$518 Cheap Flights from Seattle (SEA) to Melbourne (MEL)

Seattle (SEA) to Melbourne (MEL) at a glance

Explore a range of airlines operating flights from Seattle (SEA) to Melbourne (MEL) on this exciting international long-haul journey. Compare various options, including full-service carriers, to discover the itinerary that suits your budget and travel schedule while you plan your visit to Melbourne's iconic sights and vibrant neighborhoods. Get essential information for flights departing from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Tullamarine Airport (MEL).

• Fastest flight duration: around 18h 15m in-flight, plus roughly 2h 30m layover with one stop
• Route distance: roughly 8,200 miles (13,200 km)
• Flights per week: around 9 departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $470–$1355, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Seattle - Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Tullamarine Airport (MEL)

According to recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Seattle to Melbourne, particularly for one-stop and multi-stop journeys. Popular layover points include San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), each offering approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes of layover time. This allows travelers the flexibility to choose the best combination of price, total travel duration, and cabin class to create an ideal itinerary.

• United: This full-service airline provides convenient one-stop flights, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $505 and $1450. It comprises about 54% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 18 hours and 15 minutes, and a total travel time of approximately 21 hours and 15 minutes, including layovers.
• Qantas Airways: Known for its comprehensive service, Qantas offers both one-stop and multi-stop options. One-way fares typically range from $490 to $1130, representing around 16% of departures on this route. Expect a multi-stop flight to take about 19 hours in the air, with a total journey time of around 23 hours and 45 minutes.
• Air Canada: This full-service carrier focuses on multi-stop journeys, with one-way fares generally priced between $470 and $1505. Air Canada accounts for approximately 13% of flights on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 19 hours and a total travel duration of about 23 hours and 45 minutes, including layovers.
• Delta: Offering a mix of one-stop and multi-stop services, Delta's one-way fares typically range from $525 to $3860. They represent around 8% of departures for this route, with a standard 1-stop flight time of 18 hours and 15 minutes and a total journey time close to 21 hours and 15 minutes.
• Fiji Airways: This full-service airline specializes in multi-stop flights, with one-way fares generally ranging from $625 to $740. It accounts for about 5% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 19 hours and a total travel time of roughly 23 hours and 45 minutes, including layovers.

Best time to fly from Seattle (SEA) to Melbourne (MEL)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Seattle to Melbourne are January, February, and December, when peak temperatures in Melbourne reach up to 68.7°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 49.8°F. For better deals, August usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $575. Flight availability peaks in December, with approximately 12 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

• Cheapest time to fly: August usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $575, roughly 25% cheaper than the yearly average.
• Another budget-friendly time to fly: November typically offers an average one-way fare of around $593.
• Most flight options: December has the highest number of flights from Seattle to Melbourne, with approximately 12 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.

*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.

Alternative routes from Seattle (SEA) to Melbourne (MEL)

• Seattle to Melbourne (SEA-AVV): Avalon Airport (AVV) lies approximately 32 miles from Tullamarine Airport (MEL), providing convenient access to the city.
• Seattle to Geelong (SEA-GEX): Geelong Airport (GEX) is located about 48 miles from Tullamarine Airport (MEL), making it a viable option for travelers.
• Seattle to Bendigo (SEA-BXG): Bendigo Airport (BXG) can be found roughly 70 miles away from Tullamarine Airport (MEL), catering to those heading to the region.

How to find the best prices for flights from Seattle (SEA) to Melbourne (MEL)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Seattle 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 typically available when booking within two weeks, although most travelers book at least two months in advance. Evening departures (6 PM to 12 AM) often offer lower prices, while afternoon flights (12 PM to 6 PM) are more popular. Additionally, flying on Thursday generally provides cheaper rates, whereas Friday is the busiest 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 Seattle - Tacoma International Airport

Melbourne welcomes travelers from Seattle with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Seattle - Tacoma International Airport is roughly a 20-minute drive (covering about 14 miles) from central Seattle. 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 links are within reach by car: Broadmeadows Station, a metro station, is about 4.9 miles away, while Strathmore Seaport, a seaport, is located approximately 6.8 miles from the airport, and Essendon Station, a train station, is about 8.5 miles away.

Seattle to Melbourne Flights

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

The best time to book a flight from Seattle to Melbourne

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Seattle 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 Seattle 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 Seattle to Melbourne in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $518 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 Seattle 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 Seattle 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.