Melbourne Airport Passenger Guides

Melbourne Airport Passenger Guides

Preparation

Prepare for your arrival into Melbourne by familiarising yourself with this checklist so you feel comfortable as soon as you land.

Visas – Unless you are from Australia or New Zealand, you will need a visa to visit Australia. You will need to obtain this before travelling.

What you can bring into the country – Be sure to check what you can’t bring into the country when packing your bags. Live animals and plants, plant materials, animal products and certain foods are not permitted.

Accessibility – If you require a wheelchair within the terminals, most airlines can provide them upon request with prior notification. It’s best to contact your airline directly to organise a wheelchair for your time at the airport.

Airport terminals – While all terminals are in one building at the airport, keep in mind that it is a long walk from T1 to T4.

Wi-Fi – Complimentary Wi-Fi is available at the airport in the terminals and the car parks.

Melbourne Airport App – Download the Melbourne Airport app to keep up-to-date with your flight status, and find your way around the terminals and car parks using the maps.

Amenities – Plenty of toilets and drinking water are located when you arrive at the airport.

Shopping – Indulge in some duty free shopping before exiting the airport. Explore the options.

Shop and collect – You can do your duty free shopping before you get to the airport. Simply shop online and collect your items when you arrive.

If you have another flight – If you’re stopping over in Melbourne, you might need to change terminals depending on whether your next flight is international or domestic. You will need to confirm with your airline as to whether you need to collect your luggage before your next flight. For any questions about transiting, ask any of the friendly staff around the airport.

Airport terminals – While all terminals are in one building at the airport, keep in mind that it can be a long walk between terminals.

Lost property – If you've lost something, you can head to Smartcarte located on the ground floor of the international arrivals hall in T2.

Passport control

Passport control can get busy, so it’s best to make sure you’re paying attention as you move through.

Incoming passenger card – On your flight, you’ll receive an incoming passenger card to fill out with your personal details and flight information. You’ll need this for your arrival into Australia. Note that you must use either black or blue pen.

SmartGate – Certain travellers can use the arrivals SmartGate. Simply place your passport into the scanning device for your information to be processed. You can then step into the SmartGate and look into the camera so that your face can be matched with your passport. When successfully processed, the gate will open. If you are unsuccessful or require special assistance, there will be officers to help manually process your passport.

Baggage reclaim

Once you’ve landed, you can collect your bags and get yourself ready for Melbourne.

Check the screens – Find out where you can collect your bags from by looking at the screens situated around the terminal.

Oversized baggage – Oversized baggage can be collected behind carousels 6 and 7 in T2.

Throw away any food – Certain foods cannot be taken through customs so this is your chance to get rid of any food from the plane.

Australian money – You can exchange foreign currency for Australian money at the Travelex kiosk located in the baggage reclaim area.

Trolley – You can borrow a trolley from inside the terminal to help you with your luggage.

Customs and biosecurity

Once you have your bags, the last step before you can exit the airport is passing through customs and biosecurity. Note that you do not need your passport at this point.

SmartGate and incoming passenger card – Present your SmartGate ticket and incoming passenger card to one of the officers so you can pass through Customs and Border Protection and the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service.

Declaring goods – Remember to declare any necessary items at this point. This includes things like animal or plant goods. More information here.

Terminal services

If you need more information about what to do in Melbourne or require certain services, many of these are available before you even leave the terminal.

Baggage services – SmartCarte is located on the ground floor of T2 and can store your bags for a small cost.

Chinese travellers – A specific kiosk is located in the T2 arrivals area for any Chinese travellers seeking assistance.

If you require help – In case of an emergency, you can speak to your closest airline staff or a volunteer and they will be able to assist you.

Leaving the airport

Consider how you’re going to leave the airport. There are transportation options to suit all budgets.

Taxi – A taxi to Melbourne City takes approximately 35 minutes and costs around $55–65, though times and fares can vary. Taxis can be caught on the ground floor outside T1, and between T2 and T3.

SkyBus – The SkyBus operates three services 24/7 to Melbourne City, St Kilda or Frankston. To the city, this journey takes 30–45 minutes. There is a SkyBus booth to assist with tickets and related services on the ground level of T2.

Public transport – Public buses arrive and depart from Melbourne Airport near the At Terminal T4 Car Park. To travel, you’ll need a myki card. This journey is around 70 minutes.

Pick up – If someone is picking you up from the airport and would like to meet you in the terminal, they can park at the At Terminal T1 T2 T3 Car Park. Alternatively, they can park in the wait zone on the corner of Mercer Drive and Melrose Drive for 20 minutes for free and drive up to the pick up point outside T2 once ready to meet you.

Car hire – There’s a great selection of rental car companies available at Melbourne Airport. You'll find them located across the forecourt from T2.


Sources: www.melbourneairport.com.au