hub for Terminals 1, 2 and 3, or the T4 Transport Hub for Terminal 4.

Melbourne Airport introduced new pick-up and drop-off areas on 6 October 2026 as part of its Naarm Way project. The new drop-off area features 74 vehicle spaces and connects to the terminals via a covered pedestrian bridge.

For Terminals 1, 2 and 3, take Exit 19 (Naarm Way) from the Tullamarine Freeway, then follow signs to T123 Drop Off. The free drop-off zone is on Level 3 of the T123 Transport Hub.

Terminal 4 continues to use the T4 Transport Hub, with drop-off on Level 2.

Drop-off is limited to one minute, so passengers should have their luggage ready before arriving.

Where do I pick someone up at Melbourne Airport?

The new free pick-up zone for Terminals 1, 2 and 3 is located at the rear of Level 2 of the T123 Transport Hub. Drivers should take Exit 19 (Naarm Way) and follow signs to T123 Pick Up.

The undercover area features 115 vehicle spaces, with a five-minute pick-up limit.

Terminal 4 continues to use the T4 Transport Hub, with pick-up on Level 1.

If you're arriving early, Melbourne Airport's Wait Zone on Mercer Drive offers the first 60 minutes of parking free. Your passenger can call you once they’ve cleared customs, collected their baggage and reached the pick-up zone.

Have Terminal 4 pick-up and drop-off areas changed?

No. Terminal 4 continues to use the T4 Transport Hub, with pick-up on Level 1 and drop-off on Level 2.

Taxi and rideshare pick-ups for Terminals 1, 2 and 3 also remain at the ground-level terminal forecourt, while drop-offs now use Level 3 of the T123 Transport Hub.

Allow additional time to walk between the new transport hub and your terminal, particularly when travelling with children or heavy luggage.

How do you get to Melbourne Airport?

There are several ways to travel to Melbourne Airport, located about 23km north of the CBD.

• Driving - Melbourne Airport is accessible via the Tullamarine Freeway (M2). Travel times from Melbourne's CBD are typically around 30-40 minutes in light traffic, but allow longer during peak periods.
• SkyBus - the SkyBus's Melbourne City Express line connects Southern Cross Station with Melbourne Airport, offering a convenient option for travellers without a car. It also offers transfer services to regional hubs via the Peninsula Express, Eastern Express, and Sunshine Express services.
• Taxi or rideshare - taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate at Melbourne Airport, with designated pick-up locations outside the terminals.
• Airport shuttle services - various companies offer shuttle services between the city and the airport.

Is there a train to Melbourne Airport?

Melbourne Airport doesn't yet have a direct train line to the city. However, there are plans for a Melbourne Airport Rail Link to connect the airport with the city's rail network.

The project is expected to be completed by 2029 and will provide a faster and more convenient option for passengers travelling between the airport and the city.

What parking options are available at Melbourne Airport?

Melbourne Airport offers several parking options depending on your budget and travel plans.

• Terminal Car Parks - convenient for short stays and travellers wanting to park close to the terminals. There are parks at the T123 Car Park with direct access to Terminals 1, 2 and 3; and the T4 Car Park just 100m from Terminal 4. Short-term rates are available for stays under six hours.
• Value Car Parks - a more affordable parking option, with shuttle services to the terminals every 15 minutes. These parks are open-air and you must remember to leave time for the shuttle bus to get you to your terminal.
• Premium Car Parks - located undercover and closer to the terminals for added convenience at both the T123 Car Park and the T4 Car Park.
• Valet Parking - allows travellers to leave their vehicle with airport staff at Level 1 of the T123 Car Park before heading to their flight, after which staff will park your car in a prime undercover location. There's even an optional car wash service for an extra fee.
• Accessible Parking - you can now pre-book an accessible park in the T123 Accessible Car Park on Level 2 of the T123 Car Park. Accessible bays are also available in all other car parks on a first-come basis.

Parking prices vary depending on the duration, location and booking method. Booking online in advance may offer better value than paying on arrival.

