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There’s almost nothing worse than hitting the road for a flight, only to find there’s traffic hell awaiting you on the way to the airport.
While some of that is dependent on what’s happening on the day, there are also roadworks and closures planned that can affect your journey too.
With Australia’s three largest airports expecting millions of travellers through their doors over the festive period, here’s what is planned in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane and what you can do to avoid the congestion.
How long does it take to get to Melbourne Airport?
Melbourne Airport says 4.8 million people will pass through its terminals from December 13 to January 27, according to 7News.
On top of that, there are planned disruptions and road closures around Melbourne Airport this Christmas due to construction work on a new car entry ramp, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead.
Due to ongoing construction in the T1, T2 and T3 car park pick-up and drop-off areas, passengers should plan for potential delays of up to an hour during peak times.
To avoid getting stuck waiting, the airport recommends using the pick-up and drop-off at Terminal 4 instead – with the former on level 1 and latter on level 2.
While the T123 car park exit on Melbourne Drive is now fully open in both directions, Arrivals Drive is down to three lanes, and there are also temporary bay closures in the public pick-up lanes to be aware of.
The pedestrian route between the Value Car Park and the terminals has also temporarily changed so pedestrians are advised to factor in additional walking time for their journey. However, the free bus service is unaffected.
How long does it take to get to Sydney Airport?
Sydney Airport says it expects 5.8 million passengers between now and Australia Day – and believes it will be the busiest Christmas season for international travel on record.
While the peak day for domestic travel has thankfully now passed on December 13, the busiest day for international travel will be January 4, 2025.
Travellers are encouraged to plan ahead and allow plenty of time for their journey to the airport in case of road closures.
Official advice stated that vehicles may be redirected to drop off at the arrivals level during peak times and the best thing to do is check Sydney Airport's website for real-time updates on kerbside wait times and flight statuses before setting off.
For those planning to park, early bookings are advised to secure a spot too.
“This holiday season is expected to be busy, and while there may be queues, we will have plenty of staff on hand to ensure passengers get away safely," said Scott Charlton, CEO of Sydney Airport in a media statement.
"We’ve increased staffing levels and are activating overflow drop-off zones at the terminals to help passengers get into the terminals faster.
"We strongly encourage passengers to plan ahead and allow ample time for their journey.
“With our multi-million-dollar capital program currently underway, which includes significant construction works and security upgrades, passenger journeys may be different than usual.”
Sydney Airport has introduced live travel time estimates (including security wait times) on its website, giving drivers a better idea of how long it will take to reach the kerb once they enter the airport precinct.
Additionally, the NSW Government advises that anyone heading interstate or overseas should allow extra travel time as the queues to get into the airport precinct and through airport security may be longer than usual.
The state government also recommends public transport as the easiest way to get to the airport with trains scheduled to run every day from 5am to midnight. Bus services are also available.
If you are travelling by car, though, it suggested making sure you’re aware of new road connections from the freeway network to the airport as routes may have changed.
How long does it take to get to Brisbane Airport?
Brisbane Airport is also expecting three million passengers this summer, with peak days for domestic travel set to be December 19, 20, 23 and 26 (due to Boxing Day traffic from shoppers getting to the sales at the nearby DFO outlet). The busiest days for international travel are expected to be December 21 and 22, and January 4, 5 and 9.
"It will be busy inside the terminals as well as the pick-up areas and on the roads to and from the terminals. Keep your chill by allowing extra travel time to and from the airport and to get to your gate – we recommend arriving 90 minutes before your scheduled domestic flight and three hours before an international flight," Brisbane Airport's website says.
What motorists really need to be aware of, though, is that as a result of the P2 Domestic Parking Extension, there are changes to the Domestic Terminal waiting area and over-height zone – with the latter’s parking now closed.
Vehicles more than 2.4 metres high will need to use Airpark, which offers free buses to and from the terminal.
There’s also now 30 minutes of free parking at the Domestic ParkShort car park (located on Level 2 of the P1 car park).
“Parking is also expected to be near capacity, the advice is to book well in advance,” the airport states.
How long does it take to get to Perth Airport?
To a lesser extent, travellers using Perth Airport can also expect some disruption or road closures with the building of its first multi-storey car park set for completion in 2026 affecting local roads.
It advises people to allow extra time when travelling to T1 and T2 and follow all construction signage and traffic management in the area.
A born-and-bred newshound, Kathryn has worked her way up through the ranks reporting for, and later editing, two renowned UK regional newspapers and websites, before moving on to join the digital newsdesk of one of the world’s most popular newspapers – The Sun. More recently, she’s done a short stint in PR in the not-for-profit sector, and led the news team at Wheels Media.
