Travelling from Melbourne to Darwin International Airport (DRW): what you need to know
Begin your journey at one of Melbourne's main airports, Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) or Avalon Airport (AVV). Check out your options for booking a flight from Melbourne to Darwin International Airport (DRW) taking off from either of these.
Jump on a direct flight from Melbourne to Darwin International Airport and you'll be in the air for an average of 4 hours 29 minutes.
Darwin is 1 hour 30 minutes behind Melbourne. Darwin International Airport is located in Darwin, which operates on the UTC+9:30 timezone.
With 82 direct flights a week between the two airports, Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Darwin International Airport (DRW) is the most popular route. Qantas operates the earliest flight at 09:15. If you'd like to get more out of your day before leaving, the latest departure from MEL to DRW is with Jetstar at 21:30.
For stress-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This way, you can comfortably catch your flight from Melbourne to DRW.
Popular months like July or other busy periods mean longer waiting times and potential delays. Stick to your schedule by arriving at the airport even earlier. Plan for at least four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.
Airports in Melbourne
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
You can jump on a direct flight from Melbourne to Darwin International Airport (DRW) leaving from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL).
Choose from a variety of carriers that operate direct flights from Melbourne to Darwin International Airport departing from MEL. Book your journey with one of these:
The distance from central Melbourne to MEL is around 24 kilometres. Check out travel apps like Google Maps for the best route, whether you plan to drive or take public transport.
Looking for a convenient hotel close to Melbourne Tullamarine Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Melbourne to Darwin International Airport, these accommodation options will have you sleeping moments from your check-in counter:
About Darwin International Airport (DRW)
Book a hotel near DRW if you're catching a late flight from Melbourne to Darwin International Airport. Settle into one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Getting from Darwin International Airport (DRW) to central Darwin
Darwin International Airport to central Darwin is around 15 minutes in a car. It's approximately 13 kilometres away. See what options are available, such as cabs, car rentals or ride-sharing services.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour and 12 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Melbourne to Darwin International Airport (DRW)
The lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Melbourne to Darwin International Airport is 95 €. The cheapest price for a return flight is 191 €. Keep in mind fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
You're more likely to score cheap tickets from Melbourne to DRW if you book 8 months before takeoff. We crunched the flight price data and found that's when fares for this route are typically at their lowest.
To snag the best deal on your tickets from Melbourne to Darwin International Airport, schedule your trip for May (it's when flights are cheapest). Got flexible travel dates? Use the 'Whole month' tool to find the most affordable day to fly.
Sign into your online account or use the app to create a Price Alert. We'll notify you straight away if the price has dropped. It's simple to do, and it'll save you time looking for cheap tickets from Melbourne to DRW every day.
Customise your trip with filters. Adjust the total duration, number of stops, and arrival and departure times to find the ideal flight from Melbourne to Darwin International Airport. You can also sort the results to see the 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' options first.
The best time to fly from Melbourne to Darwin International Airport (DRW)
July is the most popular month to board a flight from Melbourne to Darwin International Airport while February is the quietest. To work out the best time to visit Darwin, consider your preferred travel pace and style.
Before you book a flight from Melbourne to DRW, think about the kind of weather you enjoy. November is the warmest month in Darwin, with the temperature ranging from 26ºC to 34ºC.
If you like cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Melbourne to Darwin International Airport in July when temperatures average between 18ºC and 31ºC.
More about Darwin
Start your Darwin trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Melbourne to Darwin International Airport, check out our range of accommodation options including:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be difficult to know where to start. Mindil Beach, Crocosaurus Cove and Crocodylus Park are popular attractions which should feature on every Darwin itinerary.
Complete your Darwin trip with a car rental
Get behind the wheel of one of our car rentals in Darwin and see the city at your own pace. Easily compare rates from trusted providers in one go after booking your hotel and cheap flights from Melbourne to Darwin International Airport.