Avalon vs Tullamarine: Which Airport Is Closer to You?

Quick answer: In the Avalon vs Tullamarine choice, Avalon is closer for Geelong, Lara, Werribee and most of Wyndham. Tullamarine is closer for the CBD, the north, the east and the south-east. Avalon is about 20 to 25 minutes from Geelong, while Tullamarine is about 25 to 30 minutes from the CBD. However, Tullamarine has far more airlines and routes, so check your flight first.

Melbourne has two main passenger airports. First, Tullamarine is the large, busy hub north-west of the city. Second, Avalon is the smaller airport between Melbourne and Geelong. Yet many travellers do not realise how much time the right choice can save. In this guide, we compare Avalon vs Tullamarine by distance, airlines, parking and transport, so you can pick the best one for your trip.

Where Are the Two Airports?

Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) is about 23 kilometres north-west of the CBD. Usually, you reach it via CityLink and the Tullamarine Freeway. It has four terminals and serves most domestic and international airlines.

Avalon Airport is about 55 kilometres south-west of the CBD, just off the Princes Freeway. In fact, it sits closer to Geelong than to Melbourne. As a result, it is popular with travellers from the west and the Bellarine.

Avalon vs Tullamarine: Drive Times by Suburb

The table below shows approximate drive times in normal traffic. Of course, peak hour and roadworks can add time.

In short, if you live west of Laverton, Avalon is often the closer airport. Meanwhile, almost everyone else is closer to Tullamarine.

Airlines and Destinations

Distance is only one part of the Avalon vs Tullamarine decision. Next, you need to check where each airport flies.

Avalon Airport

According to Avalon Airport, Jetstar flies to Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. In addition, it also flies direct to Bali. Read our guide to flying Avalon to Bali for transfer tips.

Tullamarine Airport

Tullamarine serves every major Australian airline and dozens of international carriers. So, for most international destinations, Tullamarine is your only option. Alternatively, you can browse routes on the Melbourne Airport website.

Other Avalon and Tullamarine Differences

Queues and Crowds

Avalon is much smaller. Therefore, check-in and security queues are usually shorter. In contrast, Tullamarine can be very busy during school holidays and early mornings.

Parking

At Avalon, car parks are only about a five-minute walk from the terminal. By comparison, at Tullamarine, parking is larger but often further away. Also, Terminals 1, 2 and 3 now use the new T123 Transport Hub for private car pick-ups.

Public Transport

SkyBus serves both airports. However, Tullamarine has more frequent services. For Geelong travellers, MyBus also runs to Avalon, but you must book ahead.

Ticket Prices

Fares vary by airline and date. For example, sometimes Avalon flights are cheaper. At other times, however, Tullamarine has better deals. So, compare the total cost, including your transfer and parking.

Avalon vs Tullamarine for Families and Groups

Families often find Avalon easier. For example, the terminal is compact, so the walk from the car to check-in is short. Also, children cope better with shorter queues. On the other hand, Tullamarine offers more flight times, which can help you avoid very early starts.

Similarly, for groups, the transfer matters as much as the airport. A single maxi cab carries up to 11 passengers with luggage. As a result, one vehicle often costs less than two taxis or several bus tickets. If you travel with young children, book a baby seat taxi so the right seat is fitted before pickup.

Early Flights and Late Arrivals at Avalon and Tullamarine

Time of day also changes the Avalon vs Tullamarine decision. First, consider early departures. Avalon has fewer flights, so the first flight of the day may still be quite early. Meanwhile, Tullamarine runs around the clock, with flights at almost every hour.

Next, think about late arrivals. Unfortunately, public transport options shrink at night at both airports. For instance, SkyBus does not run between 1am and 4am at Tullamarine. Therefore, a pre-booked taxi is the safest way home after a late landing. Our 24/7 airport taxi meets flights at any hour.

Which Airport Should You Choose?

Choose Avalon if you live in Geelong, the Bellarine, Lara, Werribee or Wyndham, and Jetstar flies where you want to go. Choose Tullamarine if you live in the CBD, north, east or south-east, or if you need an international flight other than Bali.

Either way, a pre-booked taxi makes the trip simple. That is because your driver picks you up from home and drops you at the door.

Book a Taxi to Either Airport

Finally, we run taxis to both airports, 24/7. Book our Avalon Airport taxi or our Melbourne Airport transfer. We also serve local areas, including Geelong, Werribee and Point Cook. Use our online booking form or call 0480 160 825.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Avalon or Tullamarine closer to Geelong?

Avalon is much closer. The drive from Geelong takes about 20 to 25 minutes, compared with about an hour to Tullamarine.

Is Avalon or Tullamarine closer to Melbourne CBD?

Tullamarine is closer. It takes about 25 to 30 minutes from the CBD, while Avalon takes about 50 minutes.

Which airlines fly from Avalon?

Jetstar flies from Avalon to Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Bali.

Is Avalon Airport less busy than Tullamarine?

Yes. Avalon handles far fewer flights, so queues for check-in and security are usually shorter.

Can I get a taxi to both airports?

Yes. We run pre-booked taxis to Avalon and Tullamarine 24/7, including maxi cabs and baby seat taxis.