Flying from Melbourne to Canberra Airport (CBR): What you need to know
Your travel plans take shape at one of Melbourne's main airports, Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) or Avalon Airport (AVV). Explore your options for booking a flight from Melbourne to Canberra Airport (CBR) setting off from either of these.
Expect to be in the air for 1 hour 10 minutes. On average, that's the duration of a direct Melbourne to Canberra Airport flight.
Canberra (where Canberra Airport is located) and Melbourne share the UTC+11 timezone. Same timezone means no confusion when scheduling your trip.
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Canberra Airport (CBR) is the most popular route. There are 91 direct flights a week to choose from. If you prefer a later start to the day, hop on the last flight with Virgin Australia Regional at 9:35pm. Opt for the first MEL to CBR departure operated by Qantas at 6am if you're aiming for an earlier start.
For a smooth journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you plenty of time to catch your flight from Melbourne to CBR.
Flying during a peak month like July? Public holidays and other popular seasons can mean longer lines at security. Play things extra safe and get there up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
Airports in Melbourne
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
Fly without interruptions from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL). Direct flights from Melbourne to Canberra Airport (CBR) can be booked from here.
Pick from a variety of airlines that offer direct flights from Melbourne to Canberra Airport leaving from MEL. Reserve your trip with one of these:
Most travelers prefer to fly with Qantas from MEL to CBR.
Qatar Airways is the most punctual carrier on this route.
Traveling from central Melbourne to MEL takes around 35 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or grab a cab, you'll cover the 24 kilometers in 25 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Want a hassle-free start to your trip? Stay near Melbourne Tullamarine Airport. Whether you're catching an early flight from Melbourne to Canberra Airport or aren't a fan of being rushed, these hotels are just what you're after:
Of the departures from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, 63% arrive as scheduled at their destination.
Avalon Airport (AVV)
Planning to catch a flight from Avalon Airport (AVV)? Direct Melbourne to Canberra Airport (CBR) plane tickets are available from here.
Get on your direct flight from Melbourne to CBR with FlyPelican. This is one of the main carriers flying this route out of AVV.
Pelican Airlines is the most frequently booked airline flying from AVV to CBR.
AVV is around 56 kilometers from central Melbourne. It takes 1 hour 5 minutes or so to get to the airport driving from the city center. Public transport takes roughly 1 hour 20 minutes.
Relax before your Melbourne to CBR flight at a hotel near Avalon Airport. Corio Bay Motel is one option where you can roll out of bed and get to the airport with time to spare.
When it comes to flights staying on schedule, Avalon Airport has an on-time arrival performance of 76%.
About Canberra Airport (CBR)
If you have a late flight from Melbourne to Canberra Airport, nothing tops the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing soon after at one of these options near CBR:
Lock in the best deal by reserving your ride around one week ahead of your Melbourne to Canberra Airport flight.
Getting from Canberra Airport (CBR) to central Canberra
Central Canberra is around 8 kilometers from Canberra Airport and takes about 15 minutes to reach by car. See what your options are for heading into the city, whether that's with a cab, car rental or ride-share.
Traveling on public transport will take you roughly 40 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Melbourne to Canberra Airport (CBR)
The lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Melbourne to Canberra Airport is AED 239. For a return flight on this route, the best price is AED 479. Depending on when you book and the availability, these fares may change.
Booking early is often the key to scoring a cheap flight from Melbourne to CBR. Fares tend to rise as seats fill up, so the closer you get to departure, the more you'll likely spend.
If you're flexible with your travel dates, try using the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll show you the lowest price in each month when searching for your Melbourne to Canberra Airport ticket.
You don't need to search every day to find out if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll let you know when a better deal is available on plane tickets from Melbourne to CBR.
Nail down a great price on a flight from Melbourne to Canberra Airport with the help of the filters. Pick your ideal arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
The best time to fly from Melbourne to Canberra Airport (CBR)
December is the quietest month for flights from Melbourne to Canberra Airport (CBR), while March is the busiest. Work out the ideal time to visit Canberra based on whether you want a lively atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
When booking your Melbourne to CBR plane ticket, consider the weather you're most comfortable in. January is the warmest month in Canberra, with temperatures ranging from 12ºC (54ºF) to 31ºC (88ºF).
If you want to travel in cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from Melbourne to Canberra Airport in July when temperatures are between 0ºC (32ºF) and 12ºC (54ºF).
More about Canberra
Once you've booked your flight from Melbourne to Canberra Airport, find a hotel that offers the right mix of comfort and location. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Canberra:
You'll find plenty of things to do in Canberra when you're ready to see the sights. Kick off your exploring at National Gallery of Australia followed by National Portrait Gallery and Museum of Australian Democracy.
Explore more of Australia
You've seen Canberra, now it's time to explore other corners of Australia. Travel around 241 kilometers northeast to Sydney to check off its leading attractions. From Sydney Harbour Bridge to Sydney Harbour and Sydney Opera House, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
Wollongong is another sought-after destination in Australia and is around 177 kilometers northeast of Canberra. No journey is complete without dropping by Wollongong Beach, Pulpit Rock and Brighton Beach.
