# Leaving Melbourne Airport (MEL): SkyBus vs Uber vs taxi

> MEL has no train (yet). SkyBus is the default, but rideshare is often the same money for two — and the taxi rank has fixed drop-off zones.

- Published: 2026-07-22
- Updated: 2026-07-22
- Author: Airport Exit
- Canonical URL: https://www.airportexit.com/blog/leaving-melbourne-airport-mel-skybus-uber-taxi

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Melbourne Airport (MEL / Tullamarine) is the biggest capital city airport in the developed world without a rail link. Until the Melbourne Airport Rail opens (delayed to 2033), you have three real choices.

## SkyBus

A$23.50 one-way to Southern Cross Station, every 10 minutes, 24/7. Journey is 20–45 minutes depending on traffic. Free hotel transfer minibus from Southern Cross to most CBD hotels. Best for solo travellers or anyone going near the CBD.

## Uber, Didi, Ola

A$50–75 to the CBD. Pickup is at the **ground floor of the short-term car park** for T1/T2/T3 and outside T4. There is a A$3 airport surcharge added automatically. For 2+ people it's usually cheaper per head than SkyBus once you count the last-mile from Southern Cross.

## Taxi

Metered, A$55–75 to the CBD. Same fixed pickup as Uber. No haggling, no scams — Melbourne taxis are boringly reliable.

## Public bus (901)

The 901 SmartBus runs to Broadmeadows station (Myki fare, ~A$5). Useful if you're heading north; useless for the CBD.

See the live [Melbourne exit guide](/airports/mel-melbourne) for current SkyBus timetables and pickup maps, and compare on [SkyBus vs Uber at MEL](/compare/skybus-vs-uber-at-mel-melbourne).

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