Travelling from Melbourne to Vancouver: what you need to know
Melbourne's main base, Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL), is where countless awesome holidays begin. Explore your departure choices from here for your flight from Melbourne to Vancouver.
When jetting into Vancouver, get off the plane at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) or Vancouver Harbour Sea Plane Base Airport (CXH). Abbotsford Airport (YXX) is another way to get to this city.
Vancouver's timezone is UTC-7, making Vancouver 18 hours behind Melbourne.
Give yourself enough time to get on your Melbourne to Vancouver flight. As a general rule, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
You can expect bigger queues during popular months such as January. Arriving up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours for a domestic departure is a good idea.
How to find the cheapest flights from Melbourne to Vancouver
Booking ahead of time is often the key to scoring a cheap Melbourne to Vancouver flight. Flight prices rise as demand increases, so the closer you get to departure, the more expensive your ticket may be.
If you're willing to be flexible with your travel dates, try using the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll give you the cheapest price across each month when searching for your plane ticket from Melbourne to Vancouver.
Snapping up a cheap flight from Melbourne to Vancouver couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you as soon as the price has dropped.
Choose your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops by using the filters. Alternatively, sort your Melbourne to Vancouver flight results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best.'
Flying from Melbourne
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
We make it a cinch to book a Melbourne to Vancouver flight with a stopover. To see all your options departing from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, simply choose a flight with a stop long enough to explore the city of your choice. Popular stopovers include:
Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD)
Nadi International Airport (NAN)
Brisbane Airport (BNE)
Located around 19 kilometres from central Melbourne, MEL can be reached in about 30 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey by public transport will take roughly 40 minutes.
After a relaxed start to your travels? Stay near Melbourne Tullamarine Airport. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Melbourne to Vancouver or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels have you covered:
67.71% of flights that take off from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport touch down at their destination on schedule.
Arriving in Vancouver
Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to central Vancouver takes about 25 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 11 kilometres away.
It usually takes 35 minutes to get there when travelling by public transport.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Melbourne to Vancouver. Check in to one of these accommodation options near YVR instead:
Grab a Vancouver International Airport rental car and explore Vancouver and beyond with your own wheels. Routes Car Rentals, Thrifty and Avis are leading providers to choose from here.
Get the best deal by booking your vehicle from Vancouver International Airport around one week before your trip.
Vancouver Harbour Sea Plane Base Airport (CXH)
Vancouver Harbour Sea Plane Base Airport (CXH) is around 0.80 kilometres from the centre of Vancouver. Following your flight from Melbourne to Vancouver, it takes approximately 5 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
The journey will take approximately 15 minutes on public transport.
You'll find some great places to lay your head close to CXH. Unwind after your Melbourne to Vancouver flight at any of these perfectly located options:
Avoid the long lines and paperwork at the rental desk by completing your booking beforehand. Reserve your ride from CXH a few weeks in advance so you can simply grab the keys and be on your way.
Abbotsford Airport (YXX)
Travel to the centre after your flight from Melbourne to Vancouver has landed. Central Vancouver is around 64 kilometres from Abbotsford Airport (YXX) and takes roughly 1 hour to reach by car.
If you use public transport, the journey takes about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Book a hotel close to YXX and get from baggage claim to bedtime in a flash. Whether you have a late Melbourne to Vancouver flight or just want a hassle-free arrival, these stays offer convenience when you need it most:
Be in the driver's seat of the next chapter of your journey by picking up an Abbotsford Airport rental car. Hertz, Thrifty and Enterprise will get you on the road.
If you're searching for a specific make or model, lock in your ride from YXX around one week before your flight from Melbourne to Vancouver. This gives you a higher chance of getting the car you want, as well as a better deal.
Best time to go to Vancouver
It's time to figure out your trip dates for your flight from Melbourne to Vancouver. August is the busiest month to travel to Vancouver. If you like a more low-key vibe, go in May.
Book a Melbourne to Vancouver ticket departing in August if you want to visit the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Vancouver to range from 13ºC (55ºF) to 24ºC (75ºF).
Look for cheap flights from Melbourne to Vancouver in December if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -1ºC (30ºF) and 7ºC (45ºF) on average.
More about Vancouver
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Vancouver right here. Explore these options as soon as you've locked in your flight from Melbourne to Vancouver:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be tricky to know where to begin. Stanley Park, Granville Island and Science World are highlights which should be on every Vancouver itinerary.
Explore more of Canada
Surrey is just one of the many cities in Canada waiting to be discovered once you've taken in the sights of Vancouver. Around 32 kilometres to the south-east, top sights here include Senator Reid Park, Port Mann Park and Morgan Creek Park.
Around 97 kilometres south of Vancouver, Victoria is another favourite stop in Canada. No visit is complete without checking out Royal BC Museum, Craigdarroch Castle and Inner Harbour.