A marina at sunset with boats docked, waterfront buildings, and palm trees.

Cheap Flights from Melbourne (MEL) to Darwin (DRW)

View AU$269 flight on Wed, 18 Nov 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Darwin International Airport (DRW)

  • Be in the know

    Get alerts if flight prices drop or rise*

  • Book smarter

    Save up to 35% on select hotels after you book a flight*

  • Earn twice

    Earn your airline miles on top of our rewards
    Sign in

Cheap Flights from Melbourne (MEL) to Darwin (DRW)

Prices were available within the past 7 days for one-way flights and round trip tickets for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Virgin Australia
Fri, 30 Oct - Tue, 3 Nov
MEL
Melbourne
DRW
Darwin
AU$537 Return, found 10 hours ago
AU$537
Return
found 10 hours ago
Select Virgin Australia flight, departing Fri, 30 Oct from Melbourne to Darwin, returning Tue, 3 Nov, priced at AU$537 found 10 hours ago
Virgin Australia
Fri, 16 Oct - Tue, 27 Oct
MEL
Melbourne
DRW
Darwin
AU$576 Return, found 8 hours ago
AU$576
Return
found 8 hours ago
Select Virgin Australia flight, departing Fri, 16 Oct from Melbourne to Darwin, returning Tue, 27 Oct, priced at AU$576 found 8 hours ago
Virgin Australia
Sun, 23 Aug - Wed, 9 Sept
MEL
Melbourne
DRW
Darwin
AU$602 Return, found 4 hours ago
AU$602
Return
found 4 hours ago
Select Virgin Australia flight, departing Sun, 23 Aug from Melbourne to Darwin, returning Wed, 9 Sept, priced at AU$602 found 4 hours ago
Virgin Australia
Wed, 7 Oct - Wed, 14 Oct
MEL
Melbourne
DRW
Darwin
AU$614 Return, found 10 hours ago
AU$614
Return
found 10 hours ago
Select Virgin Australia flight, departing Wed, 7 Oct from Melbourne to Darwin, returning Wed, 14 Oct, priced at AU$614 found 10 hours ago
Virgin Australia
Sun, 23 Aug - Sat, 29 Aug
MEL
Melbourne
DRW
Darwin
AU$615 Return, just found
AU$615
Return
just found
Select Virgin Australia flight, departing Sun, 23 Aug from Melbourne to Darwin, returning Sat, 29 Aug, priced at AU$615 just found
Virgin Australia
Mon, 2 Nov - Tue, 10 Nov
MEL
Melbourne
DRW
Darwin
AU$616 Return, found 1 hour ago
AU$616
Return
found 1 hour ago
Select Virgin Australia flight, departing Mon, 2 Nov from Melbourne to Darwin, returning Tue, 10 Nov, priced at AU$616 found 1 hour ago
Jetstar
Tue, 2 Mar - Sun, 14 Mar
MEL
Melbourne
DRW
Darwin
AU$638 Return, found 10 hours ago
AU$638
Return
found 10 hours ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Tue, 2 Mar from Melbourne to Darwin, returning Sun, 14 Mar, priced at AU$638 found 10 hours ago
Virgin Australia
Fri, 16 Oct - Sun, 18 Oct
MEL
Melbourne
DRW
Darwin
AU$643 Return, found 1 hour ago
AU$643
Return
found 1 hour ago
Select Virgin Australia flight, departing Fri, 16 Oct from Melbourne to Darwin, returning Sun, 18 Oct, priced at AU$643 found 1 hour ago
Virgin Australia
Mon, 2 Nov - Tue, 10 Nov
MEL
Melbourne
DRW
Darwin
AU$648 Return, found 1 hour ago
AU$648
Return
found 1 hour ago
Select Virgin Australia flight, departing Mon, 2 Nov from Melbourne to Darwin, returning Tue, 10 Nov, priced at AU$648 found 1 hour ago
Virgin Australia
Mon, 31 Aug - Sat, 5 Sept
MEL
Melbourne
DRW
Darwin
AU$654 Return, found 9 hours ago
AU$654
Return
found 9 hours ago
Select Virgin Australia flight, departing Mon, 31 Aug from Melbourne to Darwin, returning Sat, 5 Sept, priced at AU$654 found 9 hours ago
Qantas Airways
Fri, 25 Dec - Sat, 2 Jan
MEL
Melbourne
DRW
Darwin
AU$736 Return, just found
AU$736
Return
just found
Select Qantas Airways flight, departing Fri, 25 Dec from Melbourne to Darwin, returning Sat, 2 Jan, priced at AU$736 just found

Alternative airports near Darwin

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Select flight to Darwin Intl. DRW. Cheapest and Closest option available. Average driving time to city centre is 12 minutes. Flights from AU$839
DRW
Darwin Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city centre12 min
Flights from AU$839

Find the cheapest month to fly from Melbourne (MEL) to Darwin (DRW)

