Melbourne runs on seasons and events. If you travel through Tullamarine (MEL) or Avalon (AVV), the time of year matters as much as the time of day. Summer holidays, the Australian Open, Grand Prix week, and the Melbourne Cup can turn a normal airport run into a slow crawl.
I have spent years watching how the city moves. This guide is written for real travelers, not marketing brochures. It explains when the airport is busiest, what that means for travel times, and how to plan a reliable transfer with a fixed upfront fare.
At a glance: the busiest periods
- Late December to late January: the busiest stretch of the year
- Mid January to early February: Australian Open crowds
- Early March: Formula 1 Grand Prix week
- Early April: autumn school holidays and Easter travel
- Late June to mid July: winter school holidays
- Late September: AFL finals and spring school holidays
- Late October to early November: Melbourne Cup Carnival
If you are traveling in these windows, book early and allow extra time on the freeway.
Why seasonality matters for airport taxis
Melbourne Airport sits about 23 km from the CBD. In light traffic the drive can be 25 minutes. In peak periods, it can take 45 to 60 minutes. Those delays are exactly why fixed-price fare matters: the price stays the same even when traffic slows.
We see the same patterns every year:
- Families travel during school holidays and bring more luggage
- Interstate visitors arrive for events and head straight to the CBD
- International arrivals cluster late at night when long haul flights land
Knowing the calendar helps you avoid last minute rushes and price surprises.
Summer peak: late December to late January
This is the busiest time in Melbourne. School holidays, Christmas and New Year travel, and overseas visitors all stack together.
What to expect:
- Heavier traffic most days, not just weekdays
- More late night airport arrivals
- Longer queues at taxi ranks
Local tip: if you land late, a pre booked pickup saves you waiting outside. If you are traveling out early, lock in a pickup time the night before.
January to early February: Australian Open
The Australian Open brings steady demand for three weeks, not just finals weekend. Visitors stay around the CBD, Carlton, South Yarra, and St Kilda.
What changes:
- CBD hotel pickups increase
- Late evening departures are common
- Ride share pricing spikes around sessions
Local tip: if you are going to or from the CBD during tournament nights, a fixed-price fare saves you the uncertainty of surge pricing.
March: Formula 1 Grand Prix
Grand Prix week is a different kind of busy. The crowd is international, and many visitors are on tight schedules.
What changes:
- Mid week arrivals rise
- Sunday and Monday departures spike
- Traffic builds around Albert Park
Local tip: pre book pickups during race week. Last minute requests can be slow because everyone leaves at the same time.
April: school holidays and Easter travel
Autumn holidays bring family travel. Groups of three or four are common, which makes taxis cost effective per person.
Local tip: if you are traveling with children, ask for a child seat when you book. Do not leave it to the last minute.
Winter school holidays: late June to mid July
Winter brings ski trips and warmer weather escapes. Luggage is bulkier and families travel early in the morning.
Local tip: book a larger vehicle if you have skis or extra bags.
September: AFL finals and spring holidays
Finals season brings a surge in interstate travel, especially around the Grand Final weekend.
Local tip: Friday afternoon and Sunday afternoon traffic is heavier. Allow extra time if you are heading to the airport after a weekend match.
October to early November: Melbourne Cup Carnival
Cup week brings fashion events, corporate travel, and a mid week spike in arrivals and departures.
Local tip: Cup Day and the day after are busy on the road. Book early and allow a bigger buffer for the freeway.
Month by month travel pulse
- December and January: highest demand and busiest traffic
- February: steadies after the Open finishes
- March: spikes during Grand Prix week
- April: school holidays and Easter travel
- May: steady business travel
- June and July: winter holidays, ski trips
- August: moderate demand
- September: AFL finals and spring holidays
- October and early November: Cup Carnival surge
- Late November: moderate before the December rush
How to plan your airport transfer
Here is the approach locals use:
- Book early for peak periods (late Dec to late Jan, Grand Prix, Cup week)
- Allow extra travel time in weekday peak hours and event weekends
- Use fixed-price fares if you want certainty and no surprises
- Split the fare if you are traveling in a group
If you want to lock in a price now:
Services for families, seniors, and accessible travel
We do more than a basic airport run. If you need personal assistance, book ahead and note your requirements.
- Child seats for families with young kids
- Wheelchair assistance with accessible vehicles
- Elderly transport with care and extra time for boarding
- Drivers who speak multiple languages for international visitors
These services are popular during school holidays and peak seasons, so early bookings matter.
Local travel tips for Tullamarine and Avalon
- MEL (Tullamarine): most flights arrive early morning or late evening
- AVV (Avalon): Jetstar schedules cluster around morning and evening peaks
- CityLink tolls: included in fixed-price fares
- Pickup points: pre booked pickups are separate from the taxi rank
If you are unsure where to meet your driver, use the booking guide before you travel.
FAQ
Is there a best time of day to travel to the airport?
Mid day is usually the calmest. Early mornings and late afternoons are busiest.
Do prices increase during major events?
Ride share prices often surge. Fixed-price taxis stay the same.
Do I need to book ahead in peak season?
Yes. December, January, Grand Prix week, and Cup week fill up quickly.
Can I request a driver who speaks my language?
Yes. Mention your preferred language when you book and we will do our best to match.
Final takeaway
Melbourne is event driven. If you travel during peak seasons, booking a fixed-price fare early is the easiest way to avoid delays and price surprises. If you travel off peak, you will have more flexibility and smoother traffic.
For exact pricing to your suburb, check the fare tables and lock in your fixed-price.