This was posted 2 years 10 months 13 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

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[VIC] Melbourne Airport ↔ Melbourne CBD One Way: $4.60 Adult / $2.30 Concession (myki Required) @ Public Transport Victoria

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[VIC] Melbourne Airport ↔ Melbourne CBD One Way: $4.60 Adult / $2.30 Concession (myki Required) @ Public Transport Victoria
Go to Deal
sween64 on 11/02/2022 - 08:02 ptv.vic.gov.au (1051 clicks)
Last edited 11/02/2022 - 14:55 by 1 other user

In similar vein to this deal if you're willing to catch public transport and make a mid-travel transfer it's a much cheaper option than the SkyBus, although it will take longer especially if you have to wait for your connecting service.

Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Melbourne CBD

  • Pickup: Melbourne Airport / Grants Road (outside Terminal 4)
  • 901 Bus towards Frankston
  • Transfer at Broadmeadows train station
  • Craigieburn train towards Flinders Street station
  • (optional) transfer at North Melbourne train station to avoid the City Loop and catch a train direct to Southern Cross train station

Melbourne CBD to Melbourne Airport (MEL)

  • reverse of the above except Southern Cross train station to Broadmeadows train station is direct and the 901 Bus is towards Melbourne Airport

A 2 hour myki fare will cover the transport cost in a single direction. This can be used for other public transport within the same 2 hours.

PTV SkyBus
Full Fare $4.60 Adult $19.75
Concession $2.30 Child (4-16 yo) $4.00
Senior $2.30 Senior $16.50

If you don't already have a myki they can be purchased at T2, T3 arrivals and T4 baggage reclaim although the machines can be difficult to spot or you can use Google Pay on some Android phones.

Travel Airport Melbourne Melbourne Airport Public Transport Victoria

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closed Comments

  • xyron on 11/02/2022 - 08:08
    +35

    Probably worth mentioning how much longer this trip takes compared to the Skybus. If your time is literally worth nothing, this is a deal, otherwise spend the extra for Skybus/Ola/Didi.

    • sween64 on 11/02/2022 - 08:12
      +5

      10 to 15 minutes longer for the bus/train compared to the SkyBus depending on the transfer at Broadmeadows train station

      • SimAus007 on 11/02/2022 - 09:03
        +22

        Definitely much longer than this in real terms, I do this via PT all the time as I'm a TA, but the wait times for a bus at Melbourne airport sometimes can be very irritating.
        So it's not just the journey time itself, but the wait times for a bus at the airport which many will be deterred by, along with the long walk to the bus terminal at the back of the car park.
        But if you aren't pressed for time and as tight as me, then you'll probably go with PTV over Skybus :)
        Note to OP, Skybus is $16 Full Fare each way if you buy a return on the app.

        • netjock on 11/02/2022 - 10:14
          +1

          So it's not just the journey time itself, but the wait times for a bus at the airport which many will be deterred by, along with the long walk to the bus terminal at the back of the car park.

          You know they did this because Skybus paid to get the spot outside of the terminals and the government doesn't want public transport to get popular else they'd be asked for more frequent buses.

          • SimAus007 on 11/02/2022 - 12:03
            +1

            @netjock: Even though the government is building a rail line to the airport?
            Also, the PTV bus stop (until recently) was in quite a convenient spot, until the airport moved the bus stop to the back of the new car park.

            • netjock on 11/02/2022 - 15:59
              +1

              @SimAus007:

              Even though the government is building a rail line to the airport?

              Check the article below.

              $18 surcharge for Melbourne rail link

              Compared to Madrid which is another 22min rail trip costs 3 Euro ($6 roughly). Here

              PTV bus stop (until recently) was in quite a convenient spot, until the airport moved the bus stop to the back of the new car park.

              It looks like it is still on the ground level of the car park right next to Terminal 4. I'd say it is about the same distance walking from international arrivals to the bus stop (gentle down hill) as it is to walk across the terminal to the car park and having to pay, then get in the lift and go to your parking space.

              • nigel deborah on 11/02/2022 - 17:09
                +2

                @netjock: Jeez that's stupid. Airports should be owned and operated by the state (at least one, anyway).

      • Benno123 on 11/02/2022 - 09:20
        +18

        Lol no. I've done this a couple of times (don't really understand why this is a deal but anyways), it takes a good 30-45 minutes longer, purely because you're doing so much waiting around. I would not recommend it if you're returning and tired and just want to get home. It's s**t.

