5 of the best stopover destinations between Australia and Europe

As the adage goes, ‘life is a journey, not a destination’. But for Australians, living on an island considerably further away from other regions means that we often just want to get to our destination, stat. The long trek to Europe, in particular, isn’t often pleasant, especially when you’re at the back of the plane.

Fortunately, you can savour the long journey – and maybe even enjoy it – by breaking up your trip. So, why not tack on a side trip en route to your European sojourn and take the opportunity to discover somewhere new? Here are some of the best stopover cities when flying to Europe from Australia.

What is a stopover?

You may have heard the terms ‘layover,’ ‘transit’, and ‘stopover’ used interchangeably when referring to the time between connecting flights. But in the world of aviation, they have distinct definitions.

Airlines define a layover or transit as a brief stop of less than 24 hours between international flights. As these are generally short, you’ll likely stay in the airport terminal.

On the other hand, a stopover is essentially a longer layover, defined by stays at a transit point of 24 hours or more. You’ll have enough time to leave the airport, book accommodation for a night, and experience the destination.

Given the arduous long journey between Australia and Europe, this article focuses on stopovers.

Benefits of a stopover from Australia to Europe

Aside from an obvious break in the journey, other benefits of booking a stopover include:

• Minimising jetlag and travel fatigue.
• Allowing kids to stretch their legs and move around.
• The ability to discover a new destination, often for little added cost.

Many airlines, including some listed below, offer stopover packages on eligible thoroughfare tickets. These packages can simplify your stopover experience, as some include city tours and transport.

However, building a stopover into your itinerary is possible by booking separate flight tickets and allowing a few days between tickets in your chosen destination. This can mitigate the impact of potential delays from the first flight while allowing your body to adjust to different time zones slowly. There’s nothing worse than fighting severe jetlag when you reach Europe! Just keep in mind the potential implications of booking separate tickets, including needing to collect and recheck your luggage and any entry requirements of your destination.

Additionally, when using points, finding reward seats for your entire journey is not always possible. You may need to book a positioning flight to another city using cash and then book your reward seats. For example, there’s often decent reward seat availability to Europe from Asia. You could book a cheap cash fare from Australia with a budget airline, then spend a few days exploring the city before continuing your journey. In this instance, building a ‘stopover’ into your travel plans could make sense.

Note that when booking reward seats, not all airlines allow you to add stopovers of more than 24 hours and may price the journey as separate tickets (which will, therefore, cost more points.) As such, this guide doesn’t focus on reward seat stopovers.

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1. Stopover in Singapore

The Lion City is one of the most popular stopover destinations for Australians flying to Europe. The sprawling Changi Airport is brimming with attractions, including The Jewel, a swimming pool and even an IMAX theatre. Singapore’s city centre is easily accessible via train, with hawker centres, glitzy bars and colourful streets at your fingertips. Kids will love Sentosa Island, home to Universal Studios, S.E.A. Aquarium and the indoor immersive experience KidZania. And for adults, no trip is complete without popping into the Long Bar at Raffles Hotel, the birthplace of the iconic Singapore Sling.

Remember to use the Kris+ app when visiting Singapore to earn KrisFlyer miles for shopping, dining, activities and more.

When flying with Qantas and its partners, you may be eligible to add a stopover to a multi-city itinerary for no extra cost. Passengers travelling with Singapore Airlines may be eligible to add a Singapore Stopover of up to seven days.

Fly from Australia to Europe via Singapore

Five airlines operate direct flights from various Australian cities to Singapore, including British Airways’ fifth-freedom flight between Singapore and Sydney.

From Singapore you can fly direct to more than 17 cities in Europe or the UK with your choice of oneworld, Star Alliance and SkyTeam airlines.

Fly to Singapore from	Airline
Brisbane Melbourne Perth Sydney	Qantas
Melbourne Broome (seasonal) Perth	Jetstar
Adelaide Brisbane Cairns Darwin Melbourne Perth Sydney	Singapore Airlines
Melbourne Perth Sydney	Scoot
Sydney	British Airways

Visa requirements for Australians travelling to Singapore

Australian passport holders do not need a visa for Singapore for stays under 90 days, but you’ll be required to complete a free Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC).

Also read: How to hack your way to Singapore with points

2. Stopover in Tokyo, Japan

Undoubtedly one of the most visited countries by Australians now, Japan offers an eclectic blend of tradition and modernity. And for Australians wanting to break up their journey to Europe, the vibrant city of Tokyo is an ideal stopover destination.

