Flights to Melbourne

Important information on flights to Melbourne

The city of Melbourne is a vibrant cosmopolitan city located in Victoria, Australia, and is best known for its arts, culture, and sports. With frequent flights to Melbourne, savvy travellers shouldn’t pass up an opportunity to see Melbourne’s must-see sights. A world-renowned hipster culture, world-class shopping, and amazing museums and galleries await you across the bustling city.

Tour Melbourne's most popular attractions, including a wander through the city’s colourful laneways and the entertainment hub of Federation Square. Get up close with the local wildlife at Melbourne Zoo, catch a show at the historic Princess Theatre or see the latest exhibitions at the top galleries in Melbourne. Hit up some of the city’s best markets, from Queen Victoria Market to Prahran Market, or, for a leisurely afternoon, enjoy some of Melbourne's best picnic spots accompanied by a delicious spread. There are plenty of things to do in Melbourne that are free or cost little to nothing.

Melbourne is a foodie’s paradise, with great food and even better coffee found across the city’s thriving subculture of cafes, restaurants and bars. Visitors to the city on flights to Melbourne should indulge in the city's world-renowned brunch culture with menus peppered with items from smashed avo to flat whites. With a full stomach, enjoy a thrilling game of AFL, or take a tour of the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the city's home of cricket.

With Melbourne Airport (MEL) conveniently located northwest of the CBD, you can begin your adventure as soon as you disembark your flight. It's easy to see why Melbourne is one of the most popular destinations in Australia — the city is also surrounded by breathtaking mountain ranges, renowned wine regions, and some of the best golden beaches Melbourne has to offer. Find cheap flights to Melbourne and get your adventure started!   

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights To Melbourne

How long does it take to fly to Melbourne? 

The duration of flights to Melbourne will vary depending on where you're travelling from. Closer locations such as Sydney, Adelaide or Hobart will take up to 1 hour and 30 mins. If you’re travelling from Brisbane or Cairns to Melbourne, it’s approximately 2 hours and 20 mins. It will take more than 3 hours and 30 mins from Cairns, Perth or Darwin. For more information on popular flights to Melbourne, find more detail below:

3 hour 35 min From Sydney
2 hours 20 min From Gold Coast
2 hours 20 min From Brisbane
1 hour 10 min From Canberra
1 hour 15 min From Hobart
1 hour 20 min From Adelaide
3 hours 30 min From Perth

When is the cheapest time of year to fly to Melbourne?

The cheapest time of year to fly to Melbourne is the off-peak season from May to June, also from the end of July to the end of September. However, great deals may be found all year round when searching for cheap flights to Melbourne.

Which airlines offer direct flights to Melbourne?

Depending on what city you’re flying from, the main airlines that fly direct to Melbourne are Jetstar, Qantas, Virgin Australia and Regional Express (Rex). You can find cheap flights to Melbourne from these airlines throughout the year via our flights to Melbourne search form.

What is the airport code for flights to Melbourne?

The Airport code for flights to Melbourne Airport is MEL.

What terminal will I arrive in for domestic flights to Melbourne?

Your domestic terminal may vary depending on the airline you are flying with.
Terminal 1 (T1): Domestic – Qantas.
Terminal 3 (T3): Domestic – Virgin.
Terminal 4 (T4): Domestic – Jetstar, Rex and Airnorth.

What terminal will I arrive in for international flights to Melbourne?

All international flights arrive at Terminal 2 (T2): International.

What is the best time of year to book flights to Melbourne?

The best time to book flights to Melbourne is from March to May and September to November, as these months have pleasant temperatures, moderate tourist crowds and lower airfares. You have a greater chance of finding cheap flights to Melbourne during off-peak times. Travelling during the colder months from June to August means you may find cheaper flights and accommodation during these months. Book in advance to take advantage of any special deals from airlines and hotels.

What cities can I fly to Melbourne from?

There is an abundance of domestic Melbourne flights available. If you’re flying domestically from another Australian city, choose to fly from Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Cairns, Darwin, Hobart, Hamilton Island, Sunshine Coast, Mackay, Gold Coast, Rockhampton, Sydney and Townsville.