        • CheapCoffee on 11/02/2022 - 09:37
          +2

          I do this trip once a month. It takes max 20 mins more, if you do it during a weekday, business hours.

          I'm usually starting my trip from Melbourne Central though. So it adds time having to go to Southern Cross vs getting on the train to Broadmeadows.

          I certainly wouldn't recommend it for weekends or outside normal business hours.

          • Yapapi on 11/02/2022 - 15:32

            @CheapCoffee: Why would you go to Southern Cross and not just straight to North Melbourne and change there?

            • CheapCoffee on 11/02/2022 - 17:57
              +2

              @Yapapi: I'm comparing to taking Skybus.

              If I start at MC, it would be:

              Skybus: MC -> Southern Cross -> Airport ~50mins

              Or

              PTV: MC -> Broadmeadows -> Airport ~65mins

        • SimAus007 on 11/02/2022 - 09:37
          +3

          Yeah the wait time at the airport alone can be longer than walking out the front door of the airport, jumping onto a Skybus and arriving at Southern Cross.
          I've waited almost an hour at the airport just to get a PTV bus, it depends on the time of day you're travelling of course (I usually only fly on weekends).
          I'm no fan of Skybus as I think it's a rip off, but most airports charge a premium for direct services unfortunately.
          PS: If you are travelling in a group of 3 or more, it's cheaper to get an Uber than Skybus if you're all paying full fare.

        • jerrysfang on 11/02/2022 - 10:56
          +1

          Sometimes after a 20+ hour multi stop flight, you just want to not spend a single minute on transport.

      • nson on 12/02/2022 - 00:24
        +1

        Just last weekend I caught the bus going away from the airport because they both stop at the same stop, so there is also that

  • abs898 on 11/02/2022 - 08:09
    +19

    What if.broady boys are waiting there for me?

    • gimli on 11/02/2022 - 08:53

      Then they'll be no more after mr abs is done with them!

      • abs898 on 11/02/2022 - 10:46

        Knife vs Abs, we know knife wins

      • abs898 on 11/02/2022 - 10:47
        -1

        Plus you don't know if I am a Mr, pretty strong assumption there.

        • gimli on 11/02/2022 - 10:59

          Mr or ms i know u r the strongest

          • abs898 on 11/02/2022 - 12:16
            -1

            @gimli: Could be non binary mate. Pretty strong assumption there

    • netjock on 11/02/2022 - 10:15

      Maybe back in the day. Broady isn't like what it used to be.

    • cunningdrew on 11/02/2022 - 11:34
      +2

      If you're working with a deal like this, there's a good chance you're not wearing Nike Air Jordans and and a good chance your wallet isn't flush for them.

    • FutureTech on 11/02/2022 - 13:01

      so how to put it in a way a sydneysider would understand?

      • abs898 on 11/02/2022 - 13:14

        Tregear, blacktown

  • abs898 on 11/02/2022 - 08:09
    +2

    Also braody boys will love this deal. A lot more meat for them

  • gimli on 11/02/2022 - 08:10
    +2

    Normal price

  • capslock on 11/02/2022 - 08:11
    +7

    Great during business hours. Not so great on weekends when buses depart every 30 mins and trains every 20 mins. Potentially 50 mins in total waiting time.

    • jimojr on 11/02/2022 - 08:24
      -1

      It seems unlikely that you will miss both train and bus by seconds.

      • capslock on 11/02/2022 - 08:26
        +9

        It always seems to happen to me for some reason.

      • djones145 on 11/02/2022 - 08:31
        +2

        it always the case in Sydney! like the train drivers do it on purpose to close the door in your face!

      • cunningdrew on 11/02/2022 - 11:34

        You've not met me.

  • SirCH on 11/02/2022 - 08:12

    Can't believe I didn't know about this. Thanks!
    This will actually be faster for me than the Skybus, because I live close to Flinders Street station :D
    The only negative thing here is if you're taking luggage, can't imagine that would be fun on the bus.

    • capslock on 11/02/2022 - 08:28
      +7

      Taken the bus many times. I've never seen any more than 5 people on it. Plenty of room for luggage.

