Sleeping in Airports

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport Guide

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Melbourne Tullamarine Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit.  Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

They make almost continuous “This is a very special announcement for guest XXXX … ” calls that come so frequently and with such appalling sound quality that nobody ever seems to heed them – python

MEL Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (Code: MEL).

What to Expect

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport consists of three terminals (T1, T2 and T3) housed in the same building and a separate fourth terminal (T4) within walking distance of the main complex. The terminals host a combined 68 gates, and all offer airside and landside dining and shopping options, with at least a couple providing 24-hour service. WiFi is available, though outlets to charge mobile devices may be hard to find (there are reportedly multiple outlets along the corridor between T3 and T4). Additional comfort can be found through fee-based access to one of the airport’s first-class lounges. See Airport Lounges below for locations and rates.

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport Guide
Domestic Terminal (Photo courtesy of diegosoria / 21Jan2014)

Sleeping in Melbourne Airport

Many travellers report difficulty finding successful sleeping spots in this airport, though we have received a few success stories. Avoid T4, as it reportedly gets locked down at midnight, and try the landslide of T3 in a corridor heading towards the security checkpoint (closed with shutters at night) or benches in the T1 arrivals area. The connecting corridor between T3 and T4 has a carpeted food court with cushioned seating options. Explore our guide to sleeping in Melbourne Airport or read some traveller reviews for more tips. For uninterrupted sleep, a hotel is connected to the airport by a covered walkway, and others are within a quick walk or free shuttle ride away. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.

Good to Know

Free showers can be found on both the airside and landside of Terminal 2.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. You can also visit the airport’s website for current information. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Melbourne Tullamarine Airport Guide.

In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.  For more information on Europe’s Schengen Area, click here.

Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

Melbourne Airport Hotels

If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there is a hotel connected to the terminals and more hotel options near the airport:

  • ParkRoyal Melbourne International Airport – Two-minute walk from the terminal. Connected to the domestic and international terminals via covered walkways. Day rooms are offered based on availability. » Check Rates

Hotels near Tullamarine Airport

  • Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport – Located 400m from the domestic and international terminals. A short walk from the airport, or there is free 24-hour airport shuttle service. » Check Rates
  • Ibis Budget Melbourne Airport – Located just 400m from the airport. No airport shuttle. » Check Rates
  • Ciloms Airport Lodge Motel – Free 24-hour airport shuttle is available. » Check Rates

For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels in Melbourne, search for deals and read traveller reviews.

Melbourne Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!

Terminal 1
  • Qantas Club – Multiple Locations (The Qantas Club T1 • Domestic Business Lounge).
Terminal 2
  • Air New Zealand Lounge – Location: Airside, International Departures. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
  • Centurion Lounge – Location: Airside, opposite Gate 9. Showers are available. Lounge Access: American Express® Card Members • Lounge membership programs.
  • Marhaba Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, between Gates 9 and 11. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door (AUD$69.66-137.60) • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
  • Qantas Club – Multiple Locations (International First Class Lounge • International Business Lounge)
  • Plaza Premium Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, International Departures Area, near Gate 9. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Lounge membership programs.
  • The House – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, Level 3, above Gate 10. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
Terminal 3
  • Virgin Australia Lounge – Location: Terminal 3, Landside. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the door with proof of Virgin Australia Airlines ticket • Lounge membership programs.
Terminal 4
  • REX Lounge – Location: Terminal 4, Airside, Domestic Departures Area, near Gate 30. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (with REX Airlines ticket) • Lounge membership programs.

Airline Lounges

If you are a First or Business Class traveller, you may have access to the lounges listed below. For more information, check the airline’s website.

Terminal 2 – The Emirates Lounge • Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge • Singapore Airlines Business Class Lounge.

Related pages: Melbourne Tullamarine Airport Lounges

Drinking Water

Thirsty? Water stations with filtered water are available in all terminals.

