Flights to Canberra
Buy your flights to Canberra and pay later
Want to split the cost of your flights to Canberra into instalments? You can do that right here at Alternative Airlines with our Buy Now Pay Later options!
Spreading the cost of your flight to Canberra with Buy Now Pay Later plans can make your trip more manageable financially. Unlike paying upfront, Buy Now Pay Later lets you split the cost of your Canberra flights into smaller, more affordable instalments.
Many of our plans are interest-free within a specific timeframe. This can ease budgeting and potentially save you money compared to traditional financing options. We offer flexible plans from Afterpay, Klarna, Zip and many more. Enjoy a stress-free travel experience to Canberra with our Buy Now Pay Later options.
Airlines flying to Canberra
Want to go to Canberra but not sure how to get there? These are our top three airlines for a smooth arrival.
Qantas
Qantas is Australia's flag carrier. It operates domestic flights in Australia as well as many international flights to major cities worldwide.
Qantas has hubs in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney - you can reach Canberra from any of these cities, as well as from Darwin and Adelaide.
If you're an international traveller visiting Canberra, we recommend reaching Sydney or Melbourne first before boarding a connecting Qantas flight to Canberra.
Find out more about Qantas ✈️
Jetstar
Jetstar is a low-cost airline owned by Qantas. It currently operates flights to Canberra from Melbourne, Brisbane and Gold Coast, which is ideal for Australian travellers in the east of the country.
Jetstar has many operating bases in Australia including Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. It also has international bases in Auckland and Denpasar.
You may need to book connecting flights to reach Canberra with Jetstar. We recommend flying to Melbourne or Brisbane first before connecting to Canberra with this airline.
Find out more about Jetstar ✈️
Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia is another Australian airline you can fly with to reach Canberra.
It has hubs in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney - direct flights to Canberra are available from these cities. The airline also flies to Canberra from Adelaide and Gold Coast.
If you're thinking about flying to Canberra with Virgin Australia but can't find direct flights from your chosen departure airport, we recommend flying to Sydney or Melbourne first. These cities have an abundance of international connections available.
Find out more about Virgin Australia ✈️
How to get to Canberra
Although Canberra is Australia's capital, it's not as easy to reach as Sydney or Melbourne, especially if you're an international traveller. Here's our suggested route for international and domestic travellers heading to Canberra:
Canberra via Sydney Airport ✈️
Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport is an international airport offering direct flights to/from over 100 cities worldwide. This makes it the best airport to fly to if you're an international traveller trying to reach Canberra.
Sydney is a hub for Qantas and Virgin Australia. Some of its most popular routes are to/from Singapore, Auckland, Los Angeles, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.
There are multiple daily flights between Sydney and Canberra Airport, primarily operated by Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar.
Canberra via Melbourne Airport ✈️
Melbourne Airport is the main international airport serving Melbourne. It's Australia's second-largest airport by passenger traffic, with direct flights to/from over 70 cities worldwide.
Melbourne is domestically connected to over 30 Australian cities including Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide and Darwin. It's also connected to major international cities like Los Angeles, Tokyo, Seoul, Dubai, Singapore and Bangkok, among others.
Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia provide daily flights from Melbourne to Canberra.
Canberra via Brisbane Airport ✈️
Brisbane Airport is an international airport that serves over 50 international cities and over 25 domestic cities.
Brisbane is a hub for Qantas and Virgin Australia. It's also an operating base for Alliance Airlines and Jetstar.
It connects major Australian cities together including Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Canberra. If you're an international traveller, you can fly to Brisbane from major cities like Auckland, Singapore, Tokyo, Los Angeles and Dubai.
Canberra via Perth Airport ✈️
Perth Airport is an international, domestic and general aviation airport in the city of Perth. It's a hub for many Australian airlines including Alliance Airlines, Qantas, Jetstar, Skippers Aviation and National Jet Express.
Perth is connected to over 50 cities across 18 countries including Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, Doha, London, Auckland, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
If you're an international traveller, you can book connecting flights to Perth first from any of the cities mentioned above before reaching Canberra.
Book flights to Canberra
Canberra, Australia's capital, combines fascinating history, culture, and nature. Designed by American architects Walter and Marion Griffin, it is thoughtfully planned with open green spaces and stunning views.
The city is packed with landmarks that tell Australia's story. From the Australian War Memorial to Parliament House, the National Gallery to the National Museum, these are all must-visits if you're planning to spend time in Canberra.
It's not all monuments and museums though. There's loads of outdoor fun too! Stroll around Lake Burley Griffin, spot kangaroos at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, or enjoy the native plants at the Australian National Botanic Gardens.
