Melbourne to Canberra Flight Information

The approximate distance between Melbourne and Canberra is 468.66km. Average flight time from Melbourne to Canberra is around 1 hour 12 minutes. According to Trip.com data, travel demand hits its peak in January. The cheapest month to book flights is August.

Cheapest one-way
AU$ 89
Jetstar Airways Jetstar Airways MEL-CBR 1h 5m · Direct Thu, Sep 10
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Cheapest return
AU$ 187
Jetstar Airways Jetstar Airways MEL-CBR 1h 5m · Direct Tue, Sep 1 - Tue, Sep 8
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Best time to book
August
Cheapest
January
Peak season for travel
Route details
468.66km
Flight distance
1h 12m
Average flight time

Explore the cheapest flights from Melbourne to Canberra in the next three months. Based on Trip.com's data from the latest 7 days, one-way direct flights start at AU$ 89, and direct return tickets start at AU$ 187.

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Expert Picks: Flights from Melbourne to Canberra

Find your perfect flight from Melbourne to Canberra, tailored just for you.

Author's Profile Picture Alice Trip.com Writer
They’ve totally nailed the smart-casual vibe. Great airport lounges, super on-time, and just a way cooler experience overall.
Virgin Australia
MEL 21:20
1h 5m Direct
CBR 22:25
Tue, Aug 25 Melbourne - Canberra Virgin Australia
AU$ 191
Author's Profile Picture Zora Trip.com Blogger
A total Aussie classic. You know exactly what you’re getting: a rock-solid safety record, decent local wine, and great frequent flyer perks.
Qantas Airways
MEL 20:20
1h 10m Direct
CBR 21:30
Thu, Aug 27 Melbourne - Canberra Qantas Airways
AU$ 225

Find Cheapest Airlines Flying from Melbourne to Canberra

Choose from 3 carriers that fly from Melbourne to Canberra, including Virgin Australia, Jetstar Airways, and Qantas Airways. Enjoy the cheapest tickets on this route with Jetstar Airways.
Virgin Australia logo Virgin Australia
Jetstar Airways logo Jetstar Airways
Qantas Airways logo Qantas Airways
Airlines are determined based on actual purchased flight tickets from Melbourne to Canberra according to previous 12 months data from Trip.com.

Trip.com Price Insights on Flights from Melbourne to Canberra

What is the cheapest month for one-way flights from Melbourne to Canberra?

Average price of one-way flights from Melbourne to Canberra purchased by Trip.com users by month over the past 12 months.

According to Trip.com's data, the cheapest month for flights from Melbourne to Canberra is August, with an average price of AU$ 169. Conversely, the most expensive month is typically October, with an average price of up to AU$ 246.

AU$ 246
AU$ 208
AU$ 169
AU$ 131
  • AU$ 169
    Aug
  • AU$ 180
    Sep
  • AU$ 246
    Oct
  • AU$ 186
    Nov
  • AU$ 169
    Dec
  • AU$ 181
    Jan
  • AU$ 191
    Feb
  • AU$ 203
    Mar
  • AU$ 211
    Apr
  • AU$ 198
    May
  • AU$ 221
    Jun
  • AU$ 184
    Jul

What is the cheapest month for return flights from Melbourne to Canberra?

Average price of round-trip flights from Melbourne to Canberra purchased by Trip.com users by month over the past 12 months.

According to historical data from Trip.com, the lowest prices for flights from Melbourne to Canberra are found during March, with an average price of AU$ 331. Conversely, the highest prices are found during October, with an average price of up to AU$ 486.

AU$ 486
AU$ 409
AU$ 331
AU$ 254
    Cheapest
  • AU$ 398
    Aug
  • AU$ 353
    Sep
  • AU$ 486
    Oct
  • AU$ 439
    Nov
  • AU$ 460
    Dec
  • AU$ 384
    Jan
  • AU$ 359
    Feb
  • AU$ 331
    Mar
  • AU$ 437
    Apr
  • AU$ 379
    May
  • AU$ 344
    Jun
  • AU$ 406
    Jul

What's the cheapest day to fly from Melbourne to Canberra?

Data is based on the average flight price for each day of the week from Melbourne to Canberra on Trip.com over the past 12 months.

Based on Trip.com data from the past 12 months, the cheapest day to fly from Melbourne to Canberra is Thursday, with average prices lower than on other days. Avoid Sunday, as prices are usually highest then.

AU$ 275
AU$ 222
AU$ 169
AU$ 116
    Cheapest
  • AU$ 242
    Mon
  • AU$ 198
    Tue
  • AU$ 171
    Wed
  • AU$ 169
    Thu
  • AU$ 190
    Fri
  • AU$ 191
    Sat
  • AU$ 275
    Sun

Flight FAQs

  • Which airlines offer the cheapest flights from Melbourne (MEL) to Canberra (CBR)?

