Tullamarine is Melbourne’s largest domestic airport and only international gateway. Opened in 1970, the airport is comprised of four main terminals, one for international and three for domestic. More than 31 million passengers flew through Tullamarine in the 2013/2014 financial year making it Australia’s second busiest terminal in Australia. The Melbourne Tullamarine to Sydney route is one of the top five busiest air corridors in the world with approximately 70 direct flights flying between the two business centres every weekday.
Tullamarine Quick Facts
Distance from CBD: 25 kilometres north-west off of the Tullamarine Hwy.
Number of airlines: 25 international and 5 domestic airlines
Number of destinations served: 35 domestic and international destinations
Number of terminals: 4 terminals – 1 international and 3 domestic
Number of runways: 2 intersecting runways
Check-in
Check-in counters are located on Level 1 for Terminals 1, 2 and 3 and the ground level of Terminal 4. At the opening of the new Terminal 4 in early 2015, the check-in area will also be found on Level 1. Passengers should arrive at the airport and be checked in for their flight with enough time to spare for security and travel time to the departure gate. Check-in closing times may be different for each airline. Failing to check-in within the required time may result in denied boarding and loss of fare.
Baggage
Smartcarte is a convenient baggage storage facility that provides for short term and longer term storage of personal items. Smartcarte is located on the ground floor of the International Terminal (T2) and is open 7 days a week between 5am and 12:30am. ID is required to use this service.
Money Exchange
There are several outlets in which to exchange money or transact banking transactions at Tullamarine Airport. ANZ Bank has two offices which are located in the International Terminal (T2). One is located before security and Customs while the other is past these check points and in the secure gate areas. These offices are open 21 hours a day, 7 days a week and provide the latest exchange rates. The ANZ offices also provide traditional services such as deposits and withdrawals, opening new accounts, term deposits and credit card applications.
There are also seven Travelex Stores located throughout the airport. This money exchange service is conveniently located in the International Terminal and domestic areas.
Internet Access / Wi-Fi
Melbourne Airport provides free Wi-Fi throughout Terminals 2,3 and 4. Qantas offers free Wi-Fi in its own terminal, T1. Guests need only connect to the “Free Wi-Fi by MEL” network and answer a few survey questions to begin the session. The airport advises that there may be reduced signal strength in T2 between Gates 12 to 20. If this should happen, passengers are advised to move towards the main terminal or consider purchasing the paid Wi-Fi service.
Showers
Shower facilities are located on the Departures Level of T2 near the public restrooms and Nando’s Restaurant. Various toiletry and shower supplies can be purchased nearby at the WHSmith store or Rolling Luggage.
Airline Lounges
There are a number of airline lounges at Tullamarine Airport. Providing a comfortable retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the departure gate waiting areas, the various airline lounges are a relaxing place to work or relax. Providing convenient business features such as meeting rooms, Wi-Fi and internet connections, fax machines and telephones, the lounges are the perfect place to conduct a meeting or make last minute business connections. The spaces are also provide an oasis for rest and relaxation. Enjoy complimentary meals and beverages, comfortable seating, and a wide range of reading materials.
To access an airline lounge, a passenger must be travelling on that airline or code-share partner flight, be flying in First or Business class or be an elite member of that airline’s frequent flyer program or of an alliance partner airline.
Terminal 1
Airlines using Terminal 1 (T1) are Qantas, Qantas Link and Jetstar. Domestic flights only depart from this terminal. Check-in and departure gates are on the first floor, with lounges and further gates on a mezzanine floor. Baggage claim is located on the ground level. Qantas also maintains its Qantas Club lounge which is located on the departures level. T1 is the last terminal when rounding Terminal Drive.
Terminal 2
The international terminal is located in T2. This 19 gate facility is located between the two main domestic terminals and is within easy walking distance to the 3 domestic terminals. There are approximately 25 international airlines that serve T2 with all Virgin Australia, Qantas and Jetstar international flights also departing from here.
Terminal 3
The main terminal for Virgin Australia and Regional Express flights, T3 features 19 gates for domestic departures. Virgin Australia and REX also maintain lounge facilities on the mezzanine level. Terminal 3 features an array of food and retail shops, including news agents selling a wide array of travel related items. Virgin Australia’s subsidiary company, TigerAir, uses the neighbouring Terminal 4. The newly constructed Terminal 4 building will open in early 2015 with indoor corridors connecting to Virgin’s T3 facility.
Terminal 4
T4 is considered the budget airline terminal and is now used exclusively by TigerAir. The bare bones terminal facility was hastily erected in the year 2000 when Virgin Blue began operations as a budget carrier. Virgin Blue (now Virgin Australia) then moved to T3 after the collapse of Ansett in late 2001.
