Welcome to Melbourne, an exciting and diverse city in Australia! Suppose you’re an international student arriving in Melbourne. In that case, this comprehensive airport guide will assist you in navigating the city’s airports, understanding their facilities, and providing valuable tips on public transportation and more.
Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine Airport – MEL)
- Location: Melbourne Airport, also known as Tullamarine Airport, is the primary international and domestic airport, approximately 23 kilometres (14 miles) from Melbourne’s city centre.
- Facilities: Melbourne Airport offers many services, including duty-free shopping, dining options, currency exchange, car rentals, lounges, and Wi-Fi access.
- Public Transportation: The SkyBus, a dedicated airport shuttle service operating 24/7, is the most convenient way to reach the city centre. Taxis and rideshare services are also readily available.
- Pro Tip: Obtain a Myki card at the airport for seamless access to Melbourne’s public transportation system, including trams, buses, and trains.
Avalon Airport (AVV)
- Location: Situated approximately 55 kilometres (34 miles) southwest of Melbourne’s city centre, Avalon Airport provides an alternative arrival option.
- Facilities: Although smaller than Melbourne Airport, Avalon offers amenities such as car rentals, cafes, and shops.
- Public Transportation: The SkyBus also connects Avalon Airport to Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station. Pre-booking this service is advisable.
- Pro Tip: Check flight availability and schedules, as Avalon Airport mainly serves low-cost carriers.
Essendon Fields Airport (MEB)
- Location: Located approximately 11 kilometres (7 miles) northwest of Melbourne’s central business district, Essendon Fields Airport is a smaller airport catering to general aviation and private charters.
- Facilities: While offering limited services, Essendon Fields includes car rental facilities for your convenience.
- Public Transportation: You can reach the city centre from Essendon Fields Airport by taking a taxi, rideshare service, or a public bus. Familiarize yourself with bus schedules.
- Pro Tip: As a general aviation airport, Essendon Fields is not as extensively equipped as Melbourne Airport.
Travel Tips for International Students
- Flight Choices: Depending on your flight options and budget, choose the most suitable airport for your arrival (Melbourne, Avalon, or Essendon).
- SkyBus Convenience: The SkyBus is a reliable and cost-effective mode of transport from Melbourne Airport and Avalon Airport to the city centre.
- Public Transportation: Melbourne’s extensive public transport network requires a Myki card for easy travel on trams, buses, and trains.
- Traffic Awareness: Plan your airport transfers considering Melbourne’s potential heavy traffic during peak hours.
- Weather Preparation: Pack clothing suitable for Melbourne’s unpredictable weather conditions.
- Flight Delays: Stay prepared for possible delays and stay updated through airline or airport announcements.
- Student Accommodation： Finding a comfortable home-like student accommodation in Melbourne is vital for international students. Moreover, several platforms and resources are designed to help students find suitable housing options. Among these platforms, uhomes offers comprehensive listings of available, affordable, and quality student accommodations in Melbourne.
Conclusion
Navigating Melbourne’s airports and using its public transportation system will ensure a smooth transition to your life as an international student. Enjoy your time in this vibrant city!
