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$1,004 Cheap Flights from Washington (DCA) to Melbourne (MEL)

View $1,004 flight on Tue, Jul 28, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to Melbourne Airport (MEL)

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Cheap Flights from Washington to Melbourne (DCA-MEL)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $1,004 for one-way flights and $1,432 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Air New Zealand
Tue, Sep 15 - Tue, Sep 29
DCA
Washington
MEL
Melbourne
$1,432 Roundtrip, found 6 days ago
$1,432
Roundtrip
found 6 days ago
Select Air New Zealand flight, departing Tue, Sep 15 from Washington to Melbourne, returning Tue, Sep 29, priced at $1,432 found 6 days ago
Air New Zealand
Sun, Aug 30 - Mon, Sep 7
DCA
Washington
MEL
Melbourne
$1,443 Roundtrip, found 6 days ago
$1,443
Roundtrip
found 6 days ago
Select Air New Zealand flight, departing Sun, Aug 30 from Washington to Melbourne, returning Mon, Sep 7, priced at $1,443 found 6 days ago
Air Canada
Tue, Sep 15 - Wed, Sep 23
DCA
Washington
MEL
Melbourne
$1,536 Roundtrip, found 11 hours ago
$1,536
Roundtrip
found 11 hours ago
Select Air Canada flight, departing Tue, Sep 15 from Washington to Melbourne, returning Wed, Sep 23, priced at $1,536 found 11 hours ago
Air Canada
Tue, Sep 15 - Wed, Sep 23
DCA
Washington
MEL
Melbourne
$1,573 Roundtrip, found 11 hours ago
$1,573
Roundtrip
found 11 hours ago
Select Air Canada flight, departing Tue, Sep 15 from Washington to Melbourne, returning Wed, Sep 23, priced at $1,573 found 11 hours ago
Air New Zealand
Sat, Aug 22 - Sat, Sep 5
DCA
Washington
MEL
Melbourne
$1,582 Roundtrip, found 6 days ago
$1,582
Roundtrip
found 6 days ago
Select Air New Zealand flight, departing Sat, Aug 22 from Washington to Melbourne, returning Sat, Sep 5, priced at $1,582 found 6 days ago
Alaska Airlines
Wed, Sep 23 - Wed, Sep 30
DCA
Washington
MEL
Melbourne
$1,609 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago
$1,609
Roundtrip
found 5 days ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Wed, Sep 23 from Washington to Melbourne, returning Wed, Sep 30, priced at $1,609 found 5 days ago
Air Canada
Sat, Oct 17 - Sat, Oct 24
DCA
Washington
MEL
Melbourne
$1,611 Roundtrip, found 17 hours ago
$1,611
Roundtrip
found 17 hours ago
Select Air Canada flight, departing Sat, Oct 17 from Washington to Melbourne, returning Sat, Oct 24, priced at $1,611 found 17 hours ago
Alaska Airlines
Wed, Sep 23 - Sun, Sep 27
DCA
Washington
MEL
Melbourne
$1,661 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$1,661
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Wed, Sep 23 from Washington to Melbourne, returning Sun, Sep 27, priced at $1,661 found 1 day ago
Qantas Airways
Sun, Nov 1 - Sun, Nov 15
DCA
Washington
MEL
Melbourne
$1,787 Roundtrip, found 11 hours ago
$1,787
Roundtrip
found 11 hours ago
Select Qantas Airways flight, departing Sun, Nov 1 from Washington to Melbourne, returning Sun, Nov 15, priced at $1,787 found 11 hours ago
United
Sun, Nov 15 - Sun, Nov 22
DCA
Washington
MEL
Melbourne
$1,798 Roundtrip, found 4 hours ago
$1,798
Roundtrip
found 4 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Sun, Nov 15 from Washington to Melbourne, returning Sun, Nov 22, priced at $1,798 found 4 hours ago

Alternative airports near Melbourne

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Select flight to Tullamarine MEL. Cheapest option available. Average driving time to city center is 20 minutes. Flights from $2,827
MEL
Tullamarine
Cheapest
Average driving time to city center20 min
Flights from $2,827

What you need to know for your flight from Ronald Reagan Washington National to Tullamarine

Washington (DCA) to Melbourne (MEL) at a glance

Travel from Washington (DCA) to Melbourne (MEL) with a selection of airlines offering international long-haul flights. Explore options from full-service carriers to discover the itinerary that best aligns with your budget and schedule while you immerse yourself in Melbourne's iconic attractions and vibrant neighborhoods. Here you’ll find essential information about flights from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to Tullamarine Airport (MEL).

