Melbourne Airport Taxi Services: Availability And Convenience

Melbourne Airport, Australia's second busiest airport, has a range of taxi options for travellers. The airport is easily accessible by taxi, with taxi ranks located near all terminals. The Melbourne CBD is approximately a 30-minute ride from the airport.

Melbourne Airport taxis offer metered fares in modern, air-conditioned vehicles, with English-speaking drivers. The taxi cost from the airport to downtown Melbourne is around €35.40 (AUD 57.50).

Passengers can also pre-book a taxi to and from the airport, with companies like Taxi2Airport, Suntransfers, and Welcome Pickups offering convenient and affordable transfer services. These companies provide a wide range of vehicles, from sedans to minibuses, catering to different group sizes.

For those seeking a stress-free and comfortable journey, taking a taxi to and from Melbourne Airport is a great option.

Taxi ranks at Melbourne Airport

Melbourne Airport is the busiest taxi rank in Victoria, so the airport is keen to maintain an efficient and safe taxi network. There are two taxi ranks at Melbourne Airport, located near Terminals 1 and 4.

Terminal 1

As you exit Terminal 1 on Level 1, the official taxi stand is located to your left, just a couple of minutes' walk away. If you have pre-booked a taxi, you will need to meet your driver at the north end of the Terminal 1,2 & 3 Car Park, towards Terminal 1.

Terminal 4

If you are arriving at Terminals 3 or 4, make your way to the Terminal 4 car park on the Ground Floor, where there is a taxi rank and a Taxi Holding Area.

Important Information

For your safety, you should not accept any offers of taxi services inside or outside the terminals. Authorised taxis wait at designated taxi ranks at T1 and T4, clearly marked with signage. This ensures licensed and safe drivers, keeping you away from potential scams.

Before approaching the taxi, make sure the taxi and the driver are displaying their accredited taxi service number. Once you've confirmed the taxi and driver details, you're good to go!

Taxi pick-up procedures

Melbourne Airport is the busiest taxi rank in Victoria, so it has strict procedures in place to maintain an efficient and safe taxi network.

If you are picking up passengers from Melbourne Airport, taxis must first enter the Primary Holding Area (PHA) located on the corner of Airport Drive and Francis Briggs Drive. This is the only way to access the taxi ranks at Terminals 1 and 4.

• Enter the Primary Holding Area (PHA): If you have just dropped off a passenger at Terminals T1, T2, T3, or T4, follow the approved taxi route to the PHA. Turn right onto Centre Road, then left onto Airport Drive, and finally left onto Francis Briggs Road.
• Queue in the PHA: After entering the PHA, queue in the next available row. Once the row to your right has emptied, you can move forward to the exit gates.
• Exit the PHA: When the Taxi Head of Rank needs taxis, the exit gates will activate. Your PCDC card will be charged when you exit.
• Proceed to the Secondary Holding Area: Follow the approved taxi route, marked by a yellow line, to the Secondary Holding Area on Centre Road. You have 15 minutes to reach this area.
• Enter the Secondary Holding Area: Swipe your PCDC card at the gate. The display will show a charge of $0.00, or a message stating you are outside the 15-minute tolerance. If you receive the latter message, return to the PHA and re-enter the system.
• Follow instructions at the Secondary Holding Area: Once inside, move forward until you reach the Taxi Head of Rank. The lights here will indicate if you need to attend the north or south rank. You may be asked to exit and proceed to the T4 taxi rank by turning right onto Grants Road and then right onto Service Road, following the "Taxis Only" slip lane.
• Allow priority vehicles to pass: Station wagons and maxi-taxis may be called forward to meet specific passenger needs. Ensure you allow these vehicles to pass if they are called forward in front of you.

Please note that as of 26 March, pre-booked taxis, including Wheelchair Access Taxis (WAT) and Maxi Cabs, must park in the designated area of the At Terminal T123 Car Park, where discounted parking rates apply. This area is shared with VHA and hire car drivers.

Additionally, for your safety, only take taxis from the designated taxi ranks at Terminals 1 and 4. Never accept offers of taxi services inside or outside the terminals, as this may be a potential scam. Always look for the official accredited taxi service number displayed on both the taxi and the driver before getting into the vehicle.

