Flying from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Melbourne: what you need to know
Raleigh-Durham International Airport is located in Durham. Based in the UTC+11 timezone, Melbourne is 15 hours ahead of Durham.
For a stress-free journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. That way, you can comfortably board your RDU to Melbourne flight.
If you're heading away during a major holiday or another peak period, allow extra time. A good rule is two hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Lines at security and check-in will be longer.
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to break up your journey and maybe even explore another city. When searching for flight tickets from RDU to Melbourne, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Some popular options include:
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Located around 16 kilometres from the centre of Durham, RDU can be reached in about 20 minutes by car. The journey on public transport will take roughly 1 hour 10 minutes.
In search of a hotel near RDU? If you're catching an early flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Melbourne, these accommodation options will get you from your pillow to the plane in no time:
80.09% of flights departing from Raleigh-Durham International Airport arrive at their destination on time. Given its strong on-time stats, delays are unlikely when flying out of RDU.
How to find the cheapest flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Melbourne
₹ 59,214 is the lowest price we've seen for a one-way Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Melbourne flight. A round-trip ticket right now is ₹ 115,765. Depending on when and how early you book, these fares could change.
Don't wait until the last minute. You're more likely to pick up cheap flights from RDU to Melbourne if you book early. Airlines often have some great early bird deals.
The 'Whole month' tool will show you the cheapest tickets from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Melbourne throughout the month. It's an easy way to snap up a bargain if your dates are flexible.
You don't need to keep looking every day to find out if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll update you when there's an even better deal on cheap flights from RDU to Melbourne.
Save on your flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Melbourne with the help of our filters. Select your ideal times, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
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 about 30 minutes to reach the centre driving.
When travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of around 40 minutes.
Think about booking a hotel close to MEL if you have a late flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Melbourne. Select one of these options and make arrival day easier:
Pick up a Melbourne Tullamarine Airport rental car and discover Melbourne and beyond with your own set of wheels. Bargain Car Rentals, East Coast and Sixt are popular providers to choose from here.
Secure the lowest price by reserving your vehicle from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport around four weeks ahead of your flight from RDU to Melbourne.
Avalon Airport (AVV)
Central Melbourne is located around 56 kilometres from Avalon Airport (AVV). Once your flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Melbourne has hit the runway and you've navigated your way to arrivals, expect a drive of around 50 minutes.
The journey will take about 2 hours 5 minutes on public transport.
Relax and unpack not long after your RDU to Melbourne flight at Corio Bay Motel. This comfy accommodation option is a short drive from AVV.
The fastest way to reach your destination is with an Avalon Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Sixt, Kangaroo Rental or yesaway car hire and get going in the blink of an eye.
Avoid paying extra. Reserving your ride three weeks before your arrival at AVV will help you stay within budget.
Essendon Airport (MEB)
Hop off your flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Melbourne and head straight for your hotel or jump right into sightseeing. Central Melbourne is around 19 kilometres from Essendon Airport (MEB) and usually takes 25 minutes to reach by car.
If you go by public transport, expect a journey of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Enjoy an unhurried start to your break by choosing a hotel near MEB after your RDU to Melbourne flight. Recover from your travel day or just give yourself time to get your bearings in a new city at:
Take control of the next leg of your trip by picking up an Essendon Airport rental car. East Coast, Ace Rental Cars and Goldcar will get you on the road.
Booking at least a few weeks in advance of your flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Melbourne is smart. As well as better prices, you might find it easier to get the make and model you prefer at MEB.
Best time to go to Melbourne
Carefully consider your dates before locking in your flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Melbourne. The city comes alive during peak season, but rates are often higher and attractions can get busy. Visit Melbourne in the off-season for a more relaxed vibe.
Before locking in your Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Melbourne flight ticket, think about the kind of weather forecast you're hoping for. January is the warmest month in Melbourne, with temperatures ranging from 12ºC to 29ºC.
July sees average temperatures of between 4ºC and 13ºC. Search for a cheap ticket from RDU to Melbourne around that time if you want to travel in cooler conditions.
More about Melbourne
Once you've booked your flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Melbourne, choose a hotel that puts you right where the action is. Make one of these options your base for exploring Melbourne:
National Gallery of Victoria and Federation Square are just two of the leading attractions to add to your Melbourne must-do list. Keep the sightseeing going at Eureka Skydeck 88.
Explore more of Australia
Melbourne has its own special appeal, but there are so many other parts of Australia waiting to be discovered. Around 467 kilometres north-east of Melbourne, a trip to Canberra will keep you on the move. Don't miss top attractions like Australian War Memorial, National Gallery of Australia and Parliament House.
Launceston is another must-experience destination in Australia and is around 451 kilometres south-east of Melbourne. No trip is complete without a visit to City Park, Tamar Island Wetlands and James Boag Brewery Experience.
