MEL - JNB

$982 Find Cheap Flights from Melbourne to Johannesburg – Compare and Save

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from Melbourne to OR Tambo departing on 7/9. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
1 adult
1 adult, Economy, 0 bags

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Everything you should know

Cheapest return fare
$1,737
Typical prices: $1,576-$2,180
Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways
Tue 1/9Sun 13/9
MEL - JNB • 1 stop
Cheapest one-way flight
$982
Typical prices: $803-$1,209
Multiple Airlines
Mon 7/9
MEL - JNB • 3 stops
Top airlines
Cheapest • from $1,796 (return)
Best reviews • 8.2 score
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
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Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
Direct flights
Not available
There are currently no direct flights between Melbourne and OR Tambo. You’ll need at least 1 connection.
Insights
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Top stopover airports
Cheapest • Avg $1,858 (return)
Shortest trip • 18h 06m (one-way)
Insights
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When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travellers who book at least 4 weeks in advance save around 15% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
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Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 27% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
Good to know
+1
+1
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Good to know
+1
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KAYAK searches hundreds of sites at once to find you the best travel deals.
We hope you love your trip to OR Tambo!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Melbourne to Johannesburg (MEL-JNB)

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for return flights from Melbourne to Johannesburg that are departing in the next months. While these flights were available on KAYAK in the last 72 hours, prices and availability are subject to change and deals may expire.
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent return flight deals from Melbourne to OR Tambo

Tue, 1 Sep - Sun, 13 Sep
Multiple Airlines Logo
17:20 - 08:20
MEL
-
JNB
23h 00m
1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
20:55 - 22:05
JNB
-
MEL
41h 10m
1 stop
$1,737Multiple Airlines
Tue, 1 Sep - Wed, 9 Sep
Multiple Airlines Logo
17:20 - 08:20
MEL
-
JNB
23h 00m
1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
14:05 - 22:05
JNB
-
MEL
24h 00m
1 stop
$1,749Multiple Airlines
Sat, 10 Oct - Tue, 20 Oct
Singapore Airlines Logo
06:55 - 19:20
MEL
-
JNB
21h 25m
1 stop
Singapore Airlines Logo
20:25 - 12:00
JNB
-
MEL
30h 35m
1 stop
$1,796Singapore Airlines
Mon, 7 Sep - Mon, 14 Sep
Qatar Airways Logo
22:45 - 04:00
MEL
-
JNB
37h 15m
1 stop
Qatar Airways Logo
14:05 - 22:05
JNB
-
MEL
24h 00m
1 stop
$1,796Qatar Airways
Mon, 2 Nov - Sun, 22 Nov
Qatar Airways Logo
23:40 - 15:35
MEL
-
JNB
24h 55m
1 stop
Qatar Airways Logo
13:45 - 23:20
JNB
-
MEL
24h 35m
1 stop
$1,797Qatar Airways
Sun, 11 Oct - Sat, 24 Oct
Singapore Airlines Logo
16:20 - 19:20
MEL
-
JNB
36h 00m
1 stop
Singapore Airlines Logo
13:45 - 12:10
JNB
-
MEL
37h 25m
1 stop
$1,815Singapore Airlines
Mon, 2 Nov - Sun, 22 Nov
Etihad Airways Logo
18:20 - 08:20
MEL
-
JNB
23h 00m
1 stop
Etihad Airways Logo
09:50 - 17:00
JNB
-
MEL
22h 10m
1 stop
$1,815Etihad Airways
Fri, 20 Nov - Fri, 18 Dec
Etihad Airways Logo
18:20 - 08:20
MEL
-
JNB
23h 00m
1 stop
Etihad Airways Logo
09:50 - 17:00
JNB
-
MEL
22h 10m
1 stop
$1,815Etihad Airways
Thu, 3 Sep - Mon, 7 Sep
Emirates Logo
15:55 - 16:15
MEL
-
JNB
32h 20m
2 stops
Emirates Logo
19:10 - 08:50
JNB
-
MEL
29h 40m
2 stops
$2,201Emirates
Sun, 10 Jan - Wed, 10 Feb
Emirates Logo
22:30 - 20:35
MEL
-
JNB
31h 05m
1 stop
Emirates Logo
22:20 - 10:15
JNB
-
MEL
26h 55m
2 stops
$2,201Emirates
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for Melbourne to OR Tambo flights

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from Melbourne to OR Tambo to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.

How much is a return flight from Melbourne Airport to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport?

This analysis is based on the cheapest return trip price found on KAYAK in the last 12 months by searching for a flight from Melbourne Airport to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport departing in September.

Flight prices are typical for this route right now.

Flights to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport from Melbourne Airport usually cost between $1,564 and $1,978 in September.
The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $1,737 on Multiple Airlines (1 Sept–13 Sept).

