Cheapest Way to Get to Melbourne Airport (2026 Guide)

If you want the single cheapest ticket price, it is SkyBus at $24.60 one way. That is the quick answer.

But the cheapest overall option depends on where you are starting from, how many people are traveling, and how much time you can spare. A taxi split between three or four people often beats SkyBus on cost per person and saves a lot of time.

This guide compares every budget option so you can pick the true cheapest choice for your trip.

Quick comparison

Option 1: SkyBus

Price: $24.60 one way, about $40 return

Route: Southern Cross Station only. If you are not staying near Southern Cross, you will need a tram, train, or taxi connection.

Best for:

• Solo travelers
• CBD hotels near Southern Cross or the free tram zone
• Light luggage

Not ideal for:

• Groups of three or more
• Suburbs outside the CBD
• Very early or late flights (check schedules)

SkyBus is the lowest ticket price, but not always the lowest total cost if you need a paid connection.

Option 2: Public transport

There is no direct train to Melbourne Airport. The closest you can get is a mix of trains and buses. It is cheap on paper, but slow and inconvenient with luggage.

Reality check: Unless you live along the limited bus routes near the airport, this option is usually not worth the extra time and hassle.

Option 3: Shared shuttle

Shared shuttles can be cheap per person and include pickup, but they add time because the van makes multiple stops.

Pros:

• Door to door pickup
• Good for solo travelers on a budget

Cons:

• Fixed pickup windows
• Multiple stops and long travel times

Option 4: Fixed-price taxi

This is the best value for groups. A fixed-price fare is a single price for the entire vehicle, so the cost per person drops fast as your group size increases.

Group math to the CBD:

• 1 person: SkyBus $24.60 vs taxi $82
• 2 people: SkyBus $49.20 vs taxi $82
• 3 people: SkyBus $73.80 vs taxi $82 (taxi wins)
• 4 people: SkyBus $98.40 vs taxi $82 (taxi is cheaper)

Bottom line: If you have three or more people, a taxi is often the cheapest per person and it is door to door.

You can check your exact fare here: Melbourne Airport fixed-price fares.

Option 5: Ride share

Uber and DiDi prices can be competitive during quiet periods, but they are unpredictable at the airport due to demand surges.

If you see a low price in the app, it might be worth it. If there is surge pricing, a fixed-price taxi is usually the safer bet.

When the cheapest option changes

Scenario 1: Solo traveler from the CBD

• SkyBus: $24.60
• Taxi: $82

SkyBus is clearly the cheapest.

Scenario 2: Family of four from Doncaster

• SkyBus tickets: $98.40 plus travel to Southern Cross
• Taxi: about $110 door to door

The taxi is cheaper and faster.

Scenario 3: Three friends from Brunswick

• SkyBus tickets: $73.80
• Taxi: $71

Taxi is equal or cheaper, and saves time.

How to choose the true cheapest option

Use these simple rules:

• Solo, CBD, light luggage: SkyBus
• Group of three or more: Taxi
• Outer suburbs: Taxi (SkyBus requires going into the CBD first)
• Very early or late flights: Taxi
• Extreme budget with lots of time: Public transport

For a full comparison of all options, see the Melbourne Airport transfer guide.

FAQ

Is SkyBus always the cheapest?

Only for solo travelers going to the CBD. For groups of three or more, a taxi is often cheaper per person.

What is the cheapest option from outer suburbs?

A fixed-price taxi is usually cheapest when you factor in connection costs and time.

Can I get a fixed-price taxi at night?

Yes. Fixed-price taxis run 24/7.

Final takeaway

If you want the lowest ticket price, SkyBus wins. If you want the lowest price per person in a group, a fixed-price taxi usually wins. Use the fare table for your suburb and compare it to SkyBus tickets for everyone traveling.

See the exact price for your suburb: Melbourne Airport fares or Avalon Airport fares.