Cheap flights from Melbourne to Darwin from $260

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a Cheapflights user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight departing on 15/4. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
MEL — DRW
20 Feb — 27 Feb1
1 adult
1 adult, Economy, 0 bags
Cheapflights Tip: The best prices from Melbourne to Darwin are usually found in May or February, booked 70 days in advance, depart on a Friday or Saturday and return on a Tuesday

Cheap flight deals from Melbourne to Darwin

Enter your travel dates to find the best prices.

Cheapest flights from Melbourne to Darwin
Explore the most affordable flight options available from Melbourne to Darwin. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on 21 January 2026.

Wed 29/419:45
MEL
-
DRW
Nonstop4h 40m
Virgin Australia
Mon 4/500:40
DRW
-
MEL
Nonstop4h 10m
Virgin Australia
Deal found 19/1$356
Mon 4/519:45
MEL
-
DRW
Nonstop4h 40m
Virgin Australia
Mon 11/500:40
DRW
-
MEL
Nonstop4h 10m
Virgin Australia
Deal found 17/1$358
Sat 14/312:35
MEL
-
DRW
Nonstop4h 35m
Multiple Airlines
Sat 21/316:50
DRW
-
MEL
Nonstop4h 15m
Multiple Airlines
Deal found 19/1$359
Fri 1/519:45
MEL
-
DRW
Nonstop4h 40m
Virgin Australia
Mon 4/500:40
DRW
-
MEL
Nonstop4h 10m
Virgin Australia
Deal found 19/1$362
Tue 21/419:45
MEL
-
DRW
Nonstop4h 40m
Virgin Australia
Mon 27/400:40
DRW
-
MEL
Nonstop4h 10m
Virgin Australia
Deal found 19/1$364
Sat 21/212:35
MEL
-
DRW
Nonstop4h 35m
Multiple Airlines
Mon 23/216:50
DRW
-
MEL
Nonstop4h 15m
Multiple Airlines
Deal found 18/1$367
Wed 25/310:00
MEL
-
DRW
Nonstop4h 20m
Jetstar
Sun 29/317:00
DRW
-
MEL
Nonstop4h 10m
Jetstar
Deal found 19/1$377
Wed 25/310:00
MEL
-
DRW
Nonstop4h 20m
Jetstar
Mon 13/418:00
DRW
-
MEL
Nonstop4h 10m
Jetstar
Deal found 18/1$408
Sat 2/513:15
MEL
-
DRW
Nonstop4h 30m
Multiple Airlines
Mon 4/500:40
DRW
-
MEL
Nonstop4h 10m
Multiple Airlines
Deal found 19/1$410
Wed 6/519:45
MEL
-
DRW
Nonstop4h 40m
Virgin Australia
Tue 19/500:40
DRW
-
MEL
Nonstop4h 10m
Virgin Australia
Deal found 19/1$438
Sat 2/513:15
MEL
-
DRW
Nonstop4h 30m
Jetstar
Wed 6/518:00
DRW
-
MEL
Nonstop4h 10m
Jetstar
Deal found 19/1$444
Sun 1/313:15
MEL
-
DRW
Nonstop4h 20m
Jetstar
Mon 2/316:50
DRW
-
MEL
Nonstop4h 15m
Jetstar
Deal found 19/1$452

Find flight deals from Melbourne to Darwin

Discover tips and strategies to find the most affordable flight options for your journey from Melbourne (ME1) to Darwin (DRW). Learn about various techniques such as flexible date searches, comparing prices across and setting up price alerts. Use these methods to find the cheapest flights available for your travel needs. Data last updated 21 January 2026.

