Travelling from Darwin International Airport (DRW) to Melbourne: what you need to know
Around 4 hours 29 minutes is how long you'll be travelling on a direct flight from Darwin International Airport to Melbourne.
Melbourne is 1 hour 30 minutes ahead of Darwin, where Darwin International Airport is located. Melbourne operates on the UTC+11 timezone.
With 28 flights a week between the two airports, Darwin International Airport (DRW) to Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) is the busiest route. Qantas operates the earliest flight at 00:20. If you prefer to make the most of your day before flying, the last flight from DRW to MEL is with Virgin Australia at 18:40.
For hassle-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This way, you'll have plenty of time to board your flight from DRW to Melbourne.
You'll likely experience longer lines in popular months like July and other peak seasons. Arriving up to four hours in advance for an international flight and two hours for domestic departures is a smart move.
You can reserve a direct flight from Darwin International Airport to Melbourne. Begin your trip at DRW and land at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL).
There's a good selection of carriers offering direct flights from Darwin International Airport to Melbourne, such as:
You don't need a visa or passport to fly within Australia. You will need a valid identity document though, like a driver's licence or an ID card. Put them on your packing checklist after booking your flight tickets from Darwin International Airport to Melbourne.
DRW is around 13 kilometres from central Darwin. If you're catching a cab, driving or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take you 15 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the travel time to be around 1 hour and 12 minutes.
Looking for a convenient hotel close to DRW? If you're catching an early flight from Darwin International Airport to Melbourne, these accommodation options will have you sleeping moments from your departure lounge:
How to find the cheapest flights from Darwin International Airport (DRW) to Melbourne
ر.ق. 385 is the cheapest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Darwin International Airport to Melbourne. For a return flight on this route, the best price is ر.ق. 775. Depending on the availability when you book, these fares could change.
To pick up cheap tickets from DRW to Melbourne, book your trip 10 months ahead of your departure.
June is the cheapest month for tickets from Darwin International Airport to Melbourne. If you're looking to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices for every month.
Finding a cheap ticket from DRW to Melbourne is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch as soon as there's a better deal.
Make the most of the filters to find your ideal trip. To see the 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' flights from Darwin International Airport to Melbourne, use the 'Sort by' tool. You can also filter by airline, departure and arrival times, and journey duration.
Airports in Melbourne
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) is around 24 kilometres from central Melbourne. With your own car rental or in a cab, the drive is about 28 minutes.
It typically takes 42 minutes to get there by public transport.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Darwin International Airport to Melbourne, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your luggage from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping soon after at one of these hotels near MEL:
Avalon Airport (AVV)
The centre of Melbourne is about 56 kilometres from Avalon Airport (AVV). Once your flight from Darwin International Airport to Melbourne has landed and you've made your way to arrivals, expect a drive of around 51 minutes.
If you're travelling on public transport, it'll take around 2 hours and 4 minutes.
Relax and unpack not long after your flight from DRW to Melbourne at Little River Bed and Breakfast. This comfy accommodation option is an easy drive from AVV.
Best time to go to Melbourne
It's time to plan your travel dates for your flight from Darwin International Airport to Melbourne. July is the busiest month to travel to Melbourne. If you like a more relaxed atmosphere, go in April.
The warmest month in Melbourne is January, with temperatures ranging between 12ºC and 29ºC. Lock in your flights from Darwin International Airport to Melbourne in this month if you enjoy this type of weather.
Search for cheap flights from DRW to Melbourne in July if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 4ºC and 13ºC on average.
More about Melbourne
Once you've booked your flight from Darwin International Airport to Melbourne, think about where you'd like to stay in this city. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Melbourne:
Every great adventure has to include some sightseeing. Federation Square, National Gallery of Victoria and Eureka Skydeck 88 are essential stops on your Melbourne itinerary.
Complete your Melbourne trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from Darwin International Airport to Melbourne to track down amazing deals on car rentals. Search for your ride in seconds and easily compare your options. Plus you'll find everything you need to know about car rentals in Melbourne, from the most popular car type to the best time to book.