The Cheapest Month to Fly from Sydney Airport to Melbourne

• Published by: Ishika Bhatia
• Date: 13 Jun 2025

The Cheapest Month to Fly from Sydney Airport to Melbourne

Traveling between Sydney and Melbourne is a breeze thanks to frequent flights, short travel time (just under 2 hours), and multiple airline options. But savvy travelers know that the cost of airfare can vary dramatically based on when you book and when you fly.
If you’re on the hunt for the best deal, here’s everything you need to know about the cheapest month to fly from Sydney to Melbourne—and how to make your trip even more affordable.

Best Month to Fly Cheap: May
After analysing airfare trends across major booking platforms, May consistently emerges as the cheapest month for domestic flights between Sydney and Melbourne.

Why May?
Low demand: May falls between the busy Easter holidays and the start of the winter school break, making it a quiet period for travel.
Off-peak pricing: Airlines offer competitive rates to fill seats during this shoulder season.
Comfortable weather: Autumn in Melbourne brings cool, crisp air, colourful leaves, and fewer tourists, making it the perfect month for budget-friendly city exploration.

Advanced Tips to Save Even More

Use Points and Rewards Programs
Join airline loyalty programs like Velocity (Virgin) or Qantas Frequent Flyer.
Redeem points for flights or upgrades—especially cost-effective on short-haul routes like SYD–MEL.

Check Nearby Airports
If you're flexible, you can sometimes fly out of Bankstown Airport (small, limited flights) or into Avalon Airport (AVV) near Geelong/Melbourne—cheaper but requires ground travel.

Fly Super Early or Late
Flights departing before 7 AM or after 8 PM are often the cheapest
These less popular time slots are great for budget travelers.

Travel Hacks for a Cheaper Trip

Pack Light to Avoid Fees
Stick to a carry-on backpack to avoid checked luggage charges.
Weigh your bag at home—budget airlines are strict with carry-on limits.

Bring Your Own Snacks
Save money by packing light meals, especially when flying with low-cost carriers.
Avoid Peak Booking Times
Don’t book flights on weekends—Tuesday and Wednesday mornings tend to show the best prices online.

Smart Booking Strategies

Set Price Alerts
Use tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Hopper to monitor fares and get notified when prices drop.

Choose Flexible Dates
Instead of selecting fixed dates, view a calendar of fares to find the lowest-priced days in May — a smart feature offered by most platforms and highly recommended by any top rated travel agency.

Browse in Incognito Mode
Flight prices can go up based on your browsing history. Use private browsing or clear cookies to avoid artificial fare hikes.

Travel Light
Budget airlines like Jetstar and Rex offer lower base fares—but charge for extras like carry-on bags, seat selection, and snacks. Travel with just a backpack or cabin bag to keep costs low.

Final Takeaway: Book Smart, Travel Happy
Flying from Sydney to Melbourne doesn't have to cost a fortune—especially if you plan your trip wisely. As we've uncovered, May stands out as the most budget-friendly month to make the journey, offering a sweet spot of low airfares, comfortable weather, and fewer crowds.
By booking early, flying mid-week, traveling light, and using smart comparison tools, you can unlock significant savings and still enjoy everything Melbourne has to offer. Whether you're heading south for business, a weekend getaway, or a cultural escape, taking advantage of off-peak travel in May is a simple way to maximize value without sacrificing experience.