What is the cheapest month to fly from Melbourne Airport to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from Melbourne Airport to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the median of all values for each month.

The cheapest month for flights from Melbourne Airport to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport is February, where tickets cost $1,304 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and July, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is $2,472 and $2,001 respectively.

How far in advance should I book a flight from Melbourne Airport to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport?

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights from Melbourne Airport to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the average of all the values for each week.

To get a below average price on the flight from Melbourne Airport to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport, you should book around 4 weeks before departure, which saves you about 15% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 12 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low season

February

Cheapest flight

$982
Best time to beat the crowds (28% less expensive on average)
Most popular time to fly (37% more expensive on average)
Flight from Melbourne to Johannesburg

When to book flights from Melbourne to OR Tambo

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Melbourne to OR Tambo based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated return price
KAYAK looks at all historical flight data for each date to provide a predicted price for one-way trips or returns with a duration up to 40 days. While we try to provide actual minimum prices for each date, some prices are predictions and actual prices may differ.

FAQs for booking Melbourne to Johannesburg flights

  • Are there banking and currency exchange services at OR Tambo Airport?

    Cash machines and ATMs at OR Tambo Airport are open 24h. However, it would be wise to notify your bank ahead of your trip as withdrawal limits and bank fees may apply. Travellers can find full banking services at Terminal A, Arrivals. Exchange services can also be found in the Arrivals Area.

  • Is there public transport from OR Tambo to downtown Johannesburg?

    OR Tambo is the main airport in South Africa. The main transfer options from the airport to various destinations in Johannesburg include a train network and taxis. A taxi ride from the airport to the city centre takes around 40min and costs approximately R 658.43 (A$ 59.35). Travelling from the airport to downtown Johannesburg using the metro system takes roughly 20min, and a one-way ticket costs around R 181.99 (A$ 16.41).

  • What is the cheapest flight from Melbourne Airport to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport?

    In the last 5 days, the lowest price for a flight from Melbourne Airport to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport was $982 for a one-way ticket and $1,737 for a return.

  • Which airports will I be using when flying from Melbourne to Johannesburg?

    When flying out of Melbourne you will be using Melbourne. You will be landing at Johannesburg, also known as Johannesburg OR Tambo.

  • Which aircraft models fly most regularly from Melbourne to Johannesburg?

    We unfortunately don’t have that data for this specific route.

  • Which airline alliances offer flights from Melbourne to Johannesburg?

    oneworld, and Star Alliance are the airline alliances operating flights between Melbourne and Johannesburg, with oneworld being the most commonly used for this route.

  • Which is the best airline for flights from Melbourne to Johannesburg, Singapore Airlines or Emirates?

    The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from Melbourne to Johannesburg are Singapore Airlines and Emirates. With an average price for the route of $1,486 and an overall rating of 8.2, Singapore Airlines is the most popular choice. Emirates is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of $2,074 and an overall rating of 8.1.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Melbourne to Johannesburg?

    KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Melbourne to Johannesburg.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Melbourne to Johannesburg?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Johannesburg from Melbourne is likely to change within 7 days, so travellers know whether to wait or book now.

  • What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Melbourne to Johannesburg?

    Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional return ticket. You could then fly to Johannesburg with an airline and back to Melbourne with another airline.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Melbourne to Johannesburg?

    Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Johannesburg from Melbourne up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

KAYAK’s top tips for finding a cheap flight from Melbourne Airport to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport

  • Freshen up with a shower before taking a flight from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL). There are free shower facilities in Terminal 2, Departure Level, just beyond the Duty-Free area. However, bring your toiletries and towel with you or purchase a kit near the security checkpoint.
  • Mobile charging stations are available throughout Melbourne Airport. Charging areas in Terminal 3 are located after the security checkpoint, between Gate 7 and Gate 9. Passengers using Terminal 4 can charge their devices after security, near the main food court.
  • There are no direct flights from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport to OR Tambo Airport (JNB). However, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways operate one-stop, and some multi-stop, flights to OR Tambo from Melbourne Airport via Doha, Abu Dhabi and Cairo.
  • The Aspire Lounge in OR Tambo International Airport is open to all passengers, including arriving passengers, regardless of their airline and flight ticket. A wide variety of beverages and food are available at this lounge; it is the perfect place to unwind after a long, tiresome flight from Melbourne.

