The spring racing carnival is the busiest stretch of Melbourne’s social and sporting calendar, and the Melbourne Cup is its peak. A private jet gets your party to Melbourne together, on your timetable, and home again after the last race.
The date
The Melbourne Cup is run on the first Tuesday in November at Flemington Racecourse: Tuesday 3 November 2026 and Tuesday 2 November 2027. The carnival runs through the weeks before it.
Why fly private to the Cup
- Your party travels together. Hospitality groups, owners and friends arrive on one aircraft.
- You choose the timing. Fly in the morning, fly out after the last race, without queueing at a busy terminal.
- Land close to the racecourse. Essendon Fields is the closest airport to Flemington that takes business jets.
- Bring the day with you. Catering, ground transport and a car at the other end can be arranged.
Flying times to Melbourne
| From | Distance | Midsize jet |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | 705 km | about 1 h 20 min |
| Brisbane | 1,380 km | about 2 h 10 min |
| Adelaide | 640 km | about 1 h 15 min |
| Perth | 2,700 km | about 3 h 50 min |
| Canberra | 470 km | about 1 h |
| Hobart | 615 km | about 1 h 10 min |
| Auckland | 2,635 km | about 3 h 45 min |
Indicative times from airport to airport.
Book early; peak dates are very much subject to availability
Cup week is one of the busiest times of the year for private aircraft, and availability on the key dates is very much subject to continued availability. If you are planning to fly to the carnival, tell us the date, the number of passengers and where you are travelling from as early as you can. We will tell you what is available, and quote the alternatives.
The Cup is one of several big dates in the year: see major Australian events by private jet for the Open, the Grand Prix and the Grand Final, and group and sports team charters for moving a hospitality party or a squad.
See also our Melbourne private jet airports guide and private jet hire Melbourne.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Melbourne Cup?
The Melbourne Cup is run on the first Tuesday in November: Tuesday 3 November 2026 and Tuesday 2 November 2027.
Which airport is closest to Flemington?
Essendon Fields is the closest airport that handles business jets. Whether it suits your aircraft depends on the aircraft; larger jets use Melbourne Airport at Tullamarine. We choose the airport when we quote.
How early should we book?
As early as you can. Cup week is one of the busiest of the year for private aircraft and availability is very much subject to confirmation; short-notice requests are sometimes possible, but the choice of aircraft narrows.
Ready to plan your flight?
Tell us the route, the date and how many are travelling, and we will come back with the right aircraft and one clear price. Request a quote or call +61 423 347 998.
Keep reading
Major Australian Events by Private Jet: A Planning Guide
The Open, the Grand Prix, the Grand Final and the Sydney to Hobart: how to plan a private flight to the year’s big events.
Read the articleGroupsGroup and Sports Team Charters by Private Jet
Seats, equipment and timing: how to charter for a squad, a delegation or a large party.
Read the articleMelbournePrivate Jet Hire in Melbourne: The Complete Guide
Which airport, how long the flight takes, what it costs and how to book: a practical guide to chartering a private jet from Melbourne.
Read the article