    Based on Trip.com data, Jetstar Airways offers one-way fares as low as AU$ 89 on Cheapest nonstop routes (e.g. MEL to CBR on Thu, Sep 10), while Jetstar Airways offers Cheapest nonstop round-trips from AU$ 187 departing on Tue, Sep 1 and returning on Tue, Sep 8.
  • At the moment, you can catch a direct flight from Melbourne to Canberra with the following airlines, including: Virgin Australia Jetstar Airways Qantas Airways Selected airlines are based on historical data collected from flight bookings users made on Trip.com within the last 90 days.
  • It takes about 1 hour 12 minutes to fly from Melbourne (MEL) to Canberra (CBR).
  • By analyzing data from all airlines on the Trip.com flight calendar, it looks like the best time to book a flight from Melbourne to Canberra is around 40 days (6 weeks) in advance, and the best time to fly is usually on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Tuesday typically offers the cheapest flights for departure, while Saturday offers the best return deals.
  • Based on Trip.com data in the past 4 weeks, there is 93 flight per week flying from Melbourne to Canberra. You can check the weekly schedule for popular airlines on this route below: Virgin Australia: S/M/T/W/T/F/S -- VA267 (12:24) Jetstar Airways: S/M/T/W/T/F/S -- JQ654 (11:20)
  • To find best deals on flights from Melbourne to Canberra, you can use various tools on Trip.com:
    · Be flexible with your travel dates to get the cheapest flight deal. Now the cheapest flight deal is on Thu, Sep 10, with one-way flights priced at just AU$ 89.
    · Compare airlines strategically. Budget carriers often provide the lowest base fares, while we found the most affordable airline currently operating on this route is Jetstar Airways.
    · Set up price alerts to easily monitor ticket prices without having to check every day.
    · Check Trip.com flight deals and promo codes frequently.
    · Avoid peak season unless you book very early. It seems the peak season for Canberra travel is around January.
    · Get exclusive promo codes for Trip.com app users.
  • The cheapest months to fly from Melbourne to Canberra is August, when demand for travel is lower.
  • After crunching the numbers on our August flight calendar, it's currently cheapest to fly from Melbourne to Canberra on August 11, 2026 with Jetstar Airways, with prices starting at AU$ 84.
  • You can land at any one of the following hubs in Canberra, with Melbourne Airport to Canberra Airport (MEL-CBR) is by far the most common option on this route: Canberra Airport (CBR).
  • The time difference between Canberra and Melbourne is 0m.
  • Tickets can only be changed or cancelled if permitted by airline policy. To submit a change or cancellation request, go to the flight bookings page, select the option to change or cancel your booking, choose the relevant passengers and segment, and submit a request. Please note that additional charges may apply according to the airline ticket policy. However, if the flight has been rescheduled and you would like to change or cancel your ticket, you can submit an involuntary cancellation request. For more details about change and cancellation policies, please check the customer support pages.
  • Based on Trip.com data for flights departing in the next 30 days, the average one-way fare from Melbourne to Canberra is AU$ 220. Fares vary by travel date, airline and availability.
  • Based on Trip.com data for travel in the next 30 days, the average round-trip fare from Melbourne to Canberra is AU$ 372. The final price depends on the outbound and return dates, airline and fare conditions.
  • Enter Melbourne and Canberra, choose your travel dates and passengers, then compare flights by price, duration and baggage. Select a fare, review the change and cancellation rules, enter traveller details and complete payment to receive your confirmation.
  • Jetstar Airwaysare the most popular budget airlines flying from Melbourne to Canberra. Check baggage, seat and payment fees before comparing the final price.

Flying from Melbourne to Canberra: What You Need to Know

Flying from Melbourne to Canberra is a short and scenic hop, typically taking just 1 hour and 5 minutes. Since both cities are on the East Coast, there is no time difference to worry about—though you might notice the air gets a bit crisper as you land in the capital!

Upcoming Festivals & Events in Canberra (2026):

  • Enlighten Festival in March 2026. Watch the Parliamentary Triangle transform with stunning architectural projections, night noodles markets, and the spectacular "Canberra Balloon Spectacular" at sunrise.
  • Canberra Canberra (Founding Day) on March 9, 2026. A city-wide celebration of the capital's birthday with live music, community events, and family-friendly entertainment along Lake Burley Griffin.
  • Floriade from September to October 2026. Australia’s biggest celebration of spring. Commonwealth Park comes alive with over a million blooming flowers, artistic displays, and "NightFest" evening illuminations.
  • Summernats Car Festival in January 2026. Australia's iconic horsepower party, featuring the legendary burnout competitions and automotive displays that draw crowds from all over the country.

Key Information:

  • Departure: Most flights depart from Melbourne Airport (MEL). Qantas usually operates from Terminal 1 (T1), Virgin Australia from Terminal 3 (T3), and Jetstar from Terminal 4 (T4).
  • Arrival: You will land at Canberra Airport (CBR). The airport is exceptionally close to the action—only about 8 km from the city center. A taxi or Uber to Civic (the CBD) takes roughly 10–15 minutes and costs approximately $25–$35 AUD.
  • Airlines: Frequent direct services are provided by Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar. Because it is a popular business route, flights are frequent on weekdays.
  • Baggage: Full-service carriers (Qantas/Virgin) generally include 23kg of checked luggage. If you snag a budget "saver" fare, ensure you check the carry-on limits, as Canberra security is efficient but strict.

