MEL - DRW

$244 Find Cheap Flights from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to Darwin

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 Darwin departing on 15/10. 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

KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to Darwin

 
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Melbourne to Darwin, as well as popular online travel agencies
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Melbourne to Darwin, as well as popular online travel agencies
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Cheap Flights from Melbourne to Darwin (MEL-DRW)

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for return flights from Melbourne to Darwin 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 Darwin

Sat, 18 Oct - Sun, 26 Oct
Jetstar Logo
21:20 - 00:20MEL-DRW
4h 30mdirect
Jetstar Logo
01:55 - 07:40DRW-MEL
4h 15mdirect
$357Jetstar
Find Deal
Mon, 3 Nov - Sun, 9 Nov
 Logo
20:45 - 23:50MEL-DRW
4h 35mdirect
 Logo
01:55 - 07:40DRW-MEL
4h 15mdirect
Sat, 8 Nov - Fri, 14 Nov
 Logo
22:15 - 01:05MEL-DRW
4h 20mdirect
 Logo
00:40 - 06:25DRW-MEL
4h 15mdirect
Mon, 24 Nov - Sun, 30 Nov
Jetstar Logo
22:15 - 01:05MEL-DRW
4h 20mdirect
Jetstar Logo
01:55 - 07:40DRW-MEL
4h 15mdirect
$374Jetstar
Find Deal
Fri, 10 Oct - Thu, 16 Oct
 Logo
21:20 - 00:20MEL-DRW
4h 30mdirect
 Logo
00:40 - 06:20DRW-MEL
4h 10mdirect
Fri, 10 Oct - Sat, 11 Oct
Jetstar Logo
21:20 - 00:20MEL-DRW
4h 30mdirect
Jetstar Logo
01:10 - 06:50DRW-MEL
4h 10mdirect
$408Jetstar
Find Deal
Fri, 10 Oct - Thu, 16 Oct
 Logo
21:20 - 00:20MEL-DRW
4h 30mdirect
 Logo
00:40 - 06:20DRW-MEL
4h 10mdirect
Fri, 10 Oct - Thu, 16 Oct
 Logo
21:20 - 00:20MEL-DRW
4h 30mdirect
 Logo
00:40 - 06:20DRW-MEL
4h 10mdirect
Sat, 8 Nov - Fri, 14 Nov
Virgin Australia Logo
07:10 - 13:35MEL-DRW
7h 55m1 stop
Virgin Australia Logo
00:40 - 06:25DRW-MEL
4h 15mdirect
$504Virgin Australia
Find Deal
Tue, 25 Nov - Mon, 1 Dec
Virgin Australia Logo
06:40 - 13:35MEL-DRW
8h 25m1 stop
Virgin Australia Logo
00:40 - 06:25DRW-MEL
4h 15mdirect
$526Virgin Australia
Find Deal
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for Melbourne to Darwin flights

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

What’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to Darwin?

The average price of all round-trip flights from Melbourne Airport to Darwin clicked on KAYAK for each day over the last 12 months.

If you are looking for a flight deal from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to Darwin, look for departures on Fridays and avoid leaving on a Sunday, as it's usually the priciest day. When flying back from Darwin, Tuesday is the cheapest day to fly and Saturday is the most expensive.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Melbourne Airport to Darwin?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from Melbourne Airport to Darwin, 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 Darwin is November, where tickets cost $420 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are July and August, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is $685 and $589 respectively.

Can I save money by flying with a stopover from Melbourne Airport to Darwin?

The average return price for all direct flights, flights with one stopover, and flights with two stopovers for the route found by users searching on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks.

No, with an average price for the route of $1,535, prices are generally cheapest when you fly direct.

How far in advance should I book a flight from Melbourne Airport to Darwin?

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 Darwin, 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 Darwin, you should book around 4 weeks before departure, which saves you about 23% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 10 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low seasonFebruary
Cheapest flight$244
Best time to beat the crowds (13% less expensive on average)
Most popular time to fly (33% more expensive on average)
Flight from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to Darwin

When to book flights from Melbourne to Darwin

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Melbourne to Darwin 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 Airport (Tullamarine) to Darwin flights

  • What is the best way to reach Darwin centre from Darwin Airport?

    There is no public bus departing directly from Darwin Airport, but within a 5–15min walk, you can board the BusLink to Darwin centre. Tickets for the bus lie at approximately A$ 3–7, depending on how long you want the ticket to be valid. The closest bus stop to the airport is at Charles Eaton Drive, about 5min away.

  • Where can I find the car hire centre at Darwin Airport?

