Cheap flights to Canberra (CBR)

Flights to Canberra 

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FromMelbourne (MEL)ToCanberra (CBR)One way
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Economy
Departing: 09/05/2024

From

AUD $119*
FromBrisbane (BNE)ToCanberra (CBR)One way
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Economy
Departing: 02/05/2024

From

AUD $189*
FromGold Coast (OOL)ToCanberra (CBR)One way
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Economy
Departing: 09/04/2024

From

AUD $109*
FromSydney (SYD)ToCanberra (CBR)One way
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Economy
Departing: 18/04/2024

From

AUD $204*
FromAdelaide (ADL)ToCanberra (CBR)One way
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Economy
Departing: 15/05/2024

From

AUD $211*

*Fares displayed have been collected within the last 48hrs and may no longer be available at time of booking. Additional fees and charges for optional products and services may apply.

Flights to Canberra information

Canberra is the new capital of cool. There, we said it. Forget the outdated notions of the nation’s capital, Canberra is a secret gem with a simmering underbelly of arts, culture and entertainment to be explored. All alongside the museums, galleries and historic buildings that this purpose-built political centre is known for.

Must-dos include visiting the National Gallery of Australia, the remarkable Parliament House, walking the ‘bridge to bridge’ path around Lake Burley Griffin, shopping for curios at the Old Bus Depot Markets, a day trip to one of the many wineries in the region, and working your way through the myriad of bars and cafes along Lonsdale Street.

Book flights to Canberra with Virgin Australia and discover this cool little capital for yourself.


Stunning spring day in a Canberra park

When is the best time of year to fly to Canberra?

Canberra is a rare gem among Australian cities. Whatever time of year you fly to Canberra, you’ll be sure to find plenty of things to do.


Spring

Spring (September to November) is exquisite, the city is bursting with colour under a blue sky, and it’s a great time for cycling around Lake Burley Griffin and for bushwalking. It’s a very popular time to fly to Canberra for the famous Floriade, Canberra’s celebration of spring.


Summer

Summer (December to February) is another great time to explore the outdoors – Canberra has oodles of lakes, superb parks, reserves and rivers – all so close to the city. But don’t forget the sunscreen, Canberra can surprise you when she turns on the sun.


Autumn

Autumn (March to May) is a stunning time of year to fly to Canberra, you’ll watch Canberra’s city transform with rustic colours as the season transitions. It’s also a season packed to the brim with cool events - including Enlighten Festival, Summernats Rare Sparts Rev Rock n Roll, Canberra Balloon Spectacular, Symphony in the Park, Canberra Comedy Festival – and much more.


Winter

Winter (June to August) is chilly, yet the sun still shines on. It’s an ideal time to enjoy winter activities – visit the galleries and museums, have a chance to wear your winter finery, and enjoy a hunt at the Truffle Festival.

Parliament House, Canberra

>What are Canberra's top attractions?

Canberra offers so much to see and do - from historic buildings, art and culture, nature, events and festivals galore. Canberra offers something for every type of traveller.


Questacon

Travel to the centre of an earthquake, the heart of a beehive, or all the way to outer space! Questcon, the National Science and Technology Centre, is a quirky unconventional museum which includes displays like Awesome Earth – a geology installation with an earthquake simulator, and MinQ – a child-friendly exhibition for budding scientists. Questacon houses more than 200 interactive exhibits.


Parliament House

See democracy in action at Australia’s iconic Parliament House - the epicentre of Australia’s political scene. Frequented by the country’s ministers and representatives, this key federal building is also a hotspot for tourists, with a large portion of its 4,700 rooms open to the public. Book your tour for Question Time and watch first-hand the politicians making decisions on behalf of the nation.


Old Parliament House

Old Parliament House, until 1988 the meeting place of Australia’s politician, now plays host to a rotating roster of events - from exhibitions to concerts. Home to the Museum of Australian Democracy (MOAD), Old Parliament House is the perfect place to learn more about the country’s rich political history. Make sure to check out the new Zine lounge too.


