Melbourne Airport vs Avalon Airport: The Basics
Melbourne has two airports serving the city and picking the wrong one can add unexpected time and cost to your trip. Here’s how they actually compare.
Melbourne Airport: The Main Option
Melbourne Airport sits just 23km from the CBD and is by far the bigger of the two. All major domestic and international airlines fly here, which means more flight options, more frequent departures and easier connections if you’re travelling further afield.
Avalon Airport: The Smaller Alternative
Avalon Airport is about 50km from the CBD, roughly halfway between Melbourne and Geelong. It’s a smaller terminal, serviced mainly by Jetstar and tends to have far fewer flight options overall. It becomes the better choice if your final destination is Geelong or the Surf Coast, since you skip backtracking through the city.
The Real Cost of Flying Into Avalon
Flight price isn’t the only number that matters. Avalon takes roughly twice as long to reach from the CBD compared to Melbourne Airport, depending on traffic. Skybus pricing also works against Avalon: it costs $29 from Avalon to the city versus $25.90 from Melbourne Airport. Taxi fares widen that gap even further given the extra distance.
Which Airport Should You Choose?
If you’re staying in central Melbourne, Melbourne Airport is almost always the smarter pick thanks to shorter transfer times and lower transport costs. If you’re heading straight to Geelong or the Surf Coast, Avalon can save you a backtrack. If you’re using Avalon to get to Melbourne CBD, consider the cost of transport from the airport terminal to the city, as this could quickly diminish the savings from your airfare. Always add up the full journey cost, not just the ticket price, before booking.
Which do you prefer? Comment MELBOURNE or AVALON below and follow 5 Star Trip for more location tips.
