Airports near Cowes
AVV・MEB・MEL・KNS
What airports are closest to Cowes?
The gateway to Phillip Island is best served by several regional airports, though none are located directly within the city. Avalon Airport (AVV) is the nearest at 81.4 km, with a private taxi providing the fastest arrival in roughly 2 hours 10 minutes. Essendon Airport (MEB) is located 85.9 km away, with regional coach travel taking approximately 4 hours 45 minutes. Melbourne Airport (MEL) is situated 93.4 km from the destination, offering the most frequent connections with a travel time of about 3 hours 10 minutes by shuttle. Finally, King Island Airport (KNS) is the most remote option, located 197.3 km from Cowes and typically requiring 4 hours of combined travel via private arrangements to reach the island effectively. and book hotels in Cowes
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Airports near Cowes: AVV, MEB, MEL and KNS.
Airports Near Cowes: Key Information
Number of airports in Cowes
0
Closest airport to the city center
Avalon Airport (AVV)
Distance
81.4 km
Fastest arrival time
2 hours 10 minutes - 2 hours 40 minutes
Airport with the cheapest transport
Melbourne Airport (MEL)
Compare domestic and international airports near Cowes.
Avalon Airport
Distance: 81.4 km
Transport option
Est. duration
Est. fare
Features/best for
Public coach service with transfers
5 hours 30 minutes - 5 hours 50 minutes
AUD 40-60
Balanced
Direct private taxi
Fastest
2 hours 10 minutes - 2 hours 40 minutes
AUD 350-450
Comfort
Self-drive rental car
Cheapest
2 hours 10 minutes - 2 hours 40 minutes
AUD 80-150
Budget
Essendon Airport
Distance: 85.9 km
Transport option
Est. duration
Est. fare
Features/best for
Regional coach via Koo Wee Rup
Cheapest
4 hours 40 minutes - 5 hours 30 minutes
AUD 25-40
Budget
Private rideshare transfer
Fastest
2 hours 20 minutes - 3 hours
AUD 300-400
Balanced
Direct private taxi service
2 hours 20 minutes - 3 hours
AUD 350-500
Comfort
Melbourne Airport
Distance: 93.4 km
Transport option
Est. duration
Est. fare
Features/best for
V/Line coach and local bus link
Cheapest
4 hours 50 minutes - 5 hours 20 minutes
AUD 35-55
Budget
Direct airport shuttle service
3 hours - 3 hours 30 minutes
AUD 55-65
Balanced
Direct private taxi or chauffeur
Fastest
2 hours 10 minutes - 2 hours 40 minutes
AUD 300-450
Comfort
King Island Airport
Distance: 197.3 km
Transport option
Est. duration
Est. fare
Features/best for
Island rental car
Fastest
4 hours - 5 hours
AUD 85-150
Budget
Private local hire
4 hours - 5 hours
AUD 200-350
Comfort
Organized tour transfer
4 hours - 5 hours
AUD 100-200
Balanced
Compare 4 airports near Cowes
Airport Guide
Compare 4 airports near Cowes
For most travelers, Melbourne Airport (MEL) acts as the primary international gateway, offering the best balance of frequent coach services and private transport options. While not located in the city center of Cowes, it is the most practical choice for those arriving from overseas or interstate. Avalon Airport (AVV) is a domestic-focused alternative in a nearby city, often favored by low-cost carriers, though it requires longer road travel to reach the island. Essendon Airport (MEB) serves primarily as a general aviation hub in a separate city, suitable for those on private charters. Finally, King Island Airport (KNS) is located in a different jurisdiction altogether and involves complex logistics, making it suitable only for specific niche travel plans. Travelers should weigh the convenience of direct shuttle services against the cost-efficiency of regional V/Line coach connections, keeping in mind that public transport to Cowes usually requires at least one transfer.
Flights to Cowes
Sydney to Avalon Airport
Sydney to Melbourne Airport
Sydney to King Island Airport
See all flights
Hotels near Cowes airport
Breakfast
Good96 Reviews
Cowes|0.39km from city center
Room was big enough for my family of 3, Clean, toiletries provided is enough. 2 big beds and comfortable. Big TV, room at ground level, balcony can open and walk out to car park. Room doesn’t much have programme and need guests to sign in acct, which is not friendly to customers. Hotel location infront of sea, walking to distance to town centre just behind the hotel.FromUS$81
Great79 Reviews
Cowes|0.43km from city center
It was a last-minute decision to bring the kids to Phillip Island, so I booked this resort. It's very close to the beach, and since it was winter, it was quite windy, so we just took a quick walk by the sea in the morning. We didn't book a room right by the beach. My friends did, and those villas near the sea are actually converted shipping containers.
After watching the Penguin Parade, we wanted to eat at the resort's restaurant, but we forgot to make a reservation, so we had to drive to another restaurant nearby. A friendly reminder to fellow travelers: if you're returning to the resort after the Penguin Parade, definitely remember to book your meals!
