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Melbourne to Canberra from $12: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Melbourne, Australia
to
Canberra, Australia

How to Get from Melbourne to Canberra: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$12 - Train, BusBest price
467.65 kmDistance
3h 3m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Melbourne to Canberra 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.

Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
3h  3m
Estimated price
$68-216
Recommended
Company
various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
8h  16m
Estimated price
$12-180
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 467.65 km
Duration: 3h 3m

See more options

Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
9h  5m
Estimated price
$49-58
Company
various
Train
Average Duration
11h  20m
Estimated price
$51-160
Company
Greyhound Australia
Bus
Average Duration
8h 
Estimated price
$60-140
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
6h  54m
Estimated price
$80-120
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Traveling From Melbourne to Canberra

The journey from Melbourne to Canberra reveals a striking contrast between Melbourne's vibrant urban culture and Canberra's serene, nature-infused atmosphere.

Best Neighbourhoods in Canberra

Canberra's neighborhoods each offer distinct atmospheres and attractions for visitors.

Braddon
• Trendy cafes and eateries line the streets.
• Vibrant arts scene with galleries and markets.
Manuka
• Upscale shopping with boutique stores and brands.
• A lively dining scene with diverse cuisine options.
Kingston
• Picturesque waterfront views along Lake Burley Griffin.
• Close proximity to cultural sites and historic monuments.

Best Times To Visit Canberra's Attractions

Timing your visit can significantly enhance your experience in Canberra.

Australian War Memorial
Visit early in the morning to enjoy a quieter atmosphere and more personal time with exhibits.
National Gallery of Australia
Weekdays are ideal for fewer crowds, allowing you to appreciate the art peacefully.
Parliament House
Arrive during a weekday morning for a chance to witness question time and interactions.

Canberra Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Canberra experiences a distinct climate with hot, dry summers and cold winters, making spring and autumn the most pleasant times to explore the city. Understanding the seasonal variations helps you pack appropriately and plan activities to make the most of your visit.

Dining in Canberra: A Unique Experience

Try the salt and pepper squid with native bush herbs at Australian National University’s 'Paprika', where the emphasis on local ingredients and a laid-back atmosphere offer a refreshing contrast to Melbourne's bustling dining scene. This dish showcases the regional flavors of Canberra, inviting you to savor a taste of Australian culinary heritage in a relaxed setting.

Melbourne - Canberra operators

Explore transport companies operating between Melbourne and Canberra, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Plane Show flights
Website
qantas.com

Plane from Melbourne (MEL) to Canberra (CBR)

Average Duration
1h 5m
Estimated price
100-330
Website
virginaustralia.com

Plane from Melbourne (MEL) to Canberra (CBR)

Average Duration
1h 5m
Estimated price
75-290
Website
jetstar.com

Plane from Melbourne (MEL) to Canberra (CBR)

Average Duration
1h 5m
Estimated price
50-330
Website
rex.com.au

Plane from Melbourne (MEL) to Canberra (CBR)

Average Duration
1h 5m
Estimated price
60-220
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
1300 473946
Website
greyhound.com.au

Bus from Southern Cross Coach Terminal to Canberra

Average Duration
8h
Estimated price
60-140

Bus from Albury to Canberra

Average Duration
3h 40m
Estimated price
35-75
Contact phone
1300 730 740
Website
fireflyexpress.com.au

Bus from Southern Cross Coach Terminal to Gundagai

Average Duration
6h 5m
Estimated price
38-42
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
131 500
Website
transportnsw.info

Train from Southern Cross to Albury Station

Average Duration
3h 19m
Estimated price
22-110

Train from Southern Cross to Goulburn Station

Average Duration
8h 44m
Estimated price
40-150
Contact phone
1800 800 007
Website
vline.com.au

Train from Southern Cross to Albury

Average Duration
3h 36m
Estimated price
5-8
Contact phone
131 500
Website
transportnsw.info

