Taxi Fare from Melbourne CBD to the Airport
Quick answer: A metered Melbourne CBD to airport taxi fare is roughly $65 to $75 during the day and $75 to $90 late at night, including tolls and fees. These estimates use the last published maximum fares for Victoria. However, your real fare depends on traffic, time of day and your pickup point. A pre-booked taxi can give you a fixed price before you travel.
Planning a trip from the city to Tullamarine? Naturally, most travellers want to know the price before they leave. This guide breaks down the Melbourne CBD to airport taxi fare, explains each charge, and shows how traffic and time change the total. In addition, it compares a metered taxi with a pre-booked fixed-price ride, SkyBus and rideshare.
How Far Is Melbourne Airport From the CBD?
Melbourne Airport at Tullamarine is about 23 kilometres north-west of the CBD. Usually, taxis take CityLink and the Tullamarine Freeway. In light traffic, the trip takes about 25 to 30 minutes. However, it can take 40 to 50 minutes in peak hour or during roadworks.
Estimated CBD to Airport Taxi Fare
The table below shows estimated metered fares for a standard taxi. We based them on the maximum unbooked taxi fares published by the Essential Services Commission in September 2025. They include an allowance for tolls and fees.
| When you travel | Tariff | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|
| 9am to 5pm, any day | Day | About $65 to $75 |
| 5pm to 9am (not Fri/Sat late) | Overnight | About $72 to $82 |
| Fri and Sat, 10pm to 4am | Peak | About $80 to $90 |
| 5 or more passengers | Any, plus high occupancy fee | Add up to $17.80 |
Note: These are estimates only. Victoria changed its fare rules in 2026, so operators may now set different prices. Always confirm the price with your taxi company.
What Makes Up the Fare?
Overall, a metered taxi fare has several parts. So, here is what each one means.
1. Flagfall
This is the starting charge when the meter begins. Under the 2025 maximum fares, it was $5.25 by day, $6.55 overnight and $7.80 at peak times.
2. Distance Rate
You pay per kilometre while the taxi moves faster than 21 km/h. For example, the day rate was about $2.04 per kilometre. So, the 23-kilometre trip adds roughly $47 by day.
3. Waiting Time
When the taxi moves slower than 21 km/h, you pay per minute instead. As a result, heavy traffic on CityLink pushes the fare up.
4. Tolls
Most drivers use CityLink, which is a toll road. As a result, the toll is added to your fare.
5. Airport and Levy Fees
If you take a taxi from the airport rank, an airport fee is added. In addition, a small government levy applies to each trip.
6. Holiday Rates
Peak rates apply on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and from 6pm on New Year’s Eve. Planning a summer trip? Read our guide to booking a Christmas airport taxi.
CBD to Airport Taxi Fare: Metered vs Fixed Price
A metered fare changes with traffic. In contrast, a pre-booked taxi can give you a fixed price when you book. That means a slow trip will not cost you more. It also means you can plan your travel budget with confidence.
Pre-booking has other benefits too. For instance, your driver tracks your flight, waits if you are delayed and helps with your bags. You can also choose the right vehicle, such as a SUV taxi or a maxi cab. For more detail, see our comparison of the taxi rank vs a pre-booked taxi.
Taxi vs SkyBus vs Rideshare
| Option | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-booked taxi | Door-to-door trips, families, groups, known price | Book ahead at busy times |
| Rank taxi | Last-minute trips | Meter rises in traffic |
| SkyBus | Solo travellers near Southern Cross | No service from 1am to 4am; extra trip to your door |
| Rideshare | App users | Surge pricing at peak times |
For a couple or a family, a taxi often costs about the same as several SkyBus tickets plus a second trip from Southern Cross. Moreover, it takes you straight to your door. Instead, you can check SkyBus for its current prices.
How to Keep Your Fare Low
- Travel outside peak hour if your flight time allows.
- Pre-book to lock in a fixed price.
- Share one maxi cab instead of taking two taxis.
- Avoid peak tariff times late on Friday and Saturday nights.
- Book early during school holidays and major events.
Airport Taxi Fare From Other Suburbs
Not leaving from the CBD? Of course, prices change with distance. For example, fares from the western suburbs differ from those in the east. Our guide to the taxi cost to Melbourne Airport covers other areas. You can also find your suburb page for local details.
Lock In Your CBD to Airport Taxi Fare
The easiest way to know your Melbourne CBD to airport taxi fare is to ask for a quote. Use our online booking form or call 0480 160 825. As always, we run 24/7 and accept card, cash and Cabcharge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the taxi fare from Melbourne CBD to the airport?
A metered taxi costs roughly $65 to $75 during the day and $75 to $90 late at night, including tolls and fees. These are estimates based on the last published maximum fares.
How long does a taxi from the CBD to Melbourne Airport take?
Usually 25 to 30 minutes in light traffic. In peak hour, it can take 40 to 50 minutes.
Is a pre-booked taxi cheaper than a rank taxi?
It can be, especially in heavy traffic. A pre-booked taxi can give you a fixed price, while a rank taxi uses the meter.
Do taxis to Melbourne Airport charge tolls?
Yes. Most taxis use CityLink, so the toll is added to your fare.
Is there a surcharge for groups?
Yes. A high occupancy fee of up to $17.80 can apply for five or more passengers or a larger vehicle.
