Melbourne Airport’s New T123 Transport Hub: Where to Get Your Taxi
Quick answer: The T123 Transport Hub opened at Melbourne Airport on 6 October 2026. Private cars now pick up from the rear of Level 2 and drop off on Level 3 of the hub. However, taxis and rideshare have not moved. You still catch a taxi from the ground-level forecourt outside Terminals 1, 2 and 3. If you pre-book with us, your driver meets you at the agreed pickup point.
Melbourne Airport has changed the way cars pick up and drop off travellers at Terminals 1, 2 and 3. The new hub is now open, and many travellers are unsure where to go. In this guide, we explain how the T123 Transport Hub works, where taxis wait and how to find your driver quickly. We also share simple tips for families, groups and late-night arrivals.
What Is the T123 Transport Hub?
The T123 Transport Hub is a new pick-up and drop-off area for Terminal 1 (Qantas domestic), Terminal 2 (international) and Terminal 3 (Virgin Australia). It works like the existing T4 Transport Hub used by Jetstar and Rex, but on a much bigger scale.
The hub is part of the Naarm Way project. According to Melbourne Airport, a new dedicated exit from the Tullamarine Freeway now leads drivers straight into the hub. As a result, the old kerbside zones in front of the terminals can make room for the international terminal expansion.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | What you need to know |
|---|---|
| Opening date | 6 October 2026 |
| Terminals served | T1, T2 and T3 |
| Private car pick-up | Rear of Level 2, about 285 metres from the terminals |
| Private car drop-off | Level 3, about 170 metres from the terminals |
| Cost | Free for 5 minutes (pick-up) and 1 minute (drop-off) |
| Taxi and rideshare pick-up | Unchanged: ground-level forecourt |
| Taxi and rideshare drop-off | Level 3 of the hub |
Where Do You Get a Taxi at Melbourne Airport Now?
This is the most common question since the opening. The good news is simple. Taxi pick-up has not moved. Taxis, Uber and other rideshare cars still collect passengers on the ground-level forecourt, as they did before.
So, when you land at T1, T2 or T3, follow the signs for taxis rather than the hub signs. The hub signs lead to the private car pick-up area on Level 2. In contrast, the taxi signs lead you to the forecourt rank.
If you arrive at Terminal 4, nothing has changed either. Jetstar and Rex passengers still use the T4 Transport Hub and the ground-level taxi rank.
Where Does a Pre-Booked Taxi Meet You?
When you pre-book an airport transfer with us, we confirm your pickup point before you fly. Your driver tracks your flight and contacts you after you land. Then, you simply walk to the agreed spot with your bags. There is no queue and no guesswork.
How the T123 Transport Hub Works for Drop-Offs
The drop-off process is different now. Private cars, taxis and rideshare vehicles all drop off on Level 3 of the hub. From there, you walk about 170 metres to the terminals. Melbourne Airport has placed rest stops every 60 metres along the way.
Because of this short walk, plan a few extra minutes for your departure. This matters most if you have heavy bags, young children or limited mobility. For example, a family with prams and suitcases may need five to ten more minutes than before.
Tips for a Smooth Drop-Off
- Allow extra time to reach the terminal from Level 3.
- Use a luggage trolley from the hub if you have several bags.
- Book Melbourne Airport Assist at least 24 hours ahead if you need mobility help.
- Keep your boarding pass and ID handy before you leave the car.
Private Car Pick-Up vs Taxi: Which Is Easier Now?
Before the change, friends and family could wait right outside the terminal. Now, they must use the Level 2 pick-up zone. The first 5 minutes are free. After that, the rest of the car park is free for 15 minutes, then normal parking rates apply.
Because of this time limit, many drivers now wait at the free Mercer Drive wait zone first. It is free for the first 60 minutes, but it sits about a 5-minute drive away. As a result, your pickup can still involve phone calls, circling and waiting.
A taxi is often the simpler option. You walk to the forecourt, or you meet your pre-booked driver, and then you go. Our taxi rank vs pre-booked taxi guide explains which choice suits your trip.
Who Benefits Most From Pre-Booking After the Change?
Pre-booking makes sense for most travellers. However, it is especially useful for these groups:
- Families: We fit a baby seat or booster before pickup, so you do not need to carry one.
- Groups: Our maxi cabs seat up to 11 passengers with luggage.
- Business travellers: You get a confirmed pickup, a clean car and payment by card or Cabcharge.
- Late arrivals: Our 24/7 airport taxi meets flights at any hour.
- Older travellers: Your driver helps with bags, so the longer walk feels easier.
Driving to the T123 Transport Hub Yourself
If you drive to T1, T2 or T3, use Exit 19 (Naarm Way) from the Tullamarine Freeway. Then, follow the elevated road into the hub. Vehicles over 2.2 metres tall cannot use the hub. Instead, they must use Exit 20 on Terminal Drive, turn right onto Centre Road and use the ground-level bay behind the hub.
Meanwhile, the T123 car park, car rental returns and SkyBus stops have not changed. SkyBus still uses the airport forecourt.
Book Your Melbourne Airport Taxi
The new hub is a big upgrade for Melbourne Airport, but it can be confusing at first. The simplest way to avoid stress is to pre-book your ride. We cover every Melbourne suburb, Geelong and both airports, 24 hours a day.
Book online through our booking form or call 0480 160 825. Your driver will be ready when you land.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the T123 Transport Hub open?
It opened on 6 October 2026. It serves Terminals 1, 2 and 3 at Melbourne Airport.
Has the taxi rank at Melbourne Airport moved?
No. Taxis and rideshare vehicles still pick up passengers on the ground-level forecourt outside the terminals. Only private car pick-ups moved to Level 2 of the hub.
Where do taxis drop off at Terminals 1, 2 and 3?
Taxis, rideshare vehicles and private cars drop off on Level 3 of the T123 Transport Hub. From there, it is about a 170-metre walk to the terminals.
Is the T123 Transport Hub pick-up zone free?
Yes. The pick-up zone is free for 5 minutes and the drop-off zone is free for 1 minute. The rest of the car park is free for the first 15 minutes.
Does the T123 Transport Hub change pre-booked taxi pickups?
Pre-booked taxis still meet you at the agreed pickup point. We confirm the location before you fly, and your driver contacts you when you land.
