Melbourne has three airports, and knowing which one your flight actually uses matters more than most travellers realise. Booking an airport taxi to the wrong terminal can turn a simple trip into a stressful scramble. Here is exactly how Melbourne, Avalon and Essendon differ, and how to tell which one you need.
Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) – Victoria’s Main Hub
Melbourne Airport, often called Tullamarine after the suburb it sits in, is Victoria’s primary airport and the one most travellers use by default. It handles the vast majority of domestic flights across Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar, along with almost all international services into Melbourne. If your ticket does not mention Avalon or Essendon specifically, it is almost certainly a Melbourne Airport flight. You can check current routes directly on the Melbourne Airport website.
Avalon Airport – Victoria’s Growing Second Gateway
Avalon Airport sits closer to Geelong than to central Melbourne, and for years was known mainly as a budget domestic base for Jetstar. That has changed significantly: from March 2026, Avalon became Victoria’s second curfew-free international airport, with Jetstar launching direct flights to Bali alongside its existing domestic network to Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. You can check the latest routes on the Avalon Airport website. If your booking confirmation says “Melbourne Avalon” or shows the airport code AVV, this is your airport, not Tullamarine.
Essendon Fields Airport – General Aviation and Regional Flights
Essendon Fields is Melbourne’s original airport and the closest to the CBD, but today it operates very differently to the other two. It is now primarily a general aviation and corporate jet airport, handling charter flights, aircraft maintenance, and a small regional airline network rather than the major domestic and international carriers. If you have booked with a regional or charter operator rather than Qantas, Virgin or Jetstar, there is a reasonable chance Essendon is your departure point. See the Essendon Fields Airport website for current operators.
How to Tell Which Airport Your Flight Uses
The airport code on your booking confirmation is the fastest way to check:
- MEL means Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine).
- AVV means Avalon Airport, near Geelong.
- MEB means Essendon Fields Airport.
If your booking only says “Melbourne” with no code visible, check the airline. Qantas, Virgin Australia and most Jetstar domestic and international flights use Melbourne Airport, though Jetstar also operates a growing number of routes from Avalon, so it is worth double-checking rather than assuming.
Distance and Travel Time from Frankston
Each airport sits a different distance from Frankston, which affects both your travel time and your ideal pickup time:
- Melbourne Airport is the airport we transfer to most often, generally the most straightforward run via the Peninsula Link and CityLink.
- Avalon Airport is further again, out past Geelong, so it needs a longer lead time than a Melbourne Airport transfer.
- Essendon Fields is on the northern side of Melbourne, a different direction again from Frankston.
Because travel times vary so much between the three, always confirm which airport you need when you book, rather than assuming it is Melbourne Airport by default.
How to Book a Taxi to the Right Airport
Booking your airport transfer correctly takes just a few steps:
- Check your airport code. Look for MEL, AVV or MEB on your booking confirmation or e-ticket.
- Confirm your terminal. Melbourne Airport has multiple terminals, so check which one your airline uses.
- Work out your pickup time. Add extra travel time for Avalon or Essendon compared with a standard Melbourne Airport run.
- Book online or by phone. Use our online booking form or call 0432 190 000, and tell us exactly which airport and terminal you need.
- Share your flight number. We track it and adjust your pickup time automatically if your flight changes.
For passengers who need a bit of extra help getting to any of these airports, our door to door service is included as standard on every airport transfer.
Book Your Melbourne Airport Transfer
Whichever airport your flight uses, getting the details right when you book saves confusion on the day. Call 0432 190 000 or use our online booking form to arrange a reliable transfer to Melbourne, Avalon or Essendon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my flight is from Melbourne, Avalon or Essendon Airport?
Check the airport code on your booking confirmation. MEL means Melbourne Airport, AVV means Avalon Airport, and MEB means Essendon Fields Airport.
Does Jetstar fly from Melbourne Airport or Avalon Airport?
Jetstar operates from both. It runs a significant part of its Victorian network from Avalon Airport, including domestic routes and, since March 2026, international flights to Bali, alongside its Melbourne Airport services. Always check your specific booking.
Can I fly commercially from Essendon Fields Airport?
Essendon Fields mainly serves general aviation, corporate jets and charter flights, along with a small regional airline network. It is not used by the major carriers for standard domestic or international flights.
Do you provide taxi transfers to all three airports?
Yes. We provide airport transfers to Melbourne, Avalon and Essendon Fields Airports, with flight tracking included on every prebooked trip.
