Flights to Melbourne

Planning a trip to Melbourne? This guide helps you compare flights to Melbourne, understand how Melbourne Airport (MEL) and Avalon Airport (AVV) operate, and plan your arrival with confidence. Melbourne is one of Australia’s busiest aviation hubs, offering frequent domestic services and long-haul international connections year-round. Whether you’re travelling for business, a city break, or a longer stay in Victoria, clear information on routes, flight times, and arrival logistics makes planning simpler.

Below, you’ll find practical information on flights to Melbourne, popular domestic and international routes, typical travel times, and guidance on choosing the best area to stay once you arrive.

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Domestic routes
International routes
Where to stay

Quick tip: If your dates are flexible, compare a few nearby days. Even small changes can open up better flight prices and times.

Overview of Flights to Melbourne

Melbourne is one of Australia’s most connected cities, with strong domestic competition and extensive international airline networks. Flights to Melbourne operate daily from major Australian capitals and key global hubs across Asia, New Zealand, North America, and the Middle East.

As a major cultural, sporting, and business destination, Melbourne experiences steady travel demand throughout the year. Peak travel periods often align with major events, school holidays, and summer tourism, while shoulder seasons can offer more flexible flight availability and pricing.

Domestic routes

Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra.

International routes

New Zealand, Singapore, Bali, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, Los Angeles.

Two airports

Melbourne Airport (MEL) and Avalon Airport (AVV).

Where Do Flights to Melbourne Arrive?

Melbourne Airport (MEL – Tullamarine)

Most flights to Melbourne arrive at Melbourne Airport (MEL), also known as Tullamarine Airport. Located approximately 23 kilometres northwest of Melbourne CBD, it handles both domestic and international flights across multiple terminals. Melbourne Airport services full-service carriers, low-cost airlines, and long-haul international routes, making it the primary gateway to Victoria.

Airport code: MEL
Distance to CBD: ~23 km
Main transport: SkyBus, taxi, rideshare, car hire
Popular accommodation hubs: Melbourne CBD, Southbank, Docklands

Avalon Airport (AVV)

Avalon Airport (AVV) is located around 50 kilometres southwest of Melbourne’s CBD. It primarily operates domestic flights and is often used by budget carriers. While smaller than Melbourne Airport, Avalon can provide an alternative option depending on airline schedules and departure city.

Airport code: AVV
Distance to CBD: ~50 km
Main transport: Airport shuttle, taxi, car hire
Nearby destinations: Geelong, Surf Coast, regional Victoria

Compare Flights to Melbourne

Flight prices to Melbourne vary depending on travel dates, demand, and departure city. Direct services are available on many domestic routes, while international travellers may choose between non-stop flights and connecting services via major hubs.

Use the search tool below to compare flight availability, travel times, and seasonal pricing for your preferred dates.

Helpful check: compare one-way flights as well as return flights. Sometimes mixing airlines or times creates better overall value.

Domestic Flights to Melbourne

Melbourne has some of the busiest domestic air routes in Australia. Flight times on these short-haul routes typically range from 1.5 to 4 hours, depending on departure city. Frequent daily services make Melbourne a convenient destination for both business trips and weekend travel.

Popular domestic routes

Flights from Sydney to Melbourne

One of Australia’s busiest domestic air corridors year-round.

Flights from Brisbane to Melbourne

High-demand route with frequent direct daily services.

Flights from Gold Coast to Melbourne

Popular east coast connection for leisure and business travel.

Flights from Perth to Melbourne

Short-haul southern route with consistent domestic schedules.

Flights from Adelaide to Melbourne

Long-distance cross-country service linking west and southeast Australia.

Flights from Canberra to Melbourne

Regular capital-to-capital route serving government and business travel.

International Flights to Melbourne

Melbourne Airport supports a broad range of international routes. Direct international flights to operate from the following cities. As one of Australia’s primary international gateways, Melbourne offers strong connectivity across Asia-Pacific and onward long-haul services.

Popular international markets

Flights from Auckland to Melbourne

Major Trans-Tasman route with frequent direct daily services.

Flights from Singapore to Melbourne

Key Asia-Pacific hub connection with regular long-haul services.

Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Melbourne

Southeast Asia gateway linking Malaysia and southern Australia.

Flights from Bali (Denpasar) to Melbourne

Popular leisure route connecting Indonesia and Victoria.

Flights from Dubai / Doha toMelbourne

Middle East gateway routes with strong global connections.

Flights from Los Angeles to Melbourne

Long-haul North America service linking the United States.

Flights from Hong Kong to Melbourne

Important Asia connection with direct international flights.

Flights from Europe to Melbourne

Seasonal European routes via major global transit hubs.

How Long Are Flights to Melbourne?

Flight duration to Melbourne depends on your departure city, whether the service is direct, and the time of year. Domestic routes are generally short- to medium-haul, while international services range from regional Asia-Pacific flights to long-haul intercontinental journeys. When planning arrival-day activities, consider not just flight time but also airport processing, baggage collection, and transport into the city centre.

