Flying from Johannesburg to Melbourne: what you need to know
Johannesburg's main base, O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), is where countless incredible trips begin. Explore the departure options from here when planning your flight from Johannesburg to Melbourne.
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) is where you'll be landing in Melbourne.
Melbourne is nine hours ahead of Johannesburg and follows the UTC+11 timezone.
For a stress-free journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to board your Johannesburg to Melbourne flight.
Travelling during a peak time such as July? Major public holidays and other high seasons can lead to longer lines at security. Be extra cautious and arrive up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Johannesburg to Melbourne
Don't leave everything to the last moment. You're more likely to get cheap Johannesburg to Melbourne flights if you book ahead. Airlines often offer some amazing early bird deals.
Getting cheap plane tickets from Johannesburg to Melbourne is easy if you're flexible with your trip dates. Use the 'Whole month' search function to see the lowest prices across every month and bag an incredible deal.
You don't need to search every day to see if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll let you know as soon as there's a better deal on cheap flights from Johannesburg to Melbourne.
Save money on your Johannesburg to Melbourne flight with the help of our filters. Select your preferred duration, departure time and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Flying from Johannesburg
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
Think about adding a stopover to potentially save money on your Johannesburg to Melbourne flight. Just uncheck 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from O.R. Tambo International Airport. Take a pause at one of these airports:
Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD)
Changi International Airport (SIN)
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Travelling from central Johannesburg to JNB takes about 1 hour 10 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or take a cab, you'll cover the 23 kilometres in 30 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
In search of a handy hotel close to O.R. Tambo International Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Johannesburg to Melbourne, these accommodation options will have you moments from your departure gate:
Of all flights leaving O.R. Tambo International Airport, 77.1% arrive as scheduled at their destination.
Arriving in Melbourne
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to central Melbourne takes around 30 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 19 kilometres away.
It typically takes 40 minutes to get there on public transport.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Johannesburg to Melbourne. Reserve one of these accommodation options near MEL instead:
Say yes to new adventures by picking up a Melbourne Tullamarine Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Bargain Car Rentals, East Coast or Sixt and explore beyond Melbourne's usual tourist stops.
To secure the lowest price, reserve your vehicle from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport around four weeks ahead of your Johannesburg to Melbourne flight.
Avalon Airport (AVV)
Central Melbourne is around 48 kilometres from Avalon Airport (AVV). Once your flight from Johannesburg to Melbourne has hit the runway and you've made your way out of the airport, expect a drive of around 50 minutes.
The trip will take roughly 2 hours 5 minutes on public transport.
The fastest way to reach your destination is with an Avalon Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Sixt, Kangaroo Rental or yesaway car hire and make a speedy getaway.
Avoid potential price surges. Booking your ride three weeks before your arrival at AVV will help you stay within budget.
Essendon Airport (MEB)
Step off your flight from Johannesburg to Melbourne and head directly to your hotel or start exploring right away. Central Melbourne is around 11 kilometres from Essendon Airport (MEB) and takes roughly 25 minutes to reach driving.
The journey takes around 1 hour 15 minutes if you use public transport.
Whether you'd like a budget-friendly compact for solo travel or a spacious SUV to fit everyone and their gear, you'll find the right Essendon Airport rental car for you. Browse the range of wheels available here from companies such as East Coast, Ace Rental Cars and Goldcar.
Rental providers sometimes offer discounts on early bookings, so book your ride from MEB a few weeks in advance of your flight from Johannesburg to Melbourne. Plan ahead and your wallet will thank you.
Best time to go to Melbourne
April is the quietest month for flights from Johannesburg to Melbourne, while January is the busiest. Figure out the ideal time to go to Melbourne based on whether you want a laid-back vibe or a more bustling atmosphere.
Lock in a Johannesburg to Melbourne ticket departing in January if you're eager to visit the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Melbourne to range from 12ºC (54ºF) to 29ºC (84ºF).
Look for cheap flights from Johannesburg to Melbourne in July if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 4ºC (39ºF) and 13ºC (55ºF) on average.
More about Melbourne
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Melbourne right here. Browse these options once you've locked in your flight from Johannesburg to Melbourne:
Every great adventure has to include a little sightseeing. Federation Square, National Gallery of Victoria and Eureka Skydeck 88 are must-visits when exploring Melbourne.
Explore more of Australia
You've seen Melbourne, now it's time to explore other corners of Australia. Travel around 467 kilometres north-east to Canberra to check off its must-visit sights. From Australian War Memorial to National Gallery of Australia and Parliament House, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
Geelong is another essential stop in Australia and is around 64 kilometres south-west of Melbourne. No journey is complete without visiting Ford Motor Company, Roraima Nursery and RTC Resource Centre.
