Whether you have a tight connection, an overnight layover or a full-day stop, our up-to-the-minute Melbourne Tullamarine Airport Guide gathers everything you need to know before arriving at – or departing from – Australia’s second-busiest airport. All the tips below are compiled and maintained by the Travel Code research team and verified with official airport sources, airlines and trusted travelers.
1. Melbourne Airport Overview
Melbourne Tullamarine (IATA: MEL) hosts four terminals: the interconnected T1, T2, T3 and the stand-alone T4 (about a five-minute walk). The complex features 68 gates, round-the-clock dining options, duty-free shopping, airport hotels within walking distance and multiple paid lounges. Complimentary Wi-Fi blankets most public areas; power outlets are concentrated along the T3/T4 corridor. First-class and independent lounges accept walk-ins, prepaid passes or elite status.
2. Airport Hours
The public (landside) sections of all terminals remain open 24 hours. Security points close overnight according to the last and first departures of each pier: T1 (01:00–04:00), T2 (02:00–04:00), T3 (01:00–04:30) and T4 (00:00–04:00). During these closures airside passengers are moved to the public zone unless holding a valid boarding pass for a continuing international itinerary.
3. Rest & Relaxation Zones
Although MEL offers no branded “quiet zones”, travelers have pinpointed pockets of relative calm:
- T1 Arrivals – padded benches near Qantas carousel.
- T3 landside – corridor by security, dimmed after midnight.
- The carpeted walkway between T3 and T4.
Note: T4 landside normally closes at midnight; anyone inside is ushered to T2 public concourse.
4. Cots
The airport does not routinely issue cots to disrupted passengers. Airlines occasionally provide them at their discretion during major irregular operations.
5. Airport Hotels
If floor-sleeping sounds unappealing, opt for one of the adjoining properties:
- PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport – two-minute covered walk; sells day rooms.
- Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport – 400 m walk or free 24-hour shuttle.
- Ciloms Airport Lodge – free 24-hour shuttle, indoor pool.
- Ibis Budget Melbourne Airport – 400 m walk, no shuttle.
- Best Western Airport Motel – 24-hour shuttle.
Browse more options and book instantly through the airport hotels tool powered by Travel Code.
6. Airport Lounges
6.1 Pay-per-use & Membership Lounges
- Qantas Club – T1 airside near Gate 24
- Hours 05:00–last departure, showers, barista coffee. Walk-in rate from AUD 99.
- American Express Lounge – T2 airside Gate 7
- 06:00–22:00, hot buffet. Entry from AUD 63 for 3 h.
- Marhaba Lounge – T2 airside Gates 9-11
- 04:30–last flight, showers, priority-pass accepted (upgrade fee for shower).
- Plaza Premium Lounge – T2 airside Gates 9/10
- 05:30–22:00, shower included, quiet zone. Prebook online.
- The House – T2 airside Gate 10
- 05:00–22:00, à la carte dining, Etihad partner.
- Virgin Australia Lounge – T3 landside level 1
- 05:00–last departure, showers, barista bar. Day pass AUD 65.
- REX Lounge – T4 airside Gate 30
- 05:00–20:00, light snacks. Day pass AUD 33 with Regional Express ticket.
6.2 Airline-exclusive Lounges
Business/First passengers and status holders enjoy premium facilities from Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Qantas (First & Business), Singapore Airlines (SilverKris) and more. Check in with your carrier for eligibility.
7. Drinking Water
Filtered bottle refill stations pepper all terminals; simply follow the blue “Drink Bottle Refill” signs.
8. Food & Drinks
Most eateries align with flight banks, yet several stay open 24/7:
- Brunetti Classico – T2 airside Gates 4-5.
- Hungry Jack’s – T2 airside Gate 3.
- McDonald’s – T3 landside arrivals.
- McDonald’s – T4 airside food court.
- Subway – walkway T1/T2 (Thu–Sun overnight service).
9. Luggage Storage & Lockers
SmarteCarte Storage – between T2 and T3, ground level. Open 06:00–01:00, AUD 12-20 per item/day. Coin/card lockers also sit on the first floor of the T4 car park (24 h, AUD 10-15).
10. Mobile Charging
Free 240V outlets and USB ports are scattered airside and landside. Heavily concentrated benches line the T3 security approach and Middle Ground café (T1/T2 concourse). If you forget a cable, retailers like JB Hi-Fi, Optus, Vodafone, Tech2Go and WH Smith stock replacements.
11. Showers
Complimentary facilities: T2 landside departures (near Nando’s) and T2 airside level 1 after duty-free. Bring your own towel/toiletries or buy a kit at WH Smith. Paid showers are bundled with entry at Plaza Premium Lounge.
12. Wi-Fi / Internet
Connect to “Airport Free Wi-Fi” in T2, T3, T4; T1 offers a separate Qantas network. Registration required except in T1. Speeds average 20–30 Mbps down.
13. Security & Safety
Travel Code contributors report no major overnight issues. As usual, keep valuables hidden, stay near CCTV and fellow travelers, and expect a 04:00 wake-up sweep by security on the public concourse.
14. More Airport Services & Things to Do
14.1 Family Facilities
- 16 baby-care rooms across all terminals.
- Children’s play zone – T2 airside Gate 15B.
14.2 Business Facilities
Printing, photocopying and online visa services at SmarteCarte (T2/T3 ground). For team itineraries, Travel Code’s corporate travel service can pre-arrange meeting rooms and chauffeured transfers.
14.3 Medical
- Melbourne Airport Health & Medical Centre – T1 landside level 1, weekdays.
- Amcal pharmacies: T1 Gate 1, T2 arrivals, T4 food court.
14.4 Money
ATMs in every terminal (fees vary). Currency exchange by Prosegur in T2 landside & airside.
14.5 Prayer & Reflection
Multi-faith prayer rooms: between T2/T3 ground and T2 airside mezzanine.
14.6 Pet Services
Hanrob Pet Hotel (444 Melrose Dr.) offers boarding with “Pet Skype” and aromatherapy.
14.7 Shopping
Duty-free in T2, plus luxury labels (Burberry, Armani). Convenience shops and Tech2Go in all terminals.
14.8 SIM & Connectivity
Optus store (T2 arrivals) sells tourist SIMs; vending machines by Amaysim and Vodafone dotted throughout.
15. Ground Transportation
15.1 Bus
SkyBus City Express – MEL ↔ Southern Cross Station every 10–15 min, 04:00–01:00, AUD 22 one-way. Routes also serve St. Kilda, Southbank, Frankston.
15.2 Car Rentals
On-site counters: Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, SIXT. Garage located beneath T1, T3 & T4 car park.
15.3 Hotel Shuttles
Most nearby properties run free 24-hour vans; call in advance once you’ve cleared customs.
15.4 Inter-terminal Shuttle
Free wheelchair-accessible bus every 15 min, 05:00–00:00. Use help point outside hours.
15.5 Taxi & Rideshare
Metered taxis line up outside each arrival's hall. Airport pick-up surcharge AUD 4.82. Uber, Didi and Ola pick up from the T2/T3 rideshare zone.
16. Plan & Book with Travel Code
Create a seamless itinerary in one dashboard – search flight booking options, reserve lounges, pre-pay luggage storage and order eSIMs before you touch down. Travel Code negotiates exclusive rates with over 50 airlines and all major Australian ground operators.
