Find the cheapest flights from London to Melbourne in 2026. Compare airlines, prices by month, and booking tips to save on your trip.
Route: London (LHR) → Melbourne (MEL)
Distance: Direct flights not available
Flight Duration: 22-26h with 1 stop
Prices by Month
| Month | Avg Price | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| January | €850 | high |
| February | €520 | low |
| March | €510 | low |
| April | €620 | medium |
| May | €640 | medium |
| June | €720 | medium-high |
| July | €880 | high |
| August | €890 | high |
| September | €680 | medium |
| October | €610 | medium |
| November | €580 | medium-low |
| December | €1050 | very high |
Airlines on This Route
- Qantas (direct): from €750 — Book 10-12 weeks ahead for best direct fares. Qantas often runs sales in February-March. Use their flexible booking policy allowing date changes.
- British Airways (direct): from €720 — BA typically releases seats 355 days out. Use Avios points for redemptions – this route often offers good value at 50,000 Avios + taxes.
- Virgin Australia (direct): from €710 — Virgin often undercuts Qantas and BA by €50-100. Check their ‘The Bundle’ for extra legroom seats at check-in.
- Emirates (connecting): from €580 — Emirates via Dubai offers excellent layover options. Book 8-10 weeks ahead. Their Skywards miles can reduce costs significantly.
- Singapore Airlines (connecting): from €560 — Their Singapore stopover is efficient (5-8 hours). Book through their website for same-terminal connections.
- Qatar Airways (connecting): from €540 — Doha connections are typically shorter (4-6 hours). Use their multi-city search to add a free stopover in Doha.
Booking Strategy
For London to Melbourne, target booking 8-12 weeks before departure for optimal prices. February and March offer the cheapest fares (€450-550 return), while December and January see prices surge to €900-1100 due to Christmas travel. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are consistently the cheapest days to fly, saving €50-150 compared to weekend departures. Qantas operates the only direct services from Heathrow, while connecting options via Dubai, Singapore, or Doha often prove cheaper. Use Skyscanner’s ‘everywhere’ search to compare across airlines, then book directly with the carrier for better customer service. Set price alerts for this route at least 3 months before your intended travel date, as prices typically drop on Tuesday evenings when airlines release updated inventory.
Route Tips
- Heathrow Terminal 3 (Qantas/BA) has excellent lounges – consider arriving early for showers and meals before the 21-hour flight
- Australian visa: UK citizens need an ETA (AU$20) or eVisitor visa – apply online at least 1 week before travel
- Melbourne weather is opposite to UK – summer (Dec-Feb) brings 25-30°C heat, so pack accordingly for your arrival season
- Book the Melbourne Skybus online in advance for €2 discount – tickets are valid for 30 days from purchase
- Consider a stopover in Dubai, Singapore, or Doha at no extra airfare – break up the journey and explore another city
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from London to Melbourne?
The direct flight from London Heathrow to Melbourne takes approximately 21 hours and 30 minutes. Qantas operates the longest non-stop service, using Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 aircraft. If you opt for a connecting flight via Dubai, Singapore, or Doha, expect total journey times of 22-26 hours including a 4-10 hour layover. Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways typically offer the most efficient connections with shorter layover times. The flight crosses 10+ time zones, so jet lag management is essential upon arrival.
How much does it cost to fly from London to Melbourne?
Return flights range from €450 in low season (February-March) to €1,100 during peak Christmas period. The average return fare is €650-750. Direct flights with Qantas, British Airways, or Virgin Australia cost €700-900, while connecting flights via Middle Eastern or Asian hubs typically cost €500-650. Business class fares start from €2,500 return. February offers the best value, while December-January sees prices double due to holiday demand. Booking 10 weeks ahead typically yields the best balance of availability and price.
Are there direct flights from London to Melbourne?
Yes, direct flights are available from London Heathrow (LHR) operated by Qantas (daily), British Airways (daily), and Virgin Australia (4-5 times weekly). These are among the longest non-stop flights in the world, taking approximately 21.5 hours. Qantas actually operates two daily services during peak season. No other London airport offers direct Melbourne service – Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton require connections. The direct route is popular with business travelers and those seeking to avoid long layovers.
What is the cheapest month to fly from London to Melbourne?
February is the cheapest month, with average return fares of €450-550. March offers similar pricing and is equally affordable. These months fall between the Christmas peak and Easter school holidays, creating low demand. May and November also offer good value (€550-650). The most expensive time is December (€900-1,100) due to Christmas and New Year travel, followed by July-August when UK school holidays drive up demand. To secure the cheapest fares, book 8-12 weeks in advance and consider flexible dates within February-March.
Which airlines fly from London to Melbourne?
Direct carriers include Qantas (most frequent, premium service), British Airways (daily A380), and Virgin Australia (competitive pricing). Connecting airlines include Emirates (via Dubai, excellent baggage allowance), Singapore Airlines (via Singapore, award-winning service), Qatar Airways (via Doha, efficient connections), Cathay Pacific (via Hong Kong), Malaysia Airlines (via Kuala Lumpur), and Etihad Airways (via Abu Dhabi). Budget carriers don’t operate this route due to the extreme distance. For pure cost savings, Emirates and Qatar Airways typically offer the best value among connecting options.
What airport do I fly into in Melbourne?
You fly into Melbourne Airport (MEL), also known as Tullamarine Airport, located 20km northwest of the Melbourne CBD. The airport has four terminals with international arrivals at T2 (Jetstar, Qantas, Virgin) and T1 (AirAsia X). Transport options: SkyBus express bus to Southern Cross Station (€18, 30 minutes), taxi/uber (€50-60, 25 minutes), or rental cars available at all terminals. Melbourne’s public transport (tram, train, bus) connects from Southern Cross Station. Allow 2-3 hours from landing to city centre arrival accounting for immigration and customs.
How far in advance should I book London to Melbourne flights?
For this route, book 8-12 weeks ahead for the best prices. Last-minute bookings (within 2 weeks) rarely yield deals on this popular corridor – expect to pay €200-400 more than advance bookings. The sweet spot is 10 weeks, when airlines typically release their most competitive pricing. For February-March travel, aim for 12-14 weeks ahead to secure the lowest fares before they sell out. December travel requires booking 14-16 weeks in advance due to high demand. Use fare alerts starting 4 months before your target travel dates.
Is it cheaper to fly from London to Melbourne on weekdays?
Yes, Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically €50-150 cheaper than Friday or Sunday flights. This pattern holds consistently across all airlines on this route. Saturday departures fall in the middle. The savings are most pronounced during off-peak months (February, March, November). For the cheapest overall trip, consider departing Tuesday or Wednesday morning and returning on a Tuesday or Wednesday. However, the price difference is smaller for this long-haul route compared to European flights – the savings rarely exceed €150, so flexibility in your specific travel dates matters less than overall timing (season and advance booking).
Data updated: 2026-03
