Melbourne Airport (MEL): Paid Access Lounge Guide

Melbourne Airport (MEL), also known as Tullamarine Airport, is the main international airport serving Melbourne, Victoria, in Australia.

It is the second busiest airport in Australia by passenger traffic, handling over 36 million travellers annually. The airport is a major hub for airlines Qantas, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia.

It has four terminals consisting of one international terminal, one budget domestic terminal, and two full-service domestic terminals.

This guide covers all three of the paid lounge access options at Melbourne Airport. It includes information on each lounge’s location, hours, access rules, and amenities to help you make the most of your travel experience.

The Marhaba Lounge is generally considered one of the better paid access lounges at Melbourne Airport.

You can sink into the leather armchairs with unobstructed runway views, and enjoy a modest buffet selection.

Located in Terminal 2 departures, between Gates 9 and 11. Take the escalator up to Level 3. 

• Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday: 05:00–23:00 (5am-11pm)

• Tuesday and Saturday: 05:00–09:00 (5-9am) and 18:30–23:00 (6:30-11pm)

• Sunday: 05:00–13:00 (5am-1pm) and 18:30–23:00 (6:30-11pm)

Guests can stay at this lounge for 3-6 hours depending on their access method.

• Hot and cold food options

• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (including Australian wines)

• Showers (complimentary)

• Family room

• Prayer room

• Massage chairs

• Wi-Fi

• TVs

• Luggage storage

• Flexible Day Pass:

• Other Advance Purchase Options:

  • Book 4- to 6-hour stays via the Marhaba website, starting from AU$71 (US$50) for 4 hours.

  • You can also pay for a pass using your Emirates Skywards miles instead of cash, but must purchase in advance.

  • Lounge Pass offers 3-hour access for US$50 per adult, and US$15 per child aged 2-11.

  • These options require you to book a time and date in advance.

• Memberships:

  • Priority Pass and Dreamfolks members can access this lounge as per their membership benefits.

  • A Dragonpass membership plan will get you entry into this lounge, for a maximum 3-hour stay. You can also purchase a one-off walk-up pass for US$55, without a membership.

  • Complimentary guest entitlements will depend on how you have obtained your membership with these programs.

• Cardholders:

  • Access is available with cards offering Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or Dragonpass memberships. Examples include:

    • Dragonpass via Visa Airport Companion (Visa Platinum/Infinite/Signature)

    • LoungeKey via eligible Mastercards

    • Mastercard Travel Pass

    • Priority Pass‑linked cards like American Express Platinum and Diners Club

• Walk Up Access: You can purchase access at the reception desk directly.

Children under 2 years old are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

The Plaza Premium Lounge resembles a business class suite with plenty of secluded alcoves and a complimentary selection of beers and wines at the bar.

It does have limited natural light, however, so if you're looking for a runway view, you might want to check out the Marhaba Lounge instead.

Located in International Departures, Terminal 2, Melbourne Airport (near Gate 9)

08:30–23:00 daily (8:30am-11pm)

Guests can stay at this lounge for 2-5 hours depending on their access method.

• Hot and cold food options

• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

• Bar with complimentary selection of local and imported beers and wines

• Wi-Fi

• TVs

• Printers and photocopiers

• Flexible Day Pass:

• Other Advance Purchase Options:

  • Book via the Plaza Premium website for ~AU$66 (~US$47) for a 2-hour stay package, or AU$80 (~US$56) for 5 hours.

  • Lounge Pass offers 3- to 6-hour stay packages starting from US$49 for 3 hours.

  • These options require you to book a time and date in advance.

• Memberships:

  • Priority Pass and Dreamfolks members can access this lounge as per their membership benefits.

  • Complimentary guest entitlements will depend on how you have obtained your membership with these programs.

• Cardholders:

  • Access is available with cards offering Priority Pass, or LoungeKey memberships. Examples include:

    • LoungeKey via eligible Mastercards

    • Mastercard Travel Pass

    • Priority Pass‑linked cards like American Express Platinum and Diners Club

• Walk Up Access: You can purchase access at the reception desk directly.

Children under 2 years old are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

Located in Terminal 2 (International) after security on Level 1. After clearing immigration, follow the signs for 'Lounges' and make your way to Level 1. From there, follow the signage to the Aspire Lounge.

07:00-00:00 daily (7am-midnight)

Guests can stay at this lounge for a maximum of 3 hours.

• Hot meals and cold snacks

• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

• Showers (subject to additional payment)

• Wi-Fi

• TVs

• Flexible Day Pass:

• Other Advance Purchase Options:

  • Book a 2-hour pass via the Aspire website for AU$72 (US$51).

  • Lounge Pass offers 3-hour stay packages for US$50 per person.

  • These options require you to book a time and date in advance.

• Memberships:

  • Priority Pass and Dreamfolks members can access this lounge as per their membership benefits.

  • A Dragonpass membership plan will get you entry into this lounge, for a maximum 3-hour stay. You can also purchase a one-off walk-up pass for US$55, without a membership.

  • Complimentary guest entitlements will depend on how you have obtained your membership with these programs.

• Cardholders:

  • Access is available with cards offering Priority Pass, Dragonpass, or LoungeKey memberships. Examples include:

    • Dragonpass via Visa Airport Companion (Visa Platinum/Infinite/Signature)

    • LoungeKey via eligible Mastercards

    • Mastercard Travel Pass

    • Priority Pass‑linked cards like American Express Platinum and Diners Club

• Walk Up Access: You can purchase access at the reception desk directly.

Children under 2 years old are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

Melbourne Airport currently offers three main paid access lounge options, each catering to slightly different priorities but all providing an escape from the busy departures area.

Plaza Premium delivers a more polished space, but lacks showers and natural lighting.

Aspire, meanwhile, is in a temporary setup during renovations, so while it remains accessible via paid access passes or programs like Priority Pass, it is more limited than usual.

The Marhaba lounge is the most practical experience, with airspace views and complimentary shower facilities.

Whichever lounge you choose, they are all an easy way to make the time before boarding a bit more enjoyable.