Royal Australian Mint

“The Mint” is a working factory, Commonwealth Heritage Site, and a multi-tourism award-winning attraction. See how coins are made through the Factory viewing platform and interactive multimedia displays. Spot Titan, the Mint’s dancing robot, whose job it is to pour coins into a hopper. With a free guided tour, the Mint offers an interactive experience and the opportunity to mint your very own coin.


Lake Burley Griffin

A centrepiece of Canberra, Lake Burley Griffin is the ideal water playground, whether you’re into rowing, sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding or fishing. Wrapped around it is a 40km shoreline, a great place to walk, cycle, or have a picnic.


Australian War Memorial

Bringing together a world-class museum, shrine and research centre, the Australian War Memorial pays tribute to the armed forces and supporting organisations that have fought on behalf of Australia. A must-do attraction to fit in when you book your flight to Canberra. 

National Gallery of Australia

Located on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, the National Gallery of Australia boast one of the largest collections in the country. A mecca for art enthusiasts and curious travellers. Complete with pieces from medieval times to the modern day, the 166,000 artworks that call the gallery home include everything from contemporary Aboriginal artists; to classic European artists like Rodin, Picasso and Monet; to the Ned Kelly series by Sidney Nolan and the famous ‘Blue Poles’ by Jackson Pollock.


National Museum of Australia

Stories come alive at the National Museum of Australia, located on the shoreline of Lake Burley Griffin. The museum showcases the rich and diverse stories of Australia and her people. Spanning more than 50,000 years of Indigenous and European heritage, this fascinating cultural centre charts a journey through time, from prehistory and federation to modern surf lifesaving. For families, check out KSpace - the Museum’s kids’ adventure game played in teams of 4, kids design a time-travelling robot and then send it to a mystery location in Australia’s past.

Wining and dining at a funky venue in Canberra

Where to eat in Canberra?


With an eclectic mix of dining styles and experiences Canberra is paradise for foodies. With award-winning restaurants, nearby vineyards, and the Truffle Festival on in the winter, people have been known to fly to Canberra just for a food affair.

Canberra is also home to exceptional, award-winning coffee, a fine example being at The Cupping Room - host to champion baristas including Matthew Lewin, 2019 Barista Champion of Australia.

It’s not just wine Canberra locals love to sample, they’re also a tad fond of their beer – and you’ll find plenty of hip breweries to product test.


Where to find the best Cafes?

Canberra offers a range of slick cafes across the City, Braddon, Kingston, Acton and Fyshwick. For breakfast and brunch try Rye Café - a scandi-inspired space, for a healthy-hit try Local Press Café, The Cupping Room headed by their world champion barista Sasa Sestic, or Silo Bakery and Café – to quote New York Times “part Brooklyn, part wartime Parisian bakery.”

If you just need a coffee hit try Kyo Coffee Project or Barrio Collective in Braddon, or Coffee Lab in the City. You won’t find it hard to grab a great coffee in Canberra.


Where to find the best fine dining?

Canberra offers a fine dining bucket list, dishing up some of the most delicious offerings in the country. Try Les Bistronomes for French cuisine, The Boat House for Australian fare, Raku for excellent Japanese, or Sage for European fine dining – the list goes on. You’re spoilt for fine dining choice in Canberra.


Where to find the best food markets?

Canberra offers a great range of food markets. Some top picks are Capital Region Farmers Market with its 130 stalls, Old Bus Depot Market at Kingston, Southside Farmers Market, and the more ‘local secret’ (until now) is Hartley Hall Market where you’ll find gourmet meats, cheeses, and delectable baked goods on offer.


Where to find the best cheap eats?

It’s been a long day exploring the museums, and you need a quick cheap eat to avoid hangry-hour. Don’t fret as you’ll easily find a place to stop for a meal under $10. Roti House in the city offers Indonesian fare, Sanya Bar in Braddon a delicious and cheap range of Beijing-fusion tapas, for something healthy pop into The Goods Wholefoods (located in No Name Lane), or Pressed Coffee Co for a tasty Jerusalem-style bagel.

