Cheap Melbourne to London flights

London has long been a firm favourite destination for Aussie tourists. It’s not hard to see why – there’s plenty to do in the city itself whether it’s checking out traditional British pubs, exploring iconic attractions like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace or simply using it as the first stop on your European or UK adventure. 

Traveloka can help get you sorted whatever your itinerary includes. Check out our travel guide below for  everything from cheap flights, multi-city route options and hotel and accommodation deals.

Which airlines fly direct from Melbourne to London? 

While there aren’t any direct flights from Melbourne (MEL) to London (LHR) given the distance between the two destinations, there are lots of airlines that service this route with just one stopover. Below are a few highly regarded airlines you might like to consider when booking your flight. 

• Singapore Airlines: A full-service carrier with free in-flight meals, entertainment and seat selection. 
• Emirates: Emirates provides premium, full service flights with complimentary meals, drinks and in-flight entertainment included in the fare. Baggage allowances for economy are 7kg for cabin luggage and 23kg checked and you can earn frequent flyer points via Skyward Miles and Qantas Points.
• Qantas:  You can earn frequent flyer points via Qantas Points on Qantas, which is a full-service airline which provides complimentary meals, drinks and entertainment onboard.
• Etihad: Complimentary meals and snacks as well as free in-flight entertainment are on offer with Etihad, which is a full-service airline. Other services such as WiFi are available for an extra fee. 
• Thai Airways: Offering complimentary meals, seat selection and 23kg checked baggage, Thai Airways is a full service airline. Its frequent flyer program is Royal Orchid Plus.
• Cathay Pacific: This full-service airline includes complimentary meals, drinks, inflight WiFi. The economy fare also includes 23kg checked baggage and 7kg cabin luggage.

You can book flights with any of these airlines on Traveloka, where you'll find the best deals and convenient booking options.

Flight time from Melbourne to London?

Prepare yourself for a bit of a lengthy journey when flying to the United Kingdom – it is at the opposite side of the world, after all. It takes 22 hours and 25 minutes to fly from Melbourne to London and there will be a stopover to refuel and stretch your legs. Make sure you pick the best flight that suits your needs, is comfortable and fits within your budget since you’ll be in the air for quite some time.

Average price of flights between Melbourne and London

There can be a considerable difference in the price of airfares to London from Australia depending on a few factors – sometimes a few hundred dollars difference. Fares for flights between Melbourne and London start from as low as  AU$645 but can jump to almost double that in peak season or for last-minute bookings. Try to book your flight at least one to three months ahead for the most affordable price. Another way to save is to scope out deals up for grabs during sales events such as EOFY, Black Friday or Boxing Day.

Cheapest time to fly to London

It pays to plan ahead when booking a trip from Melbourne (MEL) to London (LHR) and consider what time of year is best suited to your travels. If you are flexible with dates, May and June will be the most affordable time to visit London as it’s outside the high season, which is generally considered to be the summer months (June to September). The cheapest fares from Melbourne to London  start from just AU$645. In peak season, there are more visitors and higher demand for attractions and accommodation – with higher prices to match.

Where is the airport in London?

Located 32km west of central London,  London Heathrow Airport is one of six major international airports servicing the Greater London Area. From Heathrow, there are a range of transport options available for your onward journey to suit your needs and budget.

• Train: The Heathrow Express is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to get into London from Heathrow Airport. A train departs every 15 minutes and transports travellers from terminals 2, 3 and 5 to Paddington Station in just 15 minutes. A standard one-way ticket costs £25 (approx AU$50).
• Underground: The opening of the Heathrow Airport stop on the Underground’s Elizabeth Line in 2022 marked the beginning of yet another convenient way to get to the airport and vice versa. From Heathrow Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5, it takes about 35 minutes to get to Paddington Station. It takes longer than the Heathrow Express but is cheaper at just £12.80 (approx AU$26) for a ticket.
• Bus: The National Express Coach service runs a regular service from 4.30am to midnight that arrives at Victoria Coach Station and takes around 50 to 90 minutes (depending on traffic). Local buses are also available for the budget-conscious. The standard bus fare is £1.75 (approx AU$3.60) and takes around 85 minutes. The N9 night bus operates between 11.45pm until 4.45am, which may be convenient for late-night flight arrivals.
• Taxi: A black cab from London Heathrow to the centre of London is estimated to cost between £61 (AU$127) and £114 (AU$237), depending on the final location.
• Private transfers: Private transfers are the considerably more expensive option for transport, with prices starting from £106 (AU$220) for a one-way trip.
• Car Rental: Car rental services are available at Heathrow – which could be handy if you’re planning a road trip at your own pace around England.

Visa and passport requirements for Australians flying to London

Aussies visiting London and the UK as tourists will not need visas for stays of less than six months. However, Australian travellers will need a valid passport to enter the country and they’ll now be required to complete an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) in order to visit or transit through the country. This must be applied for online and approved prior to boarding a flight to the UK. The ETA costs £10 (approx AU$20).

Time difference between Melbourne and London

The time difference between Melbourne and London is quite a big one – so keep this in mind while travelling as it’s likely you’ll experience jetlag on arrival. When Daylight Savings is in effect in Australia (usually between October and April), Melbourne is 11 hours ahead. During the rest of the year, Melbourne is nine hours ahead of London. 

There is a short crossover period around March when London’s clocks also change due to observing European ‘summer time’. Melbourne is 10 hours ahead of London during this brief period.

Our tips to getting the best price on flights

Stretch your dollar as much as possible — all you need to do is follow our expert-approved travel tips when planning a trip from Melbourne (MEL) to London (LHR). Here are a few ideas that can help you save quite a few bucks.

• Use Traveloka’s promotions page to access exclusive discounts and turn on flight alerts to be notified when prices drop
• Be flexible with your travel dates and fly mid-week when ticket prices are often lower or try visiting in the off-season
• Book in advance to secure the cheapest fares and avoid last-minute price surges.

Why trust Traveloka with your flight booking

Picking Traveloka for all your travel needs is always a solid decision. Traveloka can help you with everything you need when travelling from Melbourne (MEL) to London (LHR), including offering perks and features that will help you save money and make organising your trip simple. 

• Price Alerts: Stay updated on price drops and grab competitive deals. 
• Flexible Options: Need to reschedule? Easily manage your bookings. 
• Comprehensive Support: Customer service that’s available 24/7. 
• Exclusive Extras: Gain access to cheap SIM cards, discounted accommodation, and travel packages for your trip from Melbourne (MEL) to London (LHR) 

We’re one of the fastest-growing online travel agencies here in Australia. With a stellar reputation globally and features designed for busy travellers, it’s time to experience a more innovative way to book flights.

Ready for your London adventure?

More than just flights, we can also help you find the perfect accommodation in London along with attraction tickets, tours and day trips to help you make the most of your trip.

Other popular destinations and activities in the United Kingdom from Melbourne you might want to check out:

• London Heathrow Express tickets
• Stonehenge Tour
• Tower of London Tour
• Cotswold Tour From London with Lunch

Flying in the other direction? Here's all the information you need about the reverse journey from London to Melbourne.