Round-trip from

$356

One-way from

$260

Popular in

July

Cheapest in

May

Average price

$569
Virgin Australia
  • Virgin Australia
  • 29/4-4/5
  • Nonstop
  • 8h 50m total
  • Melbourne to Darwin
Jetstar
  • Jetstar
  • 15/4
  • 1 total stop
  • 8h 55m total
  • Melbourne to Darwin
Highest demand for flights based on searches. 11% potential increase in price ($101 potential increase over avg. return price).
Cheapest flight prices on average. 2% potential price decrease ($19 potential savings vs. average return price).
Average for round-trip flights in January 2026

Cheapflights Fare Finder

 
Customise your flight search to find flights from Melbourne to Darwin that fit within your specific budget. Explore options based on user searches and filter the results based on your desired price range. Find flights that match your budget for a cost-effective journey. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 647,157 searches. Data last updated 21 January 2026.
Use the filters below to find and compare flights from Melbourne to Darwin that are best for you.

Fly from

Melbourne

Fly to

Darwin

Route

Depart

Return

Price

MelbourneDarwin

MEL - DRW

MELDRW

Melbourne

Sat 21/2

12:35-15:40

Nonstop4h 35m

Darwin

Sat 28/2

16:50-22:35

Nonstop4h 15m

$403

MelbourneDarwin

MEL - DRW

MELDRW

Melbourne

Sun 1/3

13:15-16:05

Nonstop4h 20m

Darwin

Mon 2/3

16:50-22:35

Nonstop4h 15m

$456

MelbourneDarwin

MEL - DRW

MELDRW

Melbourne

Wed 18/3

08:45-16:30

1 stop9h 15m

Darwin

Mon 23/3

16:50-22:35

Nonstop4h 15m

$456

MelbourneDarwin

MEL - DRW

MELDRW

Melbourne

Sat 9/5

13:15-17:15

Nonstop4h 30m

Darwin

Wed 20/5

18:00-22:40

Nonstop4h 10m

$463

MelbourneDarwin

MEL - DRW

MELDRW

Melbourne

Sat 14/3

08:10-13:35

1 stop6h 55m

Darwin

Sat 21/3

16:25-22:10

Nonstop4h 15m

$474

MelbourneDarwin

MEL - DRW

MELDRW

Melbourne

Wed 15/4

13:15-17:15

Nonstop4h 30m

Darwin

Thu 23/4

00:40-05:20

Nonstop4h 10m

$477

MelbourneDarwin

MEL - DRW

MELDRW

Melbourne

Sun 1/3

08:10-13:35

1 stop6h 55m

Darwin

Mon 2/3

16:50-22:35

Nonstop4h 15m

$480

MelbourneDarwin

MEL - DRW

MELDRW

Melbourne

Mon 2/2

08:45-16:30

1 stop9h 15m

Darwin

Sat 21/2

16:50-22:35

Nonstop4h 15m

$495

MelbourneDarwin

MEL - DRW

MELDRW

Melbourne

Wed 6/5

19:45-23:55

Nonstop4h 40m

Darwin

Thu 7/5

14:35-23:55

1 stop8h 50m

$502

MelbourneDarwin

MEL - DRW

MELDRW

Melbourne

Sun 29/3

20:45-23:55

Nonstop4h 40m

Darwin

Mon 30/3

17:40-09:00

1 stop13h 50m

$502

Flights are sorted by cheapest return flights first.

Deals found on 20/1

Showing 1-10 of 43 results
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Best time to book a flight from Melbourne to Darwin

Have a flexible travel schedule? Discover the best time to fly to Darwin from Melbourne with our price prediction graph.
Estimated return price
Rates are based on past data. Find the cheapest month and day to book your flight based on your travel requirements, then search for cheap deals.

Cheapflights Insights

Everything you need to know about your flight from Melbourne to Darwin

How far ahead should I book a flight from Melbourne to Darwin?

Use this chart to determine the optimal time to book a return flight from Melbourne to Darwin. Price data was last updated on 16 January 2026.

The price you pay for your flight from Melbourne to Darwin may vary depending on when you book. For the best chance of a lower fare, look to book 70 days in advance of your trip. Fares are likely to increase a fortnight or so before your departure date.

What is the cheapest month to book a flight from Melbourne to Darwin?

