Brisbane, Queensland to Melbourne, Victoria from $80: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

How to Get from Brisbane 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.

$80 - Train, FlyBest price

1382.4 kmDistance

4h 15m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

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

See more options

Sort by

Browse car rentals Explore flights

Traveling From Brisbane to Melbourne

Embarking on the journey from Brisbane to Melbourne offers a striking contrast, with Brisbane’s sun-soaked beaches and tropical climate shifting to Melbourne’s vibrant arts scene and cooler temperatures.

Best Neighbourhoods in Melbourne

Melbourne is known for its diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences.

Fitzroy

• Renowned for its street art and vibrant culture.

• Home to trendy cafes and boutiques.

Southbank

• Features stunning views of the Yarra River.

• Offers world-class dining and entertainment options.

St Kilda

• Famous for its beautiful beach and lively atmosphere.

• Known for its iconic Luna Park amusement park.

Best Times To Visit Melbourne's Attractions

Maximize your experience in Melbourne by visiting attractions at optimal times.

Federation Square

Early mornings on weekdays feature fewer crowds and a peaceful vibe.

Royal Botanic Gardens

Visit during weekdays, especially in spring, for blooming beauty and serenity.

Queen Victoria Market

Arrive right at opening on weekdays for a quieter shopping experience.

Melbourne Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Melbourne experiences a temperate oceanic climate, characterized by four distinct seasons, with spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) often regarded as the best times to visit. Understanding how the unpredictable weather shifts can help in planning your itinerary and enhancing your overall travel experience.

Melbourne Dining Recommendation

A must-try dish in Melbourne is the iconic lamb shoulder from Attica, celebrated for its rich, smoky flavors and innovative presentation using local ingredients. This dining experience stands out from Brisbane’s lighter seafood offerings, immersing you in a vibrant atmosphere that reflects Melbourne's diverse culinary landscape.

Brisbane - Melbourne operators

Explore transport companies operating between Brisbane 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 Brisbane (BNE) to Melbourne (MEL)

Average Duration

2h 21m

Estimated price

110-470

Plane from Gold Coast (OOL) to Melbourne (MEL)

Average Duration

2h 18m

Estimated price

75-430

Plane from Toowoomba Wellcamp (WTB) to Melbourne (MEL)

Average Duration

4h 38m

Estimated price

210-600

Plane from Maroochydore (MCY) to Melbourne (MEL)

Average Duration

2h 31m

Estimated price

110-450

Website

virginaustralia.com

Plane from Brisbane (BNE) to Melbourne (MEL)

Average Duration

2h 21m

Estimated price

95-420

Plane from Gold Coast (OOL) to Melbourne (MEL)

Average Duration

2h 21m

Estimated price

80-440

Plane from Maroochydore (MCY) to Melbourne (MEL)

Average Duration

2h 27m

Estimated price

110-460

Plane from Maroochydore (MCY) to Melbourne (MEL)

Average Duration

4h 15m

Estimated price

110-460

Website

jetstar.com

Plane from Brisbane (BNE) to Melbourne (MEL)

Average Duration

2h 24m

Estimated price

80-410

Plane from Gold Coast (OOL) to Melbourne (MEL)

Average Duration

2h 18m

Estimated price

65-400

Plane from Maroochydore (MCY) to Melbourne (MEL)

Average Duration

2h 31m

Estimated price

85-390

Plane from Maroochydore (MCY) to Melbourne (MEL)

Average Duration

4h 15m

Estimated price

85-390

Website

rex.com.au

Plane from Brisbane (BNE) to Melbourne (MEL)

Average Duration

2h 25m

Estimated price

85-400

Plane from Gold Coast (OOL) to Melbourne (MEL)

Average Duration

2h 15m

Estimated price

85-460

Plane from Toowoomba Wellcamp (WTB) to Melbourne (MEL)

Average Duration

3h 55m

Estimated price

180-550

Train Show train routes

Contact phone

13 12 30

Website

translink.com.au

Train from South Brisbane station, platform 1 to Varsity Lakes station, platform 2

Average Duration

1h 15m

Estimated price

5-8

Train from Fortitude Valley station, platform 4 to Landsborough station, platform 1

