Flying from Darwin International Airport (DRW) to Melbourne: what you need to know
Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes is how long you can expect to be in the air on a direct flight from Darwin International Airport to Melbourne.
The timezone in Melbourne is UTC+11. The city is one hour 30 minutes ahead of Darwin, where Darwin International Airport is located.
With 21 weekly flights between the two airports, Darwin International Airport (DRW) to Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) is the busiest route. Virgin Australia Regional operates the earliest flight at 00:35. If you'd like to get more out of your day before flying, the latest departure from DRW to MEL is with Virgin Australia Regional at 18:40.
For a smooth journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. That way, you can comfortably catch your DRW to Melbourne flight.
Heading off during a peak time like a bank holiday? Expect longer queues at security and check-in. Give yourself extra leeway and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of domestic departures.
You can book a direct Darwin International Airport to Melbourne ticket. Start your trip at DRW and land at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL).
You'll have your choice of carriers that operate direct flights from Darwin International Airport to Melbourne. Reserve your trip with one of these:
Located around 3 kilometres from central Darwin, DRW can be reached in about 15 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Travelling on public transport will take roughly 1 hour 10 minutes.
Want a stress-free start to your travels? Stay near DRW. Whether you're taking an early flight from Darwin International Airport to Melbourne or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are a convenient choice:
When it comes to Darwin International Airport's on-time performance, 73.13% of flights arrive within the scheduled time frame.
How to find the cheapest flights from Darwin International Airport (DRW) to Melbourne
ج.م. 5,587 is the cheapest price we've seen for a one-way Darwin International Airport to Melbourne flight. A round-trip flight ticket right now is ج.م. 12,706. Depending on when and how early you book, these fares could change.
Score cheap flights from DRW to Melbourne by booking two months ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for finding the biggest deals.
Plan your trip for June. That's the best month for landing an awesome deal on Darwin International Airport to Melbourne tickets. If your travel dates are flexible, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the lowest price across every month.
You don't need to check back in every day to find out if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll update you as soon as there's an even better deal on cheap flights from DRW to Melbourne.
Save on your flight from Darwin International Airport to Melbourne with the help of our filters. Select your ideal departure time, duration and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Airports in Melbourne
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to the centre of Melbourne takes about 30 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 24 kilometres away.
It'll take around 40 minutes if you're travelling on public transport.
Think about booking a hotel close to MEL if you have a late flight from Darwin International Airport to Melbourne. Choose one of these accommodation options and make your arrival easier:
Fast-track your adventure by picking up a Melbourne Tullamarine Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Bargain Car Rentals, East Coast or Sixt and experience the lesser-explored corners of Melbourne and beyond.
Booking your ride from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport about four weeks before your flight from DRW to Melbourne can help you lock in the best possible rate.
Avalon Airport (AVV)
Once your flight from Darwin International Airport to Melbourne has hit the tarmac, you can make your way to the city centre in around 50 minutes by car. Central Melbourne is roughly 56 kilometres from Avalon Airport (AVV).
You can expect the journey to take roughly 2 hours 5 minutes on public transport.
You'll find some fantastic accommodation options just a quick drive from AVV. Switch to relaxation mode at Corio Bay Motel after your DRW to Melbourne flight.
Forget about inconvenient public transport timetables or slow-moving cab lines. Pick up an Avalon Airport rental car and let the journey unfold your way. Check out the availability and rates from Sixt, Kangaroo Rental and yesaway car hire.
Score the best price by reserving your ride from AVV three weeks in advance. You can also expect to have a wider selection of vehicles.
Essendon Airport (MEB)
Essendon Airport (MEB) is about 19 kilometres from the centre of Melbourne. It takes about 25 minutes to get to the city centre by car once you've hopped off your flight from Darwin International Airport to Melbourne.
The journey will take about 1 hour 15 minutes if you use public transport.
Choose a hotel near MEB and go from landing to lounging in your room in a flash. Whether you have a late DRW to Melbourne flight or just want to keep your travel plans simple, these stays put comfort right within reach:
Whether you're looking for a zippy compact for a solo escape or an SUV to fit a group of friends, you'll find the perfect Essendon Airport rental car for you. Check out the types of wheels available here from suppliers such as East Coast, Ace Rental Cars and Goldcar.
Rental agencies sometimes offer deals on early bookings, so secure your vehicle from MEB well ahead of your flight from Darwin International Airport to Melbourne. A little prep work can make a big difference in cost.
Best time to go to Melbourne
Before booking your flights from Darwin International Airport to Melbourne, consider which time of year is best for you. Peak season in Melbourne offers a bustling atmosphere and plenty of things to do, while the off-season means you'll get cheaper hotel rates and fewer crowds.
Lock in a Darwin International Airport to Melbourne flight ticket with a departure in January if you're eager to visit the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 12ºC to 29ºC.
Search for cheap tickets from DRW to Melbourne in July if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 4ºC and 13ºC on average.
More about Melbourne
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the top stays in Melbourne right here. Check out these hotels once you've locked in your flight from Darwin International Airport to Melbourne:
There are so many things to discover in this city it can be tricky to work out where to start. National Gallery of Victoria, Federation Square and Eureka Skydeck 88 are top sights which should feature on any good Melbourne itinerary.
Explore more of Australia
You've visited Melbourne, now it's time to explore other parts of Australia. Journey around 467 kilometres north-east to Canberra to tick off its must-visit sights. From Australian War Memorial to National Gallery of Australia and Parliament House, there's plenty to keep you on the go.
Around 451 kilometres south-east of Melbourne, Launceston is another favourite stop in Australia. Start your sightseeing at City Park, Tamar Island Wetlands and James Boag Brewery Experience.