    One who wants to rent a car for their time in Darwin does not have to bother with public transport and can head straight to the many car hire desks in the Arrivals Hall. Just outside the baggage claim area, you find a variety of providers, including Avis, Hertz, and Thrifty, among many others.

  • What is the smoking policy at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport?

    Smoking is only permitted in a few areas and not possible once passengers have passed through the security screening. In general, it is difficult to find clearly marked smoking areas throughout the airport building, so it is best-advised to refrain altogether or inquire about safe smoking places at the information desk in the Departures Hall.

  • What shopping perks can I enjoy at Melbourne Airport?

    Melbourne Tullamarine offers a wide range of shops, including high-street brands like Burberry, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Emporio Armani. As part of their Shop & Collect policy, you can leave your purchases at Melbourne Airport and collect them when you return, so you don’t have to account for extra luggage space beforehand.

  • How fast can I be in Darwin by car from Darwin Airport?

    Darwin International Airport is merely 15min by car away from the centre of Darwin and about 10min from Charles Darwin National Park. The quickest route into the city leads via Bagot Road and Tiger Brennan Drive.

  • What is the cheapest flight from Melbourne Airport to Darwin?

    In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight from Melbourne Airport to Darwin was $159 for a one-way ticket and $233 for a return.

  • Which airlines offer Wi-Fi service onboard planes from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to Darwin?

    Only Scoot offers inflight Wi-Fi service on the Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to Darwin flight route.

  • Which aircraft models fly most regularly from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to Darwin?

    The Boeing 737-800 Passenger/BBJ2 (winglets) is the aircraft model that flies most regularly on the Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to Darwin flight route.

  • Which airline alliances offer flights from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to Darwin?

    Star Alliance, oneworld, and SkyTeam are the airline alliances operating flights between Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) and Darwin, with Star Alliance being the most commonly used for this route.

  • On which days can I fly direct from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to Darwin?

    There are direct flights from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to Darwin on a daily basis.

  • Which is the best airline for flights from Melbourne to Darwin, Virgin Australia or Qantas Airways?

    The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from Melbourne to Darwin are Virgin Australia and Qantas Airways. With an average price for the route of $595 and an overall rating of 7.5, Virgin Australia is the most popular choice. Qantas Airways is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of $816 and an overall rating of 7.5.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to Darwin?

    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 Airport (Tullamarine) to Darwin.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to Darwin?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Darwin from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) 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 Airport (Tullamarine) to Darwin?

    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 Darwin with an airline and back to Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) with another airline.

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

    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 Darwin from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) 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 Darwin

  • Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for $283 or less one-way and $426 or less round-trip.
  • Travellers on a budget should book with low-cost airline Jetstar for their flight from Melbourne to Darwin (DRW). The airline departs from both Melbourne Tullamarine (MEL) and Melbourne Avalon (AVV), but choose Melbourne Tullamarine as your origin airport for a direct flight.
  • When you fly from Melbourne Tullamarine (MEL), you can spend the time before your flight in one of the open-access lounges inside the International Terminal. At the Marhaba Lounge on Level 3, you can work in peace, enjoy a hot drink and dinner, and watch the planes land and take off. In the Plaza Premium Lounge, there are also kids’ packages available.
  • When you arrive at Darwin International Airport (DRW) and need to change your baby, head to the baby changing facilities close to Gate 9 and the Green Bean Café.
  • If you depart from Terminal 3 at Melbourne Tullamarine, you can relax at one of the massage chairs available in the post-security area. For A$ 2, you can enjoy 5min on the massaging chairs to board entirely relaxed.
  • The Skybus services are your quickest public connection from Melbourne CBD to both Melbourne airports. Tickets to Avalon Airport cost approximately A$ 25, and are around A$ 20 to Melbourne Tullamarine.
  • If you opt to park your car at Melbourne Tullamarine to have it await your return, you can choose from various car parks. The cheapest is around A$ 100–150 per week in the long-term car park, located a bit away from the airport. A complimentary shuttle connects the lot with the terminal buildings.

Prefer to fly direct from Melbourne to Darwin?

