Travelling from Queenstown Airport (ZQN) to Melbourne: what you need to know
The average length of a direct flight from Queenstown Airport to Melbourne is 3 hours 10 minutes.
Melbourne is two hours behind Queenstown, where Queenstown Airport is located. Melbourne follows the UTC+11 timezone.
With 18 flights a week between the two airports, Queenstown Airport (ZQN) to Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) is the most popular route. Jetstar operates the earliest flight at 12:00. If you'd like to get more out of your day before taking off, the last flight from ZQN to MEL is with Jetstar at 20:35.
To avoid rushing for your ZQN to Melbourne flight, allow plenty of time to check in and drop off your luggage. Turning up two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
During popular months such as July, it's a good idea to get to the airport earlier than usual. Arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of an international flight whenever you're flying during peak periods in general.
You can book a direct Queenstown Airport to Melbourne ticket. Start your journey at ZQN and end it at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL).
Pick from a variety of carriers offering direct flights from Queenstown Airport to Melbourne. Book your seat with one of these:
ZQN is about 6 kilometres from central Queenstown. If you're ride-sharing, catching a taxi or driving from the centre, it'll take 15 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the travel time to be around 25 minutes.
Want an easy start to your trip? Stay near ZQN. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Queenstown Airport to Melbourne or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
Of the flights that depart from Queenstown Airport, 73% arrive on time at their destination.
The address for ZQN is P.O. Box 64.
How to find the cheapest flights from Queenstown Airport (ZQN) to Melbourne
The lowest price we've found for a one-way Queenstown Airport to Melbourne flight is R 2,439. The cheapest price for a return flight is R 5,786. Bear in mind fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
Book seven months before you travel. Pricing trends suggest that this is the ideal window for finding cheap flights from ZQN to Melbourne.
December is the best month for picking up a fantastic deal on Queenstown Airport to Melbourne tickets. If you want to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices across every month.
You don't need to check back constantly to see if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll notify you as soon as there's an extra saving on cheap flights from ZQN to Melbourne.
Tailor your trip with filters. Select your arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' flights from Queenstown Airport to Melbourne.
Airports in Melbourne
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) is around 24 kilometres from central Melbourne. If you're grabbing a taxi or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 25 minutes.
Travelling on public transport takes about 35 minutes.
Look into staying at a hotel close to MEL if you're coming in on a late flight from Queenstown Airport to Melbourne. Settle into one of these options and make your arrival easier:
Reserving your ride from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport about four weeks ahead of your flight from ZQN to Melbourne can help you get the lowest rate.
Avalon Airport (AVV)
Once your flight from Queenstown Airport to Melbourne has arrived, you can make your way to the city centre in about 1 hour 5 minutes by car. Central Melbourne is roughly 56 kilometres from Avalon Airport (AVV).
If you choose to travel on public transport, the journey will take you 1 hour 20 minutes or so.
Settle in and unpack not long after your ZQN to Melbourne flight at Corio Bay Motel. This comfortable accommodation option is a short drive from AVV.
Snap up a deal by reserving your ride from AVV three weeks ahead of time. You'll also have access to a wider selection of vehicles.
Essendon Airport (MEB)
After your flight from Queenstown Airport to Melbourne has touched down, the city centre awaits. Essendon Airport (MEB) is around 11 kilometres from central Melbourne.
Enjoy a more leisurely start to your trip by staying at a hotel near MEB after your ZQN to Melbourne flight. Unwind after a day of travel or simply take a moment to find your footing in a new city at:
Booking at least a few weeks in advance of your flight from Queenstown Airport to Melbourne is always a good idea. In addition to better deals, you'll be able to choose the vehicle make and model you prefer at MEB.
Best time to go to Melbourne
It's time to plan your travel dates for your flight from Queenstown Airport to Melbourne. July is the most popular month to travel to Melbourne. If you prefer a more relaxed vibe, go in December.
Lock in a Queenstown Airport to Melbourne plane ticket with a departure in January if you're eager to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 11ºC (52ºF) to 28ºC (82ºF).
July has average temperatures of between 3ºC (37ºF) and 12ºC (54ºF). Look for a cheap ticket from ZQN to Melbourne around that time if you like travelling in cooler conditions.
More about Melbourne
After booking your flight from Queenstown Airport to Melbourne, choose a hotel that puts you where you want to be. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Melbourne:
Melbourne's Gardens and Flinders Street Railway Station are just two of the leading attractions to put on your Melbourne must-do list. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Melbourne Park.
Explore more of Australia
Melbourne has plenty to offer, but there are so many other parts of Australia waiting to be discovered. Around 467 kilometres northeast of Melbourne, a visit to Canberra will keep you on the go. Don't miss top attractions like National Gallery of Australia, National Portrait Gallery and Museum of Australian Democracy.
Launceston is another essential stop in Australia and is around 451 kilometres southeast of Melbourne. No trip is complete without seeing Cataract Gorge Scenic Chairlift, Queen Victoria Museum at Inveresk and Hollybank Mountain Bike Park.