      • CheapCoffee on 11/02/2022 - 09:40

        Yeah I do trips between Broadmeadows and the airport (sometimes during "peak" hours) and I have to agree that it's mostly empty every time I've been on it.

  • abs898 on 11/02/2022 - 08:21
    +1

    There a areason why skybus charges a premium, they take the fastest route, no stops or changing buses, there's a designated space for luggage which would be a massive hassle in PTV busses and trains, you might find some space on the train but in busses you would literally have to sit in the middle of the bus.

    • bloomer on 11/02/2022 - 08:26
      +3

      I have never seen this bus more than half full, so you're perhaps jumping to conclusions based on more typical commuter routes. While this route might theoretically get busy during shift changes at the airport, I've never seen that.

    • freefall101 on 11/02/2022 - 09:51

      The only time buses are full in Melbourne is if it's just after 5pm on a popular route not serviced by trains/trams or if it runs by a school and you catch the after school bus.

      It used to be there were multiple buses that ran to the airport, but I'm pretty sure the chokehold that transurban has on the state government has made sure they've never been easy to find/use.

  • as01 on 11/02/2022 - 08:21
    -5

    A public bus route that has been running for more than 10 years is not a bargain

    Forums

    • PukeyLuke on 11/02/2022 - 09:36
      +2

      @as01 You're sitting on this bus to the airport after reading this post and you say to yourself,
      "$4.60, now that's an (Oz)Bargain"!
      From the 22+people that have upvoted this post in the last 90 minutes it would appear no-one agrees with you!!

  • Awesomandy on 11/02/2022 - 08:23
    +5

    I’ve been doing this for years. Although there was once when I waited for more than 30 minutes for the bus to turn up. I think if they’re running late, they just turn them around before they get to the airport.

    I was also advised some years back to never do this trip after dark, or, if I ever head to the mall, do not wait for the bus there. Haven’t done this for 2 years though. Wouldn’t know how things are like there these days.

    • bloomer on 11/02/2022 - 08:28
      +6

      I've done it in the dark many times. Broady isn't a wonderful place to hang out, but nor is it as threatening as many places in London/Paris/NYC/San Francisco/…

      • sudaraka on 11/02/2022 - 11:11

        I agree, I have done this many times too. Not the safest feeling in the world staying for the bus/train at Broady, but not as bad as people describe it.

        I once had to take a taxi to the airport from the station (901 delayed), but apart from that, saved me 100s of $$$…

  • HD9990 on 11/02/2022 - 08:32
    +5

    You can always trust PTV, especially if you have a flight to catch 🙂🙂

  • dust on 11/02/2022 - 08:46
    +8

    There's a page for these already. Please don't publish a deal for all of these options for getting to the airport.

    • sween64 on 11/02/2022 - 08:54

      Never knew about that page, thanks.

  • Tzy on 11/02/2022 - 08:50
    +3

    Broadmeadows train station
    nah ~

    • lazyfun on 11/02/2022 - 09:17
      +1

      Yeh maybe I'm paranoid but has a menacing vibe for me too.

  • tomsco on 11/02/2022 - 08:55
    +6

    Even better deal. Move into a house somewhere along the 901 route.

    https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/route/7531/frankston-melbourne-ai…

    😋

  • supersaintly on 11/02/2022 - 08:56
    +1

    +1 for effort but a quick search in the forums would show that the info is readily available

  • entropysbane on 11/02/2022 - 09:06
    +2

    Absolutely sure I wouldn’t do this if I was going to/ been on a flight. Compared with the cost of the flight the ground leg is minuscule and time/convenience outweighs price.sometimes a bargain isn’t really a bargain.

    May be if I worked at the airport I would do this..

  • NotAnAudiophile on 11/02/2022 - 09:15
    +2

    I did this for ages when I lived in Melb. Train from CBD to Broady, then 401. I always did it when i had heaps of time to spare before the flight though, something like 4 hours.

  • MrThing on 11/02/2022 - 09:18
    +5

    laughs in sydney whilst on the train from central to the airport

    • richmond12 on 11/02/2022 - 09:28
      +3

      Yep. Melb still doesnt have a train to the airport. One crash on the highway youre stuck on the skybus. There goes your flight

      • elektron on 11/02/2022 - 10:55

        This 3rd world infrastructure is an embarrassment. Green credentials my a$$. But why would the Victorian state government invest in this if they get voted back in regardless of their policies or corrupt conduct? Lobbying by CitiLink owners and the taxi industry is another factor.

