Australia

Flights to Melbourne

Long haul · Culture · Coffee. Compare cheap flights to Melbourne from UK airports — flight time 22h 30m from London.

22h 30m
Flight from London
from £620
Typical price
Sep–Nov, Mar–May
Best season
Price intelligence

When to fly to Melbourne for the cheapest fare

Estimated baseline
updated 2026-04-25
Average return
£1054
From £496 on a great day
Cheapest month
January
Avg £651 return
Peak month
August
Avg £1612 return
Good-deal threshold
£682 or less
25th-percentile fare
Cheapest day to depart: Tuesday
Most expensive day: Sunday

Flying to Melbourne — what to know

Melbourne is a long-haul destination from the UK, suited to a long haul and culture trip. The 22h 30m flight from London makes it a realistic two-week trip option, with regional UK airports — Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham — adding direct service on the busier routes. Fares sit in the premium long-haul bracket on this corridor, with one-way prices from £620 when you catch the right week.

January typically delivers the cheapest fares (around £651 return on average), with prices climbing through August when seasonal demand peaks (£1612+). On the ground, Australian dollar (AUD) is the local currency and English the dominant language — English coverage is solid in tourist quarters and at the airport. Visa: eVisitor (subclass 651) required — apply online, free for UK passport holders. 8–14 weeks ahead is the long-haul sweet spot — earlier doesn't reliably help, later starts to hurt; last-minute bookings on this route can run two to three times the cheapest fare we see.

Plan ahead

Practical information for UK travellers

Flight time from London~22h 30m direct
Typical priceFrom £620 return — booking 6–8 weeks ahead is generally cheapest
Best monthsSep–Nov, Mar–May
VisaeVisitor (subclass 651) required — apply online, free for UK passport holders
CurrencyAustralian dollar (AUD)
Time zoneAEST (UTC+10) / AEDT (UTC+11)
LanguageEnglish
Things to do

Top experiences in Melbourne

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Multi-day tours

Guided tours in Australia

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the flight from the UK to Melbourne?

Direct flights from London to Melbourne take approximately 22h 30m. Total journey time depends on your departure airport and any connections.

Do UK passport holders need a visa for Australia?

eVisitor (subclass 651) required — apply online, free for UK passport holders

When is the best time to visit Melbourne?

The best months to visit Melbourne are Sep–Nov, Mar–May, when conditions are most comfortable for sightseeing and weather is settled.

What currency is used in Australia?

Australian dollar (AUD) — most major hotels and restaurants in Melbourne accept card payments, but cash is useful for smaller establishments and tipping.

What language is spoken in Melbourne?

English. English is widely understood in tourist areas, hotels, and major restaurants.