Canberra to Melbourne from $11: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Canberra to Melbourne: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$11 - Bus, TrainBest price
468.96 kmDistance
3h 1m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Canberra to Melbourne with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.
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Traveling From Canberra to Melbourne
The journey from Canberra to Melbourne offers a fascinating transition from the tranquility of the capital’s political landscape to the vibrant cultural tapestry and bustling life of one of Australia’s largest cities.
Best Neighbourhoods in Melbourne
Melbourne's neighborhoods each offer distinct experiences and attractions for visitors.
Fitzroy
• Hip cafes and vibrant street art everywhere.
• Home to eclectic shops and live music venues.
Southbank
• Stunning views along the Yarra River.
• Cultural hub with arts and dining options.
St Kilda
• Famous for its beach and waterfront promenade.
• Lively atmosphere with festivals and markets.
Best Times To Visit Melbourne's Attractions
Timing your visits can significantly enhance your Melbourne experience.
Federation Square
Early mornings or weekdays provide a quieter atmosphere for exploring the cultural center.
Royal Botanic Gardens
Visit during weekdays or late afternoon for fewer crowds and beautiful light.
Melbourne Zoo
Early weekends are ideal; arrive by opening for a more serene visit.
Melbourne Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
Melbourne experiences a temperate oceanic climate, bringing distinct seasons with occasional unpredictable weather; pack for anything, as a sunny day can quickly turn to rain. Late spring and early autumn offer the most pleasant conditions, enhancing your exploration of the city’s attractions.
Dining Recommendation in Melbourne
Head to Chin Chin on Flinders Lane for a vibrant taste of Southeast Asian cuisine, where dishes explode with bold flavors and fresh local ingredients. The lively atmosphere and communal dining style offer a stark yet delightful contrast to the more subdued dining options in Canberra, making your meal an experience as much as a meal.
Canberra - Melbourne operators
Explore transport companies operating between Canberra and Melbourne, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
qantas.com
Plane from Canberra Airport (CBR) to Melbourne Airport (MEL)
Average Duration
1h 10mEstimated price
100-330Website
virginaustralia.com
Plane from Canberra Airport (CBR) to Melbourne Airport (MEL)
Average Duration
1h 10mEstimated price
75-290Website
jetstar.com
Plane from Canberra Airport (CBR) to Melbourne Airport (MEL)
Average Duration
1h 10mEstimated price
50-330Website
rex.com.au
Plane from Canberra Airport (CBR) to Melbourne Airport (MEL)
Average Duration
1h 10mEstimated price
60-220Contact phone
1300 473946Website
greyhound.com.au
Bus from Canberra to Southern Cross Coach Terminal
Average Duration
8hEstimated price
60-140Bus from Canberra to Albury
Average Duration
3h 35mEstimated price
35-75Contact phone
131 500Website
transportnsw.info
Train from Canberra Station to Goulburn Station
Average Duration
1h 27mEstimated price
10-19Train from Goulburn Station to Southern Cross
Average Duration
8h 17mEstimated price
40-150Contact phone
1800 800 007Website
vline.com.au
Train from Albury Station to Southern Cross
Average Duration
3h 42mEstimated price
5-8Canberra to Melbourne: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Canberra and Melbourne offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.
🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from Canberra to Melbourne, covering a distance of 658.2 km in approximately 6 hours and 50 minutes.
💸 The cost of driving from Canberra to Melbourne ranges from $80 to $120, making it an affordable and flexible transportation option.
Average price
$80 - $120
🚆 Starting from Canberra Station, the train journey to Melbourne involves transferring at Goulburn Station while traveling with NSW TrainLink. The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 10 hours and 44 minutes.
🚆 The cost of train tickets between Canberra and Melbourne ranges from $50 to $168, offering travelers a convenient and affordable transportation option for exploring the capital city and the vibrant attractions of Melbourne.
Departure Point
Canberra Station
Arrival Point
Southern Cross station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train journey from Canberra to Melbourne, the primary operator is NSW TrainLink. They offer a variety of onboard services including catering options. You can expect a snack car providing light meals, beverages, and snacks for purchase. Additionally, they also have a trolley service where staff offer a selection of drinks and treats at your seat.
• The train from Canberra to Melbourne generally offers three seating options: Economy, Business Class, and First Class. In Economy Class, you will find comfortable, reclining seats. Business Class offers more legroom and wider seating, along with complimentary refreshments. For a luxury experience, First Class provides spacious seating and exclusive amenities. You can find more information on seating options at the NSW TrainLink website here: NSW TrainLink.
• Upon arrival at Southern Cross Station in Melbourne, you can leave luggage at the station for a small fee. There are luggage storage facilities available on the ground level, allowing you to explore the city without the burden of your bags. The restrooms are also accessible, and showers are available at various nearby facilities for a refreshing clean-up after your journey.
🛫 Experience a convenient and swift journey from Canberra to Melbourne by plane. The quickest direct flight between the two cities takes just 1 hour and 10 minutes, making it an efficient travel option.
🌏 Enjoy a flight duration of approximately 3 hours and 1 minute to reach Melbourne from Canberra. With flight prices ranging from $69 to $215, travelers have flexible choices to suit their budget and travel requirements.
