$73 Cheap Flights from Canberra (CBR) to Melbourne (MEL)
Popular airlines from Canberra, ACT (CBR-Canberra Intl.) to Melbourne Airport (MEL)
Virgin AustraliaVirgin Australia
Qantas AirwaysQantas Airways
JetstarJetstar
Cheap Flights from Canberra to Melbourne (CBR-MEL)
Alternative airports near Melbourne
Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.
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Canberra (CBR) to Melbourne (MEL) at a glance
Explore a range of Melbourne flights departing from Canberra (CBR) to Tullamarine Airport (MEL) on this convenient domestic route. Whether you're looking for cheap Canberra to Melbourne flights or prefer a full-service experience, you can easily compare options to find an itinerary that aligns with your budget and travel plans. Discover key flight details to help you navigate your journey and enjoy all that Melbourne has to offer.
- Fastest flight duration: around 1h 15m non-stop
- Route distance: roughly 300 miles (485 km)
- Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
- Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $70–$295, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from Canberra International Airport (CBR) to Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for non-stop flights from Canberra to Melbourne. These options allow you to customize your journey by balancing price, total travel time, and cabin class to secure the best possible itinerary for your trip.
- Virgin Australia: This budget-friendly airline provides non-stop flights, with one-way ticket prices generally between $105 and $305. It represents around 40% of the departures on this route, with a flight duration of 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Qantas Airways: As a full-service airline, Qantas offers non-stop services with one-way fares typically ranging from $135 to $335. It constitutes roughly 35% of the departures for this route, taking a total of 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete the journey.
- Jetstar: Another low-cost option, Jetstar provides non-stop flights, with one-way fares usually between $70 and $220. It accounts for about 26% of departures on this route, with a journey time of 1 hour and 15 minutes.
How to find the best prices for flights from Canberra (CBR) to Melbourne (MEL)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Canberra to Melbourne is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:
- Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which aligns with when most travelers make their reservations. Departures in the afternoon (12 PM-6 PM) not only tend to offer lower prices but are also the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Tuesday typically provides cheaper options, even though Thursday remains the busiest travel day.
- Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
- Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
- 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.
- Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
- 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 allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.
Arriving at Tullamarine Airport from Canberra International Airport
Melbourne welcomes travelers from Canberra with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Melbourne efficiently:
- 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 from Tullamarine Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Tullamarine Airport on Expedia.
- Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
- Public transportation: From Tullamarine Airport, Broadmeadows Station, a metro station, is located about 4.9 miles away by car, while Strathmore Seaport, a seaport, is approximately 6.8 miles away by car. Additionally, Essendon Station, a train station, is around 8.5 miles from the airport by car.
Canberra to Melbourne Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Canberra to Melbourne
On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Canberra to Melbourne are during the month of December. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Canberra to Melbourne with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Canberra to Melbourne
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Canberra to Melbourne: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.
How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Canberra to Melbourne
Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Canberra to Melbourne in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $73 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.
Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Canberra to Melbourne flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.
You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Canberra to Melbourne airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.
*Terms apply.
Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a flight from Canberra, ACT (CBR-Canberra Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $73 and cheap return flights $159 Canberra, ACT (CBR-Canberra Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $123 and $714, and return flights often range between $248 and $1056. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Canberra, ACT (CBR-Canberra Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) ticket fares go up or down.
*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Canberra, ACT (CBR-Canberra Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine)?
May is the cheapest month to fly from Canberra, ACT (CBR) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL), with average return fares around $240. This is about 12% lower than the average price throughout the year, as May typically experiences lower travel demand. Other budget-friendly months include June and August.
*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Canberra, ACT (CBR-Canberra Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine)?
Choose from 3 airlines operating direct flights from CBR to MEL:
- Qantas Airways operates around 58 direct flights from CBR to MEL every week
- Virgin Australia operates around 31 direct flights from CBR to MEL every week
- Jetstar operates around 7 direct flights from CBR to MEL every week
How do I find cheap flights from Canberra, ACT (CBR-Canberra Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine)?
To find a cheap flight from Canberra, ACT (CBR-Canberra Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best airline to fly with from Canberra, ACT (CBR-Canberra Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine)?
The best airline to fly with from Canberra, ACT (CBR) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, Qantas Airways offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, Flypelican typically offers the lowest fares. Virgin Australia offers the most daily flights from CBR to MEL, which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from Canberra, ACT (CBR-Canberra Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine)?
When flying from Canberra, ACT (CBR) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL), May and August are the best months to consider. You can expect return flights to be around $240, making these months both affordable and convenient. May offers lovely autumn weather, while August is a great time to experience Melbourne's vibrant winter culture. This recommendation is based on booking data from the past year.
*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How many flights per day from Canberra, ACT (CBR-Canberra Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine)?
You can find approximately 14 nonstop flights per day from Canberra Intl. (CBR) to Tullamarine (MEL). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Canberra, ACT (CBR-Canberra Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine)?
The earliest flight from Canberra (CBR) to Melbourne (MEL) usually departs at around 6:00 AM, operated by Qantas Airways and Jetstar. This early flight gives you a head start on your day in Melbourne, allowing you to dive right into the city's vibrant culture and attractions. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Canberra, ACT (CBR-Canberra Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine)?
For flights from Canberra (CBR-Canberra Intl.) to Melbourne (MEL-Tullamarine), the most popular departure times are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 26% of passengers choose this time window. Many major carriers, including Qantas Airways and Virgin Australia, offer flights during this window. This timing is favored as it lets you arrive in Melbourne with a full day ahead to explore.
How long does it take to fly from Canberra, ACT (CBR-Canberra Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine)?
Flying nonstop from CBR to MEL takes around 1 hour 20 minutes, with the route covering approximately 291 miles. Flights with a layover typically take 3 hours 10 minutes longer than direct options. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from Canberra, ACT (CBR-Canberra Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine)?
Business class seats are offered on the CBR to MEL route with Qantas Airways and Virgin Australia.
How do I earn miles on a Canberra, ACT (CBR-Canberra Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Canberra, ACT (CBR-Canberra Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.
*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for Melbourne from Canberra Intl. (CBR)?
From Canberra Intl. (CBR), you can fly into Tullamarine (MEL) to reach Melbourne. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Kingsford Smith Intl. (SYD) before reaching Melbourne. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Canberra, ACT (CBR-Canberra Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Canberra, ACT (CBR-Canberra Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a Canberra, ACT (CBR-Canberra Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Canberra, ACT (CBR-Canberra Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) Melbourne Vacation Packages is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Canberra, ACT (CBR-Canberra Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine)?
If you booked your Canberra, ACT (CBR-Canberra Intl.) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.
Travel information
Origin airport | Canberra, ACT |
|---|---|
Destination airport | Melbourne Airport |
Distance | 291 miles away |
Airlines serving | Virgin Australia, Qantas Airways, Jetstar |
Popular airline | Virgin Australia |
Roundtrip price | $159 |
Average flight time | 1 hour 16 mins |