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Sydney to Melbourne from $35: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Sydney, Australia
to
Melbourne, Australia

How to Get from Sydney 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.

$35 by busBest price
718 kmDistance
3h 21m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Sydney 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
3h  21m
Estimated price
$69-216
Recommended
Company
Firefly Express
Bus
Average Duration
11h  35m
Estimated price
$35-190
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 718 km
Duration: 3h 21m

See more options

Company
NSW TrainLink XPT
Train
Average Duration
10h  50m
Estimated price
$50-160
Company
NSW TrainLink XPT
Train
Average Duration
10h  48m
Estimated price
$50-160
Company
various
Plane
Train
Average Duration
5h  8m
Estimated price
$67-299
Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
13h 
Estimated price
$97-214
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
8h  57m
Estimated price
$110-160
Company
various
Drive
Plane
Average Duration
3h  35m
Estimated price
$185-361
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Sydney to Melbourne

The journey from Sydney to Melbourne reveals two distinct urban landscapes, where Sydney's stunning coastline and vibrant beach culture contrast with Melbourne's rich arts scene and eclectic cuisine.

Best Neighbourhoods in Melbourne

Melbourne boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering unique experiences for visitors.

Fitzroy
• Known for its vibrant street art scene.
• Home to eclectic cafes and vintage shops.
Southbank
• Features stunning views of the Yarra River.
• Offers a lively food and entertainment scene.
Carlton
• Renowned for its Italian heritage and cuisine.
• Close to the beautiful Royal Exhibition Building.

Best Times To Visit Melbourne's Attractions

Timing your visit can enhance your experience at Melbourne's top spots.

Federation Square
Early mornings or weekdays are ideal to avoid tourist rush.
Royal Botanic Gardens
Visit in spring for blooming flowers and fewer visitors.
Queen Victoria Market
Go on a weekday morning for a more relaxed shopping experience.

Melbourne Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Melbourne experiences a temperate oceanic climate with four distinct seasons, making it essential to check the forecast before your trip. The best times to visit are during spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) when the weather is typically mild, enhancing your exploration of the city.

Melbourne Dining Recommendation

For a standout experience, try the iconic Melbourne dish, hand-cut pappardelle with slow-cooked lamb ragu at Osteria Ilaria, a cozy yet vibrant eatery that showcases the city's love for authentic Italian flavors. Unlike Sydney's beachside cafes, Melbourne's dining scene often blends rich culinary traditions with local ingredients, delivering a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes every meal memorable.

Sydney - Melbourne operators

Explore transport companies operating between Sydney 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 Sydney Airport (SYD) to Melbourne Airport (MEL)

Average Duration
1h 35m
Estimated price
90-310

Plane from Sydney Airport (SYD) to Avalon Airport (AVV)

Average Duration
1h 34m
Estimated price
40-270
Website
virginaustralia.com

Plane from Sydney Airport (SYD) to Melbourne Airport (MEL)

Average Duration
1h 35m
Estimated price
70-270

Plane from Wollongong Airport (WOL) to Melbourne Airport (MEL)

Average Duration
1h 45m
Estimated price
160-330
Website
jetstar.com

Plane from Sydney Airport (SYD) to Melbourne Airport (MEL)

Average Duration
1h 35m
Estimated price
45-250

Plane from Sydney Airport (SYD) to Avalon Airport (AVV)

Average Duration
1h 34m
Estimated price
40-270
Website
rex.com.au

Plane from Sydney Airport (SYD) to Melbourne Airport (MEL)

Average Duration
1h 35m
Estimated price
55-240
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
131 500
Website
transportnsw.info

Train from Central Station to Southern Cross

Average Duration
10h 50m
Estimated price
50-160

Train from Sydney Central Railway Station to Southern Cross

Average Duration
10h 48m
Estimated price
50-160
Contact phone
1800 800 007
Website
metrotrains.com.au

Train from Werribee to Southern Cross

Average Duration
35m
Estimated price
3-3
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
1300 730 740
Website
fireflyexpress.com.au

Bus from Central Station to Southern Cross Coach Terminal

Average Duration
11h 35m
Estimated price
35-65
Contact phone
1300 473946
Website
greyhound.com.au

