Consider how you’re going to get to the airport. There are plenty of options to suit all budgets.

• Airport parking – We have parking to suit different budgets and trip lengths, including Long Term and At Terminal parking. Find out more about parking.
• Drop off – Drop off zones are located out the front of T1, T2 and T3 where cars can park for 5 minutes. Those with a disability sticker can remain parked for 15 minutes.
• Taxi – A taxi from Melbourne City takes approximately 35 minutes and costs around $55–65, though times and fares can vary. This option allows you to be dropped right outside the terminal.
• SkyBus – The SkyBus operates three services 24/7 from Melbourne City, St Kilda or Frankston and will transfer you express to the airport. From the city, this journey takes 30–45 minutes. Once you arrive at the airport, you can get off at the T2 stop.
• Public transport – Public buses arrive and depart from Melbourne Airport on the ground floor of the Transport Hub near T4. To travel, you’ll need a myki card. This journey is around 70 minutes.

Have all of your things ready for check in so dropping off your bags and collecting your boarding pass is a simple process.

• Where to check in – Those flying internationally can check in on the first floor of T2, located roughly in the middle of the airport. If you’re entering from the ground floor, you’ll need to go up one level using the escalators or lift.
• Bag wrapping – Secure Travel is located on the first floor of T2 and can help wrap your bags for protection at a small cost.
• Storage services – SmartCarte is located on the ground floor of T2 and can store your bags for a small cost.
• Large items and liquids – Bulky or oversized items and liquids, aerosols or gels that exceed carry on limits need to be checked in at the TRS office on the ground floor of T2.
• If you miss your check in – Sometimes these things happen. If you miss your check in time, you can speak to your airline about possible options or someone at the service desk. Otherwise, you can head to the airline offices on level 2 of T2 or book another flight with Flight Centre on the first floor of T2.

At this point, you’ll have to say goodbye to those not travelling with you, as you cannot pass beyond security without a boarding pass.

• Speed up the process – As this area can get quite busy, it will make things easier for everyone involved if you move through security as quickly as possible. It’s a good idea to put your phone away so as not to be distracted and to make sure any electronic devices or liquids are at the top of your bag so they are ready to be placed in the trays. Collect your items promptly once they’ve been scanned and continue on your way.
• Clothing and accessories – You might be asked to remove certain items like your shoes, belt or watch. This is simply because the security gates are often sensitive to these kinds of items. More information.
• Random explosives tests – Be aware that you might be asked to do a random explosives test as you pass through security.

Passport control can get busy, so it’s best to make sure you’re paying attention as you move through.

• Put your phone away – No phones are allowed when passing through immigration.
• SmartGate – To pass through passport control, you can use the departures SmartGate by placing your passport into the scanning device. Once your information is processed, you can step into the SmartGate and look into the camera so that your face can be matched with your passport. When successfully processed, the gate will open. If you are unsuccessful or require special assistance, there will be officers to help manually process your passport.
• Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) – The Tourist Refund Scheme is located just after passport control. It allows you to claim a refund of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) that you pay on certain goods purchased in Australia. To speed up the process, you can use the TRS web or mobile app to lodge your claim. Your information will be stored in a QR code that can be presented with your purchased goods and original tax invoices on your departure from Australia. Remember, this is where you'll have to check in bulky items and liquids, aerosols or gels that exceed carry on limits.

This is your opportunity to relax before taking off.

• Check your flight status – After you’ve cleared passport control, check the status of your flight on the screens located around the terminal. Here you’ll find your gate number and departure time.
• Foreign currency – This is your last chance to get any foreign currency before flying.
• Shopping – Indulge in some duty free shopping before take off. Explore the options.
• Shop and collect – You can do your Duty Free shopping before you get to the airport. Simply shop online and collect your items when you arrive.
• Lounges – If you’d rather sit back before your flight, head to one of the airline lounges. See map.
• Amenities – Plenty of toilets and drinking water are located in this part of the airport. See map.
• Prepare for the plane – Certain items that can be bought after security cannot be taken on the plane, such as hot drinks. If you purchase any alcohol before your flight, this must remain unopened in a sealed bag.
• If you require help – In case of an emergency, you can speak to your closest airline staff or a volunteer and they will be able to assist you.
• Head to the gate – Make sure you leave plenty of time to get to your gate before boarding. Happy flying!