How to get to Melbourne Tullamarine Airport by public transport

This page has been completely re-written, for the introduction of the Smartbus connection from Broadmeadows to the Airport from September 2010, which renders the previous information obsolete.

This information refers to Melbourne Tullamarine, not Avalon.

Conventional public transport

It is possible to get to Melbourne Tullamarine Airport using standard public transport, using Metcard or Myki zone 1/2 fares (eg $5.80 adult one way, as at October 2010). The trip takes about an hour.

There are two main routes from the City Centre: via Broadmeadows, or via Essendon.

• Train to Broadmeadows (Craigieburn line) then 500 or 901 bus to the Airport - Recommended
• Train to Essendon (Craigieburn line) then 478 or 479 bus to the Airport - NOT recommended without careful inspection of bus timetables

The latter route via Essendon is a little more direct, and may be faster, but is plagued by infrequent buses, with services departing only about 8 times a day. In contrast the route via Broadmeadows relies on reasonably frequent services for both legs.

Things to remember:

• These services are not as fast or frequent as the premium Skybus service (see below).
• Train frequencies:
• Weekday peak hours about every 10 minutes
• Daytime except Sunday mornings about every 20 minutes
• Evenings (until about midnight) and Sunday mornings about every 30 minutes
• You can catch a Craigieburn train from any City Loop railway station. The trip from the City to Broadmeadows takes about 35 minutes
• Bus 500 is very infrequent (so we have not linked to its timetable)
• Bus 901 runs more frequently:
• Weekdays every 30 minutes from 5am to 6:30am, every 15 minutes from 6:30am to 9:30pm, every 30 minutes 9:30pm to midnight
• Saturdays every 30 minutes from 6am to midnight
• Sundays every 30 minutes from 8am to 9pm

Official timetables: use the links above, or go to metlinkmelbourne.com.au or phone 131 638.

Official Journey Planner (use the "more options" feature to exclude Skybus): jp.metlinkmelbourne.com.au

Current fares information: Metlink Melbourne

Airport information including flight arrivals/departures information is available on the official airport web site.

Skybus and other premium bus services

Skybus runs frequently from the bus terminal at Southern Cross Station to the airport, taking about 20 minutes, but charges premium fares.

• Fare: Adults $16 one way; $26 return. Child $6 one way. Family fares available.
• 4:30am to 6am every 15 minutes
• 6am to 11:30pm every 10 minutes
• 11:30pm to 1:30am every 15 minutes
• 1:30am to 4:30am every half-hour
• All times apply seven days-a-week
• Official web site: skybus.com.au

Other premium bus services: Refer to Melbourne airport web site

Disclaimer: This information is not official, and details may be subject to change. No responsibility is taken for changed or incorrect information on this page. Any corrections can be e-mailed to: danielbowen at gmail dot com

Last updated October 2010

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