Time your trip with one of Canberra's top events like Floriade, a spring festival with millions of flowers, or the Enlighten Festival, which lights up the city at night.
Take your first step towards Canberra and book your flights today with Alternative Airlines. With 600+ airlines available to book flights with and 40+ ways to pay, finding flights to Canberra is simple.
Things to do in Canberra
Canberra has an abundance of things to see and do. To make your trip planning easier, we recommend checking out the following Canberra attractions:
Australian War Memorial
The Australian War Memorial in Canberra is a place of reflection and respect, honouring the service and sacrifice of Australian military personnel. It's situated about 3 miles northeast of the city centre.
Inside, you'll find the Hall of Memory, home to the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier, and the Roll of Honour, listing over 100,000 names. Outside, the Sculpture Garden offers a peaceful space to pause and take it all in.
Entrance to the war memorial is now free. The best time to visit is on weekdays when there are fewer crowds, but it's worth noting that it might be busier during Anzac and Remembrance Days.
National Gallery of Australia
The National Gallery of Australia (NGA) in Canberra is home to over 160,000 pieces of art including incredible Australian and Indigenous pieces, as well as standout international art from Europe, Asia and America.
The NGA is only 1.2 miles from Canberra's city centre, with buses running every 15 minutes and on-site parking available. General admission is free, although some special exhibitions might have an entrance fee.
If you'd prefer a quieter experience, we suggest visiting the gallery on a weekday or outside of the school holidays.
Lake Burley Griffin
Lake Burley Griffin is the centrepiece of Canberra. It was built in 1963 by damming the Molonglo River and is named after Walter Burley Griffin, the architect who designed the city.
The lake is only 1.2 miles from the city centre so it's easy to get to whether you're local or just visiting. Activities on and around the lake include paddleboarding, cycling and walking, with trails suitable for different fitness levels.
For the best experience, visit between October and April when the weather is warm. You can also enjoy strolls or rides around the lake in the cooler mornings and evenings.
Canberra Events
Throughout the year, Canberra comes to life with exciting festivals and events. Check out the following events in Canberra this year and make your trip more fulfilling:
- FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow & Night Markets - 24-26 January 2025. Canberra's sky is lit up by 600 drones narrating exciting stories, accompanied by buzzing night markets.
- National Multicultural Festival - 7-9 February 2025. A celebration of cultural diversity with over 170 nationalities through music, dance and cuisine.
- Enlighten Festival - 28 February - 10 March 2025. Otherworldly architectural projections light up Canberra's national institutions, alongside live performances.
- Canberra Balloon Spectacular - 15-23 March 2025. The capital's sky fills up with colourful hot air balloons launching daily at dawn.
- Floriade - 13 September - 12 October 2025. Australia's biggest celebration of spring, featuring thriving floral displays, workshops and entertainment.
- Floriade NightFest - 2-5 October 2025. Experience the Floriade festival after dark with illuminated gardens, live music and night markets.
- Australian Masters Games - 18-25 October 2025. A multi-sport event welcoming participants from across the nation to compete in a variety of games.
Wherever you're looking to go next, we'll get you there on your terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I book flights to Canberra?
Book your flights to Canberra here at Alternative Airlines. We ticket over 600 global airlines including major Australian carriers like Qantas and Virgin Australia. On top of that, we offer over 40 ways to pay at checkout including Afterpay, Klarna, Zip, JCB, Discover, Apple Pay and many more. Start using our no-nonsense flight search tool today!
Where to stay in Canberra?
If you're heading to Canberra, where you stay can make all the difference. The city centre is perfect for landmarks and dining, while NewActon gives artsy vibes. Braddon is the hub for all of the city's best cafes and nightlife. But if you prefer a quieter trip, stay in Kingston or Barton (close to Parliament House). We recommend booking accommodation earlier as Canberra's many events fill the city fast!
Why is Canberra the capital of Australia?
Canberra became Australia's capital in 1913 to end the rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne. It was built from scratch and designed by American architect Walter Burley Griffin. Canberra is situated roughly halfway between the two cities. Melbourne was once a temporary capital until 1927 when Canberra officially took over. Today, the capital is a symbol of unity and smart city planning.
Is Canberra expensive to visit?
Canberra is a destination that suits all kinds of budgets. It's got plenty of budget-friendly stays, affordable dining options, reliable and cheap public transportation, and lots of free attractions. Flights to Canberra can be pricier though, especially if you require 1-2 stops on the way. You can make your flights to Canberra more affordable by using our Buy Now Pay Later plans at checkout - spread the cost of your tickets to Canberra over time today!