SkyBus to go 100% electric in Melbourne, launch new Eastern Express and Sunshine Express services

• Two new express SkyBus services to provide greater Melbourne Airport access 
• SkyBus to go fully electric across its Melbourne services by 2031  
• Kinetic to commit AUD 80 million into new services, electrification of fleet and depot upgrades 

SkyBus has announced two new express services – the Eastern Express and Sunshine Express – will be launched before the end of the year, to provide greater airport accessibility to Melbourne's eastern and western suburbs.

The Eastern Express service will launch on 31 August 2025, with tickets on sale from 8 August 2025.

The 7-day-a-week service will travel to and from Box Hill Central and Melbourne Airport, stopping at Watsonia and Doncaster.

Customers will be able to buy Eastern Express tickets at the special introductory price of $9.99* one-way, with tickets valid 3 months from purchase.

The Sunshine Express service will commence on 9 November 2025, travelling directly between Sunshine Station and Melbourne Airport.

Both new services are part of SkyBus' continued operations at Melbourne Airport under a new contract with the Victorian Government through to the end of 2034.

SkyBus will also lead the way in sustainable airport public transport, committing to a fully electric fleet across its Melbourne services by 2031.

The ambitious electrification rollout will include Australia's first electric double decker buses, with estimated arrival by mid 2027.

The Sunshine Express will begin this zero-emissions transformation, with its service commencing with an all-electric fleet, whilst the Eastern Express will transition to electric in 2026.

This electrification program positions SkyBus at the forefront of clean transport innovation, delivering quieter, greener journeys and a world-class welcome for visitors to Melbourne.

CEO of SkyBus’ parent company Kinetic, Michael Sewards said it's a great privilege to maintain SkyBus' strong partnership with the Victorian Government and Melbourne Airport in launching these new services.

"These new Eastern Express and Sunshine Express services will connect more Melbourne communities directly to the airport, providing a convenient and affordable transport option," he said.

"Since its humble beginnings as a single-bus airport shuttle service nearly 50 years ago, SkyBus has grown to carry almost 3 million people to and from the airport every year, and these new services will help us serve even more passengers."

"This expansion highlights the key role SkyBus has come to play in Melbourne and celebrates the amazing SkyBus experience which has earned a reputation globally as world class."

SkyBus General Manager Audrey Speziale said she's proud of the difference SkyBus is making to provide a cleaner and greener mode of transport for its customers and communities.

"Throughout SkyBus and the broader Kinetic business we're growing our electric bus fleet and removing hundreds of thousands of kilograms of CO2 emissions from our atmosphere," she said.

"We look forward to continuing this track record throughout the full electrification of the SkyBus fleet, which is yet another investment in improving the experience customers having aboard SkyBus."

Melbourne Airport Chief of Property, Retail and Ground Transport Jai McDermott welcomed the SkyBus expansion.

“SkyBus is an essential part of our transport mix, and these new services will provide much needed improvements to connectivity for our staff and passengers. We thank the Victorian Government for providing SkyBus with the certainty and SkyBus for committing to these services,” he said.

“The airport is growing, and with the recent approval of our third runway we are on track to welcome more than 76 million passengers by 2042, so we need the right transport infrastructure in place to support that growth and SkyBus will play a pivotal role in this.”

SkyBus services currently run express to Melbourne CBD from Melbourne Airport, the Peninsula Express runs from Melbourne Airport to St Kilda, Frankston and other bayside suburbs and the Avalon Express services Melbourne's Avalon Airport through Werribee. SkyBus also services Hobart International Airport. 

*T&Cs are available at skybus.com.au with tickets valid 3 months from the date of purchase.