RACV Members can save up to 10 per cent on airport parking and transfer services.

How to help prevent car theft and break-ins at Melbourne Airport

If you're driving to Melbourne Airport and leaving your car for hours or days, take a few quick precautions to reduce the risk of theft or break-ins. Car theft in Victoria has increased and Victoria Police warn that Melbourne Airport is among the locations thieves are targeting. Most incidents are opportunistic, so making your vehicle look 'harder to target' can help.

• Remove valuables from sight - don't leave bags, coins, sunglasses, laptops, passports or spare keys visible. If you must store items, lock them in the boot before you arrive. Otherwise, leave them at home.
  
• Don't leave house keys - thieves may use the car's GPS navigation system to locate your home. Ideally, delete your home address from the system before you leave your car. 
• Lock up properly - close windows fully, lock all doors, and double-check after walking away (especially if you're distracted with luggage or kids).
• Be careful with keyless entry fobs - keep your fob in a shielded pouch or switched off (if your model allows) to reduce the risk of relay theft. Thieves can stand near you (for example, as you're waiting for the courtesy shuttle bus to the terminal) and use devices to 'relay' the fob's signal to the car, tricking it into unlocking and starting.
• Install an OBD port lock if you have a push-start car - this helps prevent offenders connecting a reprogramming device to your vehicle. Consider pairing this anti-theft device with a steering wheel lock or engine immobiliser.
• Don't leave documents in the car - avoid storing registration papers, home address details, or garage remotes that could make follow-on theft easier.
• Take a quick record - note your bay/level, and consider a few photos of your car and number plate which is useful if you need to report an incident.
• Know what to do if something happens - report suspicious activity to parking staff/security straight away, and contact police for theft or break-in reports (your insurer may request a report number).

Tip: If you're away for an extended trip, consider extra deterrents (steering wheel lock or alarm settings) and confirm your insurance covers theft and contents. When in doubt, choose the most secure, well-lit parking option available.

How early should you arrive at Melbourne Airport?

As a general guide, aim to arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. Allow extra time during school holidays, public holidays and other busy travel periods.

If you're using the new T123 Transport Hub, factor in additional walking time between the drop-off area and terminal check-in.

Always check your airline's recommended arrival times before travelling.

What facilities are available at Melbourne Airport?

Melbourne Airport offers a range of facilities to make travelling more comfortable, including restaurants, cafes, shops, free Wi-Fi, lounges and accessible amenities.

Melbourne Airport provides free Wi-Fi throughout the terminals for travellers to stay connected.

There are various cafes, restaurants, and fast-food options, offering everything from coffee and snacks to sit-down meals. Some popular brands include GELATISSIMO, Hudsons Coffee, The Coffee Emporium, and Qantas' First Class Lounge Dining.

There are also more than 200 retail outlets, including fashion stores, duty-free shops, tech gadgets, Australian souvenirs, and more. You'll find international brands as well as Australian retailers.

If you have access, Melbourne Airport has various premium lounges available to travellers, including the Qantas Lounge, Virgin Australia Lounge, and other airlines. RACV Members can save on the entry fee to The House at Melbourne Airport, which has stunning views of the runway and beyond. 

Travellers requiring mobility assistance can access Melbourne Airport Assist, a free service helping eligible passengers move between terminals, car parks and transport zones.

Can you buy duty-free goods at Melbourne Airport?

Yes, Melbourne Airport has several duty-free shops located in its International Terminal (T2). Duty-free shopping is only available to international travellers who are leaving the country or arriving from international flights.

You'll need your boarding pass to make purchases. Passengers travelling on domestic flights are not eligible to shop in these stores.

Can you buy a SIM card at Melbourne Airport?

Yes. Travellers arriving from overseas can purchase Australian prepaid SIM cards at Melbourne Airport. Mobile providers including Optus and Vodafone have outlets in the Terminal 2 international arrivals area.