Airports in Melbourne

Airports in Melbourne

white airliner on runway Via Unsplash (by Ivan Shimko)

As the primary hub, Melbourne Airport (MEL) handles the bulk of domestic traffic to the capital.

  • Melbourne Airport (MEL)
    • Location: 23 km northwest of Melbourne’s CBD.
    • Getting to MEL: The SkyBus from Southern Cross is the most popular pick (~$22 AUD). Rideshares like Uber or Didi are around $55–$70 AUD.
    • Tip: If you're flying Qantas or Virgin, check-in is almost entirely automated—save time by using the app!

Airport in Canberra

Airport in Canberra

empty gray airport seats during daytime Via Unsplash (by Dennis Gecaj)

Canberra has one sleek, modern terminal that serves as the gateway to the ACT.

  • Canberra Airport (CBR)
    • Location: About 8 km from the city center (approx. 10 minutes by car).
    • Facilities: A multi-award-winning terminal featuring excellent business lounges, a range of cafes, and the famous "Glass House" dining area.
    • Getting to the City:
      • Rapid Bus (R3): Connects the airport to the City Interchange and Belconnen frequently throughout the day.
      • Uber/Rideshare: There is a dedicated indoor waiting area for rideshare passengers on the ground floor.
      • Car Rental: Highly recommended if you plan to visit the Namadgi National Park or the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.

Best Time to Fly to Canberra

  • Best Time: Autumn (March–May) for the stunning red and gold foliage, or Spring (September–November) for Floriade and mild walking weather.
  • Winter (June–August): It gets cold! Temperatures often drop below $0^\circ\text{C}$ at night. It’s perfect for visiting museums and galleries, but pack a heavy coat.
  • Summer (December–February): Hot and dry. Great for water sports on Lake Burley Griffin, but be prepared for occasional scorching days.

Where to Stay in Canberra

  • Civic (CBD): The heart of the city. Best for easy access to shopping, dining, and the main bus interchange.
  • Barton / Parkes: The "Parliamentary Triangle." Best for tourists who want to walk to the National Gallery, Questacon, and Old Parliament House.
  • Braddon: The hip side of town. Lonsdale Street is lined with boutique shops, craft breweries, and the city’s best "brunch" culture.

Trip.com Airline Insights on Flights from Melbourne toCanberra

Which airlines offer the cheapest nonstop flights from Melbourne to Canberra?

Data is based on the average price of all nonstop flights from Melbourne to Canberra on Trip.com in the past 12 months.

Based on Trip.com data from the past 12 months, Jetstar Airways offers the cheapest nonstop flights from Melbourne to Canberra, with an average price of AU$ 174.

AU$ 127
AU$ 174
AU$ 222
AU$ 270
AU$ 317
Jetstar Airways
AU$ 174
Jetstar Airways
Virgin Australia
AU$ 229
Virgin Australia
Qantas Airways
AU$ 304
Qantas Airways
FlyPelican Airlines
AU$ 317
FlyPelican Airlines

Which airlines operate the most flights from Melbourne to Canberra?

Data is based on the number of flights from Melbourne to Canberra operated by each airline on Trip.com in the past month.

Based on Trip.com data from the past month, Qantas Airways operates the most flights from Melbourne to Canberra, with 57 flight per week.

14
28
43
57
Qantas Airways
57
Qantas Airways
Air New Zealand
50
Air New Zealand
Emirates
36
Emirates
Virgin Australia
31
Virgin Australia
Singapore Airlines
31
Singapore Airlines
Qatar Airways
28
Qatar Airways

How many flights are there each day from Melbourne to Canberra?

The data is based on the flight numbers for each day of the week from Melbourne to Canberra within the Trip.com database over the past month.

Based on Trip.com data from the past month, the most flights from Melbourne to Canberra depart on Friday, and the fewest flights depart on Tuesday.

280
220
159
99
Highest
167
Mon
159
Tue
196
Wed
190
Thu
280
Fri
202
Sat
204
Sun

Note: Prices shown on this page are estimated lowest price and include all taxes and fees found in the last 24 hours.

Book with no extra fees

Prices displayed in this page are all-inclusive prices (incl. taxes, fuel surcharge, regulatory fees, etc) with all fees confirmed before payment. Fees for baggage, meals, Wi-Fi, or other additional services are also included as shown in the flight cards.

Real-time pricing updates

Prices, availability, and travel information on this page were updated within last 24 hours—even in real-time. The more popular the route, the more precise the data.

Change & Cancellation Policy

Trip.com displays flight cancellation and change policies for each flight ticket during the booking process, including fees and applicable conditions. Please check the following scenarios:
Voluntary cancellation/change:
To submit a change or cancellation request, go to the flight bookings page, select the option to change or cancel your booking, choose the relevant passengers and segment, and submit a request. Please note that additional charges may apply according to the airline ticket policy.
Cancellation/change due to a flight schedule change:
If the flight has been rescheduled and you would like to change or cancel your ticket, you can submit an involuntary cancellation request. For more details about change and cancellation policies, please check the customer support pages.