Melbourne Airport to City Centre Distance

Melbourne Airport (MEL / Tullamarine) is located 23 km (14 miles) northwest of Melbourne's Central Business District (CBD).

Travel Times

• SkyBus (express bus): 20–30 min to Southern Cross Station. 24/7, 10–15 min frequency. ~$22 AUD.
• Taxi/Rideshare: 20–35 min (off-peak), 40–60 min (peak). ~$60–80.
• Drive (rental/private): 20–40 min via Tullamarine Freeway (M2) / CityLink.
• Public transport (bus + train): Route 901 to Broadmeadows → Craigieburn line train. 50–70 min. Cheaper.

Notes

• Distance varies slightly by CBD destination (Flinders St ~23 km; Docklands ~21 km; St Kilda ~27 km).
• No direct rail link yet — Melbourne Airport Rail Link under construction (target 2029–2030).
• Tullamarine Freeway can congest heavily 7–9 AM and 4–6 PM weekdays.

For most visitors, SkyBus is the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.