Located next door to Virgin Australia’s T3, the current and soon to be replaced Terminal 4 has no jet ways. Passengers must board their flights by stairs from the airport tarmac. There are only basic services in T4 as the terminal was meant as a temporary facility. Construction is now underway for the new T4 which will be located between T3 and the existing T4. Set to open in early 2015, the new terminal will feature modern interiors, a selection of cafes and restaurants, various retailers and will be connected to the rest of Tullamarine Airport with an “under one roof” design.
Transport
There are many transport options when travelling between Tullamarine and the CBD and surrounding suburbs. Whether it’s a bus, taxi, airport shuttle, rental car, or even helicopter, the many transport options are just a short walk to or from the airline departure gates.
The Fastest: Taxis are the quickest way to the CBD and are able to take you directly to your desired location anywhere in the region. Taxi ranks are located right outside the arrivals area outside T1 and between T2 and T3. Once the new T4 is completed in early 2015, there will be a taxi rank directly outside of this terminal as well.
Fares will vary depending on distance travelled however all rides departing from the airport will incur an additional $2.70 airport fee on top of the fare.
The Cheapest: Skybus is an express bus service linking Tullamarine with the CBD. Busses depart every 10 minutes and operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including public holidays. Single adult fares are $18 one way or $30 return. Family fares are the following: $41 one way for a family with 2 adults and 1 to 4 children or $70 return. If the same number of children are travelling with just one adult, the family fare is $25 one way, $43 return.
Car Hire: There are six car rental companies located at Tullamarine – Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Thrifty and Redspot. Information desks are located in the baggage area at Terminals 1 and 3. When exiting from the baggage area, rental cars are available across the street in the short-term car par.
Parking
Wait Zone
Fee for the first 20 minutes, the Wait Zone provides a convenient waiting area for motorists waiting for arriving passengers. The Wait Zone car park is located on the corner of Mercer and Melrose and provides free Wi-Fi and an arrivals display screen. While the first 20 minutes is free, an additional 20 minutes is just $2. A full hour will cost a total of $4. After 60 minutes, short-term car park rates will apply.
Short Term / At Terminal Parking
Located just 100 metres from Terminals 1, 2 and 3, the short term car park is a six level structure that provides secure, undercover parking directly across from the airport terminals. Standard parking rates are $15 for the first 2 hours. The airport regularly provides travellers with parking specials which can be viewed on the airport’s website. Prices range from $57 for a day to $143 for up to seven day. Parking can also be pre-booked and paid in advance on the airport’s website.
Long Stay parking
This value oriented parking option provides an outdoor car space for $17 a day. A free courtesy bus will shuttle passengers between the car park and terminal. The bus operates 24 hours a day with a travel time of approximately 10 minutes. Long term parking can be pre-booked and pre-paid on the Melbourne Airport website.
Business and Valet parking
Passengers travelling on Virgin Australia flights may use the airline’s Premium Valet Parking service. Virgin passengers can simply drive up to use the service or may book in advance through Melbourne Airport’s website booking service. Passengers must provide their Virgin Australia itinerary upon arrival at the Valet Parking centre.
To find the valet parking, follow the signs to Short Term Parking and enter the multi-level car park. Proceed to Level 2 and follow the signs to Premium Valet drop off area. Prices for Virgin Australia Valet Parking are as follows:
Terminal Transfers
Melbourne Airport is a sprawling facility under one roof. This means that all terminals are connected by corridors and passageways and underground walkways. Terminals are just minutes away from one another and can be reached on foot. Travellers with disabilities should contact their airline who will make available a wheelchair and assistance with connections and baggage collection. Airline assistance with wheelchairs will not extend to areas outside the terminal building. Passengers must arrange for their own upon leaving the terminal building.
Over thirty airlines serve Melbourne Tullamarine, providing service to every Australian state and territory as well as to international destination in the South Pacific, North America, Asia and the Middle East. As Australia’s second busiest hub airport, Melbourne is a popular point for connecting traffic. Qantas and Virgin Australia are the two largest carriers serving the airport.
The following airlines reach Melbourne. Don't see the airline you are looking for? Talk to a consultant to book your Melbourne flights with your preferred airline.
There are several hotels conveniently located near Tullamarine Airport catering to . Whether you’re flying through on a short layover or looking for an extended stay, the nearby hotels provide a restful place in which to relax or conduct business. Several hotels are within walking distance of the terminal while others are a short ride away via a hotel courtesy shuttle. To locate your preferred hotel, check with your Flight Centre consultant or search in the field below. To book your Melbourne Airport accommodation, search below or view more accommodation options.
