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Perth to Melbourne from $160: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Perth, Australia
to
Melbourne, Australia

How to Get from Perth to Melbourne: 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.

$160 - PlaneBest price
2737 kmDistance
5h 17m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Perth 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.

Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
5h  17m
Estimated price
$165-486
Recommended
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
5h  17m
Estimated price
$160-490
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 2737 km
Duration: 5h 17m

See more options

Company
various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
50h  8m
Estimated price
$406-5107
Company
various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
50h  6m
Estimated price
$428-5148
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
35h  45m
Estimated price
$430-650
Company
various
Train
Average Duration
50h  6m
Estimated price
$460-5285
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Perth to Melbourne

The journey from Perth to Melbourne showcases a remarkable contrast, with Perth's sun-kissed beaches and laid-back lifestyle contrasting sharply with Melbourne's vibrant arts scene and bustling urban energy.

Best Neighbourhoods in Melbourne

Melbourne's neighborhoods each offer distinct experiences and vibrant atmospheres.

Fitzroy
• Known for its eclectic street art scene.
• Bustling cafes and vintage shops line the streets.
South Yarra
• Home to high-end shopping and dining options.
• Scenic parks for relaxation and outdoor activities.
St Kilda
• Famous for its sandy beach and vibrant nightlife.
• Iconic Luna Park adds fun for visitors of all ages.

Best Times To Visit Melbourne's Attractions

Timing your visit can enhance your experience at Melbourne's popular attractions.

Federation Square
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds.
Royal Botanic Gardens
Weekdays, especially in spring, offer a peaceful stroll among blooming flora.
Melbourne Zoo
Visit on weekdays during school hours for a less crowded experience.

Melbourne Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Melbourne experiences a temperate oceanic climate, which means you can expect four distinct seasons with unpredictable weather swings. Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) typically offer the most pleasant conditions for exploring the city, while being prepared for sudden changes will enhance your travel experience.

Melbourne Dining Experience

For a truly Melbourne experience, try the rich flavors of a slow-cooked lamb shoulder at Attica, where innovative cooking techniques shine. This dining adventure contrasts with Perth's casual beachside fare, immersing you in an atmosphere that celebrates creativity and local produce.

Perth - Melbourne operators

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

Plane Show flights
Website
qantas.com

Plane from Perth (PER) to Melbourne (MEL)

Average Duration
3h 32m
Estimated price
250-850
Website
virginaustralia.com

Plane from Perth (PER) to Melbourne (MEL)

Average Duration
3h 35m
Estimated price
200-750
Website
jetstar.com

Plane from Perth (PER) to Melbourne (MEL)

Average Duration
3h 33m
Estimated price
200-750
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
1800 703 357
Website
journeybeyondrail.com.au

Train from Perth to Adelaide Parklands

Average Duration
43h 15m
Estimated price
390-5500
Contact phone
1800 703 357
Website
journeybeyondrail.com.au

Train from Adelaide to Southern Cross

Average Duration
10h 35m
Estimated price
70-200
Contact phone
1800 800 007
Website
vline.com.au

Train from Bendigo to Southern Cross

Average Duration
1h 58m
Estimated price
5-7
Bus
Contact phone
1300 730 740
Website
fireflyexpress.com.au

Bus from Adelaide to Southern Cross Coach Terminal

Average Duration
9h 50m
Estimated price
35-60
Contact phone
1800 800 007
Website
vline.com.au