Typical duration ranges (guide only)

• Domestic direct flights: usually between 1–4 hours depending on departure city
• Trans-Tasman flights: around 3–4 hours from New Zealand
• Asia-Pacific routes: approximately 6–9 hours from major Southeast Asian hubs
• Long-haul international flights: 13–15+ hours from North America or Europe (via global hubs)

Common non-stop flight times to Melbourne

Sydney: ~1 hour 30 minutes
Brisbane: ~2 hours 15 minutes
Gold Coast: ~2 hours 20 minutes
Perth: ~4 hours
Auckland: ~3 hours 30 minutes
Singapore: ~7–8 hours
Bali (Denpasar): ~6 hours

Tip: If you’re comparing flight options, balance price with arrival time. Lower fares may involve longer layovers or late-night arrivals, which can affect your first day in Melbourne.

Best Time to Book Flights to Melbourne

Flight pricing to Melbourne is influenced by school holidays, major sporting events, and seasonal travel patterns. Travellers often find more flexible pricing during May, August, and early December outside major events. Booking domestic flights 6–10 weeks in advance and international flights 2–4 months ahead can help secure better availability during peak travel periods.

Victorian school holiday periods typically occur:

Late March or early April (Autumn holidays)
Late June to early July (Winter holidays)
Mid-September (Spring holidays)
Mid-December to late January (Summer holidays)

Demand also increases around major Melbourne events, including:

Australian Open (January)
Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix (March)
AFL Grand Final (September)
Melbourne Cup Carnival (November)

Ready to Search for Melbourne Flights?

If you’ve narrowed down your travel dates, run a fresh search to compare current Melbourne flight options below. Prices can shift quickly—especially around major events and school holidays—so checking again before you book is worthwhile.

Getting from Melbourne Airport to the City

After you arrive at Melbourne Airport (MEL), your next step is choosing the right transport option to the city or your accommodation. Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) is located approximately 23 kilometres from the Melbourne CBD, while Avalon Airport (AVV) sits further west near Geelong. Travel time depends on traffic, time of day, and your final destination.

For short city stays, direct transfers into the CBD are often simplest. If your plans include exploring regional Victoria, hiring a car may provide more flexibility.

Common transport options

• SkyBus: Express service to Southern Cross Station, typically 30–40 minutes from Tullamarine.
• Taxi / rideshare: Direct transfer to hotels and apartments across Melbourne.
• Car hire: Suitable for travellers heading beyond the CBD, including the Great Ocean Road or Yarra Valley.
• Avalon Airport shuttle: Dedicated coach services to Melbourne’s city centre; longer travel time than Tullamarine.

Tip: If you’re arriving during peak traffic (weekday mornings or late afternoons), allow extra time for transfers into the CBD

Where to Stay in Melbourne

Choosing the right base makes your Melbourne trip smoother—especially once your flight times are confirmed. Different neighbourhoods suit different travel styles. Decide what kind of stay you want first, then choose the location that best matches your plans.

Melbourne CBD is the most practical base for short visits and event stays. Staying in the CBD places you within walking distance of laneways, shopping, restaurants, theatres, and major transport hubs like Southern Cross Station. It suits weekend trips, business travel, conferences, and visitors who want to be in the centre of the action without relying heavily on transport.

Southbank is ideal for travellers who enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with river views and entertainment close by. Located along the Yarra River, it offers easy access to the Arts Centre, Crown Entertainment Complex, and major dining precincts. It’s a strong choice for couples and leisure travellers who want nightlife and culture at their doorstep while remaining connected to the CBD.

Docklands provides contemporary apartment living in a waterfront setting. It’s well suited to longer stays, corporate travel, and visitors attending events at Marvel Stadium. Docklands offers a quieter feel than the CBD while still providing tram access and convenient links to Melbourne’s business and conference districts.

Melbourne CBD accommodation

Central convenience near laneways, shopping, dining, and transport.

Southbank accommodation

Riverfront living beside restaurants, theatres, and entertainment.

Docklands accommodation

Modern waterfront apartments near Docklands Stadium and tram links.

Browse All Accommodation

Why Plan Flights & Accommodation Together?

Coordinating flights and accommodation helps align travel dates, manage event demand, and secure preferred locations before peak periods fill quickly. Melbourne’s major events and school holidays can increase availability pressure, so planning both elements early can reduce last-minute changes and pricing surprises.

Fewer date compromises during major events
Smoother arrival planning around airport transfers
Better location selection before peak demand
Clearer budgeting across flights and accommodation

FAQs – Flights to Melbourne

Most flights to Melbourne arrive at Melbourne Airport (MEL), also known as Tullamarine. It handles the majority of domestic and international services. Some domestic routes operate from Avalon Airport (AVV), which is located further from the city centre.

Yes. Direct domestic flights operate from Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Adelaide, Perth, and Canberra. International direct flights connect Melbourne with major hubs including Auckland, Singapore, Bali (Denpasar), Dubai, Doha, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong.

Melbourne Airport (MEL) is approximately 23 kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD. Travel time is typically 20–30 minutes by car or taxi, and around 30–40 minutes via the SkyBus express service, depending on traffic conditions.

Flights to Melbourne are generally cheapest during winter (June to August), with February and March also offering lower fares. Prices are typically higher during December–January, Victorian school holidays, and major events such as the Australian Open and the Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Avalon Airport (AVV) sometimes offers the lowest base fares on select domestic routes, particularly with low-cost carriers. However, Melbourne Airport (MEL) generally provides more flight options and competition. The cheapest airport depends on your departure city, dates, and total transfer costs to the CBD.

Avalon Airport (AVV) is located about 50 kilometres southwest of Melbourne’s CBD. Travel time to the city is generally 45–60 minutes by car or shuttle service, depending on traffic conditions.