VIC · Victoria
Melbournetaxi & cab fares · 2026
Melbourne taxi fares are governed by Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria (CPVV). Victoria is unusual in that drivers can choose between two regulated formulas per trip — a time-and-distance tariff or a time-or-distance tariff — both legal, but they produce slightly different totals on the same route.
In Melbourne, "cab" and "taxi" refer to the same regulated vehicle — same Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria (CPVV) meter, same maximum tariff. The calculator below applies the 2026 schedule for sedan, maxi (5+ passengers) and wheelchair-accessible trips, and detects Uber-comparison scenarios automatically.
Popular Melbourne routes
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
Tullamarine (MEL) is the main airport and sits about 22 km north-west of the CBD. There is no fixed fare to the city — the meter runs the standard regulated tariff, and the driver will normally route via the CityLink toll road (toll added on top, around $8 typical). If you prefer the toll-free route via Bell Street, ask before you depart — it adds roughly 10 minutes. Avalon Airport (AVV) is treated as a regional trip and the cost reflects the much longer distance.
How much is a taxi from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport to Melbourne CBD?
A metered Melbourne taxi from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport to the Melbourne CBD is typically A$60 – A$85 on the day rate (typical A$70), running on the regulated Victoria meter set by Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria (CPVV). The night, late-night and public-holiday tariffs add to that figure; tolls and airport access fees are passed through on top.
Where to find a Melbourne taxi rank
- 01Flinders Street Station — Elizabeth Street rank, the busiest in the CBD
- 02Southern Cross Station — Spencer Street rank for arrivals from the regional/V Line network
- 03Crown Casino — covered rank under the porte cochère
- 04Lygon Street, Carlton — small rank, very busy on Friday/Saturday after dinner service
- 05MCG / Rod Laver Arena — extra ranks open on event days at gates 1 and 6
What's different in VIC
Two regulated fare formulas means two drivers running the same route can quote slightly different totals — both legal. Saturday and Sunday late-night attract a peak hire surcharge on top of the night tariff.
Melbourne taxi fares · frequently asked
How much is a taxi from Melbourne Airport to the CBD?
A taxi from Melbourne (Tullamarine) Airport to the Melbourne CBD is typically A$60–A$80 on the regulated meter, plus the CityLink toll (around A$8) if your driver takes the toll route. There is no fixed-fare arrangement — the trip runs on the standard CPVV meter.
How much is a taxi from Avalon Airport to Melbourne CBD?
Avalon (AVV) is around 55 km from the Melbourne CBD; a metered taxi is typically A$130–A$170 depending on tariff and route. Most travellers prefer the SkyBus or a pre-booked fixed-quote rideshare for this leg.
How much is a taxi from Melbourne CBD to St Kilda?
A Melbourne CBD to St Kilda taxi is typically A$22–A$32 on the day rate. The night and weekend peak tariffs add roughly 15–20% to that figure.
When does Melbourne charge the peak taxi rate?
Melbourne metropolitan peak rates apply Friday and Saturday between 10pm and 4am the following morning, plus public holidays. The peak tariff lifts the per-kilometre rate above the standard night meter for the duration of those windows.
Why do two Melbourne taxis quote different fares for the same trip?
Victorian drivers may elect either a time-and-distance formula (per-km plus per-min concurrently) or a time-or-distance formula (whichever ticks faster). Both are legal regulated tariffs; the resulting totals can differ by a few dollars on the same route.