New pick up and drop off zones and a new road
We’re getting ready for a big change to the way you pick up and drop off at Melbourne Airport. In late 2026 we’ll open our new, free and expanded Pick Up and Drop Off zones for passengers using Terminal 1 (Qantas Domestic), Terminal 2 (International) and Terminal 3 (Virgin Australia) in the new T123 Transport Hub.
There’ll be a new dedicated exit from the Tullamarine Freeway and more room for your hellos and goodbyes. The new Pick Up and Drop Off zones will allow us to start expanding the International Terminal. We’ll have plenty of support on hand to help guide you through the changes. So keep an eye out for the signs to the new T123 Transport Hub, and let’s get ready together.
Thanks for your patience while we’re building your airport.
Potential impact on travellers in 2025
We anticipate that this project will require travellers to add an additional 30 minutes to their travel time.
Information on changes in road conditions such as temporary lane closures and detours can be found here.
Naarm Way Stage 1
Naarm Way Stage 1 was opened on 18 July 2023, providing a direct connection from the Tullamarine Freeway into the T4 ground transport hub.
This stage primarily benefits travellers flying Jetstar, Rex, and Link Airways from Terminal 4, as well as Virgin Australia travellers flying from Terminal 3.
Naarm Way Stage 2
Under construction
Naarm Way Stage 2 will provide a direct connection from the Tullamarine Freeway to new dedicated pick-up and drop-off zones for Terminals 1, 2 and 3 within the T123 car park. New exit ramps from the T123 car park will provide a direct exit to Departure Drive and Melbourne Drive onto the freeway.
A new pedestrian bridge will provide direct passenger access from the T123 parking structure to Terminal 2.
Upon completion of this project, the main terminal forecourt will be reserved for commercial vehicles such as Skybus, taxis, rideshare and shuttle bus services.
These works were approved by the Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government in 2021. The approved Major Development Plan can be found below. The Federal Government also approved two Minor Variations to the Major Development Plan, which are also available below.
Naarm Way FAQs
What is the Naarm Way project?
The Naarm Way project will change the way you pick up and drop off at Melbourne Airport from late 2026.
The project will provide a direct connection from the Tullamarine Freeway to new dedicated pick up and drop off zones for passengers using Terminal 1 (Qantas) Terminal 2 (International) and Terminal 3 (Virgin Australia) in the new T123 Transport Hub.
The new pick up and drop off zones will be free to use.
What are the benefits of the project?
The dedicated exit off the Tullamarine Freeway will reduce congestion and provide more room for your hellos and goodbyes.
The drop off area will have 74 spaces (significantly more than the current bays), and the pick up area will have 100 spaces, more than doubling our current capacity.
The new T123 Transport Hub will also allow us to start expanding the International Terminal T2.
When will the new pick up and drop off area open?
The new pick up and drop off zones at Melbourne Airport will open in late 2026.
What is the T123 Transport Hub?
The T123 Transport Hub is home to the new drop off (Level 3) and pick up (Level 2) zones for passengers using Terminal 1 (Qantas) Terminal 2 (International) and Terminal 3 (Virgin Australia).
The rear of the T123 Transport Hub (Levels 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6) will still be available for parking. The front of Level 1 will remain for valet parking and premium, whilst the ground floor will continue to be home to our car rental companies.
Where is the new drop off zone?
The new, free drop off zone will be located on Level 3 of the T123 Transport Hub. It will be clearly sign posted from the Tullamarine Freeway.
There will be 6 lanes available for drop off, with easy and accessible access into the terminals.
Where is the new pick up zone?
The new, free pick up zone will be located at the rear of Level 2 of the T123 Transport Hub.
If you’re picking up someone, it will be clearly sign posted from the Tullamarine Freeway.
If you’re getting picked up by someone, there will be easy to follow signage within the terminals and through the T123 Transport Hub.
Will there be help available?
From day one, there will be plenty of help to guide you. Look for the pink jackets or anyone in high-vis vests.
What do I do if I have accessibility requirements?
In partnership with Travellers Aid, we have a Melbourne Airport Assist service to make it easier for you to move between car parks, check-in areas, baggage halls and passenger pick up and drop off zones.
The service complements existing airline assistance, ensuring extra support is available at every stage of your journey.
The free Melbourne Airport Assist service includes:- Wheelchair connection and transfers between Jetstar, REX, Virgin Australia and international arrivals and departures areas and transport hubs.
- Buggy transfer between the T4 transport hub (including car park, PTV bus service, taxi rank, and Uber) and Jetstar/Rex arrivals areas.
The services operates Monday to Sunday from 6am to 10pm.
How to access the service
- You can book in advance by using the Melbourne Airport Assist Booking Form Please allow at least 24 hours’ notice for all bookings.
- For assistance on the day of travel, call 0492 868 960.
- If you haven't pre-booked, the service is still available at any of the five hubs across the airport. Simply approach the staff stationed at the hubs and they will assist.
- View a map of the five mobility hub locations across the airport.
Will I have to pay for pick up or drop off?
The new 1 minute pick up and drop off zones are free to use.
The rest of the car park will remain free for the first 15 mins.
Where can I wait if I need more time to pick up someone?
If you arrive at the airport a little too early, you can use our free wait zone on Mercer Drive, just off the Tullamarine Freeway.
The wait zone is free for the first 60 minutes with affordable rates after the first hour if you need to stay longer.
Whilst it’s not close enough to walk to the terminals, it is only a short 5 minute drive to the new pick up zone.
