Terminal 2 (T2) is the international terminal at Melbourne Airport. Every flight to or from another country uses T2, no matter which airline you fly with. This includes the international flights of Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar, even though their flights inside Australia use other terminals.
Quick Summary
- International terminal: T2
- Where it is: in the middle of the main airport building
- Departures: upstairs, where the check in desks are
- Arrivals: on the ground floor, with baggage claim
- Arrive for your flight: at least 3 hours early
All Four Terminals at a Glance
| Terminal | Used for |
|---|---|
| T1 | Qantas and QantasLink domestic flights |
| T2 | All international flights |
| T3 | Virgin Australia domestic flights |
| T4 | Jetstar and Rex domestic flights |
Remember that one airline can use two terminals. Qantas, for example, uses T1 for domestic flights and T2 for international ones. So always check whether your flight is domestic or international before you leave home.
Where Is Terminal 2 at Melbourne Airport?
T2 sits between T1 and T3, in the centre of the main building. You can walk between these three terminals inside the building, and the longest walk takes about 10 minutes. T4 is a separate building next door.
The airport is in Tullamarine, about 23 km northwest of the Melbourne CBD. Most drivers reach it by the Tullamarine Freeway, and the drive usually takes 25 to 40 minutes outside peak hours. Our Melbourne CBD to Melbourne Airport page shows the trip and a fare estimate.
Departing From T2
If you are leaving Australia, go to the departure level of T2 and find your airline’s check in desk. After you drop your bags, you go through security and passport control, and then wait in the departure area.
Plan to arrive at least 3 hours before your flight. International check in, security and passport checks all take longer than for a domestic flight. Add more time during school holidays, long weekends and rush hour.
Arriving at T2
When you land, you walk to passport control and then collect your bags on the ground floor. After customs and biosecurity checks, you walk out into the arrivals hall. The taxi rank is directly outside international arrivals, and buses and meeting points are close by.
If someone is collecting you, give them your flight number. They can track your landing and be ready when you come out.
Can You Use a Lounge at the International Terminal?
Yes, several international airlines run lounges inside T2. Whether you can get in comes down to your ticket and your frequent flyer standing. Entry usually comes with:
- A business or first class ticket on an airline with its own lounge
- Frequent flyer tier status that includes lounge entry
- A paid lounge membership or a pass the lounge recognises
A few lounges sell one off entry on the day, depending on how full they are. Policies and prices change often, so confirm with your airline before you fly. Every lounge sits airside, which means you reach it only after security and passport control.
Shops and Services in T2
Because it serves international travellers, T2 offers more than the domestic terminals, including:
- Duty free shopping, cafes and restaurants
- Money exchange counters and cash machines
- Outlets selling Australian SIM cards
- Bag storage and bag wrapping
- Showers, prayer rooms and parents’ rooms
Connecting From a Domestic Flight
Landing at T1, T3 or T4 with an onward international flight means a change of terminal. Security is separate in every terminal, so there is no airside path through to T2.
Head out of your arrival terminal and walk across to T2, where you check in again. Coming from T1 or T3 is a walk of 10 minutes or less, while T4 adds roughly another 10 minutes. On separate tickets, you also need to collect your bags and check them in again at T2. Give yourself plenty of time, because a terminal change nearly always takes longer than people expect.
Final Tips
- Check your ticket before you leave, because terminals can change.
- Tell your driver your airline and flight number, so you are dropped at the right place.
- Allow extra time for traffic, especially from 7am to 9am and 4pm to 7pm on weekdays.
Conclusion
T2 is the international terminal at Melbourne Airport, and it handles every international flight. It sits in the middle of the main building, with check in upstairs and arrivals on the ground floor. Arrive at least 3 hours early, check your airline’s terminal before you go, and book your Melbourne Airport taxi in advance for a smooth start. You can also ask for a fixed price quote by phone or email.