  • damage on 11/02/2022 - 09:41
    +3

    I used to take the 901 bus all the way from Ringwood to Melbourne Airport.

    It would have been at least half an hour quicker to train it in to Flinders St, train it out to Broadmeadows, then 901 from there to the airport, but this way I avoided a couple of changes while luggaged up and avoided hanging around Broady station late at night. Oh, and it was just a Zone 2 fare this way, too…:)

    Luggage space was never a problem on that bus. Never saw it more than 1/3 full.

    Oh, and (profanity) you, Melbourne Airport, for going out of your way to make sure people don't know about this bus.

    • sween64 on 11/02/2022 - 10:06
      +1

      ooo thanks for that, I'm in Nunawading and could catch the bus all the way, it'd be 1h20min

      • lousy on 11/02/2022 - 17:53
        +1

        Wow this would beat the new skybus route which charges something like $20 to go from Blackburn … the 901 can literally pick you up from the same place for a fraction of the price ?

    • EIN374 on 11/02/2022 - 11:15

      This is the way!

    • FutureTech on 11/02/2022 - 13:06

      it's literally on their webiste https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/Passengers/Parking/Groun…

  • Hotpotcorn on 11/02/2022 - 09:54
    +1

    as much as how big of a TA i am, time is the most valuable resource in my views. so i will rather pay the price of convenience.

  • Nuggets on 11/02/2022 - 10:07
    +3

    Did this once many moons ago, first time in Melbourne, saw someone with a knife getting arrested at Broadmeadows. GG

    For anyone in Brisbane, Broadmeadows train station gives Woodridge train station vibes. A far cry from taking the 590 bus to DFO and then the free airport bus to the terminal.

    On that note - how long until someone posts "[HACK] Avoid expensive airtrain fares by getting the 590 from Toombul Train Station to DFO Skygate, then getting the free terminal bus onwards"

  • netjock on 11/02/2022 - 10:19

    Did this once many moons ago, first time in Melbourne, saw someone with a knife getting arrested at Broadmeadows

    Lucky you.

    23 knives over 3 days somewhere else in Melbourne

    I can name you at least 4 suburbs were police will find a knife on someone if they wanted to in Melbourne.

  • pizzaguy on 11/02/2022 - 10:21
    +1

    If you start your journey after 6pm, it's going to be only $4.60 for a return trip. And if it's on a weekend, it's $6.70 for the whole day of PTV.

    Just plan your flights right.

  • netjock on 11/02/2022 - 10:23
    +4

    Not really a deal. More PSA.

    If you are near Skybus then yes Skybus is faster.

    Otherwise if you are near PT then this might be worth the hassle.

    At Broadmeadows you get off the train and walk straight down the ramp to the bus stop which is on busy Pasco Vale Road and train stations have protective services officers from first train to last so security isn't an issue. I've taken this home after sending off someone at the airport (taking skybus) or going to pick someone up (then take skybus).

  • peanut48 on 11/02/2022 - 10:31

    Clearly not for anyone travelling with luggage more than a cabin bag.

  • Repposh on 11/02/2022 - 11:05

    I did this once - took around 40 minutes longer than Skybus for me. IMO this is okay if you're by yourself or with one other person. If you're traveling in a group of 3 or more and only taking a short trip, it'll only cost around $10 more to drive and park at one of the offsite airport parking places but the time saving is substantial. Even long term parking at the airport is now $12 a day.

    If you're just seeing someone off, you can use the 1 hour (either side) grace period for online bookings to park for $12 for up to 2.5 hours at the terminal.

    • capslock on 11/02/2022 - 11:15

      Good point about the $12 per day parking. I'd upvote that as a deal.

  • ShouldIBuyIt on 11/02/2022 - 11:21

    Public announcement.
    I don't really follow forums hence not gonna neg. But should be in forum instead.
    Or tagged as long running deal

  • edumacation on 11/02/2022 - 11:36
    +1

    True ozbargain way is to walk to the airport - Cost FREE!