Currently, February is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Melbourne to Darwin (average of $171). Flying from Melbourne to Darwin in July is currently the most expensive (average of $272). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.

What is the cheapest time of day to fly from MEL to DRW?

Find hourly flight availability from Melbourne to Darwin. Discover flight options and departure times throughout the day, allowing you to choose a departure time that suits your schedule. Data last updated 21 January 2026.

When flying from Melbourne to Darwin, the time of day you fly usually plays a role in the price. Save by searching for a flight at midday, which can drop the price by up to 56% versus a flight in the morning.

Weekly flight availability from Melbourne to Darwin

Explore weekly flight availability from Melbourne to Darwin. Discover flights operating on different days of the week, giving you the flexibility to choose a travel day that best fits your plans. Compare info to find the most convenient option for your journey. Data last updated 21 January 2026.

The most flights from ME1 to DRW are scheduled on a Sunday (11 on average). You will have fewer flight options on Friday, which is when the least amount of flights are scheduled (3 on average).

How often are flights from Melbourne to Darwin delayed?

About 17% of weekly flights between Melbourne and Darwin have experienced delays in the past year, with the average delay time being 97 minutes.

What is the most punctual flight time for Melbourne to Darwin flights?

Historically, flights departing in the evening are less likely to be delayed, whereas flights leaving in the early afternoon tend to experience delays more often.

What day of the week experiences the fewest flight delays on this route?

Thursday tends to have the lowest number of delays on this route, whereas Monday has historically faced a higher average of delays compared to other days of the week.

Which airline has the best punctuality record on Melbourne to Darwin flights?

Over the past year, Virgin Australia have had the lowest number of delays on this route, with just 12% of flights being delayed.

Reviews of airlines servicing Darwin

Get insights into the airlines that provide service to Darwin. Read reviews, discover amenities, and learn about the overall travel experience offered by airlines. Use this information to make informed decisions when choosing an airline for your flight to Darwin. Reviews last updated 21 January 2026.
Read reviews from past customers who have flown with Virgin Australia, Qantas Airways, andJetstar from Melbourne to Darwin. Users can see the overall rating for each airline as well as how each is rated in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.

Crew

8.2

Comfort

7.5

Food

6.4

Boarding

7.7

Overall

7.6

Entertainment

6.4

Reviews

1 / 20
10.0
Excellent

Leanne,Dec 2025

MEL - LST

The crew were very welcoming and the landing was excellent

Crew

8.2

Comfort

7.5

Food

6.4

Boarding

7.7

Overall

7.6

Entertainment

6.4

Reviews

1 / 20
10.0
Excellent

Leanne,Dec 2025

MEL - LST

The crew were very welcoming and the landing was excellent

Crew

8.2

Comfort

7.5

Food

6.4

Boarding

7.7

Overall

7.6

Entertainment

6.4

Reviews

1 / 20
10.0
Excellent

Leanne,Dec 2025

MEL - LST

The crew were very welcoming and the landing was excellent

Crew

8.2

Comfort

7.5

Food

6.4

Boarding

7.7

Overall

7.6

Entertainment

6.4

Reviews

1 / 20
10.0
Excellent

Leanne,Dec 2025

MEL - LST

The crew were very welcoming and the landing was excellent

Related info for your journey

Find useful and relevant information for your journey from Melbourne to Darwin. Access travel guides, tips, and recommendations to enhance your travel experience. Get information about local attractions, weather, transportation options, and more.
  • What airport do you fly into for flights to Darwin from Melbourne?

    Darwin (DRW), located 6.4 km from the city centre, is the airport you fly into when you book flights from Melbourne to Darwin. 3 airlines have flights to Darwin from Melbourne on a regular basis. Booking flights from Melbourne to Darwin should not be difficult; the airport handles an average of 6 inbound flights from Melbourne per day.

  • How long is the flight from Melbourne to Darwin?

