$488 Cheap Flights to Amherst

Flights to Amherst at a glance

Traveling to Amherst is easy—simply select from full-service or budget airlines, compare travel times, and choose the option that best fits your budget, schedule, and plans for exploring the city's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airport near Amherst: Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
• Flights per week: 700+ flights arriving at Amherst airport
• Number of airlines that fly to Amherst: around 40+ carriers

Popular airport near Amherst

Amherst, a charming suburb, is perfect for those seeking adventure and eco-friendly getaways. With its stunning scenery and romantic atmosphere, it attracts travelers eager to explore the outdoors. The area is conveniently accessible via a major airport.

• Tullamarine Airport (MEL): Situated in Hume City, Victoria, approximately 74 miles from Amherst, this airport caters to both domestic and international flights, linking travelers to over 15 domestic cities and around 75 international destinations. Passengers have the option to enhance their experience by upgrading to business class or premium economy service, depending on the airline and route. Major airlines operating here include Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Qantas Airways.

Top routes to Amherst

• Sydney (SYD) to Amherst (MEL), with one-way fares starting at around $55
• Los Angeles (LAX) to Amherst (MEL), with one-way tickets available from around $420
• Cairns (CNS) to Amherst (MEL), with one-way airfare from around $80
• Brisbane (BNE) to Amherst (MEL), with one-way flight options from around $75
• San Francisco (SFO) to Amherst (MEL), with one-way fares starting at around $450

Cheapest routes to Amherst

• Adelaide (ADL) to Amherst (MEL), with budget one-way fares from around $55
• Hobart (HBA) to Amherst (MEL), with low one-way fares from around $55
• Sydney (SYD) to Amherst (MEL), with cheap one-way fares from around $55
• Gold Coast (OOL) to Amherst (MEL), with budget one-way fares from around $60
• Launceston (LST) to Amherst (MEL), with budget one-way fares from around $60

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Amherst

• Jetstar: Operating flights to Tullamarine Airport (MEL), Jetstar represents about 23% of all arrivals to Amherst. The typical one-way fare hovers around $190, and travelers may find business class available as a premium service on select routes.
• Virgin Australia: Providing service to Tullamarine Airport (MEL), Virgin Australia accounts for approximately 19% of arrivals to Amherst. The average one-way ticket costs around $210, with options for business class as a premium cabin on certain routes.
• Qantas Airways: With flights to Tullamarine Airport (MEL), Qantas Airways makes up roughly 19% of arrivals to Amherst. The average fare for a one-way ticket is about $580, featuring premium options like premium economy and business class depending on the route.
• United: Flying into Tullamarine Airport (MEL), United constitutes around 14% of arrivals to Amherst. One-way fares average approximately $840, and premium cabin services may include both premium economy and business class, depending on the specific route.
• Fiji Airways: Serving Tullamarine Airport (MEL), Fiji Airways accounts for about 4% of arrivals to Amherst. The typical one-way fare is roughly $550, with business class potentially available as a premium service on certain routes.

Best time to fly to Amherst

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Amherst are January, February, and March, when peak temperatures in Amherst can reach up to 71.2°F in January. If you prefer quieter travel, consider June, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 46.6°F. For better deals, March usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $401, roughly 17% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? April and June offer average one-way fares of around $430, making them good options for flexible travelers.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Amherst

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Amherst is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia.*
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Amherst flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Amherst

Amherst welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Amherst efficiently:

• Public transportation: From Tullamarine Airport, travelers can find several transport options nearby. Broadmeadows Station, a metro station, is located about 4.9 miles from the airport by car, while Essendon Station, a train station, is about 8.5 miles away by car. Additionally, Strathmore Seaport, a seaport, is situated approximately 6.8 miles from the airport, also accessible by car.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Amherst, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Amherst is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Amherst on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay around Amherst

• Timor: Located 12 miles away from Amherst, Timor is a delightful suburb perfect for sports enthusiasts and outdoor lovers. This charming area features a stunning golf course and a country private club, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a luxurious experience. Travelers can explore cultural gems like the Maryborough Railway Station and Worsley Cottage Museum, both steeped in history. For nature lovers, Timor Education Area provides a serene reserve to enjoy the great outdoors.
• Maryborough: Situated 9 miles drive away from Amherst, Maryborough is an exciting suburb that combines adventure and culture. Visitors will find a variety of shopping options, including shopping centers and malls, alongside opportunities for outdoor activities such as golf. Key attractions include the fascinating Maryborough Railway Station and Worsley Cottage Museum, both offering a glimpse into the region's rich history. Additionally, Princes Park serves as a lovely urban park, perfect for families looking to enjoy some fresh air amidst the city.
• Clunes: Clunes is located 16 miles drive away from Amherst and is a fantastic destination for families and adventure seekers. The suburb boasts a range of recreational venues, including a resort and several golf courses. History buffs will appreciate the local heritage, with attractions such as Anderson's Mill and the historic village nearby. Nature enthusiasts can unwind at Park Lake Gardens or explore the St Georges Lake Flora Reserve, making Clunes a well-rounded spot for outdoor and cultural experiences.

Tips for short-haul flights to Amherst

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—when flying with budget airlines, it's often more economical to travel with just a carry-on. Maximize space by using travel-sized toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and coordinating your outfits. This approach also helps you avoid the hassle of waiting at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may lack in-flight entertainment options. To keep yourself engaged, download TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time and consider bringing a book. Remember to charge your devices fully before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it's wise to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours prior to departure, allowing for potential traffic and security delays.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack your favorite snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Amherst

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines may allow complimentary seat selection once online check-in opens, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines provide the option to select seats even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to reach the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure for international flights to account for check-in, security, and immigration processes.
• Relax at the airport—if you have extra time, take the opportunity to explore the shops, enjoy a coffee, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is usually free and available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by changing your watch and sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time of your arrival to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Amherst

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Amherst on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

November is the cheapest month to fly to Amherst. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Amherst. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Amherst, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Amherst

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Amherst in 2026 starts from $836, while one-way tickets start from from $488. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Amherst. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Amherst

Qantas Airways, United, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Air Canada, Fiji Airways, Air New Zealand are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Amherst. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Amherst and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Amherst, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Amherst. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Amherst plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Amherst

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Amherst.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Amherst are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Amherst. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Amherst for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Amherst. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Amherst flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Amherst. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.