Plan your Melbourne arrival

Flights to Melbourne

Compare the main routes into Melbourne, understand the difference between Tullamarine and Avalon airports, and plan the smoothest arrival for your penthouse stay.

Melbourne flight guide

Everything you need before take-off

Melbourne is connected to every Australian capital and major hubs across New Zealand, Asia, the Middle East and North America. A little planning around airports, arrival times and major events can make the entire trip easier.

Strong domestic network

Frequent services connect Melbourne with Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Hobart and other Australian cities.

International gateway

Melbourne Airport supports direct and connecting services across the Asia-Pacific region and long-haul global routes.

Two airport choices

Most travellers use Melbourne Airport at Tullamarine, while selected services operate through Avalon Airport.

Know where you are landing

Melbourne’s two passenger airports

The cheapest fare is not always the cheapest journey. Include the transfer time and cost when comparing airports.

AVV

Avalon Airport

Avalon sits south-west of central Melbourne near Geelong. It is smaller and mainly serves selected domestic and low-cost routes.

  • Useful alternative when fares or schedules suit
  • Airport coach, taxi and car-hire connections
  • Convenient for Geelong and the Surf Coast
Journey planning

How long are flights to Melbourne?

Allow for check-in, baggage collection, immigration where applicable, and the journey from the airport to your accommodation—not only time in the air.

1–4 hrsTypical Australian direct routes
3–4 hrsCommon Trans-Tasman services
6–9 hrsMany South-East Asian routes
13+ hrsLong-haul journeys and connections

Timing your booking

When to search and book

Melbourne demand changes sharply around school holidays, summer travel and major sporting or cultural events.

JAN
Summer and Australian Open
Popular dates can tighten quickly. Compare flights and stays early.
MAR
Formula 1 period
Expect stronger demand around the Grand Prix and long weekends.
SEP
AFL finals
Flights and central accommodation are often busier around finals weekend.
NOV
Melbourne Cup Carnival
Event visitors increase competition for convenient arrival times.
After you land

Getting from the airport to Melbourne

Your best transfer depends on the airport, arrival time, group size and whether your trip extends beyond central Melbourne.

Airport coach

Express coach services connect the airports with central transport hubs. Check the current timetable before travel.

Taxi or rideshare

A direct option for groups, luggage-heavy trips and door-to-door transfers to your apartment.

Allow extra time

Peak-hour traffic can lengthen the journey. Keep a comfortable buffer for departures and appointments.

Choose your base

Where to stay after your flight

Once your arrival time is set, choose the Melbourne neighbourhood that best fits the purpose of your trip.

One connected trip

Plan flights and accommodation together

1. Compare datesCheck a small date range for better flight choices.
2. Review arrivalFactor in airport, transfer time and check-in.
3. Secure your stayBook early around major Melbourne events.
4. Build the itineraryAdd city experiences and regional day trips.
Helpful answers

Flights to Melbourne FAQs

Which airport do most Melbourne flights use?

Most domestic and international services use Melbourne Airport (MEL) at Tullamarine. Selected services operate through Avalon Airport (AVV).

How far is Melbourne Airport from the CBD?

Melbourne Airport is approximately 23 kilometres north-west of the CBD. Transfer time varies with traffic and your final destination.

Is Avalon Airport close to central Melbourne?

Avalon is roughly 50 kilometres south-west of the CBD. Compare the total fare and transfer time before choosing it.

Are there direct international flights to Melbourne?

Yes. Melbourne is served by direct international routes from several Asia-Pacific, Middle Eastern and North American hubs, with additional journeys available via connections.

When should I book flights for a major Melbourne event?

Search as early as practical once your dates are known. Australian Open, Formula 1, AFL finals and Melbourne Cup periods can create strong demand for both flights and accommodation.

Should I book my apartment before my flight?

Compare both together. Confirming that suitable accommodation is available can prevent flight dates that leave you with limited choices during busy periods.

Arrive in Melbourne, then stay above it

Pair your flight with a spacious Melbourne penthouse in the CBD, Southbank or Docklands.