Melbourne Airport arrival guide for international students

Landing in a new country after a long flight is a lot to take in. This guide walks you through Melbourne Airport’s international terminal, from the plane to your first night, so you know what’s coming at each step.

The SkyBus fare here is approximate. It was last checked on 2 Nov 2026 and fares do change, so check the official links under Sources before you travel.

Through arrivals: passport control, customs and biosecurity

International flights arrive at Terminal 2 (T2). That’s the name to use when you tell someone where you’ve landed.

After you leave the plane you go through passport control, collect your bags, then go through customs and biosecurity before you’re out in the arrivals hall (Tourism Australia). Our guide to arriving in Australia covers each step, including SmartGates, the passenger card and bringing medicines.

Meeting someone at the airport

If someone is meeting you on foot, the place to meet is the T2 Arrivals Hall (Melbourne Airport).

If they’re collecting you by car, the place to meet is the T123 Pick Up zone, at the rear of Level 2. Pick-up there is free for 5 minutes (Melbourne Airport).

Five minutes isn’t long, so the easiest plan is for your driver to come in only once you’re ready. When you have your bags and you’re through biosecurity, send them something like this:

I’ve landed at Melbourne (T2). Pick me up at the T123 Pick Up zone, rear of Level 2 (5 minutes free), or on foot meet me in the T2 Arrivals Hall.

Being picked up by car

Your driver can wait in the free wait zone on Mercer Drive, where the first 60 minutes are free, until you message. Then they go to the Pick Up zone in the T123 Transport Hub (Melbourne Airport).

Here’s a made-up example of how it can go smoothly. Tomás’s aunt is driving to the airport to collect him. She parks in the Mercer Drive wait zone while Tomás goes through passport control, collects his bags and goes through biosecurity. Only then does he send the message above. She drives round to the Pick Up zone, and they’re away well inside the free 5 minutes.

Getting from Melbourne Airport to the city

There are three main ways into the city. The SkyBus fare is approximate and was last checked on 2 Nov 2026.

SkyBus

• About $26, about 30 minutes (SkyBus).
• SkyBus leaves from the ground-level forecourt and drops at Southern Cross.
• It needs its own ticket: myki isn’t accepted. Buy one at the SkyBus kiosk in the terminal or in the SkyBus app (Public Transport Victoria).
• Return tickets work out cheaper: SkyBus advertises return fares at $21.70 each way (approximate, last checked 5 Nov 2026) (SkyBus).

SkyBus suits you best if you’re travelling light and Southern Cross is a good starting point for where you’re staying.

Rideshare

• Usually more than public transport, depending on traffic and the time of day. Check the estimate in your rideshare app before you book.
• Rideshare pick-up is on the ground-level forecourt (Melbourne Airport).

Taxi

• Usually more than public transport, depending on traffic and the time of day.
• The taxi rank is on the ground-level forecourt (Melbourne Airport).

Which one should you choose?

• One suitcase, daytime, on a budget: SkyBus, at about $26.
• Lots of luggage, travelling late, or very tired: a rideshare or taxi takes you to the door. It usually costs more than public transport.
• Someone’s collecting you: the T123 Pick Up zone, as above.

Paying for transport: myki and contactless

Melbourne’s transport card is myki. It works on trains, trams and buses in Melbourne and most of regional Victoria. You top it up online, in the PTV App or at machines and outlets, and Mobile myki is available on Android (Transport Victoria).

Tap on every time you travel: that’s how you get the lowest fare (Transport Victoria).

Since mid-2026 you can also tap on with a contactless bank card, smartphone or smartwatch at the myki readers on Melbourne’s trains, trams and buses (Victorian Government).

Remember that SkyBus is separate: myki isn’t accepted on it, so you’ll need a SkyBus ticket for the airport trip (Public Transport Victoria).

If your card was issued overseas, check with your bank about international transaction fees before you rely on it for transport.

For more on getting a transport card, see our first week in Australia checklist.

SIM cards and Wi-Fi

Before a prepaid mobile service can be used, the provider has to check your identity, such as your name, date of birth and address. Bring your passport or other ID when you buy or set up the SIM (ACMA).

T2 has free Wi-Fi: choose “Airport Free Wi-Fi”. It isn’t encrypted, so avoid online banking or typing passwords on it (Melbourne Airport).

Once you have an Australian number, watch out for scam texts. They often pretend to be your bank, your telco or a delivery company. Don’t tap links in texts you weren’t expecting: use the organisation’s own app or website, and never share passwords or one-time codes (ACMA).

Your first night

You made it. A few things worth knowing before you sleep:

• Emergencies: call Triple Zero (000). Calls are free. Say Police, Fire or Ambulance and give your exact location (Triple Zero Australia). From a mobile you can also dial 112, which reaches the same service (Triple Zero Australia).
• Feeling unwell but it’s not an emergency? The healthdirect helpline, 1800 022 222, is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and a registered nurse can speak with you. If English isn’t your main language, call TIS National on 131 450 and ask to be transferred (healthdirect).
• Non-urgent police help in Victoria: the Police Assistance Line, 131 444. Don’t use it in an emergency (Victoria Police).
• Arriving in summer? Sip water even when you’re not thirsty, and avoid being outdoors between 11am and 3pm on very hot days (healthdirect).
• Check your clock. Victoria moves its clocks forward an hour for daylight saving from October to April, so the time difference with home may not be what you expect (Business Victoria).
• Still looking for a room? Rental scams often use cheap listings, an owner who is overseas and can’t show the place, and a request for money upfront. See a place in person, or ask someone you trust to, before you pay anything (Scamwatch).

Tomorrow, start on the first week checklist. When you’re ready to look for work, our Australian CV guide is the next step.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to get from Melbourne Airport to the city?

About $26 by SkyBus to Southern Cross (approximate, last checked 2 Nov 2026). A rideshare or taxi usually costs more and depends on traffic and the time of day.

Where should my friend pick me up?

At the T123 Pick Up zone, at the rear of Level 2, which is free for 5 minutes. They can wait in the free Mercer Drive wait zone until you message them.

Can I use myki on SkyBus?

No. SkyBus needs its own ticket, which you can buy at the SkyBus kiosk in the terminal or in the SkyBus app. Use myki on Melbourne’s trains, trams and buses.

Can I use my phone as soon as I land?

You’ll need ID for a prepaid SIM, so keep your passport handy. Until then, T2 has free Wi-Fi: choose “Airport Free Wi-Fi”.

What number do I call in an emergency?

Triple Zero (000). From a mobile, 112 reaches the same service.