Why a Train to Melbourne Airport Is Not Yet an Option and What To Do Instead

While a direct airport rail line is in the works, there’s no train to Melbourne Airport just yet. The Melbourne Airport Rail Link is underway, and once complete, will play an important role in supporting Victoria’s growth. When it opens, the airport rail line will give travellers another way to move between Melbourne CBD and the airport.

Until then, getting to Tullamarine still requires a bit of strategy. Whether you’re hopping on a bus, booking a rideshare or driving yourself, the best choice often depends on where you’re coming from and what works best for your travel plans on the day.

Running trains to Melbourne Airport means fitting a new airport service into an already busy system. Before that can happen, parts of the rail network across Melbourne's west need to be rebuilt so the new line can connect smoothly with existing metro trains and regional services.

That work is now underway through Melbourne Airport Rail Stage 1. This is being delivered as part of Victoria’s Big Build with support from both the Victorian government and the Australian federal government.

Here are some key upgrades that need to happen before trains can run to the airport:

• Upgrades are underway between West Footscray and Albion to prepare the rail corridor. This work untangles a complex junction and creates space for a future airport rail line.
• Sunshine Station is being rebuilt into a major transport superhub, with a redesigned train station layout and a new bus interchange. The project will also connect with the Metro Tunnel and the wider metro network.
• Major rail upgrade works are also underway. These include new rail bridges and work to prepare the Melton Line for future electrification, helping the network support more services.
• New track connections and station upgrades are also being delivered. This includes a new station at Albion, along with planning for future airport stations.

These upgrades will strengthen connections beyond Melbourne as well. Regional services run by V/Line will improve links to regional Victoria, including routes to Bendigo and Geelong. Sunbury will also benefit through the broader metro network and Metro Tunnel connections.

That depends on where you’re travelling from and how much time you have before your flight. If you’re going by public transport, it’s always worth checking the timetables before you leave and adding 60 minutes to account for road delays or disruptions due to ongoing works.

Here are some common ways travellers get to Melbourne Airport today:

• SkyBus from the city – One of the most direct public transport options is SkyBus. It runs directly from the airport to the CBD and other destinations like the bayside and eastern suburbs, and the Sunshine Station in Melbourne’s west. Services run roughly every 10 to 15 minutes, and the journey usually takes around 25 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. SkyBus does not use Myki, so tickets are purchased separately online or at the terminal before boarding.
• Connecting bus services – If you're travelling from the suburbs, you can use Melbourne’s wider public transport network. For example, the 901 SmartBus runs between Broadmeadows Station and the airport, while other routes connect areas such as Airport West. Most local services use Myki, which means you can transfer across trains, trams and buses.
• Taxi or rideshare – These services can drop you directly outside the terminals. It can be convenient if you’re travelling early in the morning, late at night or carrying extra luggage. Travel time will depend on traffic conditions and your starting location.
• Driving and parking – Driving yourself is another common option, especially if you’re travelling from outer suburbs or regional areas. Melbourne Airport is about 20 to 25 kilometres from the CBD, and the drive typically takes around 20 to 30 minutes in light traffic. You can head directly to Melbourne Airport and park onsite before making your way to the terminals.

Parking onsite at Melbourne Airport lets you arrive on your own schedule and head straight toward the terminals. If you’re travelling with luggage, heading to the airport early in the morning, or coming from outside the CBD, it can often be the more straightforward option.

Here are a few reasons many travellers choose to drive in and park at Melbourne Airport:

• Travel on your own schedule. Leave when it suits your plans and arrive when you’re ready, whether that’s well ahead of your flight or closer to departure.
• Onsite parking keeps your journey simple. Once you arrive at Melbourne Airport, you’re already where you need to be. From there, it’s easy to continue on to check-in and security.
• Convenient for families and group travel. If you’re travelling with family, friends or extra luggage, driving can make the journey easier. Everyone can travel together without managing bags across multiple transport connections.
• Book parking online before you arrive. You can plan ahead, compare options and arrange parking in advance. Online bookings can be made up to 12 months before your trip.
• Online rates are often lower. Booking parking online usually offers lower rates than drive-up rates. The earlier you book, the better your chances of locking in the best price.
• Flexibility is built in if your plans change. All online bookings include a grace period, which allows extra time on either side of your booking window. For stays under four hours, you can enter up to one hour earlier or exit up to one hour later. For stays longer than four hours, the grace period extends to two hours on either side of your booking.
• Add the Overstay Guarantee when booking online. This optional add-on covers additional parking charges if your stay runs longer than planned due to circumstances such as border closures, flight cancellations or illness.

