Exploring Melbourne Airport's Efficient Gate System

Melbourne Airport, also known as Melbourne International Airport or Tullamarine Airport, is located about 20-25 km northwest of Melbourne. The airport has four terminals, with Terminal 2 handling all international flights and the remaining terminals operating domestic flights. All four terminals are conveniently located under one roof, making it easy for travellers to navigate and transfer between flights and terminals. While the exact number of gates at Melbourne Airport is not explicitly stated, the presence of multiple terminals and various upgrades, including a new baggage system for the international terminal, suggest that the airport accommodates a significant number of gates to facilitate its millions of passengers.

Terminal 1 (Qantas) has 12 gates

Melbourne Airport, also known as Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL), is located about 20-25 km northwest of Melbourne. The airport has four terminals, all under the same roof, which makes it easy for travellers to navigate between terminals. Terminal 1 (T1) is dedicated to Qantas domestic flights.

The Qantas terminal is located on three floors of the airport. The domestic check-in and departures for Qantas are located on the first floor, while the domestic gates and lounges are on the mezzanine floor. Passengers arriving at Qantas Terminal 1 can proceed to the ground floor for baggage reclaim.

Melbourne Airport services millions of passengers and is the only major airport in the country that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The airport has been serving the capital of Victoria and its surrounding areas for over 45 years, facilitating the travel of hundreds of millions of people since its opening in 1970.

Terminal 2 (International) handles all international flights

Melbourne Airport, also known as Melbourne International Airport or Tullamarine Airport, is located about 20 to 22 kilometres northwest of Melbourne. It is the city's main airport and the only major airport in the country that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The airport has four terminals, all conveniently located under the same roof, making transfers between flights and terminals much simpler than at other airports.

Terminal 2 offers various amenities to cater to the needs of international travellers. Currency exchange services are available in several spots within the terminal. When it comes to dining options, Terminal 2 boasts a diverse range of restaurants, cafes, and bars. Bar Pulpo by Movida, for example, offers a unique Spanish dining experience, bringing the flavours of Spain to the airport. For those seeking a quick bite, options like Subway and Sumo Salad can be found in Terminal 2.

The terminal also features a variety of retail outlets, allowing travellers to shop for clothing, accessories, and health and beauty products. Stores like Rip Curl, Surf Dive n Ski, and Sportsgirl Accessories cater to those looking for sporty and summery options. Amcal Pharmacy provides essential items such as pain relievers, and Amuse offers makeup and perfume for travellers looking to spruce up their look. Terminal 2 also has several electronic outlets, including Optus and Protectabag, for any last-minute tech needs.

Terminal 3 (Virgin Australia)

Terminal 3 at Melbourne Airport is for domestic flights and serves Regional Express (Rex) and Virgin Australia. Virgin Australia operates up to 600 direct flights each week to and from various cities in Australia, including Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and more. The airline's check-in and departures are located on the first floor of T3, while arrivals are on the ground floor.

If you are being dropped off at T3, there is a drop-off zone located outside the terminal where cars can park for 5 minutes; this is extended to 15 minutes for those with a disability sticker. If you are driving yourself to the airport and require parking, options include Virgin Valet, Long Term, and At Terminal T1 T2 T3 parking.

For those flying out of T3, you will be departing from gates 1–10. After going through security, which is located on the mezzanine floor, you can check the screens around the terminal to find out your gate number and departure time. If you are a Lounge Member, you can head to the Virgin Australia Lounge, which is open daily from 60 minutes before the first Virgin Australia flight departure until the last scheduled Virgin Australia flight is called for boarding. To enter, turn right after exiting the security screening area.

If you have mobility requirements, most airlines can provide a wheelchair upon request with prior notification. It is recommended that you contact your airline directly to organise a wheelchair in advance.

Terminal 4 (Jetstar, Rex, Link Airways)

Terminal 4 at Melbourne Airport is located 22km north of the city in Tullamarine. The terminal caters to domestic flights by Jetstar, Rex, and Link Airways. Virgin Australia's domestic flights operate from Terminal 3, while Qantas domestic flights operate from Terminal 1, and all international flights operate from Terminal 2.

Check-In, Bag Drop, and Security

The check-in and bag drop-off area for Jetstar, Rex, and Link Airways is on the ground floor of Terminal 4. Self-serve kiosks are available for checking in and printing baggage tags. Passengers without checked baggage can proceed directly to level one for security screening.

Terminal 4 has a unique layout, where passengers pass through security and wait in the departures lounge before proceeding to their gate when it is displayed on the screens. The gates in T4 are slightly further away from security than in other terminals, so passengers should allow extra time to get to their gate.

Facilities and Services

The central departure lounge at Terminal 4 offers a range of shopping and dining options, including Melbourne's famous Brunetti's coffee, Asian cuisine, bakeries, fresh salads, juices, and more. There is also a pharmacy, baby change facilities, mobile phone charging stations, water fountains, and free Wi-Fi.

Transportation

Terminal 4 is easily accessible by car via the Tullamarine Freeway. The Terminal T4 Car Park is just 100 meters from the terminal entrance, offering both online booking and drive-up parking options. The pickup zone for Terminal 4 is on Level 1 of the car park, while the drop-off point is on Level 2.

Public transportation options include the SkyBus, which operates three services to Melbourne City, St. Kilda, and Frankston. Public buses also serve Melbourne Airport and can be caught on the ground floor of the Transport Hub near T4. A myki card is required for public bus transportation and can be purchased from a myki machine opposite Terminal 4's Baggage Reclaim.

Melbourne Airport has 4 terminals

Melbourne Airport, also known as Melbourne International Airport or Tullamarine Airport, has four terminals. The airport is located about 20 to 25 kilometres northwest of Melbourne and is the city's main international airport. All four terminals are conveniently located under one roof, making it easy for travellers to navigate and transfer between flights and terminals.

Terminal 1 (T1) is dedicated to domestic flights operated by Qantas. It has a mezzanine floor for domestic gates and lounges and a ground floor for domestic baggage reclaim. T1 is currently undergoing a retail upgrade, focusing on enhancing the walkway leading to Gates 1-12. New security screening technology is also being installed to improve the passenger experience.

Terminal 2 (T2) handles all international flights into and out of Melbourne Airport. It has a first floor for check-in, departures, and gates, and a ground floor for arrivals. T2 is also home to various restaurants, cafes, and bars, including Bar Pulpo by Movida, which offers a unique Spanish dining experience. The terminal is undergoing several upgrades, including a new baggage system and an expansion of the arrivals duty-free store.

Terminal 3 (T3) is primarily for domestic flights operated by Virgin Australia and some smaller regional departures. It has a first floor for check-in, departures, gates, and lounges, and a ground floor for arrivals. T3 offers a variety of dining options, including Subway and Sumo Salad. The Virgin Australia baggage hall is being upgraded to streamline baggage collection with expanded space and new carousels.

Terminal 4 (T4) is the home of Jetstar, Rex Airlines, Link Airways, Tigerair Australia, and regional arrivals. It is a fully self-service operation, where passengers check themselves and their bags in independently. T4 has a first floor for domestic check-in, departures, gates, and lounges, and a ground floor for Jetstar and Rex Airlines' bag drop and baggage reclaim. T4 offers dining options such as Brunetti, known for its fresh baked goods and homemade pasta. The terminal is also undergoing a landside toilet facilities upgrade, with new amenities and the redevelopment of existing facilities.

Frequently asked questions