Bus from 85 Franklin St to Bendigo Station/Railway Pl

Average Duration
9h 45m
Estimated price
8-12

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

Traveling between Perth 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 an unforgettable road trip from Perth to Melbourne, spanning a distance of 3439.2 km, with stunning landscapes and diverse scenery along the way. 🚗 🏞️ Enjoy the journey through the vast Australian outback, as you traverse through different terrains and witness the beauty of the Nullarbor Plain. The drive of approximately 35 hours and 45 minutes ensures ample time to take in the sights and make lasting memories. 🌿 💸 Explore the flexibility of road travel with prices ranging from $430 to $650 for the journey, offering budget-friendly options and opportunities for spontaneous detours to discover hidden gems en route to lively Melbourne. 🛣️
Average price
$430 - $650
🚆 Embark on a scenic railway adventure from Perth to Melbourne! While there is no direct train link between the two cities, you can enjoy a 2-day journey with transfers in Adelaide. 💰 Ticket prices for the Perth to Melbourne train range from $460 to $5285, offering a range of options to suit different budgets.
Departure Point
Perth station
Arrival Point
Southern Cross station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train trip from Perth to Melbourne, you will be using the Indian Pacific service operated by Journey Beyond (journeybeyond.com.au). Onboard catering includes a range of meal options, with meals prepared fresh in the kitchen. You can expect to enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner served in the dining car, with the option to pre-select your meals if you have dietary requirements. Snacks and beverages are also available for purchase throughout the journey.
• The Indian Pacific service offers several seat options: First Class, which provides your own private cabin with meal service included; Gold Service (which is akin to Business Class), featuring larger seats and roomier space with ensuite facilities; and then there’s the Economy Class, offering comfortable seat options but with fewer amenities. Make your selection based on your preference for comfort and budget.
• When you arrive at Southern Cross Station in Melbourne (southerncrossstation.net.au), you’ll find facilities like luggage storage through the 'Luggage Locker' service located on Level 1. This allows you to explore the city hands-free. Additionally, the station features restrooms and showers in the travel hub area. To reach the city center swiftly, you can catch the SkyBus (skybus.com.au) from the station, which takes around 20-30 minutes, or hop on tram lines 11 or 48 from the nearby tram stops.
🛫 The quickest way to travel from Perth to Melbourne is by taking a direct flight which only takes 3 hours and 30 minutes. Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Qantas are the airlines that offer flights on this popular route. 🌏 The flight distance from Perth Airport to Melbourne Airport is covered in 5 hours and 17 minutes. 💸 Prices for flights between Melbourne and Perth can range from $165 to $486, offering a variety of options to suit different budgets and travel preferences.
Departure Point
Perth Airport
Arrival Point
Melbourne Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Consider booking a Jetstar flight for budget-friendly options; they often have sales, and the lower ticket price can free up budget for meals or activities in Melbourne.
• After landing at Melbourne Airport, follow the signs for immigration and baggage claim, and be prepared for possible delays during peak hours; utilizing the airport's free Wi-Fi can be useful for notifying your transport service of your arrival.
• Expect to pay around AUD 60 to AUD 80 for a taxi from Melbourne Airport to the city center, and consider using rideshare services like Uber, which can sometimes be more economical and faster, depending on traffic.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Perth to Melbourne.

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The distance between Perth and Melbourne is approximately 2737.5 km or 3439.0 km by road. The typical travel time by train from Perth to Melbourne would depend on the specific train schedule, but it is usually around 24-30 hours. Taking a combination of train and bus would also depend on the schedule, but it can take up to 2-3 days. Alternatively, flying between Perth and Melbourne takes around 5 hours and 17 minutes. Driving from Melbourne to Perth by car takes approximately 35 hours and 45 minutes.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Perth to Melbourne is by flying. It takes approximately 5 hours and 17 minutes to reach Melbourne from Perth by plane, making it the quickest option. The cost of a flight ticket ranges from $160 to $550, which is relatively affordable compared to other modes of transportation.
The train ticket prices from Perth to Melbourne can range from $444 to $2731, depending on the class and availability of seats.
To get from Perth to Melbourne without using public transportation, you can choose to drive. The driving distance is approximately 3439.2 km and it takes around 35 hours and 45 minutes to complete the journey. However, keep in mind that the prices for car rental or fuel costs can vary between $430 to $650.
The best way to travel from Perth to Melbourne without a car is by train. The journey takes approximately 2 days and 6 hours and can cost between $440 and $2,800 depending on the class and type of service.
No, there is no direct train link between Perth and Melbourne. However, there are train services available with transfers in Adelaide, which take approximately 2 days and 6 hours. The train services depart from Perth station and arrive at Southern Cross station in Melbourne.
The flight between Perth and Melbourne typically takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes. However, please note that flight times can vary depending on the airline and any layovers or delays. In terms of cost, prices for flights between Melbourne and Perth can range from $164 to $508, with prices varying depending on the airline, time of booking, and availability of promotional fares.
There are numerous accommodation options available near Melbourne with over 1744 hotels to choose from. Prices for hotels start at $80, providing a range of options to suit various budgets.