Train from Goulburn Station to Canberra Station

Average Duration
1h 36m
Estimated price
10-19

Melbourne to Canberra: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Melbourne and Canberra 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 Melbourne to Canberra, covering a distance of 655.0 km. 💰 Explore flexible pricing options ranging from $80 to $120 for a road trip from Melbourne to Canberra, making it a budget-friendly travel choice. 📍 Arrive in Canberra after approximately 6 hours and 54 minutes of driving, ready to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the capital city of Australia.
Average price
$80 - $120
🚆 Embark on an adventurous train journey from Melbourne to Canberra! There is no direct route, but you can travel through Goulburn Station, adding a touch of excitement to the trip. The journey takes approximately 11 hours and 20 minutes, showcasing the scenic beauty of the Australian landscape. 🌿 Sit back, relax, and enjoy the relaxing ride as you pass through quaint towns and picturesque views on your way to Canberra. Operated by NSW TrainLink XPT, the train services offer a comfortable and convenient way to travel between these two bustling cities. The affordability of tickets, ranging from $51 to $160, makes it an accessible option for all travelers.
Departure Point
Southern Cross station
Arrival Point
Canberra Station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On the train service operated by V/Line, you can enjoy a selection of catering options available on board. This includes a variety of snacks, sandwiches, and beverages. Be sure to check out their signature coffee and gourmet snacks that can be purchased directly from the onboard café service.
• Passengers on the Melbourne to Canberra route typically have access to different seating options. The V/Line trains provide Economy and Business Class seating. Business Class offers more spacious seats with extra legroom, complimentary meals, and beverages, while Economy is a cost-effective option with standard seating. Consider opting for Business Class for added comfort during the trip.
• For your journey, you’ll primarily be traveling with V/Line (vline.com.au) and NSW TrainLink (transportnsw.info). Both operators offer seamless service between Melbourne and Canberra. Be sure to check their schedules for the most convenient travel times. Additionally, for local transport information in Canberra, the Transport Canberra website (transport.act.gov.au) can be helpful.
🛫 Flying from Melbourne to Canberra is a convenient and efficient travel option with a direct flight taking just 1 hour and 5 minutes. Airlines like Jetstar, Regional Express, Virgin Australia, and Qantas provide flight services along this route. ✈️ The journey from Melbourne Airport to Canberra Airport offers a quick and seamless travel experience, with flights taking approximately 3 hours and 3 minutes to cover the distance between the two cities. 🌏 Prices for flights between Melbourne and Canberra can range from $68 to $216, offering travelers a variety of options to suit their budgets and preferences.
Departure Point
Melbourne Airport
Arrival Point
Canberra Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Book your flight with Jetstar, Regional Express, Virgin Australia, or Qantas for competitive fares; keep an eye on last-minute deals as prices can fluctuate between $68 - $216.
• Upon arrival at Canberra Airport, follow the signs to the baggage claim area, which is well-marked; note that the airport can be quieter than larger cities, making navigation quick.
• Expect to pay around $25-$35 for a taxi ride from Canberra Airport to the city center, and consider pre-booking a shuttle service for potentially lower fares; check out local transport schedules on ACTION for bus options.
🚌 The bus journey from Melbourne to Canberra offers a direct route, departing from Southern Cross Coach Terminal and arriving at Canberra, with services operating once daily and taking approximately 8 hours. 🌳 Sit back and enjoy the scenery on this 8-hour bus ride from Melbourne to Canberra, operated by Greyhound Australia. 💰 Ticket prices for the Melbourne to Canberra bus can range from $60 to $140, making it an affordable and accessible option for those looking to explore the Australian capital without the hassle of driving.
Departure Point
Southern Cross Coach Terminal station
Arrival Point
Canberra station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Melbourne to Canberra.

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The distance between Melbourne and Canberra is approximately 468.3 km by air, 655.3 km by road, and 8h 16m by train and bus. The quickest option would be to take a flight, which takes approximately 3h 3m. The slowest option is by bus, which takes around 8 hours. The average travel time to reach Canberra from Melbourne is around 6-8 hours, depending on the chosen mode of transportation.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Melbourne to Canberra is by bus, which costs between $42 and $48 and takes approximately 9 hours and 5 minutes. This is a longer travel time, but it is a cheaper option. However, if time is a priority, the quickest way to reach Canberra is by plane, which takes 3 hours and 3 minutes and costs between $65 and $230.
When traveling from Melbourne to Canberra, the prices for a train ticket can range from $52 to $154. Alternatively, the prices for a bus ticket from Canberra to Melbourne can range from $60 to $190.
To get from Melbourne to Canberra without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of 655.0 km. The drive takes about 6 hours and 54 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The cost of renting a car or using your own vehicle can range from $80 to $120.
To travel from Melbourne to Canberra without a car, the best options are by bus or by plane. Taking a bus is the most affordable choice with a travel time of 8 hours and a cost ranging from $60 to $190. If you prefer a faster journey, flying is the quickest option, taking 3 hours and 3 minutes with prices ranging from $65 to $230.
Yes, there is a direct link between Melbourne and Canberra. You can take a train from Melbourne's Southern Cross station, which will take approximately 11 hours and 20 minutes with transfers at Goulburn station. Additionally, there is a direct bus service operated by Greyhound Australia that departs twice daily from Melbourne and arrives in Canberra, with a journey time of approximately 8 hours.
The flight duration between Melbourne and Canberra is typically 1 hour and 5 minutes. The cost of a flight ticket can range from $67 to $225, depending on various factors such as the airline, time of booking, and availability.
There are numerous accommodation options available near Canberra. With over 424 hotels to choose from, travelers can find a range of choices to suit their preferences and budgets. Prices for hotels in the area start at $67, making it possible to find affordable options.

Trips to Canberra