$83 Cheap Flights from Melbourne (MEL) to Launceston (LST)
Popular airlines from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Launceston, TAS (LST)
Qantas AirwaysQantas Airways
Virgin AustraliaVirgin Australia
JetstarJetstar
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Cheap Flights from Melbourne to Launceston (MEL-LST)
Alternative airports near Launceston
Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.
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Melbourne (MEL) to Launceston (LST) at a glance
Travel between Melbourne (MEL) and Launceston (LST) with a range of airlines catering to this domestic short-haul route. Explore options for Launceston flights, whether you prefer full-service carriers or budget-friendly choices, to find the best itinerary that suits your travel plans and budget. Keep an eye on Melbourne to Launceston airfare and flight prices as you prepare to discover Launceston's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.
- 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 $40–$245, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Launceston Airport (LST)
Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for non-stop flights from Melbourne to Launceston. These options allow you to easily customize your travel experience by balancing price, total travel time, and cabin class to secure the ideal itinerary.
- Virgin Australia: A budget-friendly airline providing direct flights, with one-way ticket prices generally between $65 and $300. This carrier makes up about 41% of departures on this route, with a flight duration of 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Qantas Airways: A premium airline offering non-stop flights, with typical one-way fares ranging from $75 to $335. It handles roughly 32% of flights on this route, with a total journey time of 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Jetstar: An economical airline that provides direct service, featuring one-way fares usually ranging from $40 to $165. Jetstar accounts for approximately 27% of departures on this route, with a total flight time of 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Travelers can enhance their journey from Melbourne to Launceston with an upgrade. Virgin Australia offers business class service on this route for a more refined flying experience.
Alternative route from Melbourne (MEL) to Launceston (LST)
- Moorabbin to Launceston (MBW-LST): Located approximately 25 miles from Tullamarine Airport (MEL), Moorabbin Airport (MBW) serves as a convenient departure point.
How to find the best prices for flights from Melbourne (MEL) to Launceston (LST)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Melbourne to Launceston is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:
- Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are typically found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, coinciding with when most travelers make their reservations. Evening departures (6 PM-12 AM) often provide lower prices, despite morning flights (5 AM-12 PM) being more popular. Additionally, flying on Wednesday usually results in cheaper fares, while Sunday remains the most popular 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.* Find Launceston hotel and flight deals.
- 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 Launceston Airport from Tullamarine Airport
Launceston welcomes travelers from Melbourne with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Launceston city center is approximately a 10-minute drive (covering about 10 miles) from Launceston Airport, depending on traffic. Here's how to reach Launceston efficiently:
- Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Launceston, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
- Car rental: Renting a car from Launceston Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Launceston 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 Launceston Airport, Western Junction Station, a train station, is located about 1.9 miles away by car, providing convenient access for travelers.
Melbourne to Launceston Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Melbourne to Launceston
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 Melbourne to Launceston are during the month of December. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Melbourne to Launceston with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Melbourne to Launceston
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Melbourne to Launceston: 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 Melbourne to Launceston
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 Melbourne to Launceston in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $83 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 Melbourne to Launceston 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 Melbourne to Launceston 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 Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Launceston, TAS (LST) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $83 and cheap return flights $167 Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Launceston, TAS (LST) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $39 and $653, and roundtrip flights usually range from $101 to $1164. 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 Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Launceston, TAS (LST) 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 Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Launceston, TAS (LST)?
The cheapest month to fly from MEL to LST is December 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 Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Launceston, TAS (LST)?
Choose from 3 airlines operating direct flights from MEL to LST:
- Qantas Airways operates around 34 direct flights from MEL to LST every week
- Jetstar operates around 23 direct flights from MEL to LST every week
- Virgin Australia operates around 21 direct flights from MEL to LST every week
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Launceston, TAS (LST)?
Virgin Australia is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Tullamarine (MEL) to Launceston (LST), with round-trip tickets starting from around $282. 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 Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Launceston, TAS (LST)?
To find a cheap flight from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Launceston, TAS (LST), 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 Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Launceston, TAS (LST)?
The best airline to fly with from Melbourne, VIC (MEL) to Launceston, TAS (LST) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, Virgin Australia offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, Virgin Australia typically offers the lowest fares. Virgin Australia also offers the most daily flights from MEL to LST, 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 Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Launceston, TAS (LST)?
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.
How many flights per day from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Launceston, TAS (LST)?
You can find approximately 11 nonstop flights per day from Tullamarine (MEL) to (LST). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Launceston, TAS (LST)?
Sort flights by "Departure (earliest)" on Expedia to find the earliest flight from MEL to LST. To compare more early flights, use the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Launceston, TAS (LST)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Melbourne (MEL) to Launceston (LST) are in the late morning, from 9am to noon. About 44% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia and Jetstar, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to start your day in Melbourne and arrive in Launceston with plenty of time to explore.
How long does it take to fly from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Launceston, TAS (LST)?
Flying nonstop from MEL to LST takes around 1 hour 20 minutes, with the route covering approximately 296 miles. Flights with a layover typically take 6 hours 40 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 Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Launceston, TAS (LST)?
Business class seats are offered on the MEL to LST route with Virgin Australia and Qantas Airways.
How much is a business class flight from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Launceston, TAS (LST)?
A direct, return business class ticket from Melbourne, VIC (MEL) to Launceston, TAS (LST) typically costs between $665 - $1,189. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Launceston, TAS (LST) if you opt for a connecting flight.
*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I earn miles on a Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Launceston, TAS (LST) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Launceston, TAS (LST) 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.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Launceston, TAS (LST) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Launceston, TAS (LST) 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 Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Launceston, TAS (LST) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Launceston, TAS (LST) flight and hotel package 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 Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Launceston, TAS (LST)?
If you booked your Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Launceston, TAS (LST) 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 | Melbourne Airport |
|---|---|
Destination airport | Launceston, TAS |
Distance | 295 miles away |
Airlines serving | Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia, Jetstar |
Popular airline | Qantas Airways |
Roundtrip price | $167 |
Average flight time | 1 hour 13 mins |