Shopping in Canberra, ACT

Where to shop in Canberra?

Shop ‘til you drop in Canberra. The shopping scene is bursting with boutiques, big department stores, Canberra Outlet Centre, a fabulous vintage shopping trail in Fyshwick, Three Sixty Fashion Market, and the award-winning Handmade Market – just for starters.


For bargain hunters

More renowned as an artsy-mecca, Canberra has a smattering of value shopping on offer. From Canberra Outlet Centre in Fyshwick offering everything from Cue to Adairs, a host of op-shops including Red Cross, plus outlets such as Kathmandu on Lonsdale Street.


For fashionistas

Braddon is a treasure trove of high-end designer finds – from Rebel Muse, with their Australian designer pieces arranged in ‘stories’, to Pink Ink Boutique offering high fashion collector pieces by designers such as Karen Walker.

For International and Australian designers head to Momento Dezigns – with 100 plus labels, everything from Camilla & Marc to Nolita.


For the lovers of vintage!

Bring a spare suitcase on your flight to Canberra, because you’re about to fall into vintage heaven.

Take your time to meander the Vintage Shopping Trail in Fyshwick – offering ‘industrial eclectic’ collectables where you’ll find the likes of Designer Op Shop Emporium - for quality vintage one-off finds your friends will squeal over, Material Pleasures - for up and coming designers, Dirty Janes Canberra – with a tag line ‘the best of vintage’ you know you’re in trouble, various Antique stores – Fox Antiques, Down Memory Lane and Canberra Antique Centre - plus so much more. Another must-visit is Village Antiques in Bungendore, specialising in timeless antique furniture.


For everything in between

For all your other retail needs discover the abundance of stores in Canberra CBD. Canberra Centre is seen as a destination for fashion, showcasing over 260 stores. Another centre is Melbourne Building, fashion set in a historic setting. You’ll find brands to suit all budgets in and around the city centre and surrounds.

Flying to Canberra - Quick facts

Plane

Boeing 737-700 / Boeing 737-800 / Saab 340B

Airport

Canberra Airport (CBR)

Airport transfer time

16mins to city

Average flight time

1hr 20mins

Timezone

GMT +10/+11

Cabins

Business, Economy X, Economy


Frequently asked questions - Flights to Canberra

The average flight time to Canberra from Australia’s major cities is typically under two hours, with Hobart and Adelaide longer, longer again from the west coast.

Melbourne to Canberra  -  1h
Gold Coast to Canberra  -  1h 45m
Brisbane to Canberra  -  1h 50m
Sydney to Canberra  -  55m
Hobart to Canberra  -  3h 35mˇ
Adelaide to Canberra  -  4h 15mˇ
Perth to Canberra  -  7h 10mˇ

ˇ includes a stopover

Virgin Australia flies into Canberra Domestic Airport (CBR), located in the district of Majura, serving Australia’s capital city Canberra, as well as the nearby city of Queanbeyan, and regional areas of the Australian Capital Territory and southern New South Wales. Canberra Domestic Airport is located a close 8km from Canberra city.

Virgin Australia operates from Canberra Airport (CBR). Canberra Airport has one terminal that services domestic flights for Virgin Australia.

Canberra Airport is a close 8km from the city, making it an easy commute. Transport options include taxi / rideshare, bus shuttle services with Transport Canberra ACTION Bus Route Rapid 3, limousine services, and car hire.

By Bus

ACTION Bus route Rapid 3 runs regular services between the Canberra Airport terminal through to the City interchange, Belconnen interchange, Cohen St interchange to Spence Terminus, seven days a week including public holidays. The trip from Canberra airport terminal to the City is less than 20 minutes. An official Transport Canberra ticket vending machine is located on the ground floor within arrivals hall at Canberra Airport. 

