Arriving at Melbourne (MEL) Airport
Melbourne Airport has four terminals:
- Terminal 1 - Qantas Domestic
- Terminal 2 – All International Arrivals/Departures
- Terminal 3 – Virgin Australia Domestic
- Terminal 4 – Low Cost carriers including Jetstar, Rex and Bonza
Terminals 1, 2 and 3 are connected by corridors within the same building. Terminal 4 is within walking distance of Terminal 3 via an external, covered walkway. From terminal 4 to Terminal 2 is about 500 metres.
From Wednesday 24 to Saturday 27 May, a Welcome Desk will operate in the International Arrivals Hall, Ground Floor, Terminal 2. Passengers/Convention goers seeking help on how to get to their hotel, into the Melbourne CBD or any information including SIM cards etc should make their way to the desk for assistance.
Getting from Melbourne Airport
There are four options for getting from MEL to your hotel or to the Melbourne CBD.
1: Skybus
The red Skybus departs from the curbside outside Terminals 1, 3 and 4 with regular departures (every 10-15 minutes). The bus runs express from the airport to the Melbourne CBD (Bus terminal at Southern Cross Station, Spencer St, Melbourne). The closest departure point for the Skybus from Terminal 2 is at Terminal 3.
Fares (as at 5 April) are:
- One-way adult: AUD $22
- Return adult: AUD $34
For Convention attendees, there is a 10% discount on Skybus off both the one way and return tickets and will be valid for up to 7 days after the end of the Convention. The code is ROTARY10 and it can be used when pre-purchasing tickets via www.skybus.com.au. The discount is not available at the ticket booths upon arrival at the airport.
Upon arrival at the Skybus bay at Southern Cross Station, there is a large touch screen on which you can locate your hotel. Some will be within walking distance. Otherwise, taxis, Uber or trams are available from outside the Station to take you to or near your hotel.
All tram travel within the Melbourne CBD is free (‘Free Tram Zone’)
2: Uber/Rideshare
The rideshare company Uber is located at the curbside outside Terminal 2. For Terminal 4, Uber is located on the Ground floor of the T4 carpark. Other rideshare companies operate including Ola, Didi and Go-Catch.
If arriving at Terminal 2, once immigration and customs formalities are completed, you can use the Uber app to request a ride and await details of the drivers name and car registration.
The cost of an Uber from Melbourne Airport to the CBD will depend of the time of day, volume of use and availability but work on AUD $57 - $65 to begin with. When you book using the app, a price will guide be provided. Each rideshare operator as the provider of the service is responsible for determining the price it charges its riders. You can get fare estimates on the respective rideshare operators’ websites.
The Uber app is available on Google Play or on the App Store and can be used to manage all your Uber travel during the Convention.
3: Taxi
The taxi rank is located in front of Terminal 1 (Qantas Domestic) for arrivals at Terminals 1, 2 and 3. For Terminal 4 arrivals, the taxi rank is located on the Ground Floor of the Terminal 4 carpark. The cost of cabs to the city will vary but are not subject to “surge” prices. A similar price range as above is a guide.
Taxis can be pre-booked by phone on 132 227
The 13cabs app can also be downloaded from Google Play or the App Store. You can choose the type of car you want on the app: sedan, SUV, Maxi-Taxi or wheelchair accessible. The 13cabs fleet is 65% hybrid.
More information can be found on www.13cabs.com.au
4: Other: Chauffeur/Hire Cars and Rental Cars
Chauffeur/Hire cars can be pre-arranged to meet you at any of the four terminals. Drivers will meet at the Chauffeur/Hire cars meeting points inside the airport. The fee is agreed to in advance as there is no meter in the vehicle. Chauffeur/Hire cars must be pre-arranged as there are no service desks at the airport.
For your safety, do not accept rides from unsolicited taxi or chauffeur drivers. Touting for commercial passenger vehicle services is illegal in Victoria.
Renting a car from Melbourne Airport is the ideal way to explore Victoria and maybe your option if you are arriving before the Convention for private travel. Six rental car companies are available on-site, located on the ground floor of the airport Terminal Car Park at Terminal 1, 2 & 3 (directly opposite Terminal 2): Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt. There are other off-site car rental companies who will pick up from the airport and convey renters to their location near the airport.
Each car rental company is accessible via the walkways from the Terminals, and returns through the Terminal Car Park at Terminal 1, 2 & 3.
To learn about the various sustainable transport options:
visit http://esrag.org/ricon-transport/