AVV → Melbourne City Centre (Southern Cross Station) Updated for 2026

Avalon Airport (AVV) to Melbourne City: 2026 Transit Guide

Distance 55 km
Fastest 50 min
From $29.00 AUD (~$18.80)
Top Pick SkyBus Avalon City Express
Quick 10-Second Verdict:

The dedicated transit service is the SkyBus Avalon City Express, timed to meet every arriving Jetstar flight and driving directly to Southern Cross Station in 50–60 minutes for $29.00 AUD ($54.80 AUD return). An Uber or taxi costs ~$120–$160 AUD.

Avalon Airport (AVV) is Melbourne’s secondary regional gateway, situated 55 km southwest of the city on the Princes Freeway near Geelong. SkyBus operates coordinated highway express coaches providing seamless transit into downtown Melbourne.

All Transfer Options Compared (2026 Fares)

Transport Option Typical Time 2026 Fare Frequency Best For Booking / Info
SkyBus Avalon City Express Best Overall
50–60 min
$29.00 AUD
$18.80 USD
 Meets every Jetstar flight All travelers arriving at Avalon Airport bound for Melbourne Book SkyBus Avalon on Klook
Taxi / Uber Door-to-Door
45–55 min
$120 – $160 AUD
$78 – $103 USD
 On demand Groups of 3 to 4 people needing direct delivery to suburbs outside the CBD Check Avalon Transfers on Klook

Detailed Step-by-Step Transfer Options

Option #1 Best Overall

SkyBus Avalon City Express

$29.00 AUD $18.80 USD
Travel time 50–60 min
Frequency Meets every Jetstar flight
Operating hours Timed with flight schedule
Where to buy tickets Book online on Klook / SkyBus or at the terminal desk.
Main advantage: Direct non-stop freeway coach straight to Southern Cross Station; timed with flights; free Wi-Fi.
Keep in mind: Only operates when flights arrive.

Step-by-step from arrivals:

  1. Collect bags and exit the terminal doors.
  2. The red SkyBus coach is parked directly outside on the concourse.
  3. Scan your mobile ticket and enjoy the 50-minute highway trip to Southern Cross.
Book SkyBus Avalon on Klook
Option #2 Door-to-Door

Taxi / Uber

$120 – $160 AUD $78 – $103 USD
Travel time 45–55 min
Frequency On demand
Operating hours 24/7
Where to buy tickets Order in Uber app or take curbside taxi.
Main advantage: Direct drop-off at any address across Greater Melbourne or Geelong.
Keep in mind: Expensive due to the 55 km distance.

Step-by-step from arrivals:

  1. Meet driver outside arrivals and take the M1 freeway directly to your destination.
Check Avalon Transfers on Klook
ARRIVAL CONNECTIVITY & RIDE-HAILING TIP

Need Mobile Data at the Terminal for Uber / DiDi & Maps?

Airport Wi-Fi often drops outside the terminal curb where Uber / DiDi pickup zones are located. Install a local eSIM before your flight so you can order a ride, translate station signs, and show digital train QR tickets immediately after landing.

Get Australia eSIM on Airalo →Compare Australia Airport eSIM on Klook →
STRESS-FREE DOOR-TO-DOOR OPTION

Prefer a Driver Waiting at Melbourne (Avalon) (AVV) Arrivals?

Traveling with heavy suitcases, young children, or landing after midnight? Pre-book a fixed-price private airport transfer or express rail pass on Klook with instant confirmation and no meter haggling.

Check Melbourne (Avalon) Transfers & Rail Passes on Klook →View Airport & City Hotels on Klook →

Tickets, Luggage & Late-Night Arrivals

How Tickets & Payments Work

Purchase your SkyBus Avalon ticket online or at the ticketing booth located inside the compact terminal.

Traveling with Suitcases

Coaches feature spacious undercarriage luggage compartments for suitcases and prams.

Arriving After Midnight

SkyBus departures are synchronized with actual flight arrivals. Even if your flight is delayed past midnight, the bus will wait.

Common Mistakes & Airport Scams to Avoid

  • Hailing an unbooked taxi to Melbourne CBD — the 55 km highway trip will cost over $130 AUD.
  • Do not hail an unbooked taxi to central Melbourne from Avalon unless strictly necessary — the 55 km highway fare will easily exceed $130–$160 AUD. The SkyBus express coach to Southern Cross Station is $29.00 AUD one-way ($54.80 AUD return) and timed directly to flights.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How far is Avalon Airport from Melbourne CBD?

Avalon Airport is 55 km southwest of Melbourne CBD. The drive takes 50 to 60 minutes via the Princes Freeway (M1).