How to Get From Melbourne Airport to CBD: Your Pre-Booked Taxi Guide (2026)
By the Melbourne Taxi Network team, locally operated in Burwood VIC. Last updated 24 October 2026. Reading time: 11 minutes.
Picture this. Your flight has just landed, your bags are on the belt, your phone is on 12 percent, and you still have to get into the city. Nobody wants to work out transport at that point. You want to walk out, find your driver and sit down.
Good news: you can set that up before you even fly. Melbourne Airport is about 20-odd kilometres from the CBD, and in this guide I’ll walk you through exactly how to book a taxi for that trip with Melbourne Taxi Network. You’ll see how booking works, which vehicle to pick, what to tell us, and what to expect on the day.
The Quick Answer
Pre-book a taxi. Book online or by phone, and a licensed, police-checked driver takes you door-to-door. Our fares are fixed, with no surge pricing, and we’re open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so an early or late landing is fine.
The short version
- Booking takes about five minutes and gives you a set pickup and a quoted fare.
- The drive usually takes 25 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Pick your vehicle by passengers and bags: sedan, SUV or wagon, silver, chauffeur or maxi.
- Tell us your flight, terminal, bags and any baby seat you need when you book.
How to Book Your Melbourne Airport Taxi
It’s simpler than you’d think, and you can do it from your phone while you’re still at your gate. Here’s the whole process.
Six steps, about five minutes
- Pick how you’d like to book. Use the online booking form, call us on 1300 487 111, or email book@melbournetaxinetwork.com.au.
- Add your pickup and destination. Melbourne Airport is your pickup. Your destination is the full address or hotel in the CBD.
- Choose Book Now or Book Later. Book Later lets you lock in a date and time ahead of your trip.
- Fill in your details. Your name, contact number, date, time and the vehicle you’d like.
- Leave a note for the driver. Your flight number, terminal, bags, a baby seat, an extra passenger. Anything that helps.
- Check the fare. Make sure you know what the quote covers before you finish.
Booking on the Day You Land
Yes, you can. Choose Book Now or give us a call. But if you can, book ahead. It’s calmer for you, because your pickup is arranged and your details are already on file when you land.
How Far Ahead to Book
As soon as you know your flight details. School holidays, big sporting weekends and the festive season fill up first. If you’re landing very early or very late, booking ahead is the safest move you can make.
Why Pre-Booking Makes Your Arrival Easier
Because the first hour in a city is when you’re tired and you just want things to work. Pre-booking takes the guesswork out. Here’s what you get with us.
What Fixed Fares Mean for You
It means the price doesn’t jump just because it’s raining, a big event has finished or a pile of flights landed at once. You ask for a quote when you book, and you know what to expect before the trip starts.
Licensed, Police-Checked Drivers
They are. Every driver is licensed under the Victorian commercial passenger vehicle industry, police-checked and trained to give you a safe, courteous and comfortable ride.
Choosing the Right Vehicle for Your Trip
Think about two things: how many people you are, and how many bags you have. Tell us both when you book and we’ll point you to the right car.
Heading straight into a meeting? A chauffeur car or SUV suits a work arrival. Travelling as a family with prams and cases? Go bigger, and say so in your booking note.
| Vehicle | Best for |
|---|---|
| Sedan | Solo, couples, small groups. Seats up to 4, with luggage space, air conditioning, heated seats and baby seat |
| SUV / wagon | Extra luggage or a little more room |
| Silver taxi | A step-up service for a special arrival |
| Chauffeur car | Business trips and client pickups |
| Maxi taxi | Bigger groups travelling together |
Sedan or SUV: Making the Call
Count the bags as well as the people. A sedan is great for up to four passengers with normal luggage. If you’ve got oversized cases, sports gear or a pram, ask for an SUV or wagon.
Larger Groups
Go for a maxi taxi. Tell us how many passengers and bags you have, and we’ll suggest the right vehicle. Our airport transfers page has the full service details.
Airport Transfers for Every Type of Traveller
Probably, yes. Everyone needs something slightly different from the same trip, so here’s how we help each type of traveller.
Business Travellers
A pre-booked taxi gives you a set pickup and a driver who goes straight to your address, so you arrive ready for the day. If your team travels often, take a look at our corporate travel bookings.
Hotel Guests
Easy. Put the hotel name and address in your booking and we’ll take you there. You can read more about our hotel transfers.
Families With Children
Baby seats are available across our fleet, so add the request to your booking note. Also mention how many bags and prams you have, so the right vehicle turns up.
