Essential facts for transfers from Melbourne Essendon Airport to Phillip Island
The usual drive follows the Tullamarine Freeway and CityLink before the Monash Freeway, South Gippsland Highway and Bass Highway take you to San Remo. Pre-booking secures one fixed price, tolls included, and a driver tracking your flight.
- Route
- Melbourne Essendon Airport to Phillip Island
- Distance
- 157.0 km / 97.3 miles
- Average travel time
- 1h 50min
- Starting price
- USD 402.69
- Flight monitoring
- Real-time flight tracking — driver adjusts if delayed
- Waiting time
- 60 min free wait at arrivals, 15 min for other pickups
From booking to arrival
How it works
A few simple steps. A smoother journey.
1. Book your ride
Choose your route and vehicle, add your details and receive your booking confirmation.
2. Meet your driver
Find your driver at the meeting point and let them take care of your luggage.
3. Enjoy your journey
Settle in and enjoy a comfortable ride, all the way to your destination.
What to know about the Melbourne Essendon Airport → Phillip Island route
Tolls, traffic windows and drop-off logistics that apply to this specific route.
Road route and tolls
The route follows the Tullamarine Freeway, CityLink, the Monash Freeway, South Gippsland Highway and Bass Highway to San Remo. Tolls and road charges on the CityLink section are included in the fixed price.
Peak traffic windows
Plan 2 to 2.5 hours for the trip. Friday afternoons and summer holiday weekends are the heaviest periods, and the Monash section is where delays most often build up.
Phillip Island drop-off
The bridge at San Remo lands at Newhaven on the island. Share your exact address when booking so the driver can plan the final approach to Cowes or the Penguin Parade area.
Vehicles for Melbourne Essendon Airport to Phillip Island
Choose the right vehicle for your group size and comfort needs. All fares are fixed and include meet & greet.
Economy
Skoda Octavia, Toyota Prius or similar
USD 402.69
Standard Sedan
Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5 Series or similar
USD 457.60
First Class
Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7 Series or similar
USD 915.20
First Class Van
Mercedes V-Class, Viano or similar
USD 968.10
Standard Van
Mercedes Vito, Ford Custom or similar
USD 486.99
Minibus
Mercedes Sprinter or similar — up to 12 pax
USD 1217.47
Transfer from Melbourne Essendon Airport to Phillip Island
The journey starts on the Tullamarine Freeway, then joins CityLink where the tolled section begins near Bulla Road. The Monash Freeway carries you south-east, followed by the South Gippsland Highway and Bass Highway through farmland and past Grantville and Bass. Phillip Island Road leads to the scenic bridge at San Remo.
The driver meets you at the arrivals baggage-hall exit of your landing terminal, holding a name sign, and the free 60-minute wait applies at arrivals. Plan 2 to 2.5 hours, since Friday afternoons and summer holiday weekends stretch the drive well beyond the quoted time. First-time visitors should note that the Penguin Parade runs at dusk, so a late-afternoon departure suits most timetables.
Public transport is slow here: the V/Line coach from Southern Cross runs via Koo Wee Rup and needs more than three hours with changes, and no direct service was found. A taxi for a 157 km trip means a high metered fare with nobody monitoring your flight. A pre-booked private transfer gives one fixed price, tolls included, and a driver who adjusts to your flight in real time.




Reviews
Timely, polite and skillful driver, great service...
My driver Dumitru arrived ahead of schedule which was a welcome gesture as we were heading for the airport. He was polite and a careful/safe driver. We noted that the seat belt on the right side of the passenger seats…
M ILLUECA · 14/11/2026 Great services at all times!
Aija Dismane · 14/11/2026 Well organized and in time
Siegfried F · 14/11/2026
Book your transport from Melbourne Essendon Airport to Phillip Island
Want to know more about your journey from Melbourne Essendon Airport to Phillip Island ? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
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How long does the drive take and what affects it?
How much does the transfer cost and what is included?
What should I know about the drop-off on Phillip Island?
What vehicle options are available for this transfer?
Can I cancel or change my booking?
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