Flying from Melbourne to Canberra Airport (CBR): What you need to know
Start your travels 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) taking 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 Airport is located in Canberra. The city's timezone is UTC+11 — the same as Melbourne.
With 86 direct weekly flights between the two airports, Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Canberra Airport (CBR) is the busiest route. Qantas operates the earliest flight at 6am. If you'd like to make the most of your day before you fly, the latest flight from MEL to CBR is with Virgin Australia Regional at 9:35pm.
To ensure you get on your flight from Melbourne to CBR, allow plenty of time to check in and find your gate. Arriving two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
In high season, allow for longer queues and show up earlier. Aim for at least two hours ahead for domestic flights and up to four hours for international trips.
Airports in Melbourne
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
You can jump on a direct flight from Melbourne to Canberra Airport (CBR) departing from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL).
Leading carriers that have direct flights from Melbourne to Canberra Airport out of MEL include:
The airline most travellers choose when flying between MEL and CBR is Qantas.
Jetstar is the leading carrier for punctuality on this route.
MEL is around 24 kilometres from central Melbourne. If you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 30 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the trip time to be around 40 minutes.
Looking for a convenient hotel close to Melbourne Tullamarine Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Melbourne to Canberra Airport, these stays will put you just around the corner from the terminal:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, data shows 67.71% of flights meet their scheduled arrival time.
Avalon Airport (AVV)
AVV is about 56 kilometres from central Melbourne. It takes 50 minutes or so to get to the airport if you're driving from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 2 hours 5 minutes.
It's vacation time, so why not spend an extra night away at a hotel close to Avalon Airport? Before your Melbourne to CBR flight, make yourself comfortable at Corio Bay Motel.
Avalon Airport has a strong track record for reliability and timeliness. 80.09% of flights out of here keep to their planned arrival schedule.
About Canberra Airport (CBR)
Have a late flight from Melbourne to Canberra Airport? Don't let it rob you of real rest. Check in to one of these hotels near CBR and turn in quicker:
Travel at your own speed with a Canberra Airport rental car. Book your wheels from Europcar, Sixt or Alamo and see more of Canberra and beyond.
Booking your ride around one week in advance of your Melbourne to Canberra Airport flight can help you get a cheaper deal.
Getting from Canberra Airport (CBR) to central Canberra
Canberra Airport to the centre of Canberra is about 6 kilometres. If you're renting a car or taking a cab, do a little research to make your trip as smooth as possible. Journey times vary based on the time of day and traffic conditions.
If you're travelling on public transport, expect a journey of about 1 hour 5 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 C$66. For a return flight on this route, the best price is C$131. Depending on when you book and the availability, these fares could change.
To find cheap flights from Melbourne to CBR, book early. Airlines generally offer the most competitive fares when tickets first go on sale.
Affordable Melbourne to Canberra Airport tickets are easier to find if you're not locked into specific dates. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare fares across the month and then fly out on the cheapest day.
Spend less time searching for cheap flight tickets from Melbourne to CBR by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification through the app when a lower fare becomes available.
Filters make it easier to dig up a deal for your flight from Melbourne to Canberra Airport. Pick the flight times, carriers and stops that line up with your plans. Then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to bring up the lowest fares right away.
The best time to fly from Melbourne to Canberra Airport (CBR)
April is the quietest month for flights from Melbourne to Canberra Airport (CBR), while July is the most popular. Choose the ideal time to visit Canberra based on whether you like a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
When booking your Melbourne to CBR flight ticket, consider the type of weather you enjoy. January is the warmest month in Canberra, with temperatures ranging from 13ºC (55ºF) to 31ºC (88ºF).
Look for cheap tickets from Melbourne to Canberra Airport in July if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 0ºC (32ºF) and 12ºC (54ºF).
More about Canberra
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Canberra right here. Check out these options after you've booked your flight from Melbourne to Canberra Airport:
Every great vacation has to include a little sightseeing. Australian War Memorial, National Gallery of Australia and National Portrait Gallery are attractions you won't want to skip in Canberra.
Explore more of Australia
Sydney is just one of the many places in Australia waiting to be explored once you've taken in the sights of Canberra. Around 241 kilometres away to the north-east, its best attractions include Sydney Harbour, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Harbour.
Around 177 kilometres north-east of Canberra, Wollongong is another essential stop in Australia. Experience the best of this destination with a visit to Wollongong Beach, Pulpit Rock and Brighton Beach.