Reviews of the top 5 airlines flying from Melbourne to OR Tambo

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from Melbourne to Johannesburg. Airline scores are aggregated from all reviews left by passengers on KAYAK after flying with an airline. KAYAK doesn’t show reviews that are older than 5 years. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Melbourne to OR Tambo? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
8.2
Singapore AirlinesOverall score based on 1584 reviews
8.3Boarding
7.8Food
8.6Crew
8.1Entertainment
8.0Comfort
Airline reviews

I had the worst experience of my life in travel. Due to circumstances beyond my control (catastrophic traffic accidents on the highway between Gold Coast and Brisbane) I missed my flight for the first time ever. Because I booked through Kayak Singapore Airlines were not interested in helping me. They told me to contact the agent that I booked through. I was extremely stressed as I had connecting flights in Europe. First Kayak told me that the next available flights were in four days time. Then they told me that they could do it but at a cost of $2600 AUD. When I agreed he told me that he was having trouble getting it through Singapore’s system and he would contact me further once it had been done. When I had not heard from him after several hours, I phoned Kayak again, spoke to a different person who said he could do it for $8200. I declined and told him to cancel the booking. The worst part of this experience was that I had booked 5 flights altogether with Singapore including Premium Economy on two legs and Singapore cancelled all my flights including the return legs leaving me with having to completely reschedule my entire trip. Kayak refunded me $2000 from $5200, obviously leaving me out of pocket. This has left me feeling that I will never deal with Kayak or Singapore Airlines again.

2.0 MediocreJanine, July 2026
BNE - SIN
Read more Singapore Airlines reviews

I had the worst experience of my life in travel. Due to circumstances beyond my control (catastrophic traffic accidents on the highway between Gold Coast and Brisbane) I missed my flight for the first time ever. Because I booked through Kayak Singapore Airlines were not interested in helping me. They told me to contact the agent that I booked through. I was extremely stressed as I had connecting flights in Europe. First Kayak told me that the next available flights were in four days time. Then they told me that they could do it but at a cost of $2600 AUD. When I agreed he told me that he was having trouble getting it through Singapore’s system and he would contact me further once it had been done. When I had not heard from him after several hours, I phoned Kayak again, spoke to a different person who said he could do it for $8200. I declined and told him to cancel the booking. The worst part of this experience was that I had booked 5 flights altogether with Singapore including Premium Economy on two legs and Singapore cancelled all my flights including the return legs leaving me with having to completely reschedule my entire trip. Kayak refunded me $2000 from $5200, obviously leaving me out of pocket. This has left me feeling that I will never deal with Kayak or Singapore Airlines again.

Crew were so busy Anna so awesome. I was in a seat that got my food nearly last but the crew were Just awesome.

Lounge a access was excellent as was the attentiveness and service from the crew as always. The food and drink supplied were of good quality. The entertainment system had a good selection and I liked the mapping system supplied. However the screen wild have been bigger and the operation a little smoother to navigate. The seats were barely comfortable, but adequate.

Headwind delayed our flight which wasn’t the airlines fault

Horrendous. We upgraded and they took the money but cancelled one of our tickets. The recline action didn’t work on the seats for the flight from Singapore to London, pre booked meals but they seemed to have disappeared as well.. Phone customer service was horrendous. Took 5 phone calls and no fix. Craig at the airport was the only one who seemed to be able to get the ticket back.

Food could have been better. Too many passengers getting up and down all the time.

Delayed 1hour due to storm still didn't get window seat for third flight despite paying £240 extra to book them

It was an average flight. I would have expected more from this airline. Food, seats, service, etc was just average. I just give them some extra points for offering free WiFi on board with just a Krisflyer account.

Check in was easy through self-check-in kiosks just like domestic flights. Staff onboard were fantastic. Some "book the cook" good options weren't great, others really good. Entertainment options a bit limited to what I've experienced on Qantas. Overall a good flight though, especially for the price.

Good flight. The food was served a bit late, hence a hurry to finish before landing. Excellent crew and service

It was delayed for 2 hrs. Flight attendants were not attentive.

We boarded but due to a technical issue we spent 4.5hrs on the ground waiting for the issue to be resolved

No kids provided. Instead we were told to have contacted the airline that we have kids and require kids meals. We were not the only ones who inquired about kids meals. It’s odd. Emirates and other airlines give kids meals as standard and before the adult food comes out. The rice in our meals was gluggy and under cooked. The chicken was also raw. Sadly not the best experience with Finn Air. The hostesses tried to compensate with the snacks and drinks but missed the mark by a long way. Especially when paying Emirates/Qantas prices

They cancelled our flight, rebooked, cancelled that one. We are now flying New Zealand Air and need a refund please. How do we get it?

Wifi was not operational for the whole trip. Other than this, flight was well received .

Food no so good. Extra charge to much for front seats cost me £163 then other people sat near me for nothing 🤬

Comfort and customer service from most if the crew was great. The crew reassigning passengers should consider the presence of infants when reassigning seats. Unfortunately a couple of oversized passengers were relocated next to us, making this segment a bit uncomfortable, as there was not only extra leg space required. I ended up swapping seats with my husband so our baby wouldn't be impacted. My husband travelled quite uncomfortable as the reassigned neighbour shoulder and arm ended up on my husband's seat

Seats are not as easy to move as you would hope in premium econo Y

The plane was very old and uncomfortable. Service was very slow!