Average Duration

1h 19m

Estimated price

5-8

Contact phone

131 500

Website

transportnsw.info

Train from Roma Street to Central Station

Average Duration

14h 12m

Estimated price

55-90

Train from Central Station to Southern Cross

Average Duration

10h 48m

Estimated price

50-160

Contact phone

131 500

Website

transportnsw.info

Train from Roma Street to Central Station

Average Duration

14h 12m

Estimated price

60-90

Train from Central Station to Southern Cross

Average Duration

10h 50m

Estimated price

50-160

Bus Show bus routes

Contact phone

1300 473946

Website

greyhound.com.au

Bus from Brisbane to Central Station

Average Duration

14h

Estimated price

85-200

Bus from Central Station to Southern Cross Coach Terminal

Average Duration

12h

Estimated price

80-190

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

13 34 10

Website

premierms.com.au

Bus from Brisbane Roma Street to Central Station

Average Duration

17h 45m

Estimated price

70-100

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

Traveling between Brisbane 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 picturesque road trip from Brisbane to Melbourne covering a distance of 1094 miles. Enjoy the scenic route and explore the diverse landscapes along the way. 💰 Prices for the journey by car range from $220 to $330, offering flexibility for different travel budgets. Plan your trip accordingly to make the most of your travel experience without breaking the bank. 🏙️ Arrive in vibrant Melbourne after approximately 18 hours and 29 minutes of driving, ready to immerse yourself in the city's culture, food scene, and iconic attractions. Prepare for an unforgettable journey from Queensland to Victoria by road.

Average price

$220 - $330

🚆 Embark on an epic train journey from Brisbane to Melbourne! While there is no direct train route, you can travel via Sydney Central Railway Station for a total travel time of approximately 26 hours. 💰 Ticket prices for the Brisbane to Melbourne train range from $106 to $249, making it a cost-effective option for those looking to explore both cities without the hassle of driving or flying.

Departure Point

Roma Street station

Arrival Point

Southern Cross station

Useful tips for train travellers

• Onboard the Spirit of Queensland service, enjoy a variety of catering options that typically include snack packs, hot meals, and beverages. While pre-purchase is recommended, a trolley service is also available offering light refreshments and drinks. If you’re on the XPT service operated by NSW TrainLink, you can expect an onboard café that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with a selection of snacks and drinks.

• On this route, you can choose from several seating options. The XPT offers three classes: First Class, which features larger reclining seats and meals included; Business Class, with narrower seats and limited services; and Economy Class, which has standard seating but is more budget-friendly. The Spirit of Queensland provides Premium Economy (with an upgraded seating experience and larger legroom) and Economy seating options, suitable for various budgets.

• The primary operators for the Brisbane to Melbourne route are Queensland Rail (Spirit of Queensland) and NSW TrainLink (XPT). You can check schedules and book tickets on their respective websites: Spirit of Queensland at queensandrailtravel.com.au and NSW TrainLink at nswtrainlink.info Additionally, for transport schedules and options in Melbourne, you can access ptv.vic.gov.au

🛫 Flying from Brisbane Airport to Melbourne Airport is quick and convenient, with a direct flight taking only 2 hours and 20 minutes. Airlines such as Regional Express, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Qantas provide multiple options for this route. 🌆 Once in Melbourne, travelers can enjoy the vibrant city known for its arts, culture, and culinary scene. The flight from Brisbane to Melbourne typically takes around 4 hours and 15 minutes, allowing visitors to explore the best of both cities. 💸 Prices for flights between Melbourne and Brisbane can vary, ranging from $95 to $287 depending on the airline, time of booking, and availability. With several carriers to choose from, passengers have flexibility in selecting the option that best fits their budget and schedule.

Departure Point

Brisbane Airport

Arrival Point

Melbourne Airport

Useful tips for plane travellers

• Consider flying with Qantas or Virgin Australia as they offer complimentary snacks and drinks on direct flights, enhancing your comfort during the 2h 20m journey.

• Upon arrival at Melbourne Airport, navigate efficiently by following the clear signage to the SkyBus terminal, which offers direct services to the city center, or utilize the on-ground transport options for a seamless transition.

