Cheap flights from Melbourne (MEL) to Canberra (CBR)

Canberra might be the nation’s capital, but it’s not all politics and suits. It’s full of culture, green spaces and a bit of history, too. If you’re from Melbourne, you’ll notice it’s a lot quieter and cleaner; great if you’re after a chilled-out getaway or a laid-back work trip. Now, let’s find a flight from Melbourne to Canberra for your escape. 

Which airlines fly direct from Melbourne to Canberra?

Several airlines operate direct flights from Melbourne to Canberra, making the journey quick and easy. Here are your main options:

• Qantas – A full-service airline that includes checked baggage, snacks or meals, and in-flight entertainment.
• Virgin Australia – Offers competitive pricing with the option to include baggage and flexible fares, suitable for travellers open for full-service or budget-friendly options all in one plane. 
• Jetstar – A budget-friendly choice with lower base fares; extras like baggage and meals can be added if needed.

Flight time from Melbourne to Canberra?

You’ll be landing in Canberra in roughly 1 hours and 10 minutes when flying direct from Melbourne. The flight is short enough to enjoy a good book, relax while listening to good music, and taking aerial photographs through your window seat. 

Average price of flights between Melbourne and Canberra

Looking at Traveloka’s monthly data, the average flight price from Melbourne to Canberra is about AU$96 each way, so it’s a good idea to budget around that amount. Currently, the cheapest fares are going for AU$95. Prices can fluctuate based on demand, so keeping an eye on fare trends can be beneficial.

Cheapest time to fly to Canberra

Finding the cheapest time to fly to Canberra involves a bit of strategy. Generally, the off-peak seasons, such as late autumn and winter, offer the most affordable fares starting from AU$95. During these times, the demand is lower, leading to reduced prices. 

On the other hand, the summer months and school holidays tend to be more expensive due to increased demand. To maximize savings, consider flying mid-week and booking flights during sales or promotional periods. 

Where is the airport in Canberra?

Canberra Airport is located in the suburb of Pialligo, about 8 kilometres east of Canberra’s city centre. It’s just a short 10 to 15-minute drive, depending on traffic, and easily accessible by car, taxi, rideshare, or shuttle service. 

For added peace of mind, you can also arrange an airport transfer through Traveloka.

Passport requirements for Australians flying to Canberra

For Australians flying to Canberra, there are no passport requirements, as it is a domestic flight within Australia. Travellers simply need a valid form of identification, such as a driver's license, to board the flight. It's always a good idea to check with the airline for any specific identification requirements they may have.

Time difference between Melbourne and Canberra

Melbourne and Canberra share the same time zone, so there’s no time difference between them. They follow Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) – UTC+10:00 during standard time, and switch to Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT) – UTC+11:00 during daylight saving (from the first Sunday in October to the first Sunday in April). This makes travelling between the two cities simple and hassle-free.

Travel tips for visiting Canberra

Here are some handy travel tips for travellers heading to Canberra that’ll help you have a great time without blowing the budget:

1. Visit free attractions – Many of Canberra’s best spots, like the National Gallery, National Museum, and Parliament House, don’t charge entry. It’s a great way to soak up the culture for free!
2. Use public transport or cycle – Canberra has a solid public transport system, and the city is super bike-friendly with dedicated cycling paths. Consider hiring a bike for a fun and cheap way to get around.
3. Pack a picnic – With plenty of scenic parks and lakeside spots, packing your own food is not only budget-friendly, but also a lovely way to enjoy the outdoors.
4. Plan your trip during off-peak seasons – Avoid major public holidays and school breaks for cheaper accommodation and flights. Weekday stays are often cheaper too.
5. Book flights and stay in advance – Use platforms like Traveloka to compare prices and look out for Smart Combo (Flights + Hotels) , discounts, or price alerts to grab the best deals.
6. Check out local markets – Places like the Old Bus Depot Markets are perfect for affordable bites, unique souvenirs, and getting a feel for the local vibe without overspending.

Our tips to getting the best price on flights

To secure the best price on flights from Melbourne to Canberra—or anywhere else—try these strategies:

• Book in advance to take advantage of early bird discounts. Prices often go up the closer you get to the departure date.
• Flying midweek or outside of school holidays can be cheaper than weekends or peak seasons.
• Sign up for fare alerts (like Traveloka’s Price Alerts) so you're notified when prices drop.
• Consider off-peak travel times such as early morning or late evening flights, which often come with lower fares.
• Use incognito mode or clear cookies when searching for flights online to avoid dynamic price increases.
• Compare airlines and booking platforms. Budget carriers might not include extras, but they can offer great value if you’re travelling light.
• Use your Traveloka points to get instant discounts on bookings. The more points you’ve got, the more you can save.
• Follow airlines and Traveloka on social media for flash sales or promo codes you might not find elsewhere.

Traveloka offers countless flight ticket promos so you can save more. Look for the latest Traveloka Promo info to regularly check the available promo.

Why trust Traveloka with your flight booking

Traveloka is a reliable choice for booking your flights, offering several advantages including: 

1. Plenty of Flight Options – Easily compare domestic and international airlines in one place.
2. Great Prices & Deals – Enjoy regular promos, discounts, and bundle deals like Smart Combo (Flights + Hotels).
3. Secure & Flexible Booking – Multiple payment options, plus the ability to refund or reschedule if needed.
4. Price Alerts – Get notified when flight prices drop so you can book at the right time.
5. Easy-to-Use App – Book, manage, and check your itinerary anytime, anywhere.
6. 24/7 Customer Support – Help is always available if something goes wrong.
7. Traveloka Points – Earn points when you book and redeem them for future discounts.

Whether you're flying interstate or heading overseas, booking a hotel room, arranging airport transfer, or securing your attraction’s ticket, Traveloka has your back.