Travelling from Melbourne to Townsville Airport (TSV): What you need to know
Your travel plans take shape at one of Melbourne's main airports, Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) or Avalon Airport (AVV). Check out your options for booking a flight from Melbourne to Townsville Airport (TSV) leaving from either of these bases.
Around 3 hours is how long you can expect to be in the air on a direct Melbourne to Townsville Airport flight.
Townsville is one hour behind Melbourne. Townsville Airport is located in Townsville, which is in the UTC+10 timezone.
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Townsville Airport (TSV) is the most popular route. There are 12 direct weekly flights to pick from. If you prefer starting your day later, hop on the last flight with Jetstar at 5:45pm. Go for the first MEL to TSV departure with Qantas at 11:55am if getting there sooner works for you.
Arriving two hours before an international flight and one hour ahead of a domestic departure are tried-and-true travel tips. Make sure you're at the airport on time to catch your flight from Melbourne to TSV.
With more people on the move during peak seasons, you'll want to be at your terminal even earlier. Two hours for domestic flights and up to four for international journeys will allow for extra wait times.
Airports in Melbourne
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
You can hop on a direct flight from Melbourne to Townsville Airport (TSV) leaving from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL).
Jetstar is a popular airline that offers direct flights from Melbourne to Townsville Airport departing from MEL.
The majority of passengers prefer to book seats with Jetstar from MEL to TSV.
Among carriers on this route, Qantas has the best track record for timely arrivals.
The journey from central Melbourne to MEL takes about 40 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or get a cab, you'll cover the 24 kilometres in 30 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Booked an early flight from Melbourne to Townsville Airport? Avoid the mad dash to the terminal (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by staying at one of these hotels close to Melbourne Tullamarine Airport:
67.71% of flights taking off from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport reach their destination on time.
Avalon Airport (AVV)
Using public transport, you can travel from central Melbourne to AVV in around 2 hours 5 minutes. The airport is roughly 56 kilometres away, and making the trip by car takes approximately 50 minutes.
Unwind before your Melbourne to TSV flight at a hotel close to Avalon Airport. Corio Bay Motel is one option where you can jump out of bed and arrive at the airport with time to spare.
Flights from Avalon Airport have a strong track record for punctuality, with 80.09% of them arriving as expected.
About Townsville Airport (TSV)
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Melbourne to Townsville Airport. Make yourself comfy at one of these accommodation options near TSV instead:
Grab a Townsville Airport rental car and discover Townsville and beyond with your own wheels. Bargain Car Rentals, Alamo and Avis are popular outlets you can book with here.
Booking your vehicle around two weeks in advance of your Melbourne to Townsville Airport flight can help you score a better rate.
Getting from Townsville Airport (TSV) to central Townsville
Townsville Airport to central Townsville is around 5 kilometres. If you're renting a car or taking a cab, do a little research to make your trip as easy as possible. Journey times may vary depending on traffic and the time of day.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey time of about 1 hour 25 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Melbourne to Townsville Airport (TSV)
Rs23,505 is the best price for a one-way ticket from Melbourne to Townsville Airport. Return flights start from Rs46,937. These fares can change depending on availability.
Don't wait until the last moment. You're more likely to walk away with cheap flights from Melbourne to TSV if you book in advance. Airlines often have some fantastic early bird discounts.
Cheap Melbourne to Townsville Airport tickets are easier to find if your travel dates are flexible. Use the 'Whole month' search function to compare fares throughout the month and then pick the cheapest day.
Save time searching for cheap flight tickets from Melbourne to TSV by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or push notification on the app when a lower fare becomes available.
Uncover a great deal on a flight from Melbourne to Townsville Airport with the help of the filters. Choose your ideal departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest.'
The best time to fly from Melbourne to Townsville Airport (TSV)
July is the most popular month for flights from Melbourne to Townsville Airport (TSV). Visit Townsville in February for a more low-key escape.
Lock in a Melbourne to TSV flight ticket departing in December if you want to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Townsville to range from 22ºC to 31ºC.
Look for cheap tickets from Melbourne to Townsville Airport in July if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 14ºC and 24ºC.
More about Townsville
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Townsville right here. Browse these hotels after you've booked your flight from Melbourne to Townsville Airport:
All great journeys should include some sightseeing. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Reef HQ and Botanic Gardens are attractions you won't want to skip in Townsville.
Explore more of Australia
You've visited Townsville, now it's time to discover other parts of Australia. Travel around 274 kilometres north to Cairns to tick off its must-visit sights. From Great Barrier Reef to Barrier Reef Park and Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
Around 177 kilometres south-east of Townsville, Bowen is another essential stop in Australia. Get a taste of what this destination has to offer at Horseshoe Bay Beach, Sunset Point and Horseshoe Bay.