The wait zone is designed specifically for waiting in your car, so you don’t have to circle around the airport or park far away, and it’s safer than stopping on the side of the freeway.
Where will pick up and drop off be for Skybus?
Skybus pick up and drop off will remain in the airport forecourt.
Where will pick up and drop off be for Taxis and Ubers?
For drop off, Taxis and Ubers will use new Level 3 drop off zone.
For pick up, Taxis and Ubers will pick up on the ground level airport forecourt.
How do I access the T123 Transport Hub if I’m coming from Sunbury Road?
If you’re coming to the airport from Sunbury Road you’ll still be able to access the new T123 Transport Hub via Centre Road and then the Naarm Way ramp.
The current preferred route from Sunbury Rd is via Francis Briggs Road with access through to the Airport Drive onramp.
What is happening to the existing drop off and pick up areas?
The existing drop off area will be closed once the Naarm Way project is complete to make way for the expansion of the T2 international terminal. The existing pick up area will be reduced in size and only be for skybus, taxi and uber. All other public pick up will be on the new level 2 pick up area in the T123 transport hub.
Are there any changes to Terminal 4 drop off or pick up?
The Terminal 4 drop off and pick up zones for Jetstar and REX customers will continue to operate as normal with pick up on Level 1 and drop off on Level 2. Taxis and Ubers will continue to pick up on the Ground level.
How do I know if I should use the T123 Transport Hub or the T4 Transport Hub?
The T123 Transport Hub is ideal for anyone travelling with Qantas (T1), internationally (T2) or Virgin Australia (T3).
The T4 Transport Hub is ideal for anyone travelling with Jetstar or REX.
Regardless of who you’re travelling with, you will still be able to access every terminal, it might just be a little bit further to walk.
Where is the new drop off zone?
The new, free drop off zone will be located on Level 3 of the T123 Transport Hub. It will be clearly sign posted from the Tullamarine Freeway.
There will be 6 lanes available for drop off, with easy and accessible access into the terminals.
What do I do if I have accessibility requirements?
In partnership with Travellers Aid, we have a Melbourne Airport Assist service to make it easier for you to move between car parks, check-in areas, baggage halls and passenger pick up and drop off zones.
The service complements existing airline assistance, ensuring extra support is available at every stage of your journey.
The free Melbourne Airport Assist service includes:- Wheelchair connection and transfers between Jetstar, REX, Virgin Australia and international arrivals and departures areas and transport hubs.
- Buggy transfer between the T4 transport hub (including car park, PTV bus service, taxi rank, and Uber) and Jetstar/Rex arrivals areas.
The services operates Monday to Sunday from 6am to 10pm.
How to access the service
- You can book in advance by using the Melbourne Airport Assist Booking Form Please allow at least 24 hours’ notice for all bookings.
- For assistance on the day of travel, call 0492 868 960.
- If you haven't pre-booked, the service is still available at any of the five hubs across the airport. Simply approach the staff stationed at the hubs and they will assist.
- View a map of the five mobility hub locations across the airport.
Will I have to pay for pick up or drop off?
The new 1 minute pick up and drop off zones are free to use.
The rest of the car park will remain free for the first 15 mins.
What is happening to the existing drop off and pick up areas?
The existing drop off area will be closed once the Naarm Way project is complete to make way for the expansion of the T2 international terminal. The existing pick up area will be reduced in size and only be for skybus, taxi and uber. All other public pick up will be on the new level 2 pick up area in the T123 transport hub.
Are there any changes to Terminal 4 drop off or pick up?
The Terminal 4 drop off and pick up zones for Jetstar and REX customers will continue to operate as normal with pick up on Level 1 and drop off on Level 2. Taxis and Ubers will continue to pick up on the Ground level.
Where can I wait if I need more time to pick up someone?
If you arrive at the airport a little too early, you can use our free wait zone on Mercer Drive, just off the Tullamarine Freeway.
The wait zone is free for the first 60 minutes with affordable rates after the first hour if you need to stay longer.
Whilst it’s not close enough to walk to the terminals, it is only a short 5 minute drive to the new pick up zone.
The wait zone is designed specifically for waiting in your car, so you don’t have to circle around the airport or park far away, and it’s safer than stopping on the side of the freeway.
Where will pick up and drop off be for Skybus?
Skybus pick up and drop off will remain in the airport forecourt.
Where will pick up and drop off be for Taxis and Ubers?
For drop off, Taxis and Ubers will use new Level 3 drop off zone.
For pick up, Taxis and Ubers will pick up on the ground level airport forecourt.
Where will pick up and drop off be for Taxis and Ubers?
For drop off, Taxis and Ubers will use new Level 3 drop off zone.
For pick up, Taxis and Ubers will pick up on the ground level airport forecourt.
How do I access the T123 Transport Hub if I’m coming from Sunbury Road?
If you’re coming to the airport from Sunbury Road you’ll still be able to access the new T123 Transport Hub via Centre Road and then the Naarm Way ramp.
The current preferred route from Sunbury Rd is via Francis Briggs Road with access through to the Airport Drive onramp.
How do I know if I should use the T123 Transport Hub or the T4 Transport Hub?
The T123 Transport Hub is ideal for anyone travelling with Qantas (T1), internationally (T2) or Virgin Australia (T3).
The T4 Transport Hub is ideal for anyone travelling with Jetstar or REX.
Regardless of who you’re travelling with, you will still be able to access every terminal, it might just be a little bit further to walk.