Avoiding the exit ramp to Melbourne Airport in the morning rush

[TimB]

Hi,

I need to get to Melbourne Airport by around 6:30am on Monday; my father has kindly offered to drive, but is worried about the traffic jam at the exit ramp off the Tullamarine Freeway. He's suggested taking the previous exit ramp, turning right at Melrose Drive, going along behind the long term car park, right at Centre Rd and then left onto Departure Drive. (Here is is on Google Maps: Tullamarine Freeway to Departure Drive - Google Maps)

Has anyone tried that? Has it saved time? It seems like it might work, but I thought I'd canvass the assembled wisdom here.

Thanks,

Tim.

 

[serfty]

I'd suggest playing by what you see.

If the traffic is backed past Mickleham Rd that diversion may be of use. (Or you could bail out at Airport west and take Merose drive).

 

[Sprucegoose]

Mel does seem bad on Monday early am. I now fly Sunday night.

My driver drops me at arrivals along the bottom during busy times, can save a few minutes at least.

Sorry can't help with advice more than serfty has done

 

[munitalP]

If coming around the WRR from the Geelong Freeway direction, get off at Keilor Park Drive and basically follow your nose - the back way in that I use (taxi, driver or personal) now in the mornings 90% of the time I am not parking.

If not, exit at Mickleham Rd, (if the traffic is banked that far back) and right into Melrose - even though it feels like you are going backwards, you will quickly be at the airport - faster than the Tulla.

I have also gone straight past the airport towards Sunbry, then done a U Turn at Oaklands road (Im assuming that that option is still available) and been at Qantas in no time to park the car

The obvious other answer, is allow a bit more time for traffic hold ups and ride the congestion wave