How Many Airports in Melbourne? Guide for Travelers

If you are planning a flight and wondering how many airports are there in Melbourne, you are not alone. Many travellers assume there is only one airport. The reality is slightly different.

Melbourne has two major commercial airports and several smaller general aviation airports. Each airport serves a different purpose. Some handle international and domestic airline traffic. Others support private flights, pilot training, and charter services.

Understanding the full airport network helps you choose the right departure point. It also helps you arrange the correct airport transfer so you arrive on time and without stress.

Let’s break it down clearly.

Melbourne Airport

The Main International and Domestic Hub

The primary airport in the city is Melbourne Airport. Many locals still refer to it as Tullamarine Airport.

Melbourne Airport is the busiest airport in Victoria and one of the busiest in Australia. It serves both international and domestic flights. If you are flying overseas or with major Australian airlines, this is most likely your departure point.

The airport is located about 23 kilometres from Melbourne CBD. It operates four terminals. Terminal 2 handles international flights, while the other terminals focus on domestic routes.

Melbourne Airport connects Victoria to destinations across Asia, the Middle East, North America, and Europe. It also offers frequent flights to Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and other Australian cities.

Inside the airport, you will find parking facilities, lounges, restaurants, shopping outlets, and car hire services. Flights operate early in the morning and late at night, so timing your arrival is important.

Public transport options include SkyBus and connecting trains. These options work for some travellers, but they often involve transfers and waiting times.

If you prefer a direct and reliable option, booking a professional Melbourne Airport taxi service ensures door-to-door transport without parking hassles.

Avalon Airport

Melbourne’s Second Commercial Airport

The second major airport serving the region is Avalon Airport.

Avalon Airport is located near Geelong, about 50 kilometres southwest of Melbourne. It is smaller than Melbourne Airport but still handles regular domestic airline traffic.

Many budget airlines operate from Avalon. The terminal is compact and easy to navigate. Security lines are usually shorter compared to larger airports. Some travellers prefer this simpler experience.

Avalon does not offer the same range of international connections as Melbourne Airport. Most flights are domestic. However, it plays an important role for passengers living in western Victoria and the Geelong region.

Transport to Avalon can be more limited. Public transport services are not as frequent as those to Melbourne Airport. This makes planning ahead important.

Booking an Avalon Airport taxi service allows you to travel directly without worrying about bus schedules or train transfers.

Essendon Fields Airport

The Closest Airport to Melbourne CBD

Essendon Fields Airport is located just 11 kilometres from Melbourne CBD, making it the closest airport to the city centre.

While it does not handle large commercial airline traffic like Melbourne Airport, it plays an important role in business aviation and charter flights. The airport supports private jets, corporate travel, air ambulance services, freight operations, and flight training.

Because of its proximity to the CBD, Essendon Fields Airport is popular with business travellers who require fast and efficient access to central Melbourne.

If you are flying via private charter or corporate aviation, planning your ground transport is essential. A pre-booked airport taxi ensures timely arrival, especially for business schedules where delays are not acceptable.

Moorabbin Airport

A Major General Aviation Centre

Not all airports in Melbourne serve commercial airlines. Moorabbin Airport is focused on general aviation.

Moorabbin Airport is located in southeast Melbourne. It is one of the busiest general aviation airports in Australia. It supports flight schools, charter operators, aircraft maintenance services, and private aviation.

You will not see large international jets here. Instead, the airport handles smaller aircraft used for training and private flights. Many pilots complete their flight training at Moorabbin.

If you are booking a charter flight or private aircraft, Moorabbin may be your departure airport. Because flight schedules can change quickly in general aviation, arriving on time is critical.

A dedicated Moorabbin Airport taxi service helps ensure you reach the terminal without delay.

Other Airports and Aerodromes in Greater Melbourne

In addition to the major airports above, the wider Melbourne region includes several smaller aviation facilities.

These include:

• Lilydale Airport
• Coldstream Airport
• Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome
  

These locations mostly support flight training, skydiving, private flying, agricultural aviation, and emergency services. They are not large passenger airports, but they remain part of Melbourne’s broader aviation system.

So, How Many Airports Are There in Melbourne?

If you focus only on major passenger airports, the answer is two:

• Melbourne Airport
• Avalon Airport
  

If you include business and general aviation airports, Melbourne has four primary airports:

1. Melbourne Airport
2. Avalon Airport
3. Essendon Fields Airport
4. Moorabbin Airport
   

Including smaller aerodromes, the number increases to seven or more active aviation facilities in Greater Melbourne.

For most travellers flying with commercial airlines, you will use either Melbourne Airport or Avalon Airport.

Choosing the Right Airport

Your flight ticket will usually determine which airport you use. Still, understanding the differences helps you prepare properly.

• Flying internationally → Melbourne Airport
• Flying domestically with certain budget airlines → Check if your flight departs from Avalon
• Flying corporate or private charter → Essendon Fields Airport
• Booking a flight lesson or small aircraft charter → Moorabbin Airport
  

The Best Way to Travel to Melbourne Airports

Transport planning can affect your entire travel experience.

Public transport works well for some city-based travellers. SkyBus connects Melbourne Airport to central Melbourne. Trains and buses provide partial connections. However, these options may involve transfers and strict schedules.

Ride-sharing services are another option, but availability can vary during peak times.

A pre-booked airport taxi offers direct pickup from your home, hotel, or office. You do not need to worry about parking fees, heavy luggage, or missing connections. The driver handles the route while you focus on your trip.

Capel Sound Taxi provides professional airport transfers across the region, including Melbourne Airport, Avalon Airport, Essendon Fields Airport, and Moorabbin Airport Transfer. Booking ahead gives you peace of mind and a clear schedule.

Final Thoughts

Melbourne has more than one airport. It has a network of aviation facilities that serve international airlines, domestic routes, business aviation, private charters, and pilot training.

Two airports handle the majority of commercial passenger traffic. Others support business and general aviation.

Understanding how many airports are in Melbourne helps you avoid confusion and plan smarter. It also allows you to arrange the right airport taxi service in advance, so your journey starts and ends smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many airports are there in Melbourne, Australia?

There are four airports in Melbourne: Melbourne Airport, Avalon Airport, Essendon Fields Airport, and Moorabbin Airport.

What is the main airport in Melbourne Australia?

Melbourne Airport, also known as Tullamarine Airport, is the main international and domestic airport.

Is Avalon Airport far from Melbourne city?

Yes. It is about 50 kilometers from the CBD and takes around 45 to 60 minutes by car.

Which airport is closest to Melbourne CBD?

Essendon Fields Airport is the closest, but it does not handle major commercial flights.

Does Melbourne have more than one international airport?

No. Melbourne Airport is the only full scale international airport serving the city.