Worried about your travel plans changing? You can manage your booking online through My Bookings. If you haven’t parked yet, you can update your booking details up to two hours before your scheduled entry time. If you’ve already parked, you can extend your stay and update your exit time through the same page.

Melbourne Airport offers several parking options designed for both short-term and long-term stays. Each option is located within the airport precinct, so you can park and make your way toward the terminals. Here’s an overview of where you can park at Melbourne Airport:

• Value Car Park: Want to keep parking costs down? This open-air car park is one of the more budget-friendly onsite options and is easy to reach via Mercer Drive or Airport Drive. From there, a free bus service runs every 15 minutes, 24/7, taking you to stops near Terminal 1 and Terminal 4. If you’re flying Qantas domestic from Terminal 1 or travelling internationally from Terminal 2, the Terminal 1 stop is usually the most convenient. For domestic flights with Jetstar, Rex, Link Airways and Virgin Australia, it’s easier to hop off at the Terminal 4 stop.
• Value Express: Travelling during school holidays or another peak travel period, and want a quicker handover? Within the Value Car Park, you can upgrade to this seasonal valet-style service on arrival (subject to availability) or book it online. Simply drop off your car near Bus Stop B, hop on the next bus, and one of our friendly staff members will park the car for you.
• Terminal Car Parks: Prefer to park within walking distance of the terminals? These multi-level car parks have two onsite locations, both just a short walk away. The T123 Terminal Car Park connects to Terminals 1, 2 and 3 through a covered link bridge, so it’s convenient if you’re flying Qantas, Virgin Australia or departing from the international terminal. If you’re heading out from Terminal 4, the T4 Terminal Car Park sits about 100 metres from the entrance, which works well for travellers flying with Jetstar, Rex, Link Airways or Virgin Australia. Across both locations, you’ll find a mix of open-air and undercover parking bays.
• Premium Car Parks: Want to park as close as possible to the terminal entrances while still keeping your keys? These prime self-park bays sit on Level 1 of both the T123 and T4 Car Parks, placing you just moments from the terminal entry points. Because they’re right near the entrances, the walk to check-in is quicker, which can help if you’re travelling with kids, extra bags or heading out on an early flight. Every bay is fully undercover, adding a bit more comfort in hot or wet weather when you arrive and return from your trip.
• Melbourne Airport Valet: Want to pull up, hand over your keys and walk straight to check-in? This valet service is located on Level 1 of the T123 Car Park, so the handover is quick and the terminals are just a short walk away. You won’t need to circle for a bay, carry your bags any further than you have to or remember where you parked. That can be especially handy if you’re flying early, travelling with family, or arriving during a busy period. You can also ask about optional car cleaning if you’d like to come back to a freshly cleaned car.
• Qantas Valet: Flying Qantas domestic and want to be as close as possible to Terminal 1? This valet service operates from Level 1 of the T123 Car Park, with handover bays right near Terminal 1 entryways. You can drive in, hand over your keys and walk straight to check-in. The service is open to all travellers, and if you’re a Qantas Frequent Flyer, you’ll earn points each time you park here. Car cleaning is also available as an optional add-on while you’re away.

Need accessible parking? Accessible parking spaces are available across all Melbourne Airport car parks, with designated bays located closest to terminal entrances or bus stops. Travellers using these spaces need to display a valid Disability Parking Permit when parking.

While a direct train to Melbourne Airport isn’t available just yet, travellers heading to Tullamarine still have several ways to get there. If driving works best for your trip, booking parking online ahead of time can make the day a little easier. You can compare onsite options, lock in a rate and arrive knowing exactly where you’re heading.

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