For one person travelling light to the CBD, SkyBus is usually the cheapest way to get to or from Melbourne Airport at $25.90 one way. For two or more people, a family with bags, or anyone going somewhere other than Southern Cross Station, a taxi is often about the same price or cheaper per person and takes you door to door. Rideshare can be cheap at quiet times, but surge pricing can push it above a taxi at peak times, late at night and when flights land together.

Taxi vs SkyBus vs Uber at a Glance

Option	Airport to the CBD	Best for
Taxi	An estimated $64 to $79 for the whole car, to your door, tolls and airport fee included	Groups, families, luggage, the suburbs and early or late flights
SkyBus	$25.90 per adult one way, to Southern Cross Station	One person travelling light to the city centre
Uber or rideshare	Varies with demand, with surge pricing at busy times	Short notice trips at quiet times

SkyBus fares are fixed, a taxi gives you an estimate online or a fixed price by phone or email, and rideshare shows a price in the app that changes with demand.

How Much Does SkyBus Cost?

SkyBus runs between Melbourne Airport and Southern Cross Station in the city, seven days a week. The fares are the same online, in the app and at the kiosks:

Adult: $25.90 one way or $43.40 return.
Child (4 to 16): $6.60 one way or $11.00 return.
Senior: $20.70 one way with a valid Seniors card.

The fare only covers the trip to Southern Cross. If your hotel or home is elsewhere, add the cost and time of a tram, train or taxi from there, which matters most when you are carrying suitcases.

How Much Does a Taxi Cost?

A taxi from Melbourne Airport to the CBD is an estimated $64 to $79, and $59 to $73 heading the other way, for about 23.7 km and around 29 minutes in normal traffic. That price is for the whole car, not per person, and it already includes tolls and the $5.26 airport pickup fee, which only applies when your trip starts at a terminal. Evening, overnight and weekend night rates cost more than the day rate. You can check your own trip with the fare estimator, or see the full Melbourne Airport to CBD taxi fare page.

If you want the price locked in, call or email us and we confirm a fixed price before you travel.

Is a Taxi Cheaper Than SkyBus for Two or More People?

Often, yes. SkyBus charges every passenger, while a taxi charges once for the car. Here is the airport to CBD trip for different groups:

Who is travelling	SkyBus one way	Taxi to the CBD
1 adult	$25.90	$64 to $79
2 adults	$51.80	$64 to $79
3 adults	$77.70	$64 to $79
2 adults and 2 children	$65.00	$64 to $79

The SkyBus figures stop at Southern Cross, while the taxi takes you to your door. For three adults, or a family going beyond the city centre, the taxi usually works out cheaper and quicker. For five or more people, one maxi taxi seats up to 11 with room for 8 large bags.

Is Uber Cheaper Than a Taxi to Melbourne Airport?

Sometimes. At quiet times a rideshare can cost a little less than a taxi. At busy times, such as early morning flights, late arrivals, bad weather or when several international flights land together, surge pricing can push the price well above a taxi fare. Our fare does not surge, so the estimate you see before you book is the fare you should expect. We compare the two in more detail in is Uber cheaper than a taxi from Melbourne Airport.

Which Is Better With Luggage or Children?

A taxi. You load your bags once at the kerb and unload them at your door, with no transfer at Southern Cross. You can also book a taxi with a baby seat fitted before pickup, which buses and most rideshare cars do not offer.

Which Is Best for Early or Late Flights?

A pre booked taxi. For a 6am flight you need to leave the suburbs well before public transport is running, and rideshare availability is hard to predict at that hour. When you book ahead with us, the driver is arranged for your pickup time, and for arrivals we track your flight so the pickup moves if you land early or late.

What About Driving and Parking?

For a short trip, parking at the airport can make sense. For a week or more, the parking bill often costs more than a taxi each way. We compare the numbers in airport parking vs taxi.

Conclusion

SkyBus is the cheapest option for one person travelling light to the city centre. For two or more people, families, luggage, the suburbs, or early and late flights, a taxi is usually the better value and takes you door to door, without surge pricing. To see your fare, use the online booking form, or call 0460 306 061 for a fixed price.