Flights from Melbourne to Beijing

Compare Cheap Flights from Melbourne to Beijing

If you’re looking to have an authentic and exciting experience in China, head to the nation’s capital, Beijing. Beijing is one of the oldest cities in the world, with human habitation dating back about 230,000 years. Today, it’s an international hub for technology, business, and politics. Although Beijing is a modern and high-tech city, it still embraces its rich history. Throughout the city, you can experience historic sites, world-famous landmarks, great shopping and delicious local cuisine food. Whatever you are looking for in a holiday, Beijing has got you covered.

Pack your bags, brush up on some Mandarin and start planning for your Chinese adventure with Webjet’s cheap flights from Melbourne to Beijing.

The best time to visit Beijing

The best times to book airfares for travel to Beijing are from March to May and September to October. During these times of year, the temperatures are mild, ranging from -1 to 26°C. In addition to avoiding the sweltering summer heat, you will miss peak tourist season, when attractions are at their busiest.

If you don’t mind bundling up, the cheapest time to book hotels in Beijing is for the months of November to February. However, visiting during these holidays might spike rates and crowds, so be wary. Chinese New Year in mid-February can be overcrowded, but it also makes for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Daytime temperatures usually stay above 0 degrees Celsius in the winter, but nighttime weather can drop as low as -9 degrees Celsius, so make sure you pack a warm coat.

Departing From Melbourne

Melbourne Airport (also known to locals as Melbourne Tullamarine) is located north of the city and is the departure point for most international flights leaving Melbourne. Avalon Airport is Melbourne’s second airport. It’s a small airport serving mainly flights within Australia, but some international flights depart from Avalon if they are connecting through Sydney.

Many different airlines offer cheap airfares from Melbourne (MEL) to Beijing (PEK), including Qantas, AirAsia, Air China, Virgin Australia, Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines. With more than 550 return flights from Melbourne to Beijing each week, you can be on your way to experiencing China in no time. While most of the flights from MEL to PEK include a stopover, Air China offers a direct route that gets you into Beijing Airport in less than 12 hours.

Getting to Melbourne Airport (MEL)

The SkyBus is the most stress-free way to get to Melbourne Airport with five different express routes. Each bus route runs every day of the week and buses are equipped with Wifi onboard. The most popular route departs from Southern Cross Station and offers service 24 hours a day. You can also catch a SkyBus from the Southbank and Docklands, St Kilda, the Western suburbs, and even the Mornington Peninsula. Prices vary based on departure location, but tickets start at $18 AUD one-way and can be purchased through the SkyBus website.

Prefer to take a taxi or an Uber? Leaving from the CBD, a taxi will have you at Melbourne Airport in less than a half hour. From the CBD, the taxi fare to the airport costs about $55 to $75 AUD.

If you plan on driving to Melbourne Airport, the Long Term car park is the most budget-friendly option. You can park for less than $10 AUD a day, and the sooner you reserve your spot, the lower your rate will be. A free shuttle bus is available to take you from the car park to the airport terminals in less than 5 minutes.

Getting to Avalon Airport (AVV)

Avalon Airport is located about 50 kilometres southwest of Melbourne’s CBD, just outside of Geelong. The SkyBus has an Avalon City Express route, which picks up passengers from Southern Cross Station and on Synnot Street in Werribee. Tickets from the CBD cost $22 AUD one-way, and tickets from Werribee are $19 AUD one-way. The Skybus will get you to Avalon Airport in 50 minutes from the CBD and 30 minutes from Werribee.

Avalon Airport has one large car park, and the longer you park, the lower your daily rate will be. Weeklong parking costs $79 AUD per car, and parking for two weeks costs $132 AUD. The car park is equipped with 24-hour surveillance and it is located just outside the airport, so you walk from your car to the terminal in just a few minutes.

Arriving in Beijing

There are two major airports in Beijing: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Beijing Nanyuan Airport (NAY). Both airports accommodate international flights and receive flights from Melbourne on a variety of airlines, including Qantas, Virgin Australia, Air China and Cathay Pacific.

How to Get from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) to Your Beijing Hotel or Accommodation

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is located about 32 kilometres (20 miles) outside of the city centre. As well as being the major airport in Beijing, it is the busiest airport in Asia and second busiest in the world for passenger traffic.

The Airport Express line departs from Terminals 2 and 3 and offers the most convenient route into central Beijing. The Airport Express Line will get you into the city in approximately 15 to 20 minutes, and tickets cost 25 yuan (about $5 AUD).

The Beijing Airport Shuttle Bus is an affordable option for travelling between the airport and the city. is option is especially ideal for those without much luggage. Tickets start at 20 yuan (about $4 AUD) for a one-way journey.

For a simple trip directly to your hotel, you can catch a taxi from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK). A taxi into the city centre costs approximately 120 yuan (about $25 AUD) and will get you to your hotel in about 40 minutes.

How to Get from Beijing Nanyuan Airport (NAY) to Your Beijing Hotel or Accommodation

Beijing Nanyuan Airport (NAY) is located 13 kilometres (8 miles) outside the city centre. There are two terminals in Beijing Nanyuan Airport (NAY): the new terminal and the old terminal.

Budget-conscious travellers will be happy to know that you can travel from this airport into the city for free! If you show your flight ticket, you can take the complimentary airport bus to Xidan Civil Aviation Building in the city centre. From there, you’ll be within walking distance to many central Beijing hotels, or you can catch the subway to locations all over the city.

If you would prefer to take a taxi from Beijing Nanyuan Airport (NAY) to your hotel, it will take about an hour with normal traffic conditions. Taxis cost about 100 yuan ($20.30 AUD).

Things to do in Beijing

Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square is one of the largest city squares in the world and has hosted some of the most famous events in China’s history, including the protests of 1989. Within the square, you can see the National Museum of China, the Monument to the People’s Heroes, and the Great Hall of the People. It is also the location of the Memorial Hall of Chairman Mao.

The Great Wall of China

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most iconic attractions in China. The Great Wall was built between 220 to 206 BC and was designed to protect China against invaders. The Great Wall of China extends for 21,196 kilometres (13,170 miles) through the country; it would take roughly 18 months to walk its entirety. From central Beijing, you can catch a bus that will take you right to the wall for 12 yuan ($2.45 AUD). If you’re planning to climb or walk a section of the Wall, be sure to wear sturdy shoes as the structure is quite steep in places.

Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is a complex of religious structures located in the centre of Beijing. It was built in the 15th century following the designs created by several Chinese dynasties. The temple was originally built for Chinese heaven worship, and today is seen as a place for Taoist worship. The Temple of Heaven is a great place to learn about the spiritual side of China. Within the temple, be sure to check out the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Imperial Vault of Heaven, and the Circular Mound Altar.

Forbidden City

The Forbidden City is an imperial palace that is famously one of the most historic sites in Beijing. It sits opposite Tiananmen Square and was the home of Chinese royalty from the Ming Dynasty in the 15th century to the Qing Dynasty in the 20th century. It is one of the most visited locations in Beijing, with tourists flocking to discover the City’s arsenal of gardens, courtyards, museums and traditional architecture.

Donghuamen Night Market

The Donghuamen Night Market includes a variety of food stalls and is popular with both locals and tourists. The market is the perfect place to try some traditional Chinese cuisine. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can taste scorpions, centipedes, and fried crickets. Otherwise, you can try other local fare, including dumplings, spring rolls, Peking duck, and various noodle dishes.