Melbourne Airport changed how drop-off and pick-up work for Terminals 1, 2 and 3 on 6 October 2026. The old departures ramp has closed, and drop-off and pick-up now happen in the new T123 Transport Hub. Here is what changed, where to go, and how to plan your trip.
What changed at Melbourne Airport on 6 October 2026?
According to Melbourne Airport, new public pick-up and drop-off zones opened for Terminals 1, 2 and 3 in the T123 Transport Hub on 6 October 2026. The airport describes it as the biggest change to its road network since it opened in 1970. The old departures ramp closed on the same day so work can start on the international terminal expansion.
| Melbourne Airport’s new pick-up and drop-off zones — where to go now that the departures ramp has closed. |
Where do drop-off and pick-up happen now?
- Drop-off: Level 3 of the T123 Transport Hub. It is free and has more space than the old departures ramp.
- Pick-up: Level 2 of the T123 Transport Hub. It is free, undercover, has more than 100 car spaces, and is close to toilets.
- Getting there: drivers should leave the Tullamarine Freeway at Exit 19 (Naarm Way) and use the elevated roadway to reach the terminals.
- Unchanged: parking access, the T123 Car Park, car rental returns, buses, shuttles and coaches.
What does this mean if you are flying out?
The airport has not published walking times from the new zones to each terminal, so allow extra time, especially if you have luggage, children or a tight check-in. Plan your route in the airport journey planner before you leave, and ask for help from the free Melbourne Airport Assist service, which now covers the new zones. For a smoother start, a pre-booked airport transfer lets you set your pickup time with the new arrangements in mind.
What does it mean if you are arriving?
The airport says the new zones separate private and commercial vehicles. Its page does not say exactly where chauffeurs and other pre-booked vehicles wait, so the simplest step is to give your terminal and flight number when you book. Wheels of Melbourne monitors your flight, and our airport service includes a meet and greet and luggage assistance. Read more on our Melbourne Airport chauffeur service page.
What about Terminal 4?
The airport page covers Terminals 1, 2 and 3 only and does not mention Terminal 4. If you are flying through T4, check the airport journey planner or your airline before you travel.
A quick checklist before your next airport trip
- Leave earlier than you used to and allow extra walking time.
- Use Exit 19 (Naarm Way) if you are driving yourself.
- Share your terminal and flight number when you book a chauffeur.
- For business travel, set up corporate transfers so every trip follows the same plan.
- Travelling with a group or lots of luggage? See our van and minivan transfers.
Details are from the airport’s announcement and may change. Check the Melbourne Airport website for the latest information. Last checked 20 October 2026.
Flying in or out of Melbourne? Book your airport chauffeur.
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FAQs
On 6 October 2026, new public pick-up and drop-off zones opened for Terminals 1, 2 and 3 in the T123 Transport Hub, and the old departures ramp closed.
Drop-off for Terminals 1, 2 and 3 is on Level 3 of the T123 Transport Hub. It is free.
Pick-up is on Level 2 of the T123 Transport Hub. It is free, undercover, has more than 100 car spaces and is near toilets.
Yes, it is sensible to. The airport has not published walking times from the new zones, so allow extra time, especially with luggage. The free Melbourne Airport Assist service is available at the new zones.
The airport says the new zones separate private and commercial vehicles, but it does not say exactly where chauffeurs wait. Give us your terminal and flight number when you book. We monitor your flight, and our airport transfers include a meet and greet and luggage assistance.