Early and Late Arrivals
Not at all. We run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Book ahead and put your flight details in the note.
Visitors Exploring Melbourne
Absolutely. After your airport transfer you can add a city tour or a winery tour, so one company looks after your whole trip.
Journey Time From Melbourne Airport to the CBD
By road, you’re usually looking at 25 to 45 minutes. Traffic is what moves the number, so here’s how to plan around it.
What changes your journey time
Quiet roads, off-peakAbout 25 min
Busy daytime trafficAbout 35 min
Weekday peak or an eventUp to 45 min
A rough guide only. Traffic, weather and your exact destination change the result.
What Can Slow the Trip Down
- Weekday peaks, roughly 7 to 9am and 4 to 7pm
- Big events in the city, and wet weather
- Roadworks on the Tullamarine Freeway and CityLink
- A destination on the far side of the CBD
How Much Buffer to Leave
If you land at peak hour, give yourself extra time, especially if you’ve got a meeting. Pop it in your booking note and we’ll keep it in mind.
Fares and Quotes: What to Expect
Fair question. We state fixed fares with no surge pricing and no hidden fees. The exact price depends on your pickup, destination and vehicle, so we give you a quote when you book. If you’d like a wider look at pricing, have a read of our airport taxi cost guide.
What a good quote should tell you
- The total fare for your exact pickup and destination
- Whether tolls, luggage and waiting time are included
- The type of vehicle you’re getting
- How and when you pay
Getting a Quote Before You Book
Yes. Call 1300 487 111 or use the booking form, and ask for the fare and what it covers before you confirm.
Booking Checklist: What to Have Ready
A few details make the pickup smoother for you and for your driver.
- Your flight number and arrival time
- Your terminal, if you know it
- Your full destination address, with the hotel name if you’re staying at one
- How many passengers and bags you have
- Any baby seat or extra space you need
- A phone number that works when you land
Once You Land
- Switch your phone on and keep it charged
- Keep your booking confirmation handy
- Check the driver and vehicle match your booking
- Call 1300 487 111 if anything changes
Common Booking Mistakes to Avoid
- Booking too late. Busy dates fill up.
- Leaving out the bags. A small car can’t carry a big family’s luggage.
- Using a vague address. Add the building name or hotel.
- Skipping the flight number. It helps us plan your pickup.
- Not asking what the fare covers. A clear quote avoids surprises.
Changing Your Booking
Call or email us as soon as your plans change and we’ll help you sort it out.
Your Transfer Day, Step by Step
Knowing the flow takes away most of the nerves. Here’s what to expect, from landing to your hotel door.
When You Land
Switch your phone on, check for any message from us, and grab your bags. If your flight lands early or late, or your plans change, call 1300 487 111 and we’ll adjust your pickup.
Finding Your Driver
Your booking holds your name, contact number and flight details, and that’s what your driver works from. Before you get in, check that the driver and vehicle match your booking.
Help With Your Luggage
Our site states luggage support across the fleet, so yes, your driver can help. If you’ve got oversized items, a pram or sports gear, put it in the booking note so we send the right vehicle.
The Ride Itself
You sit back and relax while the driver takes you to your destination. Our vehicles are clean, regularly inspected and fitted with air conditioning and heated seats, so it’s comfortable whatever the weather’s doing.
Payment
Ask about payment options when you book, so you know how and when you’ll pay before you travel.
Smart Tips for Every Arrival Time
Early-Morning Arrivals
Book ahead and include your flight number. We operate 24 hours a day, so an early landing is no problem, and a set pickup beats wandering around the terminal while the city is still waking up.
Weekday Rush-Hour Arrivals
Allow extra time for the drive, especially with a meeting booked. Tell us in your note and we’ll plan your pickup around it.
Late-Night Arrivals
Pre-book and keep your phone charged. A confirmed pickup means you walk out of the terminal knowing exactly where you’re going.
Busy Holiday Periods
Book as early as you can. School holidays, big sporting weekends and the festive season are the busiest times, and early bookings give you the best choice of vehicle.
Group Travel
Count everyone and every bag, then choose the vehicle to match. A sedan seats up to four. For more people, ask about a maxi taxi, and for a smart arrival, ask about our silver or chauffeur options.
Continuing Beyond the CBD to Melbourne’s Eastern Suburbs
Yes, and that’s where we’re strongest. We’re a locally operated taxi company based in Burwood, serving over 90 suburbs across Melbourne’s eastern corridor, from airport transfers to suburb rides. Plenty of travellers land, spend a night in the city and then head east, and you can book the whole trip with one company.
