Melbourne Airport (MEL), also called Tullamarine, has terminal and transport choices that affect the whole arrival journey. Qantas uses Terminal 1 for domestic flights and Terminal 2 for international flights. For central Melbourne, SkyBus Melbourne City Express connects the airport with Southern Cross Station; the terminal stop and city departure bay matter.

Qantas connections between T1 and T2

Qantas identifies a short walk between its domestic Terminal 1 and international Terminal 2. For a Qantas international-to-domestic connection, collect your bags during the international arrivals process, then take them to T1 for the domestic baggage drop and security screening.

This is Qantas's connection procedure. Other airlines and separately booked itineraries have their own check-in and baggage arrangements. Keep the onward flight's terminal with the itinerary rather than applying the Qantas terminal pair to every Melbourne connection.

Board SkyBus at the correct terminal stop

SkyBus's detailed Melbourne City Express stop page lists airport stops at T1, T3 and T4. It identifies T4 as pickup-only; T1 and T3 are pickup and drop-off locations. Choose the stop for the direction you are traveling, including the walk from your passenger terminal.

The operator also sells tickets online, through its app and at kiosks. A ticket kiosk and a bus stop serve different purposes, so use the boarding location when planning where to meet the coach.

Southern Cross: use the Tullamarine coach bay

At Southern Cross Station, SkyBus identifies Bay 75 for Tullamarine services. Bay 74 is for Avalon Airport, a different airport. Select the Melbourne City Express service for MEL when returning to the airport.

Southern Cross is a useful city interchange. For accommodation elsewhere in Melbourne, include the remaining local journey when comparing SkyBus with a direct road transfer, particularly if you are traveling with several bags.

Private collection and booked transport use different instructions

Melbourne Airport's T123 Transport Hub provides private pickup and drop-off areas. The airport states that this private-vehicle change does not alter taxi, Uber, bus, shuttle or coach services.

For a friend collecting you, use the private pickup arrangement. For a booked ride or coach, use that operator's meeting instructions. Giving the collector your arrival terminal and transport type helps direct both of you to the same place.