    • funk44 on 11/02/2022 - 11:45
      +2

      Be sure to browse OzBargain while you're walking and buy a bunch of shit you don't need because it's half price

  • whyisave on 11/02/2022 - 12:12

    Myki cards 'expire' after about 3 years.
    So, if you have had old cards and wanted to use them when in VIC,
    you will need to change them

    • sween64 on 11/02/2022 - 12:15

      Which can be done at any station that has a customer service desk

      • whyisave on 11/02/2022 - 12:24

        I just had to mention it, because I'm based in SYD
        and I had 3-year 3-month old Myki cards when I was visiting VIC last month.

        Both Myki cards were disallowed on the machines.
        When going to exchange them, I found out that I had a balance of negative $4 on each card,
        and the new Myki card itself cost money, so I just paid that negative balance for 1 card only and swapped it for a new card, haha

  • nephilim on 11/02/2022 - 12:33
    +1

    Reminds me of HK, never see locals take the express train. They all walk to the buses to save 10Aud.

  • BargainBender on 11/02/2022 - 12:38

    Thanks OP.
    I need to travel from Domestic Airport to Glen Waverley on the weekend, can someone please advise on the best connection using public transport? PTV suggests SkyBus to Spencer St, then train from SC to Oakleigh Station and then a bus to Cnr of Ferntree Gully and Springvale Rds.

    • sween64 on 11/02/2022 - 13:03
      +2

      901 bus to Nunawading then 902 bus towards Chelsea

  • Chicken Kyiv on 11/02/2022 - 16:07

    M1 bus can take you all the way from Frankston to the airport, the only issue is the following: there is a direct bus departing from Melbourne Airport/Grants Rd and arriving at Frankston. Services depart every 30 minutes, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 4h 13m.

    • harveyworld on 11/02/2022 - 19:46

      Wow - I was wondering if anyone knew how long the entire journey takes. I was going to guess at 2.5 - 3hrs but over 4hrs!!

      I wonder if that is the longest bus route in the entire Melbourne area?

      I also assume your single fare myki ticket would have expired before you get to your destination.

      • Chicken Kyiv on 11/02/2022 - 20:18

        There was a story done on it by the local paper, the reporter went on the whole journey and described it, wasnt much to be excited about

  • Savas on 11/02/2022 - 17:59

    Last time I went to the airport this was the route google maps told me to use… I didn’t even know there was a more expensive bus.

  • [Deactivated] on 11/02/2022 - 23:36

    About time… Years of them announcing different airport upgrades and people responding like "ok cool but can I get to the city for less than my flight pls" they finally listen.

    Literally approximately 50% of my flights to Melbourne have been less than from the airport to the city.

    • sween64 on 12/02/2022 - 07:41

      A flight for under $20? Colour me impressed.

      • [Deactivated] on 12/02/2022 - 22:17

        It's more around ~$30

        Can't bring myself to go with Skybus for $20 when an uber is about $30 lol

  • wrl24 on 12/02/2022 - 03:14

    Great for some, especially people who live in the city, southeast and Craigieburn line. I always take Uber/Didi/Ola as they usually cost around $22-30 to the airport and I usually travel with my partner, rideshare costs much less than Skybus if we travel together. PTV takes an hour longer.

  • MrBillions on 12/02/2022 - 08:11

    it is actually unacceptable that we don't have a economical fast train from melbourne CBD to airport yet…but yes let's build more roads and charge more tolls and increase the airport parking fees… i'm paying a gazillion on taxes and it's time to spend my money on something useful please

  • Mark1159 on 12/02/2022 - 10:41

    I do this same trip in HCMC on local bus. Conductors there sometimes charge me double fare VND 6000 or 30 cents for my carry on bag.

    Gotta remember to balance that bag on my knee

  • jamhot on 12/02/2022 - 12:46
    +1

    Just to note, anyone along the Bendigo line can take the 479 on weekdays to Sunbury then jump on a V/Line. In fact this would probably be the fastest route to anywhere northwest of Footscray.

  • Sylke on 14/02/2022 - 09:07

    late comment - did anyone say even cheaper for seniors $2.30 - from memory, free after 6pm 😃 ed OP had the seniors price - but you cant do better than free

    • Repposh on 15/02/2022 - 22:45

      Good point. Seniors get free myki cards, and free travel on weekends (up to 2 zones)

  • heysoph9 on 27/02/2022 - 19:39

    Not a deal? It's just catching public transport?

  • gstfree on 16/06/2022 - 19:35

    I have been travelling like this for the past 10 years. Thank you for sharing.

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