Getting to Melbourne

Melbourne is well-connected to the other states of Australia by regular train and bus service. The city sits astride the major Hume Highway, making it a straight-forward venture if you are driving a car. International travellers can fly into Melbourne International Airport, just 22kms northwest of the city centre, and connect to the downtown by a number of means.

By car

The main driving route in Melbourne is the Hume Highway, which runs north to Canberra and Sydney. It takes about 10 hours to drive from Sydney. Princes Highway is more scenic and a slower route along the coast, which leads to Adelaide and Sydney. To get to inland destinations, you can take the Western Highway, which goes towards Ballarat, or the Calder Highway which travels north towards Bendigo.

By rail

All interstate trains arrive at the Spencer Street Railway Station in the city centre. The Sydney-Melbourne XPT travels the 10-hour, 30-minute journey between the country’s two largest cities every day. There are several classes of seat on this popular rail line, run by Countrylink (tel: +61 3 13 22 32). The Overland operates daily between Adelaide and Melbourne, taking 12 hours to complete the trip; Great Southern Railways runs this line (tel: +61 3 13 21 47). To get from Canberra to Melbourne, you can take the Canberra Link, which involves a train ride to Wadonga and then a bus connection to Canberra.

By bus

Greyhound and McCaffertys bus companies link Melbourne with every Australian capital and most of the other major towns and cities throughout Victoria and the rest of the country. Greyhound Australia is the biggest bus service and can connect you with every point in the country (tel: +61 3 13 14 99). All interstate buses arrive at Melbourne’s Transit Centre, just two blocks north of the central railway station. Trams and taxis can take you from the bus station to more specific points around the city.

By air

Melbourne International Airport handles regular flights from all of Australia’s capitals as well as a number of direct international destinations. The airport’s three terminals are located 22kms from downtown Melbourne, just off of the Tullamarine Freeway. Skybus services and taxis offer quick and convenient transportation from the airport into the city centre.

Melbourne International Airport

Melbourne International Airport, also known as Tullamarine Airport, is located 22kms from the city centre and offers the quickest and most convenient way to get to this popular destination. The modern, efficient airport has one international terminal flanked by two domestic terminals, and handles a large number of domestic and international flights every day. 

The international terminal handles a massive number of regular daily flights from around the world. Among the many carriers which service Melbourne, Cathay Pacific, Air New Zealand and Qantas are among the leaders. The two domestic terminals, located on either side of the international terminal, handle the domestic flights operated by Qantas, Skywest and Virgin Blue as well as other international carriers. All three terminals are within walking distance of each other.

Each of the airport’s three terminals has all the facilities a traveller might need. ATMs, currency exchange offices and banks can be found in the main concourse areas as well as restaurants, news-stands, gift shops and duty-free shopping. An airport information desk is located in the Arrivals halls and is open from 06:00 until the last flight to assist passengers and provide tourist information (tel: +61 3 9297 1600).

Melbourne International Airport transportation

The public transportation service called Skybus runs between the airport and the city centre every 15 minutes from 07:00 until 19:00; every 30 minutes between 19:00 and 00:30; and every hour between 00:30 and 04:30. The journey takes about 20 minutes and the bus makes a loop around Melbourne, stopping at several main points before terminating at Spencer Street Station, where there are free shuttle buses to transfer you to city hotels. Tickets can be bought at Skybus desks, located outside the Baggage Claim areas, or at the airport information desks. This is a very cheap, easy and convenient way to get into town.

Taxis are another convenient option, and are located outside the Arrivals areas of each terminal. Official Melbourne Airport taxis should be used to ensure the best fare. Taxis start at a basic fare, but tack on additional charges for luggage, late night travel and holidays. Always check the rate with your driver before setting off. Many hotels in Melbourne offer courtesy shuttle bus services for their guests; check with your hotel if this service is available. Visitors who rent a car need to simply pull out of the airport and follow the signs to downtown Melbourne along the Tullamarine Freeway.