Traveling from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Melbourne: what you need to know
The average length of a direct flight from Auckland Airport to Melbourne is 3 hours 35 minutes.
Auckland Airport is located in Auckland. Based in the UTC+11 timezone, Melbourne is two hours behind Auckland.
The most popular route is from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL). Choose from 62 weekly services between these two airports. If you'd like to get going as soon as possible, the earliest flight from AKL to MEL is the 06:00 Air New Zealand service. If you'd rather fly out later on, the last departure is at 21:35 with Qantas.
Leave plenty of time to catch your AKL to Melbourne flight. As a general rule, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
If you're flying during a public holiday or another peak period, allow for even more time. A good rule is two hours ahead of domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Check-in and security lines will be longer.
You can book a direct Auckland Airport to Melbourne ticket. Start your journey at AKL and end it at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL).
You'll have your pick of airlines that offer direct flights from Auckland Airport to Melbourne. Get up and away with one of these:
A stopover is the ideal opportunity to break up your journey and possibly even visit a new city. When browsing for flight tickets from AKL to Melbourne, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Consider one of these popular options:
Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD)
Brisbane Airport (BNE)
Gold Coast Airport (OOL)
Located around 18 kilometers from central Auckland, AKL can be reached in about 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Traveling on public transport will take roughly 1 hour 25 minutes.
Searching for a hotel near AKL? If you're boarding an early flight from Auckland Airport to Melbourne, these stays set you up for a seamless send-off:
Of all flights leaving Auckland Airport, 69.31% land on schedule at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Melbourne
The best price we've found for a one-way Auckland Airport to Melbourne flight is $97. The cheapest price for a return flight is $247. Keep in mind fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
Book one month before you travel. Research on pricing trends suggests this is the ideal window for finding cheap flights from AKL to Melbourne.
The best month for finding cheap Auckland Airport to Melbourne tickets is May. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare prices, then select the dates offering the lowest fares.
Never miss a deal on cheap flights from AKL to Melbourne by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or push notification on the app when a special offer becomes available.
Tailor your trip with filters. Pick your preferred arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' flights from Auckland Airport to Melbourne.
Airports in Melbourne
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
The distance from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to central Melbourne is roughly 24 kilometers. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the center driving.
If you're traveling by public transport, expect a journey time of around 40 minutes.
Book a hotel close to MEL if you're coming in on a late flight from Auckland Airport to Melbourne. Settle into one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer:
Grab a Melbourne Tullamarine Airport rental car and discover Melbourne and beyond with your own set of wheels. Bargain Car Rentals, East Coast and Sixt are top providers to choose from here.
Booking your ride from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport around four weeks ahead of your flight from AKL to Melbourne can help you get the lowest rate.
Avalon Airport (AVV)
After your flight from Auckland Airport to Melbourne has hit the tarmac, you can get to the city center in around 50 minutes by car. Central Melbourne is roughly 56 kilometers from Avalon Airport (AVV).
Traveling by public transport will take around 2 hours 5 minutes.
You'll find some fantastic accommodation options just a quick drive from AVV. Get into relaxation mode at Corio Bay Motel after your AKL to Melbourne flight.
Sixt, Kangaroo Rental and yesaway car rental make picking up an Avalon Airport rental car easy and quick. These trusted companies are located in or around the terminal and will get you on your way in no time.
Avoid last-minute price surges. Booking your ride three weeks ahead of your arrival at AVV will help you stay within budget.
Essendon Airport (MEB)
Essendon Airport (MEB) is about 19 kilometers from the center of Melbourne. It takes about 25 minutes to reach the city center by car once you've stepped off your flight from Auckland Airport to Melbourne.
If you're traveling on public transport, the journey takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Enjoy a quiet, low-key start to your break by checking in to a hotel near MEB after your AKL to Melbourne flight. Rest up after a long day of travel or just take a moment to find your footing in a new city at:
Begin your trip without stressing about how to get to your destination with an Essendon Airport rental car. Find your perfect set of wheels with reliable companies here like East Coast, Ace Rental Cars and Goldcar.
If you'd like a specific make or model, booking early gives you a better shot at snagging what you want. Secure your ride from MEB at least a few weeks ahead of your flight from Auckland Airport to Melbourne.
Best time to go to Melbourne
Before you book your flights from Auckland Airport to Melbourne, consider which time of year works best for you. High season in Melbourne offers a lively atmosphere and plenty of things to do, while low season brings cheaper hotel rates and smaller crowds.
The warmest month in Melbourne is January, with temperatures ranging between 12ºC (54ºF) and 29ºC (84ºF). Book your Auckland Airport to Melbourne flight ticket then if that's your idea of comfortable weather.
July has average temperatures of between 4ºC (39ºF) and 13ºC (55ºF). Look for a cheap ticket from AKL to Melbourne around that time if you like cooler conditions.
More about Melbourne
Once you've booked your flight from Auckland Airport to Melbourne, choose a hotel that combines comfort with a great location. Make one of these options your base for exploring Melbourne:
National Gallery of Victoria and Federation Square are just the start of the popular attractions to add to your Melbourne itinerary. Keep the momentum going by heading to Eureka Skydeck 88.
Explore more of Australia
Canberra is just one of the many cities in Australia waiting to be discovered once you've seen the sights of Melbourne. Around 467 kilometers away to the north-east, its best attractions include Australian War Memorial, National Gallery of Australia and Parliament House.
Around 451 kilometers south-east of Melbourne, Launceston is another essential stop in Australia. Experience the best of this destination with a visit to City Park, Tamar Island Wetlands and James Boag Brewery Experience.