Food & Drinks

Food concessions throughout the terminals operate with varying schedules. These options are open 24 hours: Brunetti Classico (T2, Airside, near Gate 4 and 5) • Hungry Jack’s (T2, Airside, near Gate 3) • McDonald’s (T3, Landside) • McDonald’s (T4, Airside, Food Court) • Subway (T2, Landside, in the T1/T2 Walkway. Open 24 hours only from Thu – Sun).

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Need a place to store your bags?

  • Storage – Short and long-term luggage and item storage are available at SmarteCarte. Check the SmarteCarte website for current rates. Location: Between T2 and T3, Ground Floor. Hours: 06:00 AM – 01:00 AM.
  • Lockers – Available at the T4 Terminal Car Park, Ground Floor. Rates and hours: unknown.

Mobile Charging

Mobile charging stations can be found in all terminals. One reader let us know that “in terminal 3, just before the security check, there are benches and several plugs that can be used for charging.” Another reader tells us that Middle Ground coffee place between T1 and T2 has outlets for most seats (February 2020). If you forgot your charger at home, you can purchase one in the following locations: JH Hi-Fi (T1, Airside, near Gate 1) • Optus (T2, Landside, Arrivals Hall) • Vodafone (T2, Landside, opposite International Arrivals) • China Welcome Centre (T2, Landside, International Arrivals Hall) • Tech2Go (T2, Airside • T4, Airside, Food Court) • WH Smith (several locations in all terminals).

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Showers

Freshen up (and loosen those stiff muscles) with a shower before your flight. Free shower facilities are located in Terminal 2, landside, Departure Level near Nando’s, and Terminal 2, First Floor, Airside, Departures, just past the Duty-Free section. Provide your own towel and toiletries, or purchase a kit from WHSmith or Rolling Luggage on the landside.

WiFi/Internet

Free WiFi is available at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport. From Terminals 2, 3 and 4, connect to the “Airport Free Wi-Fi” network and enter your name and email address for access. Qantas provides free WiFi in Terminal 1.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Business Services – Printing, faxing, photocopies and online visa application services are available at Baggage Storage: SmarteCarte. Location: Between T2 and T3, Ground Floor. Hours: 6:00 AM – 1:00 AM.

Family Services

  • Baby Care Facilities – Sixteen baby change facilities are available in the terminals, located throughout the landside and airside areas of all terminals.
  • Children’s Play Area – A play area is located in T2, Airside, opposite gate 15B.

Information Desk – The Traveller’s Information Service (TIS) offers local tourism and public transportation information, personalized travel services, SIM cards and more.

Luggage Wrapping – Secure Travel offers a luggage wrapping service in T2. Location: T2, Landside, near Check-In Counter C. Hours: 5:00 AM – 11:00 AM.

Massage Chairs – Not available

Medical Services

  • Medical Services – First aid, health screenings, travel immunizations, and general medical care are available at Melbourne Airport Health and Medical Centre. Location: T1, Landside, Level 1. Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Mon – Thu) • 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Fri) and closed weekends.
  • Pharmacy – Amcal Pharmacy can be found in the following locations:
    • Terminal 1, Airside: opposite Gate 1. Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
    • Terminal 2, Landside: opposite check-in counter B. Hours: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM and Hours: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
    • Terminal 4, Airside: Food Court. Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM.

Money

  • ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Landside and Airside in T1 and T2 • T3, Airside, near Gate E2 • T4, Airside, Food Court.
  • Banking Services – Qudos Bank used to offer full banking services, including currency exchange, in the following locations: T1, Airside, Level M, near Gate 21. Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM.
  • Currency Exchange – Prosegur Foreign Exchange offers currency exchange services in these locations:
    • T2, Landside, near Check-in P. Hours 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
    • T2, Airside, near Gate 7. Hours: open 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
    • T2, Airside, near Baggage Claim. Hours: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM.

Pets

  • Pet Hotel – Furbabies rejoice! Your cat or dog can enjoy a vacation of its own at Hanrob Pet Hotel at Melbourne Airport. Luxury boarding, Pet Skype, gourmet meals, and aromatherapy are some of the perks offered. Location: 444 Melrose Drive, less than 1km from the airport terminal.
  • Pet Relief Areas – Pet Relief Areas can be found in the following locations: T1, Airside, near Gate 4 • T4, Airside, Food Court.

