The short answer: the main ways to get from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to the CBD are the SkyBus express bus, a taxi, a rideshare such as Uber or DiDi, or a pre-booked private chauffeur. There is currently no train from the airport, so the choice comes down to cost, luggage, and how much effort you want to put in after landing.
The sections below compare each option so you can pick the one that fits your trip.
How can I get from Melbourne Airport to the city?
| Option | Typical cost* | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| SkyBus | From about $23 one way | Solo travellers with light luggage |
| Taxi | From about $70 | Groups, no booking needed |
| Uber / DiDi | From about $40–50, varies with demand | Flexible, app-based trips |
| Private chauffeur | Quoted when you book | Business travellers, families, late arrivals |
*Indicative fares published in 2025. Prices change, so check current fares before you travel.
| How to Get From Melbourne Airport to the City — Compare SkyBus, taxi, Uber/DiDi and a private chauffeur for the trip from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to the CBD. |
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How does the SkyBus work?
SkyBus runs between the airport and Southern Cross Station about every 15 minutes, from around 4 am to 1 am, and takes roughly 22 minutes. You don’t need to book. It’s a good budget choice if you’re travelling alone and your destination is near Southern Cross. If you’re heading to a suburb or hotel away from the station, or carrying heavy bags, you’ll need a second leg.
How much is a taxi from Melbourne Airport to the city?
Expect to pay from around $70 to a CBD address. A pick-up access fee is included in the fare. Taxi ranks are outside each terminal, and you don’t need to book, which suits groups that can split the fare. The final price depends on traffic and time of day.
Is Uber or DiDi cheaper?
Usually, yes. Rideshare fares to the CBD commonly start around $40–50, but prices rise with demand, so peak arrival times and bad weather can push them up. Pick-up is from the designated rideshare zone, which is outside Terminal 2 for Terminals 1, 2 and 3, and on the ground floor of the car park for Terminal 4.
Is there a train from Melbourne Airport to the city?
Not at the moment. Airport rail is planned and under construction, but no train service currently runs from the airport to the city. Until it opens, buses, taxis, rideshare, and private transfers are the options.
When is a private chauffeur worth it?
A pre-booked chauffeur makes sense when the journey matters more than the lowest fare:
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- Early or late flights: your chauffeur tracks your flight, so a delay doesn’t leave you stranded.
- Business arrivals: you’re met at arrivals and taken straight to your meeting or hotel.
- Families and groups: one vehicle, child seats on request, and luggage handled for you.
- First-time visitors: no navigating buses, ranks, or pick-up zones after a long flight.
At Wheels of Melbourne, every airport transfer includes real-time flight monitoring, a meet-and-greet with a name placard, and luggage assistance.
- You can see how it works on our Melbourne Airport chauffeur service page, or get an instant quote.
- Travelling for work? See our corporate transfers.
- Heading off with a group, a lot of luggage or kids? Our town cars, vans and minivans and cars with baby seats are available, and you can browse our fleet before you book.
How far is Melbourne Airport from the city?
Melbourne Airport is about 22–23 km north-west of the CBD. Drive time depends heavily on traffic, so allow extra time at peak hours, especially if you have a flight to catch.
Which Melbourne airport is closest to the city?
Essendon Airport is closer to the CBD than Melbourne Airport, but it mainly handles private and charter flights. Most commercial flights use Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine), and Avalon Airport, near Geelong, is further out at around 58 km from Melbourne. Wheels of Melbourne services all three.
Landing at Melbourne Airport? Book your chauffeur today!
Skip the queues, surge pricing and second legs. Wheels of Melbourne offers flight-tracked, fixed-fare airport transfers from Melbourne Airport to the CBD and across Melbourne.
FAQs
The SkyBus takes about 22 minutes to Southern Cross Station. Taxis, rideshares and chauffeurs depend on traffic, so allow longer during peak hours.
The SkyBus and rideshare are generally the lowest-cost options, though rideshare prices rise when demand is high.
Yes. A private chauffeur can be booked in advance with your flight number so the pickup follows your actual arrival time. Book at least 24–48 hours ahead where possible.
No, tickets can be bought at the airport or online.
