Flying from Melbourne to Los Angeles: what you need to know
Planning your holiday begins with working out where you'll fly out of in Melbourne. Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) is the city's main base, so check out your options for reserving a flight from Melbourne to Los Angeles jetting off from here.
Arrive in Los Angeles at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or Los Angeles Van Nuys Airport (VNY).
The average time for a direct Melbourne to Los Angeles flight is 14 hours 25 minutes.
The timezone in Los Angeles is UTC-8, which is 19 hours behind Melbourne.
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the most popular route between these two cities. There are 16 weekly departures to pick from. If you have things to do before heading off, the last flight from Melbourne to Los Angeles is with Qantas at 12:00. Go for the first MEL to LAX departure with United Airlines at 09:30 to maximise your time in Los Angeles.
For hassle-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to board your Melbourne to Los Angeles flight.
Travelling during a peak time such as December? Major public holidays and other high seasons can mean longer lines at check-in and security. Be extra cautious and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Melbourne to Los Angeles
Booking ahead of time is often the key to scoring a cheap Melbourne to Los Angeles flight. Prices tend to rise as demand increases, so the closer your departure date, the more you'll likely pay.
Getting cheap plane tickets from Melbourne to Los Angeles is more likely if you can be flexible with your trip dates. Use the 'Whole month' tool to see the best prices throughout the month and snap up a sweet deal.
Cut down on the time spent looking for cheap flights from Melbourne to Los Angeles by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification through the app when a special offer becomes available.
Pick your ideal departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines by using the filters. Or sort your Melbourne to Los Angeles flight results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest.'
Flying from Melbourne
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
Depart from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) on a nonstop flight from Melbourne to Los Angeles. From MEL, you can travel directly to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Choose from a variety of airlines that offer direct Melbourne to Los Angeles plane tickets out of MEL. Get on board with any of these:
We make it easy to book a Melbourne to Los Angeles flight with a stopover. To see your options departing from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Next, choose a flight with a stop long enough to explore your chosen city. Top stopovers include:
Sydney Airport (SYD)
Auckland International Airport (AKL)
Nadi Airport (NAN)
Located around 19 kilometres from the centre of Melbourne, MEL can be reached in about 25 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey on public transport takes roughly 35 minutes.
Want a stress-free start to your holiday? Stay near Melbourne Tullamarine Airport. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Melbourne to Los Angeles or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are the answer:
When it comes to Melbourne Tullamarine Airport's on-time performance, 63% of flights meet their scheduled arrival time.
Arriving in Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
The distance from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to central Los Angeles is approximately 19 kilometres. It'll take you about 35 minutes to get to the centre driving.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Melbourne to Los Angeles. Check in to one of these accommodation options near LAX instead:
Get on the fast track to adventure by picking up a Los Angeles International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Dollar, Thrifty or Hertz and experience the lesser-explored corners of Los Angeles and beyond.
Booking your ride from Los Angeles International Airport about one week ahead increases your chances of getting a good deal.
You'll find LAX at One World Way.
Los Angeles Van Nuys Airport (VNY)
Los Angeles Van Nuys Airport (VNY) is around 27 kilometres from the centre of Los Angeles. After your flight from Melbourne to Los Angeles, it takes approximately 35 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a taxi or ride-share.
Travelling by public transport will take approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
There are some comfortable places to call home for the night near VNY. Unwind after your Melbourne to Los Angeles flight at one of these well-located options:
Forget about public transport schedules or taxi lines. Pick up a Los Angeles Van Nuys Airport rental car and take your trip in whatever direction you choose. Compare rates and availability from Budget, Dollar and Hertz.
Avoid filling out forms on the spot and save time at the rental desk by completing your booking beforehand. Reserve your ride from VNY a few weeks in advance so you can simply grab the keys and be on your way.
Best time to go to Los Angeles
July is the most popular month for flights from Melbourne to Los Angeles. To travel when it's less crowded, go to Los Angeles in March.
The warmest month in Los Angeles is August, with temperatures ranging between 16ºC (61ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF). Book your Melbourne to Los Angeles ticket then if that's your idea of comfortable weather.
February sees average temperatures of between 6ºC (43ºF) and 26ºC (79ºF). Look for cheap flights from Melbourne to Los Angeles around that time if you like cooler conditions.
More about Los Angeles
Once you've booked your flight from Melbourne to Los Angeles, choose a hotel that puts you where you want to be. Make one of these options your base for exploring Los Angeles:
Every great adventure has to include a little sightseeing. Hollywood Sign, Universal Studios Hollywood and Hollywood Bowl are attractions you won't want to skip in Los Angeles.
Explore more of the United States
Los Angeles is easy to fall in love with, but there are so many other corners of the United States waiting to be discovered. Around 177 kilometres southeast of Los Angeles, a trip to San Diego will keep you on the go. Start with leading attractions like San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park and USS Midway Museum.
If you're ready to explore another major destination in the United States, head for San Jose, roughly 499 kilometres northwest of Los Angeles. Winchester Mystery House, The Tech Interactive and Santa Clara Valley are the start of reasons to visit.