Taxis and rideshare

You can also access taxis and book rideshare services when you arrive at Canberra airport. Request the ride share through your preferred app and your driver will meet you at the pick-up area, Express Pick-up Car Park, located on the ground floor of the green indoor car park. The taxi rank is located centrally on the ground floor of the terminal building, near the baggage carousels in the Arrivals hall.

Transfer cost guide:

  • Taxi and rideshare: approx. $23-$26 to the City, up to $60 to Tuggeranong
  • Bus shuttle service: approx. $3.50

Please note: rideshare pricing varies depending on the vehicle type, travel time/traffic and distance.

Read more in our Canberra Airport Guide.

Packing for your trip to Canberra all depends on what you’re planning to do and the time of year you’re travelling for business or leisure. For the warmer months pack light, breathable clothes that you can mix n match, a comfortable pair of walking shoes, and additional layers depending on the season. For the cooler months pack your favourite winter clothes, boots and jackets. If you’re planning on special night out, add some evening attire too for your travel to Canberra.


*Changes must be made prior to your travel date. Fare differences may apply. Cancellation to Travel Bank only as a Future Flight credit. Refund to original form of payment is not available.

Economy Lite: All fares subject to availability. International return fares may vary with the addition of local taxes and charges or due to currency fluctuations. All fares prices are based on a one way Economy Lite fare booked on virginaustralia.com. Seat selection and checked baggage are not included in Economy Lite fares. Payment surcharge may apply. Economy Lite fares are not recommended if you require flexibility with your travel as cancellations are not permitted and you may need to pay a fee and any fare difference to make a change. For other fare types, a fee and fare difference may be payable for changing or cancelling your booking. See Virgin Australia’s Fees and Surcharges page for more information. Refunds are not permitted for Economy Lite and Choice fares if you cancel your booking. Refunds are permitted for Economy Flex fares on payment of a fee. You may also request a refund for other reasons, including under the Australian Consumer Law. Check your fare rules for more information. Some flights may be operated by a partner airline. Different baggage allowances and conditions may apply to these flights. Full terms and conditions at www.virginaustralia.com

Economy Choice: All fares subject to availability. International return fares may vary with the addition of local taxes and charges or due to currency fluctuations. All fares prices are based on a one way Economy Choice fare booked on virginaustralia.com. Payment surcharge may apply. You can change or cancel your booking to travel credit by paying a fee and any fare difference. See Virgin Australia’s Fees and Surcharges page for more information. Refunds are not permitted for this fare if you cancel your booking but may be requested for other reasons, including under the Australian Consumer Law. Check your fare rules for more information. Some flights may be operated by a partner airline. Different baggage allowances and conditions may apply to these flights. Full T&Cs at www.virginaustralia.com

Economy Flex: All fares subject to availability. International return fares may vary with the addition of local taxes and charges or due to currency fluctuations. All fares prices are based on a one way Economy Choice fare booked on virginaustralia.com. Payment surcharge may apply. You can change or cancel your booking to travel credit by paying a fee and any fare difference. See Virgin Australia’s Fees and Surcharges page for more information. Refunds are permitted for a fee if you cancel this booking. You may also request a refund for other reasons, including under the Australian Consumer Law. Check your fare rules for more information. Some flights may be operated by a partner airline. Different baggage allowances and conditions may apply to these flights. Full T&Cs at www.virginaustralia.com

Business: Price is based on a one-way Business fare booked on virginaustralia.com. Seats are limited and may not be available at peak times or on all flights. Payment surcharge may apply. Changes incur any applicable fare difference. See Virgin Australia’s Fees page for details. Refunds are permitted if you cancel this booking. You may also request a refund for other reasons, including under the Australian Consumer Law. Check your fare rules for more information. Some flights may be operated by a partner airline. Full T&Cs at www.virginaustralia.com

Best Cabin Crew:

*Virgin Australia was awarded the Best Cabin Crew for the fifth year at the 2023 AirlineRatings.com Airline Excellence Awards. Judged by industry experts with over 100 years of combined experience in aviation, the awards bring together four major international industry and government safety audits alongside demonstrable leadership in the areas of innovation, value and passenger comfort. Find out more here.