Travelling from Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) to Melbourne: what you need to know
Book a direct flight from Sunshine Coast Airport to Melbourne and you'll be travelling for an average of 2 hours 20 minutes.
Melbourne is one hour ahead of Sunshine Coast, where Sunshine Coast Airport is located. Melbourne follows the UTC+11 timezone.
With 45 weekly flights between the two airports, Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) to Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) is the busiest route. Virgin Australia Regional operates the earliest flight at 08:10. If you prefer to make the most of your day before jetting off, the last flight from MCY to MEL is with Jetstar at 20:50.
To avoid missing your MCY to Melbourne flight, leave plenty of time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Arriving two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
Flying over a peak time such as July? Major public holidays and other popular seasons can mean longer queues and delays at security. Play things extra safe and get there up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
You can book a direct Sunshine Coast Airport to Melbourne ticket. Start your trip at MCY and arrive at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL).
You'll have your pick of airlines that operate direct flights from Sunshine Coast Airport to Melbourne. Book your journey with one of these:
The journey from central Sunshine Coast to MCY takes around 40 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or get a taxi, you'll cover the 23 kilometres in 20 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
In search of a hotel close to MCY? If you've booked an early flight from Sunshine Coast Airport to Melbourne, these stays set you up for a seamless send-off:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Sunshine Coast Airport, data shows 62% of flights arrive within the expected time frame.
How to find the cheapest flights from Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) to Melbourne
Rs18,697 is the lowest price we've found for a one-way Sunshine Coast Airport to Melbourne flight. A return ticket right now is Rs37,775. Depending on when and how early you book, these fares could change.
Score cheap flights from MCY to Melbourne by booking eight months ahead. According to our research, that's the best time for bagging a bargain.
The best month for finding cheap Sunshine Coast Airport to Melbourne tickets is January. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare flight prices, then choose the dates that offer the lowest fares.
There's no need to keep looking every day to find out if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll notify you the moment there's an even bigger deal on cheap flights from MCY to Melbourne.
Select your preferred arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Sunshine Coast Airport to Melbourne by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
Airports in Melbourne
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) is around 24 kilometres from the centre of Melbourne. If you're catching a taxi or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 25 minutes.
Travelling to the centre on public transport takes around 35 minutes.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Sunshine Coast Airport to Melbourne. Check in to one of these accommodation options near MEL instead:
Reserving your vehicle from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport about four weeks in advance of your flight from MCY to Melbourne can help you get the best possible rate.
Avalon Airport (AVV)
After your flight from Sunshine Coast Airport to Melbourne has hit the tarmac, you can reach the city centre in about 1 hour 5 minutes by car. Central Melbourne is roughly 56 kilometres from Avalon Airport (AVV).
The journey will take roughly 1 hour 20 minutes on public transport.
Relax and unpack not long after your MCY to Melbourne flight at Corio Bay Motel. This comfortable accommodation option is a quick drive from AVV.
Avoid last-minute price surges. Reserving your ride three weeks before your arrival at AVV can get you a lower rate.
Essendon Airport (MEB)
Get off your flight from Sunshine Coast Airport to Melbourne and head straight for your hotel or start exploring right away. Central Melbourne is around 11 kilometres from Essendon Airport (MEB).
Check in to a hotel close to MEB and get from baggage claim to your bed in a snap. Whether you're arriving on a late MCY to Melbourne flight or just want a stress-free arrival, these accommodation options offer convenience when you need it most:
Rental agencies sometimes offer deals for early bookings, so reserve your vehicle from MEB a few weeks in advance of your flight from Sunshine Coast Airport to Melbourne. A little planning can save you money.
Best time to go to Melbourne
July is the most popular month for flights from Sunshine Coast Airport to Melbourne. To steer clear of the crowds, head to Melbourne in December.
Lock in a Sunshine Coast Airport to Melbourne plane ticket with a departure in January if you want to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 11ºC to 28ºC.
For cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from MCY to Melbourne in July when temperatures average between 3ºC and 12ºC.
More about Melbourne
Start your Melbourne trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from Sunshine Coast Airport to Melbourne, explore our selection of accommodation options including:
All great adventures should include some sightseeing. Melbourne's Gardens, Flinders Street Railway Station and Melbourne Park are essential stops on your Melbourne itinerary.
Explore more of Australia
You've visited Melbourne, now it's time to discover other corners of Australia. Travel around 467 kilometres northeast to Canberra to tick off its must-visit sights. From National Gallery of Australia to National Portrait Gallery and Museum of Australian Democracy, there's plenty to keep you busy.
If you're looking to explore another well-known destination in Australia, head for Launceston, roughly 451 kilometres southeast of Melbourne. Cataract Gorge Scenic Chairlift, Queen Victoria Museum at Inveresk and Hollybank Mountain Bike Park are key reasons to visit.