  • Fastest flight duration: around 21h 30m in-flight, plus roughly 2h 15m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 10,200 miles (16,420 km)
  • Flights per week: around 7 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $430–$1280, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to Tullamarine Airport (MEL)

Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored by passengers flying from Washington to Melbourne, typically for one-stop and multi-stop routes. Common layover points include Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) with roughly a 3-hour layover, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) with about a 2-hour layover, and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) with an approximate 2-hour and 30-minute layover. These options provide the flexibility to balance cost, overall travel time, and cabin class to find your ideal itinerary.

  • American Airlines: As a comprehensive airline, it provides both one-stop and multi-stop options. One-way ticket prices usually range from $430 to $1215. This carrier accounts for about 48% of flights on this route, with an in-flight duration of 21 hours and 30 minutes, totaling around 24 hours for the entire journey.
  • Qantas Airways: This full-service airline features one-stop journeys, with fares typically between $490 and $3055. It represents approximately 26% of the departures for this route, allowing for an in-flight time of 21 hours and 30 minutes, leading to a total travel duration of near 24 hours, including layover time.
  • United: Another full-service option, United offers one-stop travel with one-way fares generally ranging from $930 to $1080. With around 13% of departures for this route, passengers can expect an in-flight time of 21 hours and 30 minutes, culminating in a total journey length of about 24 hours, factoring in the layover.

Alternative route from Washington (DCA) to Melbourne (MEL)

  • Washington to Melbourne (IAD-MEL): Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) lies approximately 23 miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). One-way economy prices on this route generally vary from $420 to $1430, influenced by the season and timing of your booking. Flights on this route are usually available as both one-stop and multi-stop options, with common layover points at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Leading airlines for this journey include United and American Airlines, with business and first-class service also offered.

How to find the best prices for flights from Washington (DCA) to Melbourne (MEL)

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

  1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually available when booking at least two months in advance, which aligns with when most travelers make their reservations. Departures in the afternoon, between 12 PM and 6 PM, tend to be less expensive and are also the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Saturday offers both lower prices and is the most favored travel day.
  2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
  3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
  4. 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.
  5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
  6. 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 Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

Melbourne welcomes travelers from Washington with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is roughly a 10-minute drive (covering about 5 miles) from central Washington. 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, several key transport options are a short drive away. Broadmeadows Station, a metro station, is located about 4.9 miles from the airport, while Essendon Station, a train station, is about 8.5 miles away by car. For maritime travel, Strathmore Seaport, a seaport, is situated approximately 6.8 miles from the airport.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $1,004 and cheap return flights from $1,432 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $1104 and $5929, and return flights often range between $1669 and $6474. 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine)?
The cheapest month to fly from DCA to MEL is September when demand is low. Traveling in off-peak or shoulder months is usually a good way to secure cheap tickets, just remember to avoid flying during holidays if you're able to. Use the calendar view in your search to see which months have low fares on this route.
Which airlines fly direct from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine)?
Enter DCA to MEL and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine)?
Japan Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to Tullamarine (MEL), with round-trip tickets starting from around $1,902 with a layover in Logan Intl. (BOS). Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I find cheap flights from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine)?
To find a cheap flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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 time to fly from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine)?
The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.
What is the earliest flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine)?
The earliest flight from Washington, DC (DCA) to Melbourne (MEL) usually departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines and Qantas Airways. This seasonal service is available in February, and an early departure allows you to make the most of your time in Australia. 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to Tullamarine (MEL) are from 3pm to 6pm. This time window accounts for about 68% of total traffic, with airlines like United Airlines, Delta, and Virgin Australia operating during this period. Many travelers prefer this timing to ensure a smooth transition to their evening plans.
How long does it take to fly from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine)?
Flying from DCA to MEL with a connection usually takes about 24 hours, traveling roughly 10,183 miles. 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine)?
Business class seats are offered on the DCA to MEL route. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:

  • American Airlines
  • United Airlines
  • Air Canada

First class is available with United Airlines.
How do I earn miles on a Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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 Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)?
From Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), you can fly into Avalon (AVV), Orlando Melbourne Intl. (MLB) and Tullamarine (MEL) in Melbourne. Some flights may connect through major hubs like San Francisco Intl. (SFO), Los Angeles Intl. (LAX), Dallas-Fort Worth Intl. (DFW) 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine)?
If you booked your Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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
Ronald Reagan Washington National
Destination airport
Tullamarine
Airlines serving
Air Canada, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Delta, Emirates, Japan Airlines, Qantas Airways, Qatar Airways, United
Roundtrip price
$1,432
Distance
10182 mi

Book with confidence

Washington to Melbourne Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Washington 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 Washington to Melbourne are during the month of September. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Washington to Melbourne with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from Washington to Melbourne

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington to Melbourne in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $1,004 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 Washington 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 Washington 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.

 

Washington to Melbourne Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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