# Distance from Melbourne (MEL) to Homeward (TCU)

> 10,167 km · estimated flight time 13h · Ultra-long-haul route.

## Summary

- **Distance**: 10,167 km / 6,317 mi / 5,490 nm
- **Estimated flight time**: 13h
- **Heading**: 230° (southwest)
- **Return heading**: 136° (southeast)
- **Classification**: Ultra-long-haul
- **Type**: International (Australia) → South Africa
- **Intercontinental**: Oceania → Africa
- **Time difference**: -8h (When it's 18:48 in Melbourne, it's 10:48 in Homeward)
- **Elevation difference**: 4,507 ft (TCU is higher than MEL)

## Airports

### [Melbourne International Airport (MEL)](https://www.flightduration.online/airport/mel-melbourne-melbourne-international-airport/1ef266e0-1368-61f8-bfbc-06bb2780ed98)

- City: Melbourne, Australia
- ICAO: YMML
- Timezone: Australia/Melbourne
- Coordinates: -37.670000, 144.840000
- Elevation: 434 ft

### [Thaba Nchu Tar Airport (TCU)](https://www.flightduration.online/airport/tcu-homeward-thaba-nchu-tar-airport/1ef266de-d4ce-6ad8-a618-06bb2780ed98)

- City: Homeward, South Africa
- ICAO: FATN
- Timezone: Africa/Johannesburg
- Coordinates: -29.320000, 26.820000
- Elevation: 4,941 ft

## Route notes

This is an ultra-long-haul route, one of the longest in aviation. It requires wide-body aircraft with extended range capability such as the Airbus A350-900ULR or Boeing 777-200LR. Passengers should prepare for an extended flight with multiple meal services.

Time-zone information: When it's 18:48 in Melbourne, it's 10:48 in Homeward.
With a 8-hour time difference, expect significant jet lag.

## Related

- [Melbourne International Airport (MEL)](https://www.flightduration.online/airport/mel-melbourne-melbourne-international-airport/1ef266e0-1368-61f8-bfbc-06bb2780ed98)
- [Thaba Nchu Tar Airport (TCU)](https://www.flightduration.online/airport/tcu-homeward-thaba-nchu-tar-airport/1ef266de-d4ce-6ad8-a618-06bb2780ed98)
- [Flight duration calculator](/#calculator)