MEL

Best window seat at Melbourne International

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Taking offRIGHT

Melbourne CBD skyline, Port Phillip Bay, Yarra River mouth

LandingLEFT

Melbourne CBD skyline, Port Phillip Bay, Yarra River corridor

🛫 Taking Off from Melbourne (MEL)

Best sideRight
WhyDeparting on runway 34 you climb out heading roughly north, then most flights bank east or south toward domestic and international routes. That turn puts Melbourne's CBD skyline and Port Phillip Bay on the right side, giving a great skyline-and-coastline view as the city falls away behind you.
Look forMelbourne CBD skyline, Port Phillip Bay, Yarra River mouth, Westgate Bridge
Left window seat view during takeoff from Melbourne (MEL) — Melbourne CBD skyline, Port Phillip Bay, Yarra River mouth, Westgate BridgeLeft Side
Right window seat view during takeoff from Melbourne (MEL) — Melbourne CBD skyline, Port Phillip Bay, Yarra River mouth, Westgate BridgeRight Side

🛬 Landing at Melbourne (MEL)

Best sideLeft
WhyLanding on runway 16 means you're flying south toward the airport, and Melbourne's CBD skyline sits off to the southeast of the field. Left-side windows get a clear angled view of the city towers and Port Phillip Bay in the distance before touchdown.
Look forMelbourne CBD skyline, Port Phillip Bay, Yarra River corridor, Tullamarine industrial belt
Left window seat view during landing at Melbourne (MEL) — Melbourne CBD skyline, Port Phillip Bay, Yarra River corridor, Tullamarine industrial beltLeft Side
Right window seat view during landing at Melbourne (MEL) — Melbourne CBD skyline, Port Phillip Bay, Yarra River corridor, Tullamarine industrial beltRight Side
MelbournePhoto: Peter Withiel

Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) is Australia's second-busiest airport, with four terminals handling domestic and international traffic. It lacks a rail link to the city center, so travelers typically rely on the SkyBus service or taxis/rideshares.

⛰️ Elevation436 ft
🛫 Runways2 (16/34, 09/27)
✈️ HubQantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia
📍 NearbyMEB 6 miMBW 25 miAVV 32 mi

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About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views at Melbourne International (MEL)?

At Melbourne International in Melbourne: for takeoff, sit on the Right side; for landing, sit on the Left side. Notable views include: Melbourne CBD skyline, Port Phillip Bay, Yarra River mouth, Westgate Bridge.

What can I see during takeoff from Melbourne International in Melbourne?

When taking off from Melbourne International (MEL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing on runway 34 you climb out heading roughly north, then most flights bank east or south toward domestic and international routes. That turn puts Melbourne's CBD skyline and Port Phillip Bay on the right side, giving a great skyline-and-coastline view as the city falls away behind you. Notable sights include: Melbourne CBD skyline, Port Phillip Bay, Yarra River mouth, Westgate Bridge.

What can I see when landing at Melbourne International in Melbourne?

When landing at Melbourne International (MEL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Landing on runway 16 means you're flying south toward the airport, and Melbourne's CBD skyline sits off to the southeast of the field. Left-side windows get a clear angled view of the city towers and Port Phillip Bay in the distance before touchdown. Notable sights include: Melbourne CBD skyline, Port Phillip Bay, Yarra River corridor, Tullamarine industrial belt.

What factors affect the best window seat at Melbourne International?

The best window seat at Melbourne International (MEL) depends on several factors: the typical runway used for your departure or arrival, the geographic features around Melbourne (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting for scenic views.