What has changed
From 6 October 2026, passengers at Terminals 1, 2 and 3 are dropped off and picked up in the new T123 Transport Hub instead of at the front of the terminals. The old departures ramp, where cars used to drop passengers at the door, has closed. Terminal 4 and the airport's free wait zone are not affected.
The airport says the changes are part of a major road project that also prepares the ground for the expansion of the international terminal.
How to get there
- Drivers leave the Tullamarine Freeway earlier, at Exit 19 (Naarm Way), and use a new elevated roadway to reach the hub.
- Drop-off is on Level 3 of the T123 Transport Hub.
- Pick-up is at the rear of Level 2 of the hub.
- After dropping off, the ramps lead back onto Departure Drive and towards the freeway.
If you usually follow the signs to the old forecourt, give yourself a little extra time on your first few trips, and read the signs early.
Melbourne Airport has published a video of the drive from the city suburbs to the new drop-off zone:
Time limits and cost
According to the airport, the new drop-off zone has a 1-minute limit and the pick-up zone a 5-minute limit, and both are free to use. If you arrive early to collect someone, the airport's free wait zone off Mercer Drive gives you the first 60 minutes free before you drive to the pick-up zone.
The walk to the terminal
The new zones sit further from the terminals than the old ramp. The airport describes the drop-off zone as about 170 metres from the terminals and the pick-up zone as about 285 metres. There are rest stops along the way, and a pedestrian bridge links the hub to Terminal 2.
Melbourne Airport Assist, a free service run with Travellers Aid, helps passengers who need a hand getting between the terminals and the pick-up and drop-off zones. It is best to book ahead through the airport, and the airport's own page has the details.
Melbourne Airport has also published a short video of the walk from the terminals to the Level 2 pick-up zone, so you can see the route before you travel:
If you are booking a chauffeur
The airport's public guide does not spell out where pre-booked chauffeur cars wait, so we will not guess. What we can tell you is how we work: you give us your flight number, we track it, and your driver meets you on arrivals inside the terminal with a name board, helps with your bags and takes you to the car. We follow the airport's current arrangements for commercial vehicles, so you do not have to work out which zone to use. See our airport transfers and our Melbourne chauffeur service.
For departures, plan for the longer walk from the drop-off zone, and allow extra time on busy mornings.
Taxis and rideshare
Reports about where taxis and rideshare pick up differ in the details, and the airport may adjust its arrangements as the changes settle in. Check the airport's website or app, or follow the signs on the day.
Quick checklist
- Leave the freeway at Exit 19 (Naarm Way) when picking up or dropping off at Terminals 1, 2 or 3.
- Drop-off is on Level 3 and pick-up is at the rear of Level 2.
- Allow extra time for the longer walk, and book assistance in advance if you need it.
- Check the airport's website for the latest updates before you travel.
Sources and more
This guide reflects the information Melbourne Airport had published as at 12 October 2026, and details can change. Read the airport's own pages: what to expect with the new pick-up and drop-off and the pick-up and drop-off FAQs. The airport also posts videos on its YouTube channel.