From Haneda or Narita Airport, the city of Tokyo is accessible by train. If you only have a few days to spend in Tokyo, you’ll find plenty to do in the districts of Shinjuku, Shibuya, Asakusa and Ueno. Position yourself close to a train station for easy access to the city. Here’s how we spent a few days in tantalising Tokyo.

Want to maximise your time in Tokyo during a stopover? You don’t need to venture far. If you’re flying out of Narita Airport, the surrounding Narita area delivers a taste of Japan’s Edo era. Visit the Shinso-ji Temple, wander down Omotesando Street or time your visit with the annual Narita Gion Festival.

Japan Airlines doesn’t offer a stopover package, though you can purchase a Japan Explorer Pass to access JAL’s domestic network. Similarly, All Nippon Airways doesn’t explicitly offer stopover packages but allows you to add a stopover in Tokyo or fly domestically in Japan via Tokyo. You could also build a stopover in Tokyo into your multi-city itinerary with Qantas and its partner airlines.

Fly from Australia to Europe via Tokyo

With Qantas or Jetstar, you can fly non-stop from Australia’s east coast to Haneda or Narita airport. Or, experience Japanese hospitality in the sky with Japan Airlines or All Nippon Airways.

Importantly, whether you’re booking separate flight tickets or have flights on a single ticket, check which airport in Tokyo your flights arrive and depart from.

You can fly direct to around 16 cities across Europe and the UK between Tokyo’s two international airports, Haneda and Narita.

Fly to Tokyo from	Airline
Brisbane Melbourne Sydney	Qantas
Brisbane Cairns	Jetstar
Melbourne Sydney	Japan Airlines
Perth Sydney	All Nippon Airways

Visa requirements for Australians travelling to Japan

Australian passport holders are eligible for Japan’s visa exemption scheme and do not require a visa for stays less than 90 days.

Also read: How to hack your way to Tokyo with points

3. Stopover in Doha, Qatar

Nestled along the Persian Gulf, Qatar’s capital city of Doha is a convenient stopover point when travelling from Australia to Europe. This is largely attributed to the many European cities serviced by the nation’s flag carrier, Qatar Airways.

While Doha’s Hamad International Airport consistently ranks among the best in the world, there’s lots to explore beyond the terminal. Stroll along the pastel-hued Corniche, which is lined with cafes and shops and offers a stunning view of Doha’s skyline. The Museum of Islamic Art and National Museum of Qatar provide fascinating insights into the country’s rich heritage. Or, set your sights on a desert adventure, where you can sandboard, go dune bashing in a 4WD, or ride a camel at sunset.

When flying with Qatar Airways, you may be eligible for a 1-4 night Qatar Stopover Package, which includes accommodation, tours, airport transfers, and more.

Flying to Qatar from Australia

Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia have ramped up their partnership, and by the end of 2025, there will be 28 flights per week operating between Doha and various Australian cities. While all of these flights will use aircraft supplied by Qatar Airways, Virgin Australia will operate select flights from Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney under a ‘wet lease’ agreement using a VA flight number.

From Qatar, you can fly direct to around 40 cities in Europe and the UK with various airlines.

Fly to Doha from	Airline
Adelaide Brisbane Canberra (from 1 December 2025) Melbourne Perth Sydney	Qatar Airways
Brisbane Melbourne Perth Sydney	Virgin Australia*

Visa requirements for Australians travelling to Qatar

Australian passport holders are eligible for visa-free entry into Qatar for stays shorter than 30 days. Other entry requirements, including proof of onward travel from Qatar, may apply.

Also read: How to book Qatar Airways Business Class with points

4. Stopover in Bangkok, Thailand

If you’re looking for a stopover city between Australia and Europe that won’t break your budget, consider bustling Bangkok. Thailand’s capital offers delicious street food, affordable transport, and one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting nightlife scenes. On a stopover in Bangkok, families can enjoy a visit to Safari World or Sea World, cool down at one of the city’s many waterparks, or take a longtail boat ride down the canal.

Need more inspiration on things to do in Bangkok? Here’s what we did over a five-night itinerary. Or, read about what to expect in the Ultimate Bangkok Stopover Guide.

Thai Airways, the nation’s flag carrier, occasionally offers promotions on stopover packages.

Flying to Bangkok from Australia

From Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport, various airlines offer direct flights to around 19 cities in Europe and the UK. Note that Bangkok’s smaller airport, Don Mueang International Airport, primarily handles low-cost airlines operating around Asia and does not have any direct flights to Europe.