May is typically the cheapest month to fly

From AU$433 - AU$648 per traveller.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from AU$269 and cheap return flights from AU$537 MEL to DRW with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between AU$530 and AU$2,212 and return flights often range between AU$838 and AU$4,313. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when MEL to DRW ticket fares go up or down.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.)?
The cheapest months to fly from MEL to DRW are typically during off-peak season when demand is low. Traveling in off-peak or shoulder months is usually a good way to secure cheap tickets, just remember to avoid flying during holidays if you are able to. Use the calendar view in your search to see which months have low fares on this route.
Which airlines fly direct from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.)?
You have 3 airlines offering direct flights from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.):
  • Qantas Airways operates 9 direct flights from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.) every week.
  • Virgin Australia operates 9 direct flights from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.) every week.
  • Jetstar operates 7 direct flights from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.) every week.
How do I find cheap flights from Melbourne, VIC (MEL) to Darwin, NT (DRW)?
To find a cheap flight from Melbourne, VIC (MEL) to Darwin, NT (DRW), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best airline to fly with from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, Qantas Airways offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, Jetstar typically offers the lowest fares. Qantas Airways offers the most daily flights from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.), which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.)?
The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.
How many flights per day from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.)?
You'll find around 4 nonstop flights per day from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.). For even more choices, look at flights that include layovers, as there are approximately 75 connecting flights per day. Some common connection points include Kingsford Smith Intl. (SYD), Brisbane, QLD (BNE), and Adelaide, SA (ADL).
What is the earliest flight from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.) typically departs around 5:40 AM local time. This service is operated by Virgin Australia. This is a seasonal service active in March. An early departure like this can help you make the most of your time at your destination. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What day of the week has the most flights from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.)?
You'll typically find the most flights from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.) on a Thursday, with around 42 flights available. This gives you a good selection of options for your travel plans. Major airlines on this route include Qantas Airways, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia. Thursday offers notably more flight options compared to other days of the week.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.) are in the morning, from 6am to 9am. Many major carriers, including Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia and Jetstar, offer flights during this window. Many travellers prefer these early morning flights as they allow you to arrive at your destination with plenty of time to start your day.
How long does it take to fly from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.)?
A non-stop flight from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.) typically takes around 4 hours 30 minutes. This route covers a distance of approximately 3,133 kilometres (1,947 miles). If you opt for a one-stop flight, your travel time will be longer, usually around 9 hours. Flights with two or more stops can take significantly longer, often around 21 hours. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to factors like wind patterns and air traffic, so it's always a good idea to allow for some flexibility in your travel plans.
Can you fly business or first class from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.)?
Yes, you can fly business class between MEL and DRW. You can fly business class with Virgin Australia and Qantas Airways.
How do I earn miles on a Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for Darwin, NT (DRW) from Melbourne, VIC (MEL)?
If you're planning to travel to Darwin from Tullamarine (MEL), you can fly directly into Darwin Intl. (DRW). Some flights may connect through major hubs like Brisbane Airport (BNE), Cairns International Airport (CNS), or Sydney Airport (SYD) before reaching Darwin. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Darwin, NT (DRW-Darwin Intl.) flight and hotel package is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Melbourne, VIC (MEL) to Darwin, NT (DRW)?
If you booked your Melbourne, VIC (MEL) to Darwin, NT (DRW) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.

Travel information

Origin airport
Tullamarine
Destination airport
Darwin Intl.
Airlines serving
Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia
Return price
AU$536
Distance
3114 km
Average flight time
4 hours 3 mins

Book with confidence

Your quick guide to flights from Melbourne to Darwin

Pick up great flights from Melbourne to Darwin

With Expedia, you have your pick of flights a day with 16 airlines covering flights from Melbourne to Darwin. Whether you’re on a business trip, a family holiday or a luxury break, just enter your travel dates, hit search then check out your choice of flights. Select from return, one way or multi-city flights, and use the advance search tool if you want a direct or refundable flight. You can narrow your search to show you just your preferred cabin class and airline, too. It’s all easy. You can book direct flights from Melbourne to Darwin that take around hours.

Find cheap flights from Melbourne to Darwin

From the great flight deals with prices currently ranging from AU$537 to AU$736, you can choose to see the cheapest flights first. Generally, you can book the cheapest flights from Melbourne to Darwin around 4 to 6 weeks in advance. If your travel dates are flexible, try to avoid weekends and peak seasons – when you are more likely to grab the lowest prices. Even last minute, there are some impressive deals. The cheapest time to fly to Darwin is normally in October.

Reasons to book your flight from Melbourne to Darwin with Expedia

Expedia makes it easy to find, book, and travel, with everything you need all in one place. When you enter your travel details, find fantastic deals just for you on flight tickets from Melbourne to Darwin across all the main airline carriers, so you can save time, dollars, and hassle finding the perfect flight. If you think your plans could change, choose refundable flights so any changes won’t cost you more. Book your flight to Darwin right now and, if you join Expedia Rewards, you earn points this time and every time you travel with Expedia.

Your quick guide to flights from Melbourne to Darwin

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

*Available to Expedia members.