Taxi pre-booking

Melbourne Airport is the busiest taxi rank in Victoria, so it's important to be aware of the correct procedures for pre-booking a taxi.

To pre-book a taxi to pick you up from Melbourne Airport, you will need to meet your driver at the north end of the Terminal 1,2 & 3 Car Park (closest to Terminal 1). This is different from the location of the regular taxi ranks, which are found near Terminals 1 and 4.

Pre-booked taxis must park in the designated area of the At Terminal T123 Car Park, shared with VHA and hire car drivers. This change was made to ease congestion in the forecourt and make the customer journey easier.

When pre-booking a taxi, you can expect a comfortable, door-to-door service in a private, air-conditioned vehicle. The taxi fare will be calculated using a taximeter, based on the time and distance travelled, with additional surcharges for travelling at night, during peak hours, and on holidays.

There are several companies that offer pre-booked taxi services to and from Melbourne Airport, including Taxi2Airport, Suntransfers, and Welcome Pickups. These companies offer a range of vehicle options, from sedans to minibuses, and provide services to various destinations, including the Melbourne CBD, St Kilda, Avalon Airport, and Geelong.

By pre-booking your taxi, you can avoid the hassle of waiting in line for a regular taxi and ensure a fixed fare rate for your journey.

Taxi safety and scams

Melbourne Airport is the busiest taxi rank in Victoria, so maintaining an efficient and safe taxi network is a key priority for the airport. To ensure your safety, it is recommended that you do not accept any offers of taxi services outside of the designated taxi ranks at Terminals 1 and 4. Authorised taxis wait at these designated ranks, clearly marked with signage, ensuring licensed and safe drivers and keeping you away from potential scams.

Tips for Avoiding Scams:

• Before approaching a taxi, make sure the taxi and the driver are displaying their accredited taxi service number.
• Never accept a ride from anyone offering taxi services inside or outside the airport terminals.
• Make sure you look for the official accredited taxi service number.
• If you have any concerns, contact the taxi operator directly.
• Always check that the meter has been reset to the correct base fare by checking the price list displayed in the rear window.
• If you want to avoid increased taxi prices during peak hours, you can pre-book your taxi with a company and secure a fixed fare rate to your destination.
• You can pay for your Melbourne Airport taxi with a credit card or cash, but keep in mind that there is a 4-6% additional charge for credit card payments.

Common Scams to Look Out for:

There have been reports of fake taxi drivers soliciting people in the baggage claim area or exit area of the airport terminals. These drivers may approach you and ask if you need a cab, and if you follow them, they may take you to an unmarked car without a light on top and without a meter. While you may receive the service you paid for, these drivers are operating illegally, without a license or liability insurance, which could cause issues in the event of an accident.

What to Do if You Encounter a Scam:

If you encounter a potential scam, you can take their photo and show it to the Taxi Directorate official at the Taxi rank, who will radio someone to assist in moving them away. You can also report your experience to Melbourne Airport staff or by calling their phone number.

Taxi costs

Melbourne Airport is the busiest taxi rank in Victoria, so congestion can be expected. Taxi fares from Melbourne Airport are metered and based on the time and distance travelled. The average cost of a taxi ride during the day for up to four passengers to the Melbourne CBD, which is approximately a 30-minute ride, is around €35.40 (AUD 57.50).

There are additional surcharges for travelling at night, on holidays, and during peak hours. There is also a surcharge fee of €2.94 (AUD 4.78) for all pickups from the airport, as well as toll road fees. If you are travelling in a larger group, a Melbourne Airport maxi taxi, which can seat up to 11 people, is available at an additional charge.

You can also book a private taxi in advance to secure a fixed-rate fare and avoid hidden fees. Pre-booking a taxi can be done online or by phone, and it is recommended to do so during peak hours to avoid increased prices. Credit card payments are accepted but come with an additional charge of 4-6%.

When taking a taxi from Melbourne Airport, it is important to only use the designated taxi ranks at Terminals 1 and 4 for your safety. Authorised taxis will be displaying their accredited taxi service number.

Frequently asked questions