MEL - DRW

$238 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 5/4. 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

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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Everything you should know

Cheapest return fare
$374
Overall average: $495
Multiple Airlines
Mon 20/4Tue 5/5
MEL - DRW • Direct
Cheapest one-way flight
$238
Typical prices: $235-$368
Virgin Australia
Sun 5/4
MEL - DRW • Direct
Top airlines
Virgin Australia
Cheapest • from $398 (return)
Qantas Airways
Best reviews • 7.5 score
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
+1
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
When to book
6 weeks
in advance
Our data shows that travellers who book at least 6 weeks in advance save around 23% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to travel
May
Cheapest • 18% price drop
July
Most popular
Good to know
Good to know
+1
+1
Good to know
Good to know
+1
Start a new search
KAYAK searches hundreds of sites at once to find you the best travel deals.
We hope you love your trip to Darwin!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Flight Deals

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

Mon, 20 Apr - Tue, 5 May
Multiple Airlines Logo
19:45 - 23:55
MEL
-
DRW
4h 40mdirect
Multiple Airlines Logo
18:00 - 22:40
DRW
-
MEL
4h 10mdirect
$374Multiple Airlines
Thu, 19 Mar - Sun, 22 Mar
Multiple Airlines Logo
12:35 - 15:40
MEL
-
DRW
4h 35mdirect
Multiple Airlines Logo
16:50 - 22:35
DRW
-
MEL
4h 15mdirect
$381Multiple Airlines
Mon, 20 Apr - Mon, 4 May
Virgin Australia Logo
19:45 - 23:55
MEL
-
DRW
4h 40mdirect
Virgin Australia Logo
00:40 - 05:20
DRW
-
MEL
4h 10mdirect
$398Virgin Australia
Wed, 6 May - Tue, 19 May
Virgin Australia Logo
19:45 - 23:55
MEL
-
DRW
4h 40mdirect
Virgin Australia Logo
00:40 - 05:20
DRW
-
MEL
4h 10mdirect
$405Virgin Australia
Sat, 21 Mar - Mon, 23 Mar
Jetstar Logo
13:15 - 16:05
MEL
-
DRW
4h 20mdirect
Jetstar Logo
16:50 - 22:35
DRW
-
MEL
4h 15mdirect
$412Jetstar
Sun, 2 Aug - Sun, 16 Aug
Virgin Australia Logo
19:45 - 23:55
MEL
-
DRW
4h 40mdirect
Virgin Australia Logo
00:40 - 05:20
DRW
-
MEL
4h 10mdirect
$419Virgin Australia
Wed, 13 May - Wed, 20 May
Multiple Airlines Logo
19:45 - 23:55
MEL
-
DRW
4h 40mdirect
Multiple Airlines Logo
18:00 - 22:40
DRW
-
MEL
4h 10mdirect
$422Multiple Airlines
Mon, 20 Apr - Sun, 3 May
Multiple Airlines Logo
19:45 - 23:55
MEL
-
DRW
4h 40mdirect
Multiple Airlines Logo
18:00 - 22:40
DRW
-
MEL
4h 10mdirect
$437Multiple Airlines
Tue, 14 Apr - Wed, 15 Apr
Virgin Australia Logo
19:45 - 23:55
MEL
-
DRW
4h 40mdirect
Virgin Australia Logo
00:40 - 05:20
DRW
-
MEL
4h 10mdirect
$439Virgin Australia
Mon, 20 Apr - Sun, 3 May
Multiple Airlines Logo
19:45 - 23:55
MEL
-
DRW
4h 40mdirect
Multiple Airlines Logo
18:00 - 22:40
DRW
-
MEL
4h 10mdirect
$447Multiple Airlines
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 Tuesday, as it's usually the priciest day. When flying back from Darwin, Tuesday is the cheapest day to fly and Friday 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 May, where tickets cost $422 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are July and June, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is $631 and $556 respectively.

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 6 weeks before departure, which saves you about 23% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 18 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low seasonJanuary
Cheapest flight$238
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 7% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly (23% 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 $238 for a one-way ticket and $374 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?

    oneworld is the only airline alliance operating flights between Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) and Darwin.

