Landing at Melbourne Airport and not sure where to find your ride? This Melbourne Airport taxi pickup guide explains exactly where to go at each terminal. It covers T1, T2, T3 and T4, plus the difference between the taxi rank and a pre-booked taxi.
Melbourne Airport is busy, and construction works can change the layout. So, a few minutes of planning before you land can save you a long walk with heavy bags.
Information checked in November 2026. Pickup areas can move during works, so always follow the airport signs on the day.
Melbourne Airport Terminals at a Glance
Melbourne Airport has four terminals. First, check which one your flight uses, because this decides where you meet your taxi.
| Terminal | Main airlines | Nearest taxi rank |
|---|---|---|
| T1 | Qantas domestic | Ground floor outside T1 |
| T2 | International flights | Ground floor outside T2 arrivals |
| T3 | Virgin Australia domestic | Short walk to the T1 or T2 rank |
| T4 | Jetstar, Rex and Link Airways | Ground level of the T4 Transport Hub |
Terminals 1, 2 and 3 share one building. As a result, you can walk between them in around five minutes. T4 sits a little further south, about ten minutes on foot from T2. For maps and terminal details, see the Melbourne Airport transport page.
Taxi Rank or Pre-Booked Taxi?
There are two ways to catch a taxi from the airport. Each one uses a different pickup area.
- Taxi rank: Walk out of arrivals, join the queue and take the next taxi. This is quick, but the price depends on the meter and traffic.
- Pre-booked taxi: You book before you land, and a driver meets you at the pre-booked pickup area. With Metro Cabs Melbourne, your fare is fixed before you travel.
In addition, Melbourne Airport charges an access fee for taxis picking up from its ranks. That fee is built into the fare. Either way, never accept a ride from anyone offering a taxi inside or outside the terminal. Instead, only use the signed ranks or your pre-booked driver.
Melbourne Airport Taxi Pickup by Terminal
T1: Qantas Domestic
The T1 taxi rank sits on the ground floor, right next to Qantas domestic arrivals. For a pre-booked taxi, head to the north end of the T1, 2 and 3 car park. Melbourne Airport chose this spot because it is the closest pre-booked area to Terminal 1.
T2: International
After customs, follow the signs to the ground floor. The T2 taxi rank is just outside international arrivals. For a pre-booked taxi, walk to the north end of the T1, 2 and 3 car park. Allow around five to ten minutes, especially with a full luggage trolley.
T3: Virgin Australia
T3 does not have its own taxi rank. However, the T1 and T2 ranks are only a short walk away. For a pre-booked taxi, use the same pickup area as T1 and T2, at the north end of the T1, 2 and 3 car park.
T4: Jetstar, Rex and Link Airways
T4 works a little differently. Taxis and rideshare cars pick up at ground level in the T4 Transport Hub. Meanwhile, private cars collecting friends use Level 1 of the T4 car park. If you have booked with us, we will confirm the exact T4 meeting point by SMS before you land. The Terminal 4 guide has more detail.
What to Do After You Land
Follow these steps for a smooth pickup with a pre-booked taxi:
- Turn on your phone: Check for our confirmation SMS with your driver details.
- Collect your bags: Your driver plans around your flight, so there is no need to rush.
- Send us a message: Let us know when you have your luggage and are on your way.
- Walk to the pickup area: Follow the signs for your terminal, as listed above.
- Check the details: Before you get in, make sure the vehicle matches your booking.
Tips for a Faster Melbourne Airport Taxi Pickup
Even with a booking, a few simple habits make the pickup faster:
- Add your flight number: We can then track delays and adjust your pickup time.
- Check your terminal: Airlines sometimes change terminals, so check your boarding pass.
- Allow for construction: Melbourne Airport has warned that works around the T1, 2 and 3 pickup areas can cause long delays in peak times.
- Keep your phone handy: Your driver may need to call you if the pickup area is busy.
- Tell us about extra luggage: Big groups or lots of bags may need a larger vehicle, such as a maxi cab.
Stay Safe: Only Use Official Taxis
Unfortunately, some people approach travellers inside the terminal and offer rides. Always decline these offers. Official taxis display an accredited service number, and they wait only at signed ranks or agreed pickup points.
In Victoria, Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria regulates taxis and booked services. Choosing an accredited operator means your driver and vehicle meet these standards.
Getting Home to Melbourne’s East
Metro Cabs Melbourne is based in Forest Hill, so we drive airport passengers home to the eastern suburbs every day. Here are some typical trip times from Melbourne Airport. Times depend on traffic.
- Mitcham: about 40 to 55 minutes
- Forest Hill: about 40 to 60 minutes
- Ringwood: about 45 to 60 minutes
- Croydon: about 50 to 70 minutes
- Lilydale: about 55 to 75 minutes
For more on airport trips, visit our airport transfers page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do pre-booked taxis pick up at Melbourne Airport?
For Terminals 1, 2 and 3, Melbourne Airport sends pre-booked taxis to the north end of the T1, 2 and 3 car park, closest to Terminal 1. For Terminal 4, we confirm the meeting point with you by SMS.
Which airlines use each terminal at Melbourne Airport?
T1 is for Qantas domestic flights, T2 is the international terminal, T3 is for Virgin Australia domestic flights, and T4 serves Jetstar, Rex and Link Airways.
Where are the taxi ranks at Melbourne Airport?
On-demand taxi ranks are on the ground floor outside T1 and T2, and in the T4 Transport Hub. Passengers from T3 can walk to the T1 or T2 rank in a few minutes.
How long does it take to walk between terminals?
Terminals 1, 2 and 3 sit in one building, so walking between them takes around five minutes. T4 is a little further away, so allow about ten minutes from T2.
Is there an airport fee for taxis at Melbourne Airport?
Yes. Melbourne Airport charges an access fee for taxis picking up from its ranks, and it is included in the fare. There is no airport charge for drop-offs.
Book Your Airport Pickup Now
To sum up, knowing your terminal makes a Melbourne Airport taxi pickup quick and easy. T1, T2 and T3 share one pre-booked area at the north end of the car park, while T4 has its own Transport Hub.
Want a driver waiting when you land? Book your airport taxi online or call 0456 664 471. Our fares are fixed, with no surge pricing at any hour.
