A new study ranks Melbourne Airport among the least convenient airports

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Cairns Airport has been named Australia's most convenient airport, while Melbourne Airport has taken the bottom position in a new national ranking examining the cost and ease of travelling to major airports.

The 2026 Airport Convenience Index, published by comparison website iSelect, assessed 11 major Australian airports.

The study considered factors including parking costs and availability, public transport and taxi fares, distance from city centres, passenger numbers and airport size.

Cairns Airport secured first place, largely due to its close proximity to the city centre and relatively affordable transport options.

Located just 5.7 kilometres from the CBD, Cairns Airport recorded an average transport cost of $20. Weekly parking costs an average of $176.67.

Darwin Airport ranked second. It offers cheaper parking, an average taxi fare of $32.50 to the city and free public transport.

Canberra Airport took third place, recording the lowest average transport cost in the study at $14. Weekly parking also costs less than $200.

At the other end of the rankings, Melbourne Airport was named Australia's least convenient airport.

Its distance of 22 kilometres from the CBD and particularly high parking fees contributed to its last-place position. Weekly parking costs an average of $412, the highest among the airports assessed.

A taxi journey to Melbourne Airport typically costs between $55 and $70, while the bus fare is around $25.90.

Brisbane, Gold Coast and Adelaide airports also ranked among the less convenient options.

The study also examined Western Sydney International Airport, which has recently opened. Although complete data was not available, its parking costs were found to be lower than those at Sydney Airport.

Western Sydney International has more than 6,000 parking spaces, with average weekly parking costing $179.75. This compares with $323 at Sydney Airport.

However, the new airport is approximately 60 kilometres from Sydney's CBD, with an average transport cost of $111. Travelling to Sydney Airport costs an average of $31.53.

The planned metro connection to Western Sydney International is not expected to be available for another year.

Despite the longer journey from central Sydney, the airport offers a more convenient and affordable option for many residents living in western Sydney.

Australia's airports ranked by convenience in 2026: