By Air in Melbourne

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By Air

Melbourne is most easily reached by plane, as it -- like many places in Australia -- is hours by car from even the nearest town. International airlines flying into Melbourne include Air New Zealand, British Airways, United, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Japan Airlines, Thai Airways, and Malaysia Airlines.

Domestic carriers serving Melbourne are Qantas, Virgin Blue, O'Connor Airlines, Jetstar, and Regional Express. Qantas and Virgin Blue fly daily to Sydney, Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane, Hobart, and the Gold Coast, while smaller carriers like O'Connor Airlines and Regional Express fly to outer towns like Wagga Wagga, Mount Gambier, and Mildura. Jetstar flies to Sydney, Adelaide, the Gold Coast, Townsville, and Cairns. It also has flights from Avalon Airport (near Geelong), about 70 km (44 mi) southwest of Melbourne.

Melbourne Airport is 22 km (14 mi) northwest of the central business district and can be reached easily from the city on the Tullamarine Freeway. The international terminal is in the center of the airport complex. Domestic terminals are on either side.

Contact

Melbourne Airport (03/9297-1600. www.melbourne-airport.com.au).

Airlines

Air New Zealand (13-2476). British Airways (03/9656-8133). Emirates (1300/303777). Japan Airlines (03/8662-8333). Jetstar Airways (13-1538). Malaysia Airlines (03/9279-9999). O'Connor Airlines (08/8723-0666). Qantas Airways (13-1313). Regional Express (13-1713). Singapore Airlines (13-1011). Thai Airways (1300/651960). United (13-1777). Virgin Blue (13-6789).

Transfers

Skybus, a public transportation bus service, runs between the airport and city center, making a loop through Melbourne before terminating at Southern Cross Station (formerly Spencer Street Station). The A$15 shuttle departs every 15 minutes from 7 am to 7 pm, then every half hour until 12:30 am, and hourly until 4:30 am. The journey takes 20 minutes from the city center.

For three or more people traveling together, a taxi is a better value for airport connections. You can catch a taxi in front of the building. The cost into town is A$40. Limousines to the city cost about A$160. Astra is one of the larger companies.

Contacts

Astra Chauffeured Limousines Of Australia (1800/819797). Skybus (03/9600-1711. www.skybus.com.au).