Bus from Central Station to Southern Cross Coach Terminal

Average Duration
12h
Estimated price
80-190

Bus from Sydney Domestic Airport to Southern Cross Coach Terminal

Average Duration
11h 40m
Estimated price
85-200

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

Traveling between Sydney 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 exhilarating road trip from Sydney to Melbourne, spanning a picturesque driving distance of 870.7 km with captivating scenery along the way. 💰 Indulge in a budget-friendly excursion as the prices to travel from Sydney to Melbourne by car range from $110 to $160, providing an affordable and flexible travel option. 🛣️ Navigate through the highways and byways, witnessing the changing landscapes and vibrant culture as you make your way from Sydney to Melbourne in approximately 8 hours and 57 minutes.
Average price
$110 - $160
🚆 The journey from Sydney to Melbourne by train is a scenic and comfortable 10 hours and 50 minutes ride operated by NSW TrainLink XPT. 🌆 Covering a distance of 946 km, the train ride offers stunning views along the way. Departing from Central Station and arriving at Southern Cross, passengers can enjoy a relaxing trip through picturesque landscapes. 💰 Prices for the train between Sydney and Melbourne range from $50 to $160, providing an affordable and hassle-free transportation option for those looking to explore Australia's iconic cities via rail.
Departure Point
Central Station
Arrival Point
Southern Cross station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train journey from Sydney to Melbourne, you'll mostly travel with NSW TrainLink or V/Line. Both operators provide catering services, with train meals available for purchase or included in premium classes. NSW TrainLink offers a café-style service with snacks, drinks, and light meals onboard, while V/Line also has a pantry car with pre-packaged quality meals. It's advisable to check the menu options in advance on their websites.
• For your journey, consider the various seating options available. NSW TrainLink offers First Class seats, which are more spacious and come with complimentary meals, while Business Class and Economy Class options are also available, with Economy being the most budget-friendly option. V/Line provides Premium Economy, which offers more legroom and comfort compared to standard Economy seating. Be sure to book early to secure the best seating for your preferences.
• Upon arrival at Southern Cross Station in Melbourne, you can store luggage at the station if needed, thanks to the luggage lockers available near the main concourse. Make sure to check the operating hours for luggage services. There are also restrooms and showers available. To get to the city center quickly, utilize the SkyBus service (SkyBus Melbourne Airport) or catch tram number 35, which runs frequently and can take you directly into the heart of the central business district (CBD).
🛫 For a fast and convenient journey from Sydney to Melbourne hopping on a direct flight is your best bet, with a travel time of just 1 hour and 30 minutes. 🌍 With flight prices typically ranging from $69 to $216, flying between these two vibrant cities allows for a time-efficient and comfortable travel experience.
Departure Point
Sydney Airport
Arrival Point
Melbourne Airport
🚌 Travelling from Sydney to Melbourne by bus is a convenient and cost-effective option with Firefly Express. The direct bus service departs from Central Station twice daily and takes approximately 11 hours and 35 minutes to reach Southern Cross Coach Terminal in Melbourne. 💰 Bus ticket prices between Sydney and Melbourne range from $35 to $190, providing flexibility for different budgets. Whether you're a budget-conscious traveler or looking for a comfortable ride, the Sydney to Melbourne bus journey with Firefly Express offers a hassle-free and enjoyable travel experience.
Departure Point
Central Station
Arrival Point
Southern Cross Coach Terminal station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Book your ticket in advance with Firefly Express, Greyhound Australia, or Melbourne Coach, as prices can fluctuate significantly, ranging from $35 to $190, especially during peak travel seasons. You can check their schedules and book tickets at their respective websites: Firefly Express, Greyhound Australia, and Melbourne Coach.
• Prepare for a long journey by bringing snacks and entertainment, as the bus ride takes approximately 11 hours and 35 minutes; make sure to download some movies or podcasts beforehand, especially since Wi-Fi might be spotty along the route.
• Upon arrival at the Southern Cross Coach Terminal in Melbourne, familiarize yourself with the terminal layout by reviewing the station map available here: Southern Cross Station Map. This will help you navigate easily to connecting transport options like trains or trams into the city.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Sydney to Melbourne.

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The distance between Sydney and Melbourne is approximately 717.8 km by road. It takes approximately 10 hours and 50 minutes to travel by train, 4 hours and 52 minutes by flying to Avalon and then taking a bus, and 3 hours and 26 minutes by plane. For the return journey from Melbourne to Sydney, it takes around 8 hours and 57 minutes by car and 12 hours by bus.
The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from Sydney to Melbourne is by bus, which costs between $35 and $100 and takes approximately 12 hours and 13 minutes. This option may be suitable for travelers on a budget. However, for those looking for a quicker journey, flying is the most time-efficient option, taking only 3 hours and 26 minutes.
When traveling from Sydney to Melbourne, the prices for a train ticket can range from $45 to $160. On the other hand, the prices for a bus ticket from Melbourne to Sydney can vary from $35 to $270.
To travel from Sydney to Melbourne without using public transportation, the most practical and convenient option is to drive. The distance between the two cities is approximately 870.7 km, and it takes around 8 hours and 57 minutes to complete the journey by car. The cost of hiring a car and fuel expenses vary, typically ranging from $110 to $160.
The best way to travel from Sydney to Melbourne without a car is by train or plane. The train journey takes approximately 10 hours and 50 minutes and costs between $45 and $160. Alternatively, flying is faster, with a travel time of about 3 hours and 26 minutes, and ticket prices ranging from $65 to $230. You can also consider taking a bus, which takes around 12 hours and costs between $35 and $270.
Yes, there is a direct link between Sydney and Melbourne. You can take a direct train from Central Station in Sydney to Southern Cross station in Melbourne. The journey takes approximately 10 hours and 50 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a direct bus from Sydney to Melbourne, which also takes approximately 12 hours.
The flight between Sydney and Melbourne typically takes around 1 hour and 35 minutes. The prices for a flight between the two cities can vary, ranging from $68 to $227.
There are plenty of accommodation options near Melbourne with over 1744 hotels to choose from. Prices for hotels start at $80 per night, offering a range of budgets and preferences for travelers.