Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - Public transport from MEL

I see there's a Skybus from the airport to Southern Cross - is that the only public transport to downtown MEL? Is 20 minutes each way about right on the bus?

http://www.railpage.org.au/railmaps/melbourn.htm

I see there's a Skybus from the airport to Southern Cross - is that the only public transport to downtown MEL? Is 20 minutes each way about right on the bus? Correct, Skybus is the only PT to the CBD area - although if you are adventurous, you could always use one of the (very infrequent) suburban buses to Sunbury, Broadmeadows, Essendon or Moonee Ponds station, and then change to a train or a tram.

Best trip planner (which includes Skybus) is at Metlink (http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/) - this link will also explain the ticketing system, which is the best and easiest to use system in Australia.

Dave

Thx docta! Is there much traffic in MEL? Just wondering on the return trip whether I'll need to plan for that. My flight out is at 12:55pm so wondering what time you would suggest catching the bus to the airport.

Who are you flying with?

If domestic, then getting to the AIrport at least an hour before you flight is desirable; international at least 2 hours. The buses depart every 10 or 15 minutes during the day so I would look at catching one no later than 11:30am for Domestic and 10:30am for international.

Also, if you are using the SkyBus to come in from the airport; return tickets are less expensive than two one-ways.

www.skybus.com.au

Who are you flying with?

If domestic, then getting to the AIrport at least an hour before you flight is desirable; international at least 2 hours. The buses depart every 10 or 15 minutes during the day so I would look at catching one no later than 11:30am for Domestic and 10:30am for international.

Also, if you are using the SkyBus to come in from the airport; return tickets are less expensive than two one-ways.

www.skybus.com.au

I am flying UA to LAX, but it stops in SYD. Is this considered a domestic or intl flight?

I am flying UA to LAX, but it stops in SYD. Is this considered a domestic or intl flight? It will be an international flight, so you will undergo outwards immigration at MEL (if flying on the through flight, MEL-LAX via SYD).

Be careful purchasing liquid duty free in MEL, as you will need to undergo security screening twice at SYD, firstly when moving from the arrivals level into the departures level (standard for all passenger transitting) and again prior to boarding the UA flight (standard for all flights to the US) - so the liquid/gel restrictions will apply.

Dave