Fly to Bangkok from	Airline
Sydney	Qantas
Brisbane Melbourne Perth	Jetstar
Melbourne Perth Sydney	Thai Airways

Visa requirements for Australians travelling to Thailand

Australian passport holders can get a visa exemption for up to 60 days on arrival in Thailand for tourism and short-term business travel. Other entry requirements, including six months validity on your passport, may apply.

Also read: How to hack your way to Bangkok with points

5. Stopover in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai is a dynamic global hub and home to the Middle East’s largest airline, Emirates. From Dubai, Emirates flies to more than 40 destinations across Europe, making it an ideal choice for a stopover from Australia.

Among Dubai’s glistening skyscrapers is the towering Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, offering panoramic views across the city. Adrenaline junkies can skydive over the iconic Palm Jumeirah Island, zipline over Dubai Marina or take a thrilling ride in an Audi R8 V10 at Dubai Autodrome. Prefer a more relaxed experience? Stroll through the historical Al Fahidi neighbourhood, stimulate your senses at the spice souk, or explore innovation at Dubai’s Museum of The Future.

Passengers flying with Emirates may be eligible to add a Dubai Stopover to their booking.

Flying to Dubai from Australia

As of 2025, Emirates offers more than 70 flights between Australia and Dubai each week.

From Dubai, you can fly direct to more than 50 cities across Europe and the UK. Emirates operates many flights, but also other airlines like Aegean Airlines to Athens, Air France to Paris, Lufthansa to Frankfurt and Munich, budget airline flydubai to Basel, Ljubljana, Salzburg and Sofia, and more.

Fly to Dubai from	Airline
Adelaide Brisbane Melbourne Perth Sydney	Emirates

Visa requirements for Australians travelling to UAE

Australian passport holders are eligible to receive a free tourist visa issued on arrival in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Other entry requirements may apply, including proof of onward travel from UAE.

Also read: Emirates A380 Business Class (Dubai – Sydney)

Other stopovers to consider when flying from Australia to Europe

The tables below are non-exhaustive and intended as a guide only. For simplicity, we’ve only included stopover cities that offer direct onward flights to Europe with various airlines and omitted destinations that may have complex entry requirements for Australians, which may not be feasible for a stopover.

Stopover in	Fly from Australia with	Example destinations in Europe
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates	Etihad from Melbourne, Sydney	Athens, Geneva, Madrid, Prague, Warsaw
Colombo, Sri Lanka	SriLankan Airlines from Melbourne, Sydney	Frankfurt, Paris
Hong Kong	Qantas from Melbourne, Sydney Cathay Pacific from Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney	Barcelona, Helsinki, Milan, Munich, Zurich
Istanbul, Turkiye	Turkish Airlines from Melbourne, Sydney (via Singapore)	Dubrovnik, Lisbon, Nice, Stockholm, Tirana
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia	AirAsia X from Perth, Melbourne, Sydney Batik Air from Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne, Sydney Malaysia Airlines from Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney	Amsterdam, Paris
Manila, Philippines	Philippine Airlines from Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney Cebu Pacific from Melbourne, Sydney	Amsterdam, Paris
Muscat, Oman*	Oman Air from Bangkok, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Singapore	Frankfurt, Milan, Paris, Rome, Sarajevo
Osaka, Japan	Jetstar from Brisbane, Cairns, Sydney	Amsterdam, Helsinki, Munich, Paris
Seoul, South Korea	Asiana Airlines from Melbourne (seasonal), Sydney Jetstar from Brisbane, Sydney Korean Air from Brisbane, Sydney T’way Air from Sydney	Budapest, Copenhagen, Prague, Oslo, Zagreb
Taipei, Taiwan	China Airlines from Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney EVA Air from Brisbane	Frankfurt, Paris, Prague, Rome, Vienna

The good news is that you can book a positioning flight to any of the above cities from Australia and use these destinations as a launchpad for a luxurious onward journey using points. Generally, you’ll find good reward seats available from Asia to Europe and vice versa.

If you need expert assistance booking flights using points, Point Hacks offers a reward seat Concierge service.

Summing up

It’s a long way to fly between Australia and Europe, so why not break up your journey with a stopover? From Australia, some of the best stopovers en route to Europe include Bangkok, Dubai, Tokyo, Singapore and Doha. But there are many other cities in Asia and the Middle East to consider, including others we haven’t covered in this guide.

