Melbourne, Australia’s second largest city and the capital of the state of Victoria, is widely regarded as the nation’s cultural hub. Book a flight to Melbourne with Qatar Airways, and discover a vibrant and colourful side to Australia.

Art is palpable in this city, which not only hosts world-class museums and galleries, but also has a vibrant street-art scene.

As a cosmopolitan hot spot, it offers a vibrant café culture and an abundance of gastronomic delights. Michelin-starred restaurants stand ready to wow your taste buds with their eclectic menus. Melbourne’s buildings have also been designed to impress. Here you will find Victorian-era landmarks and cutting-edge modern architecture.

Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is one of two airports serving the Turkish city of Istanbul, so it is important that passengers flying from Istanbul make sure they are at the right airport for their flight.

Located 22 miles from the centre of the city on the Asian side, this modern, efficient departure point serves international destinations across the globe and is a relaxed and memorable start to any journey.

Staff are friendly and focused on delivering a truly outstanding passenger experience.

Parking and transportation

There are regular buses between the airport, the nearest Metro station and the city centre, and take approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on the time of day. Note that during particularly busy times that journey time can increase.

Taxis are plentiful, but it is advisable to ask your hotel concierge to book one for you so that you are taken to the airport in a metered, official taxi. SAWKOOP taxis offer fixed-price city and hotel transfers to the airport. An alternative route is by water bus, and the IDO Sea Bus Port is five miles away and provides links to other parts of the city and further afield.

Parking is provided by a four-storey car park next to the terminal, which has capacity for 4,700 vehicles. Spaces fill up quickly.

Arriving in Istanbul

Passengers flying from Istanbul with Qatar Airways will depart from the main terminal Departures area. It is well signposted and has 112 check-in desks and 24 online check-in counters.

There are a number of VIP and business/first-class passenger lounges. Be aware that security at the airport is particularly tight, so allow at least one and a half to two hours before your flight is due to board to check in and clear security and customs checks.

Facilities and amenities

Apart from the VIP lounges, there are spacious waiting areas for passengers that are comfortable. Mother and baby rooms are available, as are prayer rooms for devotions. Wi-Fi internet connectivity is available throughout the airport for a fee, and there are fixed internet kiosks in both Arrivals and Departures.

Food outlets include the usual fast food options, as well as some vendors selling Turkish specialities, and the shopping area houses several high-quality outlets selling watches, perfumes, leather goods and accessories.

The cultural capital of Australia welcomes visitors from all around the world. Fly to Melbourne with Qatar Airways and find out what a pleasure long-haul travel can be with our award-winning service.

Melbourne’s reputation as a cultural centre is well-earned. Festivals, events and shows bring everything from live theatre to music and art to this thriving city, while a host of attractions keep visitors entertained all year-round.

Tourist attractions

Flinders Street Railway Station is probably the most recognisable landmark in Melbourne and is a typical example of colonial-era architecture. The main entrance has a cluster of clocks hanging over it, and is a meeting point for locals.

Eureka Tower is the tallest residential building in the Southern Hemisphere. Climb to the top (if you have a head for heights) to get some spectacular panoramic views of Melbourne.

For all the hustle and bustle of everyday Melbourne life, head to the Queen Victoria Market. Huge and colourful, you can get just about anything you want here, including unusual souvenirs and antiques.

Flowing through the heart of the city is the Yarra – known as the "river that flows upside down" because of its brown colour, it’s actually a lot more scenic than it sounds, with some beautiful walks and picnic spots along its banks. 

Travel considerations

Flights to Melbourne with Qatar Airways land at Melbourne Airport, also referred to as Tullamarine Airport. Visa restrictions for entry into the country will depend on your country of origin, length of stay and whether your trip is for business or pleasure. Before you fly to Melbourne please check the visa and passport requirements.