Arriving at Melbourne Airport
Melbourne Airport is about 25 minutes drive from the city via the Tullamarine Freeway.
Some airlines fly to and from Avalon Airport which is a small domestic airline about 40 minutes from Melbourne.
International arrivals
On the plane you will be given an Incoming Passenger Card to complete. You will need to fill in your flight details and information about anything you are carrying in to the country that you may need to declare. Make sure you have your passport and Incoming Passenger Card ready for the Entry Control Point at Melbourne Airport. Airport staff will assist you with directions if you need help. When you have passed through the airport's Entry Control Point, you will collect your baggage and exit via Australian Customs and Quarantine (AQIS).
There are two exit points/channels after you have collected your baggage. You may proceed through one of these two channels:
- If you have any goods to declare, you must walk through the Red Channel or,
- If you have nothing to declare, you can proceed through the Green Channel.
For more information, see our Australian Quarantine section.
Domestic arrivals
If you're flying to Melbourne from another Australian state, you will arrive either at Melbourne Airport or Avalon Airport, which is about 40 minutes' drive south-west of the city. Domestic passengers are not usually required to go through the Entry Control Point.
From Melbourne Airport you can arrange a hire car, catch the Skybus super shuttle to the centre of Melbourne, or catch a taxi into the city.
From Avalon Airport you can arrange a hire car, catch the Sunbus to your accommodation, or catch a taxi into the city.
Maps of Melbourne Airport
Change some money at the airport
If you are arriving on a weekend you will find that most Australian banks are not open. Consider changing currency at the airport. The airport terminal does have automatic teller machines and currency offices.
Luggage collection
Your luggage is your own responsibility. Porters are not available in airports and you will be unable to receive assistance with your with luggage.
Airport reception
Once you've cleared Customs and Quarantine proceed through the exit area to the public meeting point. Victoria University's friendly Meet and Greet team from Harlan Transport will be holding a Victoria University / Harlan Transport sign to greet you and take you to your prearranged accommodation.
Unforeseen circumstances
If you have booked the VU Airport Reception service and you miss a connecting flight or your flight has been delayed, or there is nobody to meet you within 30 minutes, please find a public Telstra phone near the International Arrivals area or sue your mobile phone if it has international roaming and if you are unable to locate your driver, please call us on (+61 3) 9919 4953 during business hours 9am-5pm Monday to Friday.
A representative from VUI will then advise you to take a taxi or make another arrangement. Please make sure you have at least A$100 in cash to pay for the taxi fare and ask for a receipt. VUI will refuse payment of any taxi refunds unless you are specifically advised by our staff to take a taxi to your temporary accommodation.
If your flight is scheduled to arrive after business hours (9am-5pm Monday to Friday) contact the driver directly on his mobile number, Harlan Coach Tours driver: Harrison: on 0412 073 749.