On both legs of my trips (Jhb - Dxb and Dxb - Jhb) the entertainment system did not work.

I had a very good experience from boarding to arrivals.

I had booked a ticket for a 6:40 am departure in July 2025, but it appears there was a change to 8;00 am, which meant I missed my connecting flight which departed 10 m minutes before I landed. I had seen this problem only the previous day and try to resolve it with South African air, but they are very uncooperative on the phone. All they could say was all flights were fully booked and I ended up buying paying $2,000+ to secure a ticket for my family to ensure we got out of South Africa by Monday, which am currently pursuing with the airline.

Excellent airline. Even with 1.5 hour flight, we got light meal on board

South African Airways on the outside, a very old shabby Qatar Airways plane on the inside

The food options were beef or veg, No alternatives for Hindus, that don't eat beef...

Flight was on time Seats ( business class) are terrible- you keep on slipping down as it doesn’t lie flat Food service is like economy class. Meals ( still wrapped in plastic) are just dropped in front of you

Flight was cancelled with no notification until I reached the check-in desk at the airport. I also got downgraded and they lost my luggage.

I think more immigration officers at Or Tambo- I spent 90 mins in a queue before I can assisted and most people missed their appointments and meetings

Not sure it was a basic airline so nothing much to like but what was annoying was they delayed so much we missed our connecting flight and we had to almost fight to be out on the next flight and also even get food

First row in business class is terrible - no storage space with video screen folded down between seats. Entertainment system didn't show flight info...

Loved the food and beverages available, spacious economy class, excellent entertainment

Helpful staff when I felt unwell. Qantas need to have an audio/music channel so you can listen to various music/.artists

Hard to move and get out of my seat when the passenger in front is in recline position.

Flight was 2.5 hours late leaving. We spent 50 minutes of that sitting on the plane with no explanation. They did reduce the time in the air so we arrived a little less late which was something. The cheese and crackers were okay but the wine was terrible.

Not great. The inflight entertainment was all on an app, and I did not want to watch a film on my phone. Also, the range of options of films was limited.

We were upgraded and after just a short delay in attending to a safety check we were on our way. Would definately fly Qantas International on their Dreamliner again.

Traditional economy class. Not a full flight so spare seats. Food and drinks were good

Delayed QF59 flight once again, Qantas doesn't fail in maintaining there delayed departures and arrivals. USB points do not work nor do the power point sockets on the plane, Qantas staff admitted that on the flight. Don't expect to your charge devices. Saving grace, was the ice cream. Bottom line, if you expect to fly to HND and make it on time avoid Qantas and if you're interested in ice cream - visit 7/11.

Airport and crew experience was excellent. We had to queue for the runway - no one’s fault, but it did mean we were 30 minutes late leaving

Everything as good as can be if one flies economy bit not enough toilets!! People were queuing during the whole flight - there are really not enough toilets!!!

The staff was excellent. They checked on my needs at the appropriate amount, letting me sleep when I needed, checking up when I was awake.

From Chennai to abu dabhi Abudabhi to Chicago Both flights are good , good service too

We have paid premium price for a business class Cabinet and we have received the old 777 with the following apart business class that is not to standard. It was very disappointing and it’s a very bad reputation for a premium airline company. This aeroplane should be the commission from being as a business class. We will pass this knowledge to our colleagues because the quality of business class in Etihad is not consistent and it is a lucky dip that sometimes you’re getting a good aeroplane and sometimes you’re getting their 30 years old aeroplane. The crew of the aeroplane have apologise and said that they hate this aeroplane and they have complained about it multiple times as well. Obviously Etihad is putting the economy in front of the Customer Experience. For the future we will not take this risk anymore and will fly with established company like emirates.

Very delayed and uncomfortable seats. Nothing written in Urdu for Pakistanis. Tons of Pakistanis use the airline they should ensure the airline is accommodating them properly.

second leg was more comfortable. Customer service in Abu Dhabi is okay.

Horrible. After paying for seats, I was cramped, my daughters legs kept hitting the seat in front, I had no overhead bin space and no help from stewards on board, the food was served cold, when asked for snacks was told to wait and never received any, the flight was cold with no temperature controls. Entertainment was outdated. I booked this through partnership with American Airlines but will avoid in the future.

The flight was delayed which cause me to miss my connecting flight in AbuDhsbi airport.

1st time with. Etihad Airways and it was amazing from check in to crew. Great flight.

Food from NYC outbound flight was bad. Below average quality.

I could not book in online at all which is what I always do to secure a window seat which is my preference.

Everything you need to know for your flight from Melbourne to OR Tambo

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