Have a look at our suburb pages, including Doncaster, Glen Waverley and Ringwood, to see where we run.
Safety, Licensing and Peace of Mind
It is when you book with a licensed operator. Every Melbourne Taxi Network driver is licensed under the Victorian commercial passenger vehicle industry, police-checked and trained. Our vehicles are regularly inspected, with baby seats, heated seats and luggage support across the fleet.
- Check the driver and vehicle match your booking details
- Confirm the fare before you set off
- Check your terminal and arrival details on the Melbourne Airport website
About Melbourne Taxi Network
Melbourne Taxi Network is a locally operated taxi company at 3 Narmi Ct, Burwood VIC 3125. We cover airport transfers, silver service cabs, corporate travel, maxi taxi group bookings and same-day parcel delivery, 24/7. Details in this guide reflect our website as of October 2026.
Our aim is simple: a clear booking, a fair quote and a driver who’s there when you land. If you’ve got a question before you book, get in touch and we’ll help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from Melbourne Airport to the CBD?
The easiest way is a pre-booked taxi. Book online or call Melbourne Taxi Network on 1300 487 111, and a licensed, police-checked driver takes you from the airport to your CBD address, 24 hours a day.
How long does a taxi take from Melbourne Airport to the city?
Usually 25 to 45 minutes by road. Peak hours, events and roadworks push it towards the top of that range.
Can I pre-book a taxi from Melbourne Airport?
Yes. Use the online booking form or call 1300 487 111, and choose Book Later to set a date and time. Include your flight details and any luggage or baby seat needs.
Does Melbourne Taxi Network use surge pricing?
No. Melbourne Taxi Network states fixed fares with no surge pricing and no hidden fees. Ask for a quote when you book and check what it covers.
Are your taxis available late at night and early in the morning?
Yes. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For very early or late landings, book ahead and add your flight details.
Can I get a taxi with a baby seat from the airport?
Baby seats are available across our fleet. Mention it in your booking note so it is arranged before you land.
How many passengers fit in a sedan taxi?
Our sedan taxis seat up to four passengers, with luggage space. For larger groups or more bags, ask about an SUV, wagon or maxi taxi.
Are your drivers licensed and police-checked?
Yes. Every driver is licensed under the Victorian commercial passenger vehicle industry, police-checked and trained.
Can you take me from the CBD to the eastern suburbs?
Yes. We serve over 90 suburbs across Melbourne’s eastern corridor, so you can book the airport trip and your onward ride with one company.
What details do I need when I book an airport transfer?
Your name, contact number, date, time, pickup and destination, plus your flight details, number of passengers and bags, and any baby seat need.
Can I book a taxi on the same day I land?
Yes. Choose Book Now on the booking form or call 1300 487 111. Booking ahead is easier, because your pickup is arranged and your details are already on file when you land.
How far ahead should I book an airport taxi?
As soon as you know your flight details. School holidays, big sporting weekends and the festive season fill up first. For early-morning or late-night landings, booking ahead is the safest option.
What does fixed fare mean at Melbourne Taxi Network?
It means the price does not jump because of rain, events or busy flight times. Ask for a quote when you book, and check what it covers, such as tolls, luggage and waiting time.
Do you offer hotel transfers from the airport?
Yes. Put your hotel name and address in the booking and we take you there. Hotel transfers are one of our listed services.
Can I book a city tour or winery tour after my airport transfer?
Yes. Melbourne Taxi Network also offers city tours and winery tours, so you can arrange your airport transfer and sightseeing with one company.
Do you offer corporate travel for business trips?
Yes. Corporate travel is one of our services, with pre-booked pickups for business travellers and teams. Contact us on 1300 487 111 to arrange regular bookings.
What should I do if my flight is delayed or my plans change?
Call 1300 487 111 or email book@melbournetaxinetwork.com.au as soon as you know, and we will help adjust your booking.
Which vehicle is best for a family with luggage?
An SUV or wagon gives you more room than a sedan, and a maxi taxi suits larger groups. Baby seats are available across the fleet, so mention it in your booking note along with your bag count.
Book Your Melbourne Airport Transfer Today
Do it now and forget about it. Book your Melbourne Airport transfer with Melbourne Taxi Network, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Book your airport transfer Call 1300 487 111book@melbournetaxinetwork.com.au | Need help choosing a vehicle?
Journey times are a guide and can change with traffic. Confirm your fare when you book.