Last month, I found myself rushing around the house at 5 AM, desperately trying to figure out how I'd get to Melbourne Airport from my home in Berwick. My usual ride had canceled last minute, and I was left scrambling for alternatives. Not exactly how anyone wants to start their vacation!
That stressful morning taught me a valuable lesson - always have a backup plan when it comes to airport transportation. Since then, I've done my homework on the best ways to make the journey from Berwick to Melbourne Airport, and I thought I'd share what I've learned with fellow locals.
The most efficient options, taxi from Berwick to Melbourne Airport include standard taxis, maxi cabs, chauffeur cars, and pre-booked airport transfers.
First things first - Berwick sits about 50 kilometers southeast of Melbourne Airport. Not exactly a quick hop, especially during peak hours when the Monash Freeway resembles a parking lot more than a highway. The journey typically takes 45-60 minutes in good traffic, but can easily stretch beyond 90 minutes during rush hour.
After trying various options, I've found that booking a taxi in advance is often the most reliable choice. When I needed to catch an early morning flight last week, I called Berwick Taxi Booking the night before. My driver showed up right on time at 4:30 AM, and I arrived at the terminal with plenty of time to spare.
What makes pre-booked taxis work well:
The downside? Cost. This isn't the cheapest option, but the convenience factor makes it worthwhile for many travelers.
Rideshare services have become my go-to for afternoon flights. The availability has improved tremendously in Berwick over the past couple of years.
My personal experience has been mostly positive, though I've had a couple of close calls. Last September, I requested a ride about 2.5 hours before my flight, only to watch the app search for a driver for nearly 20 minutes. I eventually got matched, but it left me more anxious than I'd like before a flight.
Typical costs run between $70-95, depending on time of day and demand. The unpredictability factor makes this slightly less reliable than a pre-booked taxi, especially during off-peak hours in Berwick.
For the budget-conscious traveler willing to allow extra time, public transport is doable, though it requires some patience. Here's the route I took when testing this option: