Nanjing to Melbourne (NKG–MEL) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections
No flights match your filters.
No scheduled airline flights on this route — it's flown by charter / private operators (). No nonstop flights on this route. connecting options below.
Most recently operated nonstop flights — the month shown is when each was last scheduled. Most destinations remain reachable with a connection.
No discontinued nonstop flights on record for this route.
NKG–MEL is served by 1 airline with nonstop service. China Eastern Airlines leads the route. The flight covers 5,080 miles in approximately 10h 25m. Beyond nonstop, 1-stop connecting options are also available.
Airline Landscape
| Airline | Freq/wk | Aircraft | Duration | Dep OTP | Alliance | Codeshares |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MU China Eastern Airlines Also: QF | 3 | 332 | 10h25 | – | SkyTeam | QF |
Weekly Schedule Pattern
Connection Landscape
Other ways to reach Melbourne from Nanjing
| Metric | NKG→MEL | HGH→MEL |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from NKG | – | 139 mi |
| Nonstop airlines | 1 | 2 |
| Weekly flights | 6 | 6 |
| Flight time | 10h 25m | 9h 42m |
Travel Essentials
NKG: CST · MEL: AEST
When it's 6:00 PM in Nanjing, it's 8:00 PM in Melbourne.
Chinese passport holders need a visa to enter Australia. The most common option is the Visitor visa (subclass 600), which costs AUD 190 and allows stays up to 3, 6, or 12 months. Apply online through immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Processing takes 20 to 30 days for the tourist stream, but can be longer during busy periods.
Required documents include proof of funds, travel itinerary, employment letter, and bank statements. If you have family in Australia, an invitation letter helps. Australia also offers a 10-year frequent traveler visa (subclass 600) for Chinese nationals at AUD 1,085, with each stay capped at 3 months. All applicants may need to provide biometrics at the Australian Visa Application Centre in their city. Health examinations are required for stays over 3 months.
The airport express (S9 metro line) runs from Nanjing South Railway Station to Lukou Airport in about 30 minutes (¥29). Connections from Nanjing Station require a transfer at South Station; total journey around 50 minutes.Taxis from downtown cost ¥80–120 depending on traffic and take 40–60 minutes. Ride-shares (DiDi) run slightly cheaper at ¥70–100. The airport bus network covers major city districts for ¥20–25.
SkyBus runs to Southern Cross Station in 30–40 minutes (AUD $22–24), operating 24/7. Tickets can be bought on the bus, app, or counter in arrivals. Suburban stops are available on selected services.Taxis from the rank cost AUD $55–75 to the CBD (30–40 min, more in traffic). Uber: AUD $35–55. Rental car desks are in the terminal; the off-airport option (cheaper) requires a shuttle. No suburban train exists yet; the airport is not on Melbourne's rail network. Myki transit cards do not cover MEL.
Melbourne's weather is famously variable. "Four seasons in one day" is a local cliché with real operational meaning. The city sits on Port Phillip Bay in a temperate zone. Summer (December–February) averages 25–30°C but can spike above 40°C during northerly heat events. These extreme heat days occasionally cause ground crew restrictions.
Winter (June–August) is cool at 7–14°C with rain and low cloud. Fog-related delays are occasional but not severe. Thunderstorms are most common October through March. Pack layers year-round. The weather changes rapidly. Disruption risk is low by global standards.
NKG–MEL Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Flights from NKG to MEL
Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) and Melbourne Airport (MEL) are connected by nonstop service from China Eastern Airlines. With 6 weekly departures, this is a regularly served route.
NKG to MEL Flight Duration and Schedule
Nonstop flight time from NKG to MEL is about 10 hours 25 minutes gate to gate. The route covers a distance of 5,080 miles (8,175 km). There are approximately 6 weekly flights outbound and 3 return, totaling 9 flights per week in both directions.
Connecting Options and Alternatives
1-stop connecting options are also available, commonly via Hong Kong, Guangzhou Baiyun and Xiamen Gaoqi. Two-stop connections are also available via intermediate hubs. Nearby alternative airports include Hangzhou (HGH).