 
Direct data is based off flight results for the next 60 days. Find direct flights from all airlines flying direct from Melbourne to Darwin.
Find which airlines fly direct from Melbourne Airport to Darwin Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

Melbourne to Darwin

Monday

Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern, +8 more

Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, +9 more

Tuesday

Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern, +7 more

Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, +8 more

Wednesday

Air India, Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, +8 more

Air India, Air New Zealand, +9 more

Thursday

Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern, +8 more

Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, +9 more

Friday

Air India, Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, +7 more

Air India, Air New Zealand, +8 more

Saturday

Air India, Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, +7 more

Air India, Air New Zealand, +8 more

Sunday

Air India, Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, +8 more

Air India, Air New Zealand, +9 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Darwin to Melbourne

Monday

Air India, Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, +9 more

Air India, Air New Zealand, +10 more

Tuesday

Air India, Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, +9 more

Air India, Air New Zealand, +10 more

Wednesday

Air India, Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, +9 more

Air India, Air New Zealand, +10 more

Thursday

Air India, Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, +9 more

Air India, Air New Zealand, +10 more

Friday

Air India, Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, +9 more

Air India, Air New Zealand, +10 more

Saturday

Air India, Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, +8 more

Air India, Air New Zealand, +9 more

Sunday

Air India, Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, +6 more

Air India, Air New Zealand, +7 more

See more direct flights

Reviews of the top 3 airlines flying from Melbourne to Darwin

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from Melbourne to Darwin. 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 Darwin? 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.
7.5
Qantas AirwaysOverall score based on 905 reviews
8.2Crew
7.7Boarding
7.2Entertainment
7.5Comfort
6.9Food
Airline reviews

A few more inches of legroom is all i ask

8.0 ExcellentTerry, Aug 2025CNS - SYD
Read more Qantas Airways reviews

A few more inches of legroom is all i ask

Business class points redemption - good value for points paid, dubious value if out of your own pocket, domestic class business product okay for this length of flight. The flight left and arrived on time, crew were good, aircraft was a bit old and tired, but still miles ahead of their competitors in Virgin and Jetstar.

Airline running better than post Covid, proper boarding process now implemented, some aircraft feeling a bit old and tired, crew fine, online experience better.

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.

Five hour flight instead of four hours due to westerly headwinds which wasn’t the fault of Qantas !

The wifi was out. Otherwise it was great flight. Richard, as CSM, was excellent.

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

Was bumped to a later flight because of inefficiency on part of the airline.

The Emerits/Qantas flight was cancelled to Wellington. We need a refund. Had to buy another airline ticket. How do we get the refund. Still not in Wellington.

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.

Overall experience was good but what really impressed me the most was the care the flight attendants took of a sick passenger who was sitting in front of me. The flight attendants would come and check on her quite regularly providing her support and comfort. Brilliant service!

Only answered OK and poor as there was no entertainment and I didnt have any food

4.5 hr international flight. We got a glass of water. Ranks up there with Ryan Air, Easy Jet, Spirit and Frontier. Expected better.

Gluten free options less explicit on business class, but great service

Very good… seems the virgin staff particularly in the lounge and in flight exceeded expectations.

I liked everything about the experience but would have liked some free snacks!

Crew was great but flight was delayed almost three hours due to a technical issue and we had to go back to the terminal and wait for another one.

Being told why we delayed three hours and not even given an apology by someone. Not a word. Not my airline of choice ever.

Checked Baggage line up was long but moved quickly, rest of the process, boarding, crew was excellent

Virgin has always provided a smooth and comfortable flight. This one was no different. Seats are comfortable. Staff are great. This is my favourite airline.

Flight was delayed more than 1.5 hours. Gate changed multiple times

The good thing is that the flight got us from Darwin to Brisbane. However, it would have to be the most uncomfortable flight I have ever taken and if I can possibly avoid flying Jetstar again, I will.

no announcement about why we where delayed which is very poor

It was better than I expected. Thought $5 for a small cup of tea was a bit much!

Overall good trip I find seats a bit hard. We were waiting on board for about an hour for 2 passengers with some document issue. This main our arrival late for our pickup person.

15kg allowance is outrageous. Change of time a few days before departure and more than 2 hours of delay in the end. The worse we’ve taken so far in Oceania.

stuck in the aircraft for over three hours due to engineering work, significantly delayed and made a lot of passengers missed the connecting transport, no mention any compensation

Very quiet plane!! One of the quietest planes we have been on.

Jetsatar refused to take my foldable stroller in the plane, despite following all the rules on dimensions and packaging. Similar thing happened on our previous fight. However, at that instance, they offered to check in the stroller. At this fight, the staff was rude, trying to rush us to board the flight. They made excuses that the stroller was not allowed and even offer to leave it behind and ship it back at our own cost. Fortunately, we had someone else attending. Since the flight was about to take off, they left it behind and send it back to us on the next available flight.

Overall, it was good. The only concern was that I couldn't charge my phone because the USB port didn't work after we took off. One of the crew members tried to restart it but never came back to me with an update.

Everything you need to know for your flight from Melbourne to Darwin

Other airlines flying from Melbourne to Darwin

Flights from the other most popular airlines that fly from Melbourne to Darwin according to KAYAK users. Prices are the lowest found on KAYAK over the last 7 days. Price and availability are not guaranteed.

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