To and from Melbourne Airport
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All you need to know about getting to and from the airport.
From Melbourne International Airport there are two routes to the city. The on-road route is the quickest and most direct, at approximately 15km. The off-road bike path route is longer (25km) but much more scenic. However, this route is not suitable for riding at night as the path is not lit and there are several sharp turns to watch out for. The path is also prone to flooding so take the road route if there have been heavy rains.
Road Route
Exit the airport on the ground floor (you will be facing south east). Follow the traffic and at the first set of traffic lights, turn right on to Centre Road. Cross two more sets of lights then turn left at the roundabout onto Melrose Drive.
Continue on for about 2.5 - 3km; pass under the freeway and go straight through the roundadabout. Just past theroundabout there's a well signed turning lane into Matthews Avenue, but be careful getting across the road into the right lane. Get onto Matthews Ave.
Continue along (at 2.25km you cross over a freeway) until you reach a T-intersection. Turn left onto Keilor Road. Continue; Keilor Road will join Mt Alexander Road. Mt Alexander Road will become Flemington Road.
When you pass the Royal Children’s Hospital on your left, there will be a large roundabout. Take care here as it is extremely busy. Turn right onto Elizabeth Street, which will take you directly into the city (past the Queen Victoria Markets on your right) and terminate at Flinders Street Station.
Bike path route
Exit the airport on the ground floor (you will be facing south east). Follow the traffic and at the first set of traffic lights, turn right on to Centre Road. Cross two more sets of lights then turn left at the roundabout onto Melrose Drive.
Continue on (about 2.5 - 3km; pass under the freeway) then turn left at roundabout onto Mascoma Street. Continue straight through the next roundabout (road becomes Boeing Drive). Continue through the Boeing Reserve car park, past the rotunda and turn right onto the Moonee Ponds Creek Path.
Follow the Moonee Ponds Creek Path towards the city. There is a small detour at 15km onto Primrose Street then left into Vanberg Street before rejoining the path; this is signposted (although not very well).
The path ends at Footscray Road. Cross over here, turn left and follow the Capital City Trail bike path along next to the freeway to the city; this is signposted well.
The Capital City Trail travels through Docklands, where it is easy to access Southern Cross Station. The path also provides access to Crown Casino, Southbank and Flinders Street Station; see the Capital City Trail for more information.
Need to know
Road rules
It is illegal to pass a stationary tram at a tram stop unless there are barriers between the traffic and alighting passengers.
For a full list of Victorian road rules, please consult VicRoads.
Other routes
If you don't want to ride the whole way, try these alternatives to getting you and your bike to the airport!
Bike and train
Follow the cycle path route to Moonee Ponds Creek. Once on the bike path, the first bridge you go under is Pascoe Vale Road. Pascoe Vale station is just here, on the other side of the creek. Bikes are allowed on trains (except during peak hours). The train will take you to all major stations in the city. A zone 1, two-hour ticket costs $3.20.
Sky Bus
Bikes can be carried on Sky Bus if they are in a bike box or bag. Sky Bus leaves frequently during the day and takes 20 mins to Southern Cross Station; cost is $15 one-way or $24 return. There is a free shuttle service from Southern Cross to your hotel/hostel.
Maps
For maps of these routes, please visit Vic Roads and search their interactive bike maps. The Suburbs to search for along your route are Melbourne Airport, Tullamarine, Airport West, Essendon, Moonee Ponds, Flemington, North Melbourne and Melbourne.