Flying from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Melbourne: what you need to know
The average duration of a direct flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Melbourne is 14 hours 20 minutes.
Los Angeles International Airport is located in Los Angeles. Based in the UTC+11 timezone, Melbourne is 18 hours ahead of Los Angeles.
With 12 weekly flights between the two airports, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) is the most popular route. Qantas operates the earliest flight at 20:35. If you'd like to get more out of your day before flying, the latest departure from LAX to MEL is with Qantas at 23:30.
For a relaxed start to your LAX to Melbourne flight, leave plenty of time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Turning up two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
If you're travelling during a bank holiday or another peak period, give yourself extra time. A good general rule is two hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Lines at check-in and security will be longer.
Start your journey at LAX and fly nonstop to Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL). That will be your arrival point when searching for Los Angeles International Airport to Melbourne tickets.
You'll have your choice of airlines offering direct flights from Los Angeles International Airport to Melbourne. Book your journey with one of these:
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to break up your journey and possibly even explore another city. When searching for flight tickets from LAX to Melbourne, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Popular options include:
Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD)
Brisbane Airport (BNE)
Auckland Airport (AKL)
Located around 19 kilometres from central Los Angeles, LAX can be reached in about 30 minutes by car. The journey on public transport will take roughly 55 minutes.
In search of a hotel near LAX? If you're boarding an early flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Melbourne, these accommodation options will put you moments from your departure gate:
Los Angeles International Airport gets top marks for its on-time performance. 81.05% of flights that take off from LAX reach their destination on time.
You'll find LAX at One World Way.
How to find the cheapest flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Melbourne
The lowest price we've seen for a one-way Los Angeles International Airport to Melbourne flight is Rs102,391. The cheapest price for a return flight is Rs240,986. Remember fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
Book four months before you travel. Research on pricing trends suggests this is the ideal window for finding cheap flights from LAX to Melbourne.
August is the best month for nabbing an awesome deal on Los Angeles International Airport to Melbourne tickets. If you're looking to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for every month.
Finding a cheap flight from LAX to Melbourne couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic notifications and we'll notify you when a cheaper option becomes available.
Pick your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Melbourne by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest.'
Airports in Melbourne
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
The distance from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to central Melbourne is roughly 24 kilometres. It'll take you around 30 minutes to get to the centre driving.
It typically takes 40 minutes if you're travelling by public transport.
Think about booking a hotel near MEL if you have a late flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Melbourne. Choose one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Get your adventure underway 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.
Lock in the lowest price by booking your vehicle from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport about four weeks in advance of your flight from LAX to Melbourne.
Avalon Airport (AVV)
Once your flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Melbourne has hit the tarmac, you can make your way to the city centre in about 50 minutes by car. Central Melbourne is roughly 56 kilometres from Avalon Airport (AVV).
If you travel by public transport, you'll reach the centre in 2 hours 5 minutes or so.
Unpack your bags not long after your LAX to Melbourne flight at Corio Bay Motel. This comfortable accommodation option is an easy drive from AVV.
Sixt, Kangaroo Rental and yesaway car hire make collecting an Avalon Airport rental car easy and quick. These trusted providers are located in or around the terminal and will have you ready to go in a flash.
Avoid paying extra. Reserving your ride three weeks ahead of your arrival at AVV can land you a better rate.
Essendon Airport (MEB)
Make tracks for the city centre after your flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Melbourne has touched down. Central Melbourne is around 19 kilometres from Essendon Airport (MEB) and takes roughly 25 minutes to reach by cab or ride-share.
If you use public transport, expect a journey of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Stay at a hotel close to MEB and go from the runway to resting in a snap. Whether you're coming in on a late LAX to Melbourne flight or just want an easier arrival, these stays put comfort right within reach:
Whether you'd like a mini for a solo getaway or a full-size SUV to fit a group of friends, you'll find the perfect Essendon Airport rental car for you. Browse the types of wheels available from providers such as East Coast, Ace Rental Cars and Goldcar.
If you'd like a certain model or make, booking early gives you a better shot at getting your first choice. Book your ride from MEB a few weeks ahead of your flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Melbourne.
Best time to go to Melbourne
Carefully consider your trip dates before locking in your flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Melbourne. The city buzzes in high season, but hotel prices are typically higher and top attractions can get busy. Plan your trip to Melbourne in low season for a quieter vibe.
Lock in a Los Angeles International Airport to Melbourne flight ticket with a departure in January to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 12ºC to 29ºC.
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from LAX to Melbourne in July when temperatures average between 4ºC and 13ºC.
More about Melbourne
Start your Melbourne trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Melbourne, browse our range of accommodation options including:
All great adventures should include a little sightseeing. National Gallery of Victoria, Federation Square and Eureka Skydeck 88 are essential stops on your Melbourne itinerary.
Explore more of Australia
You've seen Melbourne, now it's time to discover other corners of Australia. Travel around 467 kilometres north-east to Canberra to tick off its popular sights. From Australian War Memorial to National Gallery of Australia and Parliament House, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
Around 451 kilometres south-east of Melbourne, Launceston is another essential stop in Australia. Start your sightseeing at City Park, Tamar Island Wetlands and James Boag Brewery Experience.