Travellers should compare data allowances, network coverage and plan expiry dates. An eSIM may also be convenient for travellers with compatible phones.

Can you hire a car at Melbourne Airport?

Yes. Several major car hire companies operate at Melbourne Airport, including Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and SIXT.

Car rental counters are located on the ground floor of the T123 Car Park, opposite Terminal 2, for convenient pick-up and return.

Booking ahead is recommended, particularly during school holidays and peak travel periods. Check licence requirements, insurance, excess and additional driver fees before booking.

RACV Members save on car hire worldwide.

How do you book a rental car?

You can book a rental car in several ways:

1. Online - it's often cheaper and more convenient to book your car in advance through the rental company’s website or compare car hire offers from major providers in the one place. If you're an RACV Member you can use your member number to unlock savings, compare rates and book online.
2. At the airport - if you're booking last minute, you can also rent a car directly at the airport, though availability may vary, particularly during peak travel periods.
3. Via travel agencies - some travel agencies and airport kiosks provide car rental services as well. It's recommended to consider insurance options for your rental. Most car hire companies will offer insurance packages, including basic coverage and more comprehensive options.
   

If you hire a car to travel around Australia, the cost of insurance is usually built into the daily hire cost – but always check the details before you hire. The excess you must pay if the car gets damaged can be very high. Rather than pay the excess waiver offered by the car hire company, you may find it cheaper to get a car hire excess insurance policy.

RACV Members save 15 per cent on RACV Domestic Rental Car Excess.^#

Can you buy travel insurance at Melbourne Airport?

It's recommended that you purchase travel insurance as soon as you book your trip because it can help provide coverage for certain situations, such as trip cancellations, and reduce the financial impact of potential complications. It's easy to get a quote and buy travel insurance online.

While you can buy an insurance policy online while waiting for your flight at the airport, you need to be aware that some policies may have a 72-hour waiting period if purchased while already travelling and there may be other limitations.

If you're travelling within Australia, products such as RACV Domestic Travel Insurance can help with such things as cancellation fees and lost deposits. If you're planning an overseas adventure, you can get RACV International Travel Insurance for every situation, whether its cruising, visiting multiple countries, and going on a skiing holiday.

RACV Members save 15 per cent on travel insurance policies.^*

Where can you stay near Melbourne Airport?

Flights can be early in the morning, and you might arrive home from overseas late at night, so staying at a nearby hotel can be great option, especially if you're from regional Victoria.

There are six major hotels located near Melbourne Airport - four of them within walking distance - with many other, more economical options just a short drive away.

RACV Members get exclusive pricing on accommodation at selected properties.

What are the future plans for Melbourne Airport?

Melbourne Airport is undergoing major upgrades to accommodate increasing passenger numbers.

A significant project is the third runway, expected to open in 2031. The new north-south runway will increase capacity and allow more simultaneous aircraft movements, helping reduce delays.

Plans are also progressing for a $4.5 billion international terminal expansion, including additional gates, larger check-in and baggage claim areas, and improved passenger facilities.

The Melbourne Airport Rail project will eventually provide a direct rail connection between the airport and Melbourne's public transport network.

^{* RACV Travel Insurance Member discount applies to the premium only (not applicable taxes).}

^{# Terms and conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits of the policy apply to your benefits. Check the Product Disclosure Statement for full details.}

^{Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) Limited (ABN 44 004 060 833, AR No. 1243563) (RACV) is an authorised representative of the RACV Travel Insurance insurer Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548) (Tokio Marine). Tokio Marine Management (Australasia) Pty Ltd (ABN 69 001 488 455, AR No. 1313066) is an authorised representative of Tokio Marine, and administers RACV Travel Insurance as the managing agent on behalf of Tokio Marine.}

^{Terms, conditions (including eligibility criteria), exclusions, limits and sub-limits apply. Any advice is general advice only, and does not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation or needs. Before you purchase, please consider the Combined Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) / Financial Services Guide (FSG) and Target Market Determinations (TMDs) available on RACV’s website, or on request from RACV.}