As of early 2026, there is no direct train service connecting Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to the city center. While the "Melbourne Airport Rail" project is a major infrastructure priority for the Victorian Government, construction timelines have faced delays, and the link is not expected to be operational until at least the late 2020s or early 2030s. Currently, the most popular and efficient public transport option is the SkyBus, an express shuttle service that runs 24/7 between the airport terminals and Southern Cross Station in the CBD. The journey typically takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic. Other alternatives include taxis, rideshare services like Uber and Didi (which have designated pickup zones), and public bus routes (such as the 473 or 901) that connect to nearby train suburban stations like Broadmeadows, though these are significantly slower. Travelers in 2026 should continue to plan for road-based transit when visiting Melbourne, as the dedicated rail link remains a future development rather than a current reality.