Getting to Melbourne — Victoria: Flights, Airports & Transfers

Melbourne Airport, Tullamarine: For most visitors, take the SkyBus express to Southern Cross Station: roughly 25–35 minutes in clear traffic and about A$24 one way when booked online. It is direct, frequent and avoids an expensive taxi; taxis commonly run roughly A$75–100 to the CBD, with rideshare often around A$50–70 depending on demand. There is still no rail link. On a tight budget, take the public bus to Broadmeadows Station and a train onward, but allow around 60–75 minutes and do not choose it with bulky luggage.

Avalon Airport: Take the SkyBus service timed to flights to Southern Cross, via Werribee: allow about 60–75 minutes and roughly A$22 one way. Do not assume Avalon is a convenient Melbourne airport just because the airfare was cheap: a taxi to the CBD can exceed A$100, and Lara Station is about 8 km from the terminal.

Southern Cross Station: This is the practical arrival point for V/Line regional services, the NSW TrainLink XPT from Sydney and The Overland from Adelaide. It is on the western edge of the CBD; walk if staying nearby, otherwise use a tram or suburban train. For the Sydney XPT—just under 11 hours—book ahead, especially for the limited sleeper accommodation.