Are there 24/7 buses?

Most airports keep at least one night bus or coach on standby—check the overhead screens near arrivals for the current stand.

Is it safe to take taxis overnight?

Stick to signed ranks and insist on the meter. Note any official surcharge for night operations before you hop in.

MELAustraliaTPL: night-owl-plan

Melbourne Airport

Melbourne, Australia

Drop-off

Melbourne CBD (Southern Cross Station)

Pin before customs

Fastest

SkyBus Melbourne City Express

coach · 10-15m

Data

Nov 28

Audit

Quick verdict

Fastest into town

Service: SkyBus Melbourne City Express
Headway: 10-15
Backup: Route 901 SmartBus + Metro train via Broadmeadows · 15-30m

Note

Non-stop express coaches between Melbourne Airport (Terminals 1, 3 & 4) and Southern Cross Station on the western edge of Melbourne CBD, operating roughly 4:00–1:00 with frequent departures and 24/7 coverage with reduced overnight frequency. Tickets are separate from Myki and connections to city trains and free CBD trams are available at Southern Cross.

Late arrivals

Melbourne: Night-Owl Operations

After-midnight contingencies for delayed flights and red-eyes. Targets queries likemelbourne airport busandmel to city centerfor eSIM funnels.

Lines that keep running

Brief

This is the overnight lifeline when the metro or flagship express shuts down.

Service: SkyBus Melbourne City Express
Mode: coach
Freq: 10-15m
Note: Non-stop express coaches between Melbourne Airport (Terminals 1, 3 & 4) and Southern Cross Station on the western edge of Melbourne CBD, operating roughly 4:00–1:00 with frequent departures and 24/7 coverage with reduced overnight frequency. Tickets are separate from Myki and connections to city trains and free CBD trams are available at Southern Cross.

Backup when rail sleeps

Brief

If even this pauses, default to the licensed taxi rank or approved ride-hailing pickup outside arrivals.

Service: Route 901 SmartBus + Metro train via Broadmeadows
Mode: bus
Freq: 15-30m
Note: PTV route 901 SmartBus from Melbourne Airport to Broadmeadows Station, then suburban trains to the City Loop/Flinders Street; useful as a cheaper Myki-option into central Melbourne but slower and requires a transfer. Services run daily with typical SmartBus frequencies, and standard Myki fares apply.

Ticketing tips

Brief

Load balance onto the local transit card before midnight because some kiosks shut or stop accepting bills after hours.

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FAQs

01Are there 24/7 buses?: Most airports keep at least one night bus or coach on standby—check the overhead screens near arrivals for the current stand.
02Is it safe to take taxis overnight?: Stick to signed ranks and insist on the meter. Note any official surcharge for night operations before you hop in.