  • 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 $569 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 $742 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 $419 or less round-trip.
  • Travellers on a budget should book with low-cost airline Jetstar for their flight from Melbourne to Darwin (DRW). The airline departs from both Melbourne Tullamarine (MEL) and Melbourne Avalon (AVV), but choose Melbourne Tullamarine as your origin airport for a direct flight.
  • When you fly from Melbourne Tullamarine (MEL), you can spend the time before your flight in one of the open-access lounges inside the International Terminal. At the Marhaba Lounge on Level 3, you can work in peace, enjoy a hot drink and dinner, and watch the planes land and take off. In the Plaza Premium Lounge, there are also kids’ packages available.
  • When you arrive at Darwin International Airport (DRW) and need to change your baby, head to the baby changing facilities close to Gate 9 and the Green Bean Café.
  • If you depart from Terminal 3 at Melbourne Tullamarine, you can relax at one of the massage chairs available in the post-security area. For A$ 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

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, +1 more

Tuesday

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, +1 more

Wednesday

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, +1 more

Thursday

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, +1 more

Friday

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, +1 more

Saturday

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, +1 more

Sunday

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, +1 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Darwin to Melbourne

Monday

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, +1 more

Tuesday

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, +1 more

Wednesday

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, +1 more

Thursday

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, +1 more

Friday

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, +1 more

Saturday

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, +1 more

Sunday

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia

Jetstar, Qantas Airways, +1 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 992 reviews
7.0Food
8.1Crew
7.5Comfort
7.2Entertainment
7.7Boarding
Airline reviews

Qantas is always subpar beyond comfy chairs for a domestic flight

6.0 GoodStorm, Feb 2026
BNE - DRW
Read more Qantas Airways reviews

Qantas is always subpar beyond comfy chairs for a domestic flight

an hour late, then had to disembark on back stairs and take 4 flights up to get to main airport. No warning, and difficulty for those with canes and poor knees.

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

Flight was canceled. I was not alerted. It was only kayak that alerted me

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.

Excellent as always, I won't fly to Australia, and back to the US on any other airline. The flight crew is always top notch, and have a way to make one feel extra special. Thank you for your service, I would rate Qantas Airways a 10+.

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.

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.

High fees for excess checked baggage and somehow ridiculous rules for carry on bags.

Flight was late, food and drink an extra charge, my carry on is five rows behind me, and the seats are too narrow. Don’t ask me to be happy about it

I bought flights in August and there wasn’t a flight in the system

Our 6.30am flight was boarded then cancelled to fly at 10.55am . We were flying to Brisbane to attend a funeral at 12 noon an hour away . This means missing the funeral due to unreliability of Virgin . Unimpressed !!

It was with Link Airways and the Saab 340 jet was noisy and little comfort.

They didn’t sent my luggage I got it 24 hours later

Plane was late and they wouldn’t check our bags through to Tokyo

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.

local frequent travellers know that Jetstar’s flights between MEL and LST are turnaround flights so those in the morning tend to run on time and become delayed increasingly through the day. We observed how the staff at check in and boarding try to assist, guide and facilitate travellers - they were courteous, efficient, amiable while enforcing Jetstar’s baggage requirements. They try to speed up boarding by having passengers board from both front and back. We would take Jetstar again.

The issue was a 4 hour delay to takeoff with very sketchy information provided about the available of the flights delay. Passengers were not informed of gate changes and how long the delay might be. It ended with a late night 2 hour drive to our home which was not ideal for elderly people.

Flight was fine with boarding starting a few minutes early. Not a fan of the crew pushing political messaging regarding indigenous naming of Brisbane city… really pushed it like I haven’t heard on Jetstar before.

Improved experience over our last years flight when also we flew local but on an international scheduled flight. The double processing is still unwelcome i.e. by security and then by border force having to produce a licence and boarding pass repeatedly on departure and return. Obviously suits the airline rather than the local traveller. The flight and crew were good though a helper on return was offhand having to push the wheel chair did the bare minimum we felt.

Flight was delayed both directions but once in the air was ok. Boarding out of Melbourne is just a mess.

Although a local trip via international flight it was fairly straight forward albeit more checks than desirable for local travel. On arrival Perth collecting luggage the trollies were hidden in one end of the long hall.

80 minute delay on departure based on two no show pax; removal of checked bags. Boarding very awkward, and waiting in terminal until specific rows called (not zones). Overhead not used for boarding, but specific staff member notifying people at the top of the stairs. Numerous people noted "this is confusing" on boarding. Seats ok, but entertainment (and food, and seat selection) all at extra cost. Smooth flight, and friendly neighbours.

Over four hours late. No entertainment without paying and same for food. Asked to check in at original time even though we were told it was going to be very late leaving. Way too long time to hang around the airport. Arriving to Sydney luggage did not arrive for an hour. Had to get staff to go and find out what was going on. All this made for a very long day and night for a eight hour flight.

Jet star delayed both trips with poor communication. Passengers were made to change gates often and then left to stand with no seating. As someone getting over surgery this was very trying.

Delayed twice. Poor communication and people made to change gates too often.

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.