SkyBus Sunshine Express readies for boarding - tickets now on sale for $9.99

• The Sunshine Express will operate seven days a week with departures every 30 minutes 
• The service will launch with an all-electric fleet – the first SkyBus route in Melbourne to go 100% electric 
• The service will provide a fast, frequent and affordable airport connection for Melbourne’s west and regional centres  

Tickets are now on sale for the new SkyBus Sunshine Express service at an introductory fare of $9.99 (T&Cs apply), connecting Sunshine Station directly to Melbourne Airport from 9 November 2025.

The Sunshine Express will operate seven days a week with departures every 30 minutes during operating hours, taking approximately 30 minutes via the M80 Ring Road.

Following the introductory period, adult fares will be $17.00 one-way ($29.00 return), with family fares offering free travel for up to four children travelling free with paying adults.

The service provides connections via Sunshine Station to metropolitan train services, and V/Line regional services from Ballarat, Geelong, Warrnambool and Ararat.

Recent research commissioned by SkyBus shows strong demand for more affordable transportation options to the airport, with almost half of all travellers between Melbourne Airport and Melbourne’s west travelling to the airport using their own car (48.5%), whilst 28.1% rely on friends or family for lifts and 25.9% use rideshare services.

Interest in the new Sunshine Express was highest amongst residents of Sunshine and adjacent suburbs, with 89% of residents surveyed stating they would utilise the service.

Saving on the need to drive and park at the airport was the key attractor for those living in regional centres, where self-driving is currently the main mode of transport for airport travel. 46% of Geelong residents and 42.4% of Ballarat residents currently report primarily driving themselves to the airport.

SkyBus General Manager (Melbourne) Audrey Speziale said the Sunshine Express addresses the clear need for more affordable, convenient transport options to the airport in Melbourne’s west.

“We know that residents of Sunshine and surrounding suburbs have been calling for direct airport transport, and we’re excited about the strong demand from the local community.

“We look forward to delivering a direct, affordable and frequent service for both travellers and workers between Sunshine and Melbourne Airport.

“Our research also shows people want alternatives to driving, particularly for the long journey from regional centres like Geelong and Ballarat,” she said.

“V/Line commuters from Geelong, Ballarat, Warrnambool and Ararat can now connect to the Sunshine Express via Sunshine Station, as opposed to travelling into Southern Cross to connect via the Melbourne City Express, saving both time and money."

The Sunshine Express will launch with an all-electric fleet – the first SkyBus route in Melbourne to go 100% electric – supporting Victoria’s climate commitments and providing quieter, greener transport for airport commuters.

SkyBus has committed to going fully electric across all Melbourne services by 2031.

The Sunshine Express joins SkyBus’ Eastern Express service (launched 31 August) and existing Melbourne City Express, Peninsula Express and Avalon City Express services.

Tickets and timetables are available at www.skybus.com.au.