Route 478 suits short hops between Melbourne Airport and Tullamarine
Route 478 runs between Melbourne Airport and Moonee Ponds, but the sweet spot is short rides to Tullamarine and Essendon, not full CBD trips. Buses stop at the airport forecourt near T1–T3, so you walk about 2–4 minutes from arrivals to the stop. This is a regular public bus, not SkyBus, so expect suburban stops every few minutes once you leave the airport precinct.
Typical weekday frequency sits around every 20–30 minutes in daytime, with reduced service in evenings and on weekends. The route connects the airport to Tullamarine, Essendon Fields, and then on toward Keilor Road and Moonee Ponds. If you only need to get as far as Essendon Station or Essendon Fields, 478 keeps the ride short and cheap compared with a taxi that can run $25–40 for the same area.
Fares use Victoria’s myki system, so you tap on and off as usual within Zones 1 and 2. A standard 2-hour Zone 1 + 2 fare is capped at the normal myki rate, the same as any tram or bus in Melbourne that day. There is no special airport surcharge on Route 478, which makes it one of the lowest-cost ways to leave T2 or T3 if you already hold a myki card in your wallet.
Stops sit on the arrivals level side of the forecourt used by several routes, including 478 and 479, so always check the electronic sign for “478 Moonee Ponds.” The bus itself shows route number 478 on the front and side, and most drivers announce “Tullamarine” or “Moonee Ponds” as they depart the airport. From the airport to Essendon Fields usually takes around 10–15 minutes in light traffic along Airport Drive.
Service winds down earlier than SkyBus, so late-night flights landing after about 22:00 should double-check the Public Transport Victoria timetable. Public buses also share the same congested roads as taxis on the Tullamarine Freeway and local streets, so a 10-minute run can blow out to 25 minutes in peak-hour traffic near Essendon and Niddrie.
Tip: Buy or top up your myki at the WHSmith or newsagency near T2 arrivals before you head to the forecourt stop, so you are not trying to find a machine once the 478 rolls up.