Cheap Perth to Melbourne flights (PER to MEL)

Arriving at Melbourne Airport

The heart of Melbourne CBD and surrounding inner-city precincts are approximately 23 kilometres from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, with the best value and easiest commute option with Skybus. Skybus runs its three varying services 7 days a week – Melbourne City Express, that runs through to Southern Cross Station; Southbank Docklands Express to Melbourne’s arts precinct and harbour; and St Kilda Express to Melbourne’s beachside St Kilda.

Alternatively book a private bus transfer, taxi, or rideshare through to your Melbourne accommodation.

Transfer times and cost guide (to Melbourne City)

• Taxi: 20-40mins - $55 - $65
• Private Bus Transfer: 20-40mins - $18 - $25 per person
• Skybus: 20-40mins from $15 per person

Read more in our Melbourne Airport Guide.

Getting around Melbourne

Whether you're navigating through the capital's multiple attractions or planning a getaway down the Great Ocean Road, Melbourne is home to a wide variety of transportation options to help you explore the city and its surrounds. 

Tram

With over 31,000 services operating throughout the city every week, Melbourne's trams are the most popular form of transport amongst locals and visitors alike. Short trips within the CBD are free for all passengers, although myki passes are required for longer journeys beyond the city limits. For a detailed map of the network, including the Melbourne CBD Free Tram Zone, visit Public Transport Victoria's official website. 

Public Bicycle

Whether you choose to hire a bike from a Melbourne Bike Share docking station or activate one of the many eBikes that are available across town, it's easy to explore the city's bustling streets and laneways on two wheels. For more information on public bike hire in Melbourne, including safety tips for new riders, visit The City of Melbourne's website. 

Car Hire

If you're planning to explore the city's surrounds, there are a wide range of car hire options available on arrival at Melbourne Airport. For a great deal, be sure to take advantage of our exclusive partner offers by visiting our Car Hire Offers page before take-off.

Departing from Perth Airport

Located under 14 kilometres from the City of Perth, Perth Airport’s best-value and easiest commute is with Airport Shuttle Perth, running 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Pre-book the service with Airport Shuttle Service.

Alternatively use the public transport Transperth which offers a range of connections from Perth City; travel to Perth Airport via taxi or rideshare; or self-drive and utilise the airport parking. In non-peak time the drive is approximately 25-35minutes from Perth CBD, however it’s best to allow additional time in peak hour to commute to Perth Airport.

Virgin Australia operates from both Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 at Perth Domestic Airport for the flight from Perth to Sydney. Check your itinerary for details prior to you flight to Melbourne.

What time do you need to arrive at Perth Airport?

If you’re planning to check in luggage we recommend that you plan to arrive at Perth Airport 60 minutes prior to your flight time, as check-in is 45 minutes prior departure. This should allow you enough spare time to grab a coffee enroute to the departure gate, without feeling frazzled.

Read more in our Perth Airport Guide.

Melbourne Itinerary – What to do in a day?

Only have 24 hours in Melbourne? Here’s our handy guide so you can squeeze in lots of attractions and things to do without feeling like you’re a contender on The Amazing Race.

8.30am - Hop on the City Circle Tram

From Melbourne Airport, catch the Melbourne City Express Skybus through to central Melbourne, drop your bags off at the hotel (we love QT Melbourne and The Jazz Corner), then hop on the free City Circle Tram to get your bearings of this magic city, listening to the audio commentary on the ride.

9.30am – Coffee Time at Industry Beans

Jump off the tram at Bourke Street Mall and make tracks to Industry Beans on Little Collins Street for a takeaway coffee and croissant. You’re now ready to explore Melbourne City by foot. Walk through graffiti street-art lined Hosier Lane, then on to Federation Square near Flinders Street Station.

10.30am – Marvel at the MCG

Next stop is designed for the sports-mad - you’re off to the famous MCG. Board the tram at Flinders Street for the 4-minute journey to John Cain Arena. You’re booked on a guided tour, enjoy the history and sports facilities.

12.00pm – Lunching at Longsong

All this running around has made you famished! Back on the tram to Melbourne Central stop, you’re back to the city for lunch at Longsong, a cool restaurant staged in a 118-year-old warehouse.

2pm – A Spot of Shopping

Now you’re sustained you’re ready for Melbourne’s Olympic sport – shopping! Starting on famous Chapel Street with its vintage, local designer and international brands don’t miss an experience at Chapel Street Bazaar - the ultimate in vintage shopping - then make your way along to the designer shops and funky streetwear on Greville Street in Prahran.

