Park, Bus or Taxi? What is the cheapest way to get to Tullamarine?

For frequent travelers in Melbourne, it is important to know the cost of getting to the Tullamarine Airport. Is it cheaper to drive and park your car, take a bus ride or get a taxi? This short article answers this basic question to serve as a handy guide for travelers.

qantasHiring a taxi from the CBD to the airport is about $50 to $60. A taxi can accommodate up to four people and the travel time ranges from 20 to 30 minutes. Riding the SkyBus, which is the primary Tullamarine airport shuttle bus to and from the CBD, is cheaper than taking a taxi, that is, if you’re traveling alone or there’s just two of you. The fare costs $18 for adults and $9 for youngsters (4-16 years old). There’s an additional $2 off each adult fare for groups of four people. The travel time is longer at 25 to 40 minutes. But if the passenger is able to set aside ample travel time, then it’s not really a big issue.

Other airport shuttle bus services are available as well, such as the Greenbus, which costs $14 per person, and the Starbus, which costs $18 to $25 depending on the pick-up point. However, the drop-off point at the airport might be a little farther from the terminal.

The last option which is probably the most convenient for car owners is to drive and park. However, it may not be the cheapest option. Aside from the cost of gas, an additional expense is the cost of parking.

If a family member or a friend will simply drop you off, then there’s no additional cost. But if he will be staying and parking the car for a while, it will cost $14 per hour.

If you’re personally driving and will be parking your car in the on-site melbourne airport parking facilities at the airport itself, the cost is $57 per day and $125 for 3 days in the short-term car park. For a cheaper option, use the long term airport car park and pay only $39 per day or $69 for 3 days. Or for further cheaper options try airport parking melbourne options in privately operated car parks near the airport.

Now, it’s better to book for car parking online, so you can further cut costs at 50 percent. Also, you won’t have to deal with the difficulty of finding a parking space especially during the peak holiday season.

If you can look for alternative off-site airport parking and get there early to have adequate time for airport shuttle transfers, then you can save even more.

As you can see, there are several options of getting to the Tullamarine airport. It’s up to you to choose one that can fit your time and budget.