    For as low as $456, Jetstar can have you in Darwin from Melbourne in 4h 20m. The distance from Melbourne to Darwin is about 3130 km. Both multi-stop and direct flights can be found to your destination and back.

  • What are the cheapest airlines flying from Melbourne to Darwin round-trip?

    Currently priced at $207, Jetstar will fly you from Melbourne to Darwin and back. In addition to Jetstar, many other airlines offer competitively priced options for your trip. Search Cheapflights for deals from Virgin Australia and Qantas Airways - these airlines can fly you to your destination from $259 and $310, respectively. Jetstar is currently priced 60% below the average price you’ll pay for this route.

  • What are the cheapest airlines to fly from Melbourne to Darwin one-way?

    For one-way options, check prices for Jetstar. According to our data, you can fly for as low as $170. Users have also found prices from $213 and $314 on Virgin Australia and Qantas Airways, respectively.

  • What are the most reliable airlines from Melbourne to Darwin?

    Before booking your flight to Darwin from Melbourne, have a look at the most reliable airlines to get you to your destination on time: Qatar Airways (70%), Virgin Australia (70%), United Airlines( 70%).

  • What are the cheapest flights from Melbourne to Darwin?

    The cheapest flight price from Melbourne to Darwin is $221. On average you can expect to pay $834. The most popular route, (Melbourne - Darwin), can usually be booked for $356.

  • Can I find deals for flights from Melbourne to Darwin that include hotel bookings?

    Yes. In addition to deals on Melbourne to Darwin flights, Cheapflights offers holiday packages that include both flights and hotel.

  • How can I find direct flights from Melbourne to Darwin?

    After entering your origin and destination, apply the non-stop filter on the search result page to find direct flights from Melbourne to Darwin.

  • Can I find deals for business class flights from Melbourne to Darwin?

    Yes. Cheapflights offers flight deals from Melbourne to Darwin by cabin class. In addition to browsing deals, you can also filter by cabin class on the search results page after making a search.

  • What is the cheapest month to book a flight from Melbourne to Darwin?

    Currently, February is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Melbourne to Darwin (average of $171). Flying from Melbourne to Darwin in July is currently the most expensive (average of $272). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.

See more FAQs

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Alternative routes for Melbourne to Darwin

See prices for flight routes from nearby airports that may be better suited for you.

Top 3 airlines flying from Melbourne to Darwin

Discover the top 3 airlines that operate flights from Melbourne to Darwin. Compare their services, reliability, and customer satisfaction ratings to choose the airline that best suits your travel preferences and needs. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 647,157 searches. Data last updated 21 January 2026.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
JetstarCheapest$207Average$583FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time74%
Search Jetstar flights
Virgin AustraliaCheapest$259Average$572FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time80%
Search Virgin Australia flights
Qantas AirwaysCheapest$310Average$740FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time74%
Search Qantas Airways flights

Fly with Cheapflights

Find the best flight deals on Cheapflights, where travellers can enjoy low prices and a wide availability of flights to their desired destinations.

How does Cheapflights help users find flights from Melbourne to Darwin?

Cheapflights goes through 900+ travel sites to look for the best flight deals for flights from Melbourne to Darwin. Too many options? Cheapflights also provides filters for things like airlines, price ranges, and number of stops to help you make a decision easily.

Why should you use Cheapflights to find cheap flight tickets from Melbourne to Darwin?

Cheapflights helps you find that perfect flight to Darwin from Melbourne by searching from hundreds of airlines and agencies you know and love. We are also free to use, in case you were wondering!

Can Cheapflights find flights from Melbourne to Darwin with no change fees?

Certainly. Search results for flights to Darwin from Melbourne shown to you on Cheapflights can be narrowed down with different useful search filters, which includes flexible booking options.

Can Cheapflights notify me if prices for flights from Melbourne to Darwin become cheaper?

Yes! Start tracking prices for Melbourne to Darwin flights today and get alerted whenever prices for these flights change. To access this feature, click the bell icon next to the flight deals above, which will prompt you for a valid email address to receive your alerts.

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