How far is it from the airport in Melbourne to the CBD? 

Melbourne Airport (MEL) is approximately 23 kilometres northwest of the Melbourne CBD. Several public transportation options are available, such as the SkyBus and the airport's shuttle service, which connect passengers directly to the city centre.

What Are Melbourne’s Top Attractions?

Federation Square
The bustling heart of Melbourne, Federation Square is a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike. It is home to the Melbourne Arts Precinct, a vibrant creative community and the artistic centre of the CBD, which features modern architecture, art exhibits, and several restaurants and cafes. A stone’s throw away from the famous Flinders Street Station, you’ll also be within walking distance of the street art and graffiti in Hosier Lane. To complete your city centre tour, stroll along the Yarra River or join a boat tour to enjoy more scenic city views.

Queen Victoria Market
Established in 1878, this historic marketplace is the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere. Also known affectionately as ‘Vic Market’ or ‘Queen Vic’, Queen Victoria Market has been the heart and soul of Melbourne for more than a century and currently features more than 600 small businesses and shops. Stocking everything from Australian fruit and vegetables and local and imported gourmet foods to clothing and souvenirs, the Queen Vic market is open five days a week. It is the perfect place to pick up gifts for family and friends.

Royal Botanic Gardens
Located just outside Melbourne's CBD, these immaculate gardens feature over 8,500 plant species, lush landscapes, serene lakes, and much more. Visitors to the Royal Botanical Gardens can explore the gardens on foot, enjoy a picnic, or participate in guided tours to learn about the area's history, ecology, and horticulture. The gardens have several unique attractions, such as the tropical glasshouse, the cacti and succulent garden, and the Ian Potter Foundation Children's Garden, making it a must-visit destination for city dwellers.

Melbourne Skydeck
Melbourne Skydeck is the highest public vantage point in the Southern Hemisphere. It takes less than 40 seconds to reach level 88, and you can see several world-famous landmarks from its floor-to-ceiling windows. At Skydeck 88, you can also have a thrilling experience on 'The Edge', a glass cube that extends three metres out of the building and 300 metres above street level. End your adventure in style at Bar 88 with delicious snacks and drinks — cheers to that! 

National Gallery of Victoria
An extensive collection of paintings and sculptures from around the world is housed at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), Australia's oldest and most visited art museum. Located in the heart of Melbourne, it neighbours Federation Square, Flinders Street Station, and the Yarra River. Check out flights to Melbourne to visit the NGV’s exquisite galleries and explore famous Australian and international artists.

St Kilda Beach
Relaxed and beachy, St Kilda is a popular tourist destination southeast of Melbourne’s CBD, offering a range of activities, including swimming, sunbathing, and cycling along the beachfront. Spend a day by the sea at St Kilda Beach, a short tram ride from the CBD, and summer will be complete. Grab some food and refreshments along the main street of St.Kilda and browse local boutiques. The area is also home to Luna Park, an amusement park with rides and attractions for all ages.

Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
Melbourne Cricket Ground, also known as "The G", is one of the world's most iconic sporting venues and can be found in Yarra Park. It has hosted many of Australia’s most significant sporting events, including international cricket matches and AFL games. With a deep-rooted history, you can visit the Australian Sports Museum showcasing the heritage of Australian sports with interactive exhibits, memorabilia, and multimedia displays. Finish their day with a meal or drink at one of the stadium's  

When Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit Melbourne?

When considering flights to Melbourne, March to May and September to November are the best times to visit Melbourne as these offer pleasant weather, moderate tourist crowds and lower airfare rates. However, this can depend on individual preferences and the type of holiday you wish to have.

If you're looking to visit Melbourne during the summer, temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C on average. Enjoy outdoor activities and attractions, experience the Australian Open tennis tournament, attend one of many outdoor music festivals, and soak up the city's many parks and beaches. For a cool getaway, visit Melbourne during the winter months from June to August. With cool and mild days, you can do plenty in Melbourne CBD during winter, with temperatures ranging from 7°C to 14°C on average. Rug up and explore the city's indoor attractions, museums, art galleries, and restaurants.