Home / Airports / MEL — Melbourne
✈️ MEL · Melbourne, Australia

Traveling Through MEL — Melbourne Airport

Melbourne Airport serves 4 terminals, 7 airlines. Everything you need to know before you fly — terminals, transit, tips, and more.

34M passengers/year (2017) · Updated March 2026


📋 Key Facts for Your Trip

Essential info before you fly through MEL

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Terminals
4 terminals (Terminal 1 (Domestic), Terminal 2 (International), Terminal 3 (Domestic), Terminal 4 (Budget Domestic))
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Domestic Check-in
60 minutes before departure (Virgin Australia), generally 2 hours before departure for other domestic flights.
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International Check-in
3 hours before departure for trans-Tasman flights, 4 hours for other international flights.
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WiFi
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Terminals 2, 3, and 4, including public spaces.
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Power Outlets
Charging stations and power outlets are freely available and located throughout the airport.
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Annual Passengers
34M passengers/year (2017)

✈️ Airlines at MEL

Terminal assignments — always confirm with your airline before travel

Airline Terminal(s)
Qantas Terminal 1
Virgin Australia Terminal 3
Jetstar Terminal 4
Rex Airlines Terminal 4
Link Airways Terminal 4
Cathay Pacific Terminal 2
Singapore Airlines Terminal 2

🚗 Getting To & From MEL

Ground transportation options for Melbourne

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Bus / Shuttle

SkyBus Super Shuttle operates express services to Southern Cross Station (approx. 20-40 minutes, AUD 19.75 one-way). Local bus services also connect to nearby areas.

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Rideshare

Uber, Ola, and DiDi are available for rideshare services.

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Taxi

Taxis are available at all terminals. Approximate fare to Melbourne CBD is AUD 55-65.

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Parking

Long-term parking rates vary, typically around AUD 12-18 per day for value parking with shuttle service. · Short-term parking (At Terminal, Premium, Express) rates vary, typically AUD 7 for 1 hour, AUD 15-20 for 2-3 hours.

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Rental Cars

Rental car counters are located on the ground floor of the T1-2-3 parking structure. Major companies include Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Thrifty, and Enterprise.


🍽️ Inside MEL

Food, lounges, and shopping at Melbourne Airport

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Food & Dining

Before security: A variety of cafes, fast food, and restaurants are available in the public areas of all terminals. · After security: Extensive dining options post-security, including international cuisine, cafes, bars, and fast food outlets across all terminals, particularly in Terminal 2 (International).

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Lounges

Qantas Club (Terminal 1)Virgin Australia Lounge (Terminal 3)Plaza Premium Lounge (Terminal 2)Marhaba Lounge (Terminal 2)The House Lounge (Terminal 2)

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Shopping

Duty-free shopping is available in Terminal 2 (International). Other terminals offer a range of retail stores including fashion, electronics, books, and souvenirs.


💡 Frequent Traveler Tips for MEL

Insider knowledge to make your time at Melbourne Airport smoother

  • 1 Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are interconnected within one building, while Terminal 4 is a separate building but within walking distance.
  • 2 For international flights, arrive at least 3 hours prior to departure, and 4 hours for specific long-haul flights.
  • 3 SkyBus is a convenient and frequent option for transport to and from the city center.
  • 4 Power outlets and charging stations are widely available, especially in seating areas and lounges.
  • 5 Consider pre-booking parking online for better rates, especially for longer stays.

📱 Real-Time Flight Tracking

Track Your Flight from MEL — Automatically

TripTrack shows your terminal, gate, and real-time delay status the moment you book. Connect your Gmail once and your trips appear automatically — no manual entry.


Frequently Asked Questions — MEL

How many terminals does MEL (Melbourne Airport) have?

Melbourne Airport has 4 terminals: Terminal 1 (Domestic), Terminal 2 (International), Terminal 3 (Domestic), Terminal 4 (Budget Domestic). Always confirm your terminal with your airline before travel, as assignments can change.

Does MEL have free WiFi?

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Terminals 2, 3, and 4, including public spaces.. For real-time connectivity updates and to stay on top of gate changes, download TripTrack — it tracks your flight automatically.

How early should I arrive at MEL?

For domestic flights, check-in closes 60 minutes before departure (Virgin Australia), generally 2 hours before departure for other domestic flights.. For international flights, check-in closes 3 hours before departure for trans-Tasman flights, 4 hours for other international flights.. As a general rule, arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights to allow time for check-in, security, and reaching your gate.

What airlines fly from MEL?

Melbourne Airport is served by 7 airlines, including Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, Rex Airlines, Link Airways and 2 more. See the full airline and terminal list above.

How do I get from MEL to Melbourne?

Ground transportation options from Melbourne Airport include bus/shuttle service, rideshare apps, taxi. See the Getting To & From section above for details.

Is there parking at MEL?

Yes, Melbourne Airport offers parking options. Long-term parking rates vary, typically around AUD 12-18 per day for value parking with shuttle service. Short-term parking (At Terminal, Premium, Express) rates vary, typically AUD 7 for 1 hour, AUD 15-20 for 2-3 hours. Rates and availability change — check the airport website for current pricing.

How can I track my flight from MEL in real time?

TripTrack automatically tracks your flights from Melbourne Airport — showing real-time gate changes, delays, and terminal info. Connect your Gmail once and your trips appear automatically. Available free on iOS and Android.