If you’re booking separate flight tickets, allow plenty of time between flights to collect your luggage, clear immigration and check in again. It’s the perfect excuse to build a stopover into your travel plans. Plus, if you’re travelling with children, they’ll appreciate the opportunity to stretch their legs and enjoy some activities on the ground.

Finally, if you’re planning a stopover, always check the entry requirements of the country you’ll be visiting. For Australian passport holders, many countries offer visa-free travel or visas issued on arrival, while others may require some forward planning. Check the latest travel advice and entry requirements on the Australian Government’s Smartraveller website.

Need assistance booking your trip using points and want to build a stopover into your itinerary? Get in touch with the experts at Point Hacks Concierge.

What’s your favourite stopover between Australia and Europe? Let us know in the comments below.

Featured image: Florian Wehde, Unsplash.

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Community Comments

1. We generally stopover in Dubai. Emerites is a great airline, once you have gold status you can ring their Australian Tele No and book your fight with miles easily and quickly. Love their concierge service wherever you land, bar Athens. Staying in Dubai is much fun with lots to do but hotels can be expensive. A visit the Louve in Abu Dhabi is recommended (need to spend at least 4 hours there) after a pleasant taxi trip down the highway.

   Another stopover destination is Oman, but be aware that there are no direct flights back to Australia from there. Other good stopover destinations include Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam or Sri Lanka.
   If you are planning going to Europe consider Greece. Some really good and cheap accommodation is available in Athens, and eating in the suburbs is cheap and good. Travelling around Greece outside of holiday period is relatively easy and accommodation and sightseeing in the Peloponnese is affordable.

   Reply

2. I remember flying to London from Melbourne via Singapore and Bahrain. 3 x 8 hour flights with an hour to stretch your legs at the two stopovers. Infinitely more comfortable that the super long haul flights.
   My ideal flight would be Melbourne- Muscat, a 3 day layover at the Chedi and then a direct fight to London.
   The best alternative is to fly ( daytime) to HongKong, stay overnight at the airport hotel the fly direct to London after a leisurely breakfast, arriving mid-afternoon – not at the ungodly 5am.

   Reply

3. Won’t always be a quicker option, and I personally wouldn’t want to do it, but for those from PER might it be as quick/quicker to take the PER-LHR direct and do the connecting at that end? Particularly to destinations close to the UK (maybe CDG/AMS/DUB).

   As I say, last thing I’d want to do after a 17+h segment is connect, and would rather have the split in Asia, but the option’s there.

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   1. Worthy additions are: Philippine Airlines from Perth; VietJet from Perth; Vietnam Airlines from Perth.

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4. So scoot ofer really low fares from Athens to changi (160 euros if you are lucky). Is this a good place to lay over with a direct flight to Adelaide? And i belive the airport hotels offer a 6 hour room booking for layovers dose enyone know anything about this ? My concern is more cost than total journey time.

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5. Why do we living in Townsville North Queensland Australia have no access to decently priced flights to Bali ?If we want to go to London,USA,Europe or anywhere else for that matter we have to pay dearly to get to the larger airports of Australia!!! We used to have Qantas International land here back in 1981 with their Jumbo Jets and they had catering facilities in Cairns. This was taken away from us ,reason ,all of a sudden the airport was not big enough!! Since then no more International flights and we have been paying for it ever since!! We are just miserably forgotton now .One could fly Cairns/Singapore/London back then 22hrs and the populous was far less then in Townsville and Cairns which has grown greatly since then!!Some routes advertised to London now 35hr and more.

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6. Singapore used to have a great flight direct non-stop to New York (17 hours). The aircraft were new, the crew were excellent and, quite honestly, the one continuous leg didn’t feel much longer than any one of the individual conventional legs to London. (I think I may even have been their #1 flyer for a while)

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   1. From what I hear, Singapore is planning on bringing back nonstop flights to New York and Los Angeles with ultra-long-range A350-100s. They already operate to San Francisco with an A350, a flight I’ll be taking in September (it’s a long one at near 17 hours!). If I’m not mistaken, Singapore is considering putting only Business and Premium Economy on the new US flights – let’s see what eventuates.

      Reply

7. When redeeming points for flights we always use them for premium cabin (Business or First). Our flights are always for leisure and the flight and lounge experience is part of our holiday, thus I look for at least a three hour layover to take advantage of the fabulous lounges in the Middle East particularly and Changi airport too.

   We’ve met some great people in the bars and lounges and have always had a great time on layovers using showers and spas, restaurants and bars, cigar rooms etc. mostly for free. Just love the Emirates cigar room at Dubai, free XO Cognac ……

   Reply

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