Departure Point
Canberra Airport
Arrival Point
Melbourne Airport
🚌 The journey from Canberra to Melbourne by bus takes approximately 8 hours. Greyhound Australia operates a direct service from Canberra to Southern Cross Coach Terminal in Melbourne.
🛣️ For those looking for an alternative route, one option involves a 2-step journey via Bairnsdale and Traralgon. This route has transfers and is operated by V/Line Coach, taking a total of almost 12 hours to reach Melbourne from Canberra.
💰 Ticket prices for the Canberra to Melbourne bus vary from $60 to $140. Travelers can choose between a direct 8-hour journey with Greyhound Australia or a longer alternative route with transfers through V/Line Coach for a unique travel experience.
Departure Point
Canberra station
Arrival Point
Southern Cross Coach Terminal station
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Canberra to Melbourne.
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The cheapest way to travel from Canberra to Melbourne is by taking a bus. There are several bus companies that operate this route, with the most common route being via Tarcutta. The bus journey takes approximately 9 hours and 15 minutes and the ticket prices range from $40 to $50, depending on the company and the time of travel.
The fastest way to travel from Canberra to Melbourne is by flying. There are direct flights available which take approximately 3 hours and 1 minute. The cost of the flight can range from $65 to $230 depending on the airline and the time of booking.
The distance from Canberra to Melbourne is approximately 468 km. If you choose to drive, the distance is about 658 km. The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it usually takes around 7-8 hours. Alternatively, there are also flights available between the two cities, which takes about 1 hour.
The best way to travel from Canberra to Melbourne without a car is by taking a bus. The journey takes approximately 8 hours and the ticket prices can range from $60 to $190 depending on the type of bus service and availability.
The fastest way to get from Canberra to Melbourne is by flying. Several airlines offer daily direct flights between the two cities, with a flight duration of approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. Another option is to take a train, which takes around 6-7 hours. There are also bus services available, which typically take around 7-9 hours, depending on the route and traffic conditions.
The most convenient way to travel from Canberra to Melbourne is by flying, as it takes only 3 hours and 1 minute. The cost for a flight ranges from $65 to $230, depending on the airline and time of booking. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can take a bus, which takes around 8 hours and costs between $60 and $190. Another option is to take a train, which takes approximately 10 hours and 44 minutes and has a cost range of $50 to $160.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Melbourne. With over 1744 hotels to choose from, you'll be sure to find one that suits your needs. Prices start at $80 per night, but vary depending on the location, amenities, and the level of luxury you're looking for.
Yes, you can drive from Canberra to Melbourne. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 658 km. It usually takes around 6 hours and 50 minutes to complete the journey by car, depending on the traffic and your driving speed.
Yes, there is a direct bus between Canberra and Melbourne. The bus departs from Canberra once daily and arrives in Melbourne, with services operating every day. The journey typically takes around 8 hours.
To catch the bus from Canberra to Melbourne you will need to go to Canberra station. This is where the bus services operated by Greyhound Australia depart from.
The Canberra to Melbourne bus services, operated by Greyhound Australia, arrive at Melbourne station. Melbourne station is a major transportation hub in the city, making it convenient for travelers to access other parts of Melbourne.
There are several airlines that offer flights between Canberra and Melbourne. These include Jetstar, Regional Express, Virgin Australia, and Qantas. Flights are available from Canberra Airport to Melbourne Airport, with varying prices and schedules depending on the airline.
The fastest way to get from Canberra to Melbourne is by taking a direct flight from Canberra Airport to Melbourne Airport. This flight typically takes 1 hour and 10 minutes. Airlines such as Jetstar, Regional Express, Virgin Australia, and Qantas offer flights between the two cities. The prices for a flight ticket can range from $68 to $227, depending on the airline and the time of booking.
The flight from Canberra to Melbourne takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. This is the quickest and most convenient option for travelers who prefer to reach their destination swiftly. Canberra Airport has direct flights to Melbourne Airport, making the journey even more efficient.
Trains from Canberra to Melbourne arrive at Southern Cross station in Melbourne. Southern Cross station is a major transportation hub in the city and offers easy access to various parts of Melbourne.
Yes, there is no direct train between Canberra and Melbourne. However, you can take a train from Canberra Station to Goulburn Station, and then transfer to another train that will take you to Melbourne's Southern Cross Station. The total journey time, including transfers, is approximately 10 hours and 44 minutes.
To catch the train from Canberra to Melbourne you will need to go to Canberra Station. This is where the train services, operated by NSW TrainLink, depart from.
The cost of a flight from Canberra to Melbourne can vary depending on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and demand. On average, prices for this route can range from $68 to $227.
The cost of a train ticket from Canberra to Melbourne can range from $52 to $158, depending on the type of ticket and the class of service chosen. The price can also fluctuate based on the time of travel, with peak travel times generally being more expensive. It is recommended to check with the specific train operator, such as the NSW TrainLink XPT service or V/Line, for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.
The cost of a bus ticket from Canberra to Melbourne ranges between $60 and $190.
The cost of driving from Canberra to Melbourne can vary depending on factors such as the type of vehicle and fuel prices. On average, you can expect to spend around $80 to $120 on fuel for the one-way trip. It's important to consider additional expenses like tolls and parking fees along the way. It's also worth noting that the driving time is approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes, excluding any rest stops or traffic delays.