• Expect taxi fares from Melbourne Airport to the city center to range between $55 and $75 AUD; for a budget-friendly option, the SkyBus service is approximately $19.75 AUD one-way and runs frequently - check their schedule here: skybus.com.au

🚌 The trip typically lasts around 26 hours and 35 minutes, allowing passengers to enjoy the diverse landscapes that unfold as they travel southward. From the bustling cityscape of Brisbane to the cultural melting pot of Melbourne, the journey promises an array of sights and experiences. 🚌 Tickets for the Brisbane to Melbourne bus range from $121 to $387, providing flexibility for travelers with different budgets. The final stop is the Southern Cross Coach Terminal in Melbourne, where passengers can start exploring the vibrant city and its many attractions.

Departure Point

Brisbane station

Arrival Point

Southern Cross Coach Terminal station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Brisbane to Melbourne.

Or choose the category:

The distance between Brisbane and Melbourne is approximately 859 miles or 1093.6 miles by road. The typical travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. By train, it takes about 26 hours to reach Melbourne from Brisbane. Taking a train to Maroochydore and then flying to Melbourne can take around 6 hours and 58 minutes. By plane, it takes around 4 hours and 15 minutes to reach Melbourne from Brisbane. Driving by car can take approximately 18 hours and 29 minutes, while traveling by bus can take about 27 hours and 37 minutes to reach Melbourne from Brisbane.

The most cost-effective option for traveling from Brisbane to Melbourne is by bus, which typically costs between $90 and $180. However, this method takes the longest time, with a travel duration of 27 hours and 37 minutes. On the other hand, the quickest way to reach Melbourne is by flying, which usually takes around 4 hours and 15 minutes and costs between $95 and $290. This option is more time-efficient but may require a higher budget.

The prices for a train journey from Brisbane to Melbourne can range from $106 to $247. Similarly, the prices for a bus trip from Melbourne to Brisbane can vary between $94 and $180. It is worth noting that these prices can depend on factors such as the date of travel and the class of service chosen.

To travel from Brisbane to Melbourne without using public transportation, you can consider driving. The road distance between the two cities is approximately 1094 miles, which takes about 18 hours and 29 minutes. By driving, you have the flexibility to make stops along the way and enjoy the scenic views. The cost of driving can vary, ranging from $220 to $330 depending on factors such as fuel prices and vehicle efficiency.

To travel from Brisbane to Melbourne without a car, the best options are by train, flight, or bus. The train journey takes approximately 26 hours, with the night train being the most convenient option. It costs between $100 and $250. Alternatively, you can fly, which takes around 4 hours and costs between $95 and $290. Another option is taking a bus via Cabramatta, which takes about 27 hours and costs between $90 and $180. Overall, both the train and flight offer reasonable travel times and prices for this journey.

No, there is no direct train or bus link between Brisbane and Melbourne. The train journey from Brisbane to Melbourne takes approximately 26 hours with transfers, while the bus journey takes approximately 27 hours and 37 minutes with transfers. However, these modes of transportation do provide a means of traveling between the two cities, albeit with longer travel times. Alternatively, there are direct flights available, which take around 4 hours and 15 minutes.

The flight duration between Brisbane and Melbourne is typically 2 hours and 20 minutes for a direct flight. The prices for flights between the two cities can range from $99 to $289. It's important to note that prices may vary depending on factors such as the time of booking and any airline promotions or discounts available.

There are various options for accommodation near Melbourne with over 1744 hotels to choose from. Prices start at $80 per night, providing a range of affordable options for travelers. It is recommended to check online booking platforms or consult with a travel agent to find the best hotel that suits your needs and budget.

Brisbane, Queensland to Melbourne, Victoria from $80: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

See more options

Traveling From Brisbane to Melbourne

Best Neighbourhoods in Melbourne

Best Times To Visit Melbourne's Attractions

Melbourne Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Melbourne Dining Recommendation

Brisbane - Melbourne operators

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

Useful tips for train travellers

Useful tips for plane travellers

Frequently asked questions

Trips from Brisbane

Trips to Melbourne

Popular routes