Postal Services – Drop off your last-minute postcards at the airport’s mailboxes. Locations: Outside Terminal 1, Drop-Off zone • Terminal 4, Car Park.

Prayer Room – Two multi-denominational prayer rooms are available at Melbourne Airport. Locations: Between T2 and T3, Ground Floor • T2, Airside.

Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available airside in T2 during regular flight operation hours. In addition, a variety of retail shops are located throughout the terminals. T2 now features luxury shopping stores, such as Emporio Armani and Burberry.

SIM Cards – SIM Cards can be purchased at the Optus store. Location: Terminal 2, Landside, Ground Floor, Arrivals Hall. Hours: 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM.

Smoking – There are designated smoking areas located outside the Terminals.

Things to do & see

  • Melbourne Airport Golf Club – An 18-hole golf course with a feature hole on the 16th, a green that places players less than 60 metres below the flight path (which includes 747s). Location: 25 minutes from the airport and adjacent to the North/South runways. Rate: AUD 22-30.

Travel Agencies – If you are arriving in Melbourne and need local arrangements or help planning a last-minute trip abroad, there is a Flight Centre in T2 (Landside, opposite Counter K) that can probably be of assistance. Hours: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Sun-Wed) • 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Thu-Fri) • 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Sat).

WiFi – see “Airport WiFi/Internet” above.

Airlines
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport is served by the following airlines: Air Asia • Air Asia X • Air China • Air India • Air New Zealand • Air Vanuatu • Aircalin • Alliance Airlines • Asiana Airlines • Batik Air • Beijing Capital Airlines • Bonza • Cathay Pacific • Cebu Pacific • China Airlines • China Eastern Airlines • China Southern • Emirates • Etihad Airways • Fiji Airways • Garuda Indonesia • Hainan Airlines • Japan Airlines • Jetstar • LATAM • Malaysia Airlines • Philippines Airlines • Qantas • Qatar Airways • Regional Express • Royal Brunei Airlines • Sichuan Airlines • Singapore Airlines • SriLankan Airlines • Thai Airways • Thai AirAsia X • United Airlines • Vietnam Airlines • Virgin Australia • Vietjet Air • Xiamen Airlines.
Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

Skybus City Express operates buses between Melbourne Airport and Melbourne CBD (Southern Cross Station). This company also offers services to suburbs such as St Kilda and Frankston. Buses depart from T1, T3, and T4 every 10 to 15 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at the kiosks at the airport or on the Skybus website. Cash is not accepted. Hours: 4:00 AM – 1:00 AM. Rates: One way: AUD 22 • Return ticket: AUD36. To select which bus is best for you, visit the Melbourne Airport website.

Car Rentals

Six car rental agencies operate onsite at MEL airport, with offices on the ground floor of the Airport Terminal Car Park in T1, T3, and T4: Avis • Budget • Enterprise • Europcar • Hertz • Sixt.

Hotel Shuttles

Several area hotels provide airport shuttle service: Best Western Airport Motel & Convention Centre   •   Ciloms Airport Lodge Motel   •   Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport   •   Mantra Tullamarine Hotel   •   Quality Hotel Melbourne Airport.

See also Airport Hotels above.

Inter-Terminal Shuttle

A free shuttle operates between all terminals, with departures every 15 minutes. Hours: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM. Outside these hours, passengers can use the concierge transfer by pressing the help button at the bus shelters.

Taxi

Metered taxis are available at taxi ranks located close to all terminals. Pre-booked taxis and car hires (chauffeured vehicles) also serve the airport, picking up their passengers at the north end of the T1, T2, and T3 Car Park. Keep in mind that your fare will include an Airport pick-up fee equal to AUD4.82. There is no extra charge for drop-off services.

Last updated: 2024-08-26

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning.  All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice.   The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or  write a review.