Melbourne Airport Terminals: Terminal 1, 2, 3 & 4 at MEL Airport

Last Updated on Jul 9th, 2026 by Neha Sharma, Leave a Comment

Whether you travel within Australia or abroad, knowing your departure terminal at Melbourne Airport will make things easier. As one of the busiest airports in Australia, Melbourne Airport (MEL) handles millions of passengers per year and uses four passenger terminals.

Below is all you need to know about the Melbourne Airport terminals, airlines, shops, food places, and everything else in the airport.

Melbourne Airport Terminal Layout

The first step is learning about the terminal structure of Melbourne Airport. Melbourne Airport consists of four terminals, all in the one airport complex, which means that it’s easy to go from one terminal to another. Although each terminal serves various airlines, covered walkways easily link them.

If it’s your first time there, it’s a good idea to find the Melbourne Airport terminal map before you set off on your journey.                                                                                   

Melbourne Airport Terminal 1 (T1)

Melbourne Airport Terminal 1 is exclusively for Qantas domestic and QantasLink flights.

When you travel to Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and Hobart by using the flights provided by Qantas, it’s most probable that you will board from Melbourne Airport Terminal 1.

Terminal 1 offers the following services:

• Qantas counter for check-in services:  Staffed counters and automated check-in kiosks provide fast and easy baggage drop and boarding pass pickup services.
• Security services: Many security checkpoints facilitate smooth passenger passage, particularly during morning & evening peak departure times.
• Qantas Club and lounge: Eligible passengers have access to relaxing lounges where they can enjoy free beverages, space for working, Wi-Fi & even showers.
• Retail services and facilities: Purchase important items, books, gadgets, gifts & other accessories for your flight.
• Cafés and restaurants: Whether you need a cup of fresh coffee or just need something to go, there are many places to dine at. 

Melbourne Airport Terminal 2 (T2): International Terminal

If you are asking which terminal is international at Melbourne Airport, the answer is Terminal 2.

This difference means all flights to and from international destinations pass through the International Terminal at Melbourne Airport. All airlines flying to Asia, Europe, the Middle East, New Zealand, and North America operate from this terminal. For example, the Emirates Melbourne Airport Terminal 2.

Here are some of the services that Terminal 2 offers:

• International Check-ins: The check-in counters of airlines are separated based on carriers, with the provision of self-check-in services for certain international flights.
• Immigration & Customs: Facilities have been established to ensure the effective handling of passengers on arrival & departure.
• Duty-Free Shopping: Tax-free perfumes, chocolates, fashion, liquors, cosmetics & Australian souvenirs can be purchased here after the security check.
• Lounge Services: There are many airline & independent lounges that offer quiet seating, meals, refreshments, plug-ins & workstations.
• Currency Exchange: Foreign currency exchange booths & ATMs are available in this terminal.
• Family Facilities: Parents can have access to baby-changing areas, mother/baby rooms, & other related facilities.

Melbourne Airport Terminal 3 (T3)

Virgin Australia operates predominantly on domestic flights from Melbourne Airport Terminal 3.

Passengers flying Virgin Australia will be able to experience contemporary check-in facilities in addition to convenient access to their respective domestic gates.

The facilities available at Terminal 3 are as follows:

• Check-in for Virgin Australia passengers: Counter staff & self-check-in kiosks help passengers complete check-in quickly.
• Security screening services: Effective passenger security screening services ensure that passengers do not have to waste time while heading to their boarding gates.
• Lounge seating: Virgin Australia travellers can access the lounge with proper seating facilities.
• Shopping: Secure basics for your travels along with any reading material, snacks or gifts that you might need from the suitable retail shops.
• Restaurants/Cafes: Cafes and restaurants offer food and beverages of all kinds.
• Passenger amenities: Charge points, free Wi-Fi & seating facilities can be found at many points.

Melbourne Airport Terminal 4 (T4)

Terminal 4 in Melbourne Airport is the largest domestic terminal in Melbourne Airport and is mainly used by low-cost and regional airlines like Jetstar, Rex & Link Airways. The Jetstar Melbourne Airport terminal is situated at Melbourne Airport Terminal 4.

Travellers also know it as Terminal 4 Melbourne Airport, VIC.

It has the following features:

• Check-in kiosks: Passengers can easily check in & get their boarding pass at self-service kiosks in minutes.
• Lobby for departing passengers: The departure lounge provides flight displays & space before passing through security.
• Boarding gates:  The gates are easy to manage thanks to information screens which provide real-time boarding updates.
• Child-friendly amenities: Facilities meant for families make young passengers comfortable while waiting for their flight.
• Seats: There is plenty of seating space at the airport terminal with facilities to charge gadgets.

Melbourne Airport Domestic Terminals

Description of Domestic Terminals at the Melbourne Airport:

• Terminal 1 – Qantas & QantasLink 
• Terminal 3 – Virgin Australia 
• Terminal 4 – Jetstar, Rex and Link Airways

These domestic terminals are adjacent to each other. It means that you can go from one to another within a few minutes.

Conclusion 

Knowing the Melbourne Airport terminals prior to your trip can really make the process of travel much easier for you. No matter if you will be traveling out of domestic airports such as Melbourne Airport Terminal 1, Melbourne Airport Terminal 3, Melbourne Airport Terminal 4, or Melbourne Airport Terminal 2, or out of the country,

it is always beneficial to know what to do before you leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can you walk between terminals at Melbourne Airport?

A: Yes all four Melbourne Airport terminals can be covered by walking from Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Terminal 4 without using any shuttle service.

Q: How early should I arrive at Melbourne Airport for domestic and international flights?

A: In the case of a domestic flight, one should arrive at the airport 1-2 hours prior to their departure time. In case of an international flight from Terminal 2 of Melbourne Airport, one should arrive 3 hours before departure time.

Q: How do I know which Melbourne Airport terminal my flight departs from?

A: To determine your departure terminal, you may do so easily by looking at your airline ticket confirmation email or boarding pass or viewing information on the flight information screens at Melbourne Airport prior to departure.

Q: Is Melbourne Airport Terminal 2 only for international flights?

A: Yes, Terminal 2 of Melbourne Airport is the airport’s exclusive international terminal.

Q: Are there restaurants and cafes in all Melbourne Airport terminals?

A: Yes, the Melbourne Airport has a range of cafeterias, food courts, and other food outlets at all terminals.

Q: Is shopping available in every Melbourne Airport terminal?

A: Yes, there are retail outlets at all terminals selling items you may need while travelling. Terminal 2 has a large Duty Free shopping outlet for international travellers.

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