Check-in is after 2 PM, and check-out is before 10 AM. We arrived at 12:30 PM, which was a bit awkward. Communication didn't help, so we had to wait until after 2 PM. The staff here finish at 5 PM, and by the time we got back after seeing the penguins, it was already 6:30 PM and pitch black. It took us a while to find our room. Self-check-in wasn't too difficult though; they just tell you the password for the keyless entry, and you go straight in.
The room has a fridge and a microwave, so heating up milk or similar things wasn't an issue.FromUS$98
Very Good161 Reviews
Cowes|2.36km from city center
This resort is super close to the penguin viewing area, just about a 10-minute drive. The entire property is really spacious, and there's a good distance between each villa, so privacy is excellent. They also have a restaurant, a pool, and various activities you can join. The staff are all very thoughtful and patient. I highly recommend staying here!FromUS$116
Very Good64 Reviews
Cowes|0.25km from city center
Clean and spacious, and located near to the main street in Cowes. Would recommend this motel to anyone interested!FromUS$71
Very Good57 Reviews
Cowes|0.22km from city center
The location is great, right by the beach. The apartment is new and has a swimming pool. The only inconvenience is that the check-out is too early; you have to check in at 3 pm and check out at 10 am. Otherwise, it's great.FromUS$220
Family friendly
Very Good485 Reviews
Cowes|1.54km from city center
The room is relatively large, enough for 3 people. It has a dining area and a kitchen area. The bathroom is also separated from dry and wet areas. There is also a small area at the door where you can sit and drink coffee. Overall, it is pretty good. There is a pot and stove for you to cook your own meals.Amazing85 Reviews
Cowes|0.99km from city center
A cozy place to enjoy your time with family. It's a house with three lovely bedrooms. Also, don't miss the fire place. It's a wonderful experience for us.FromUS$362
Very Good41 Reviews
Cowes|2.52km from city center
All good, we had a nice stay at the hotel, friendly front staff , good size bedroom, lot of parking spotsFromUS$75
Great130 Reviews
Cowes|1.02km from city center
This is a very small motor inn. No swimming pool in the inn. But location wise very well located nearby shopping and dinning street. And only 5 minutes walk to local RSL.FromUS$82
Very Good195 Reviews
Cowes|0.22km from city center
The door lock is difficult to open, but the room is well equipped. The bathroom is separated from wet and dry areas and is connected to the bedroom and corridor. The open kitchen is large and suitable for cooking. The terrace is also large and has a clothes dryer.FromUS$211
5 star
Very Good61 Reviews
Cowes|0.46km from city center
Our first time to do self check in, the instructions given were clear and easy to follow.
We arrived late and didn't see a single staff during our stay. Yet, the staff replying our queries through emails were exceptionally helpful and friendly.
The room is spacious and clean, not fancy but comfortable. Hot water was running a bit slow for the last person to take a shower. Otherwise, it was perfect.
The location is great, within walking distance to the restaurants and shops, or a 2 min. drive. There is a children's park outside the hotel and the kids enjoyed it very much. The beach view is also spectacular.FromUS$187
Amazing52 Reviews
Cowes|3.56km from city center
We had a wonderful stay at this apartment. It was clean and tidy, and the landlord was incredibly considerate. Before we arrived, he had already opened the air conditioning to keep the room warm. Phillip Island is a fantastic place, and we definitely want to return!FromUS$140
Great7 Reviews
Cowes|0.48km from city center
When we rang the doorbell at the B&B, the old lady who owned the B&B complained that we didn't use the passcode they sent us to open the door by ourselves. I think it's a problem with trip.com. Our room is on the second floor, with two bedrooms side by side, and a shared kitchen and living room outside. The room is clean and comfortable. Each room has a balcony with a beautiful view. Unfortunately, there was a power outage at night, supposedly due to a thunderstorm. You can check out by yourself, just leave the key in the room.FromUS$129
Very Good152 Reviews
Cowes|0.41km from city center
The location is good, the room size is OK, and the facilities are a little older than the other apartments in this trip. The shortcoming is that the apartment front desk is outside the two intersections. You need to drive in the past to pick up the keys and come back. There is also a room on the third floor, and it is a little difficult to carry heavy luggage.FromUS$182
Very Good125 Reviews
Cowes|0.31km from city center
I took the bus to Phillip Island, and this place is really close to the bus station with a supermarket right next door, which is super convenient. However, the Wi-Fi kept cutting out.FromUS$68
FAQs
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Which airport is the closest to Cowes?
The nearest airport to Cowes is Avalon Airport (AVV), about 81.4 km away.Essendon Airport (MEB) (85.9 km), Melbourne Airport (MEL) (93.4 km) and King Island Airport (KNS) (197.3 km).
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How long does it take to get from Cowes to the airport?
Getting from Cowes to Avalon Airport (AVV) takes about 2 hours 10 minutes - 2 hours 40 minutes.
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How do I get to Cowes?
We recommend flying into Avalon Airport (AVV), which is approximately 81.4 km away. The fastest mode of transportation is Direct private taxi, reaching downtown in about 2 hours 10 minutes - 2 hours 40 minutes.
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How many airports does Cowes have?
Cowes has 4 airports: Avalon Airport (AVV), Essendon Airport (MEB), Melbourne Airport (MEL) and King Island Airport (KNS).