4pm - National Gallery Victoria (NGV)

You’re tempted to shop-till-you-drop, but there’s more planned for today. Hop on the Yarra tram at Chapel Street to the Arts Precinct in Southbank for time at Australia’s oldest, largest and most-visited, National Gallery Victoria (NGV), home to permanent collections and seasonal events and exhibitions.

5pm – Catch a Show at the Arts Centre Melbourne

It’s time to give your feet a rest and take in a show at nearby Arts Centre Melbourne, with everything from music at Live at the Bowl, to comedy and family-friendly shows on offer.

8pm – An Evening at Attica

Grab an uber for the 4-minute ride to nearby Ellwood for a post-dinner drink at The Milton, a contemporary wine bar boasting an impressive wine list (and tapas if you’re somehow still hungry).

9.30pm – Post-dinner Drinks at The Milton

Next – you’re off for a post-dinner drink at The Espy (Hotel Esplanade) - the renowned seaside hotel and live music icon that hosts comedy nights, DJs, open mic and basement gigs. Mad musos will recognise The Espy as the once set of SBS TV show ‘Rockwiz’.

11pm – A Nightcap at Gin Palace

Lucky last stop for our epic day in Melbourne – heading back to the City for a decadent cocktail in the basement bar at Gin Palace, featuring over 200 gins and counting. Reminisce on the incredible day spent in Melbourne.

Where to stay in Melbourne?

Melbourne offers an incredible range of accommodation to suit all styles and budgets - located in the CBD and surrounding inner-city suburbs, each with their own flavour.

Melbourne CBD

Always humming, Melbourne CBD is a great area to stay in with its close proximity to key attractions such as Princess Theatre, Federation Square, Royal Botanic Gardens, the MCG, and Melbourne Aquarium.

St Kilda

Undoubtedly Melbourne’s hippest beach suburb to stay in, St Kilda is located an easy 7km from the city centre, a seaside resort area known for its iconic Melbourne landmarks such as Luna Park, The Espy, and Palais Theatre – all alongside great cafes and fine-dining restaurants.

Fitzroy

If you prefer a more alternative feel, inner-city Fitzroy is your pick. Just minutes from the city on tram #112 Fitzroy is known for its eclectic feel, vintage clothing stores, local designer fashion, cool cafes and funky bars. There’s fewer accommodation choices in this area, so we recommend that you book your hotel in advance.

Carlton

For a little bit of Italy, stay in the vibrant Italian community suburb of Carlton, an easy 10-minute tram ride on line 6 from the City. Do as the locals do - drink expresso, walk in Carlton Gardens, and savour the authentic gelato and pizza. Spend an afternoon at Cinema Nova - the arthouse movie theatre, or at Melbourne Museum.

Footscray

For a true cultural feel during your stay in Melbourne, we recommend a stay in Footscray. Home to a range of migrant communities, enjoy the many tasty eateries (from Vietnamese to African), Footscray Market, and the Footscray Community Arts Centre.

South Yarra

If shopping is your idea of a national sport, you can’t go past a stay in South Yarra. Home to famous Chapel Street, you’ll find everything from quirky local designer clothing, high-end international brands, to vintage treasures.

Explore More with Our Melbourne Travel Guide

When to visit Melbourne?

Melbourne is a fantastic year-round destination, with a busy event calendar, and so much to do and see throughout the year.

A popular time to visit from Perth is the shoulder season, between March and May, and September to November. You’ll find that during this time temperatures are comfortable, it’s less crowded, and there’s often great value airfares and accommodation available.

Melbourne hosts key events that draw visitors throughout the year - Australian Open (February), Melbourne International Comedy Festival (March to April), Melbourne International Film Festival (August), Australian Moto Grand Prix (late October), and Melbourne Cup (November). 

What to pack for your trip to Melbourne?

Melbourne is well known for its “four seasons in a day”, so our advice is to pack a lot of layers in the same or complimentary colour scheme that will all work together. We also highly recommend that you pack an umbrella.

Bring comfortable walking shoes (or oops! - you accidently left them at home and need to go shopping for a new pair). We also recommend that you bring a day bag, so you can bring extra layers for an easy transition from daytime sightseeing, to events in the evening.

Must Pack

• Summer: lightweight clothes, sunscreen, comfortable dresses for women, short- sleeved shirts for the men
• Autumn: a light-medium jacket
• Winter: jeans; waterproof boots; warm scarf, hat and gloves; long-sleeved tops; thick wool coats and varying jackets
• Spring: a light-medium jacket for cooler evenings