$242 Cheap Flights to Melbourne

Flights to Melbourne at a glance

Traveling to Melbourne is easy with options ranging from full-service to budget airlines. You can compare flight times and select the best choice that aligns with your budget and travel plans, whether you're looking for cheap flights to Melbourne or the cheapest flight to Melbourne to explore the city’s iconic attractions.

• Major airports near Melbourne: Birmingham Airport (BHX), East Midlands Airport (EMA)
• Closest airport to Melbourne: East Midlands Airport, EMA (around 4 miles)
• Flights per week: 290+ flights arriving across Melbourne airports
• Number of airlines that fly to Melbourne: around 15+ carriers

Popular airports near Melbourne

Melbourne is a charming village that offers a wealth of activities for adventure seekers, sports enthusiasts, and families alike. Visitors are drawn to its vibrant culture and outdoor experiences. The village is conveniently connected by two major airports, making travel to this delightful destination easy.

• Birmingham Airport (BHX): Situated in the Solihull District of West Midlands, England, approximately 29 miles from Melbourne, this airport caters to both domestic and international flights, connecting passengers to one domestic city and over 35 international locations. Major airlines like Aer Lingus, United, and Lufthansa operate here, with options for travelers to upgrade to business class for enhanced service based on their chosen routes.
• East Midlands Airport (EMA): Found in North West Leicestershire District, Leicestershire, England, about 4 miles from Melbourne, this airport primarily serves international flights. Ryanair is a major airline that operates from this location, offering a variety of routes to different destinations.

Top routes to Melbourne

• Dublin (DUB) to Melbourne (BHX/EMA), with one-way flight options from around $25
• New York (JFK) to Melbourne (BHX), with one-way flight options from around $270
• Washington (IAD) to Melbourne (BHX), with one-way fares starting at around $300
• Los Angeles (LAX) to Melbourne (BHX), with one-way tickets available from around $330
• San Francisco (SFO) to Melbourne (BHX), with one-way airfare from around $320

Cheapest routes to Melbourne

• Dublin (DUB) to Melbourne (BHX/EMA), with budget one-way fares from around $25
• Barcelona (BCN) to Melbourne (BHX), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $25
• Berlin (BER) to Melbourne (BHX), with low one-way fares from around $25
• Madrid (MAD) to Melbourne (BHX), with affordable one-way prices from around $35
• Edinburgh (EDI) to Melbourne (BHX), with affordable one-way prices from around $40

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

Top airlines with flights to Melbourne

• Aer Lingus: Operating flights to Birmingham Airport (BHX), Aer Lingus represents about 25% of arrivals in Melbourne, with an average one-way ticket priced at around $440.
• Lufthansa: This airline also serves Birmingham Airport (BHX) and accounts for roughly 13% of Melbourne's arrivals. One-way fares average about $450, with potential business class service depending on the route.
• United: With flights to Birmingham Airport (BHX), United makes up about 12% of arrivals in Melbourne. The typical one-way fare is close to $490.
• Ryanair: Serving both Birmingham Airport (BHX) and East Midlands Airport (EMA), Ryanair is responsible for around 9% of Melbourne’s arrivals, featuring average one-way fares around $60.
• Virgin Atlantic: Operating flights to Birmingham Airport (BHX), Virgin Atlantic accounts for approximately 7% of arrivals in Melbourne. The average one-way fare is roughly $490.

Best time to fly to Melbourne

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Melbourne are March, April, and July, when peak temperatures in Melbourne can reach up to 61.3°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider October, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 51.4°F. For better deals, February and August usually offer the lowest average one-way fares around $337, roughly 13% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? October and January offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $339 to $370, 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 Melbourne

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Melbourne 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 Melbourne flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Melbourne

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

• Public transportation: From Birmingham Airport, both the Air Rail Link Tram Stop, a metro station, and Birmingham International Station, a train station, are conveniently located about 0.3 miles from the airport, making access to public transportation effortless for travelers.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Melbourne, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Melbourne is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Melbourne 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 Melbourne

• Ashby-de-la-Zouch: Ashby-de-la-Zouch is located 5 miles drive away from Melbourne and is a charming city known for its stunning outdoor experiences and scenic landscapes. Visitors can enjoy activities like motor racing and explore the local recreational areas. Key attractions include the historic Ashby de la Zouch Castle, perfect for a romantic outing, and Calke Abbey, a fascinating historic house. Nature lovers will appreciate the nearby national parks, offering beautiful trails and vistas to explore.
• Repton: Repton is located 6 miles drive away from Melbourne and is a picturesque village that invites travelers to enjoy outdoor adventures amidst its scenic surroundings. The area is ideal for recreational activities, including visits to amusement parks and local motor racing events. Don’t miss the chance to explore the impressive Kedleston Hall, a historic house rich in culture, and the Derby Arena, which provides family-friendly entertainment options.
• Coalville: Coalville is located 7 miles drive away from Melbourne and is a vibrant city that attracts those seeking adventure and sports. With a variety of recreational areas and a famous racetrack, Coalville is the perfect stop for thrill-seekers. Key points of interest include the National Space Centre, which offers family-friendly experiences, and the historic Ashby de la Zouch Castle, a romantic destination steeped in history. Outdoor enthusiasts will also enjoy the nearby national park for its natural beauty.

Tips for short-haul flights to Melbourne

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

• Pack light and skip checked bags—with budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on is often more economical. Maximize space by using mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and planning your outfits wisely. This approach also helps you skip the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may lack in-flight entertainment options. To stay engaged, download your favorite 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 advisable to get to the airport at least 1.5 to 2 hours prior to departure, taking into account traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack your favorite snacks and a refillable water bottle to keep hydrated and save money at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Melbourne

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

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is crucial for comfort. Full-service airlines often allow you to select your seat for free once online check-in opens, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may permit seat selection even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—make sure to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if you find yourself with extra time, take the opportunity to explore the shops, grab a coffee, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by setting your watch and adjusting your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Aim to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time at your destination to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Melbourne

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Melbourne 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

March is the cheapest month to fly to Melbourne. 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 Melbourne. 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 Melbourne, 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 Melbourne

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Melbourne in 2026 starts from $553, while one-way tickets start from from $242. 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 Melbourne. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Melbourne

Icelandair, Air Canada, British Airways, American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Delta, TAP Portugal, Swiss International Air Lines are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Melbourne. 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 Melbourne and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Melbourne, 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 Melbourne. 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 Melbourne 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 Melbourne

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 Melbourne.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Melbourne are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Melbourne. 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 Melbourne 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 Melbourne. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Melbourne 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 Melbourne. 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.