Every spring, thousands of racegoers fly into Melbourne for the Caulfield Cup, the Cox Plate at Flemington, Derby Day and the Melbourne Cup. Flights, hotels and outfits are sorted – but how are you getting from the airport to your hotel and the track?
Melbourne’s big spring race days
| Race day | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Caulfield Cup | Sat 17 October | Caulfield |
| Cox Plate | Sat 24 October | Flemington |
| Derby Day | Sat 31 October | Flemington |
| Melbourne Cup | Tue 3 November | Flemington |
Getting from Melbourne Airport to the city
Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) is about 25 km from the CBD. Traffic during the Spring Carnival – especially around Cup week – can make the trip slow, and taxi and rideshare queues can be long when several flights land at once.
Your options compared
| Option | Door to door? | Luggage help | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| SkyBus | No – CBD drop-off | No | Solo travellers, light luggage |
| Taxi / rideshare | Yes | Sometimes | Short notice |
| Redy2go private transfer | Yes | Yes | Couples, groups, business travellers |
Make it a full race-week package
- Airport to hotel on arrival
- Hotel to the track on race day, with pick-up after
- Hotel to airport when you fly home
Frequently asked questions
How far is Melbourne Airport from the CBD?
About 25 km – usually 25 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.
Can you take us from the hotel to Flemington or Caulfield?
Yes, we can book race-day transfers as well as airport transfers.
What if my flight is late?
Share your flight number when you book so we can plan your pick-up.
Can you fit a group with luggage?
Yes – people movers and vans are available for groups.
Related: Melbourne Airport Transfers · Spring Racing Carnival 2026 Guide