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Darwin, Northern Territory to Melbourne, Victoria from undefined300: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Darwin, Australia
to
Melbourne, Australia

How to Get from Darwin 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.

$300 by busBest price
3776 kmDistance
4h 51m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Darwin 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
4h  51m
Estimated price
182-535
Recommended
Company
Greyhound Australia, Firefly Express
Bus
Average Duration
48h  4m
Estimated price
300-709
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 3776 km
Duration: 4h 51m

See more options

Company
Greyhound Australia, Firefly Express
Bus
Average Duration
48h  4m
Estimated price
300-709
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
37h  7m
Estimated price
470-1820
Company
Journey Beyond - The Ghan, Journey Beyond - The Overland
Train
Bus
Average Duration
50h  13m
Estimated price
661-6590
Company
Journey Beyond - The Ghan, Journey Beyond - The Overland
Train
Average Duration
50h  13m
Estimated price
693-6727
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Traveling From Darwin to Melbourne

The journey from Darwin to Melbourne takes you from the tropical warmth and laid-back lifestyle of the Top End to the bustling urban energy and cultural richness of Victoria's capital.

Best Neighbourhoods in Melbourne

Melbourne's neighborhoods offer diverse experiences, each with its own charm.

Fitzroy
• Vibrant street art and hipster cafes
• Boutique shopping and nightlife options
Southbank
• Stunning views along the Yarra River
• Home to the iconic Arts Centre Melbourne
St Kilda
• Beautiful beaches and scenic boardwalks
• Lively atmosphere with restaurants and bars

Best Times To Visit Melbourne's Attractions

Planning your visits around peak times can enhance your Melbourne experience.

Federation Square
Visit early in the morning on weekdays for a quieter atmosphere.
Royal Botanic Gardens
Late afternoon during weekdays offers fewer visitors and beautiful light.
Melbourne Zoo
Go on weekday mornings, especially during school terms, to avoid crowds.

Melbourne Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Melbourne experiences a temperate oceanic climate with four distinct seasons, meaning you can encounter everything from sunny days to sudden rain showers. The best times to visit are during spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) for mild temperatures, as the weather can significantly influence your enjoyment of outdoor activities and the city's vibrant events.

Dining Recommendation

Experience the culinary delight of Melbourne by trying the famed flinders lane's Cumulus Inc., where the modern dining atmosphere pairs beautifully with dishes showcasing fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Unlike the laid-back, tropical flavors of Darwin, Melbourne's dining scene offers a dynamic blend of international influences that create exciting flavor profiles you won’t find anywhere else.

Darwin - Melbourne operators

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

Plane
Website
qantas.com

Plane from Darwin (DRW) to Melbourne (MEL)

Average Duration
4h 10m
Estimated price
1826-1827

Plane from Darwin (DRW) to Melbourne (MEL) via Adelaide

Average Duration
6h 10m
Estimated price
1828-1827

Plane from Darwin (DRW) to Melbourne (MEL) via Sydney

Average Duration
7h 2m
Estimated price
1828-1827

Plane from Darwin (DRW) to Melbourne (MEL) via Brisbane

Average Duration
7h 5m
Estimated price
1828-1827

Plane from Darwin (DRW) to Melbourne (MEL) via Alice Springs

Average Duration
8h 40m
Estimated price
1828-1827
Website
virginaustralia.com

Plane from Darwin (DRW) to Melbourne (MEL)

Average Duration
4h 20m
Estimated price
1829-5350

Plane from Darwin (DRW) to Melbourne (MEL) via Adelaide

Average Duration
5h 55m
Estimated price
1829-5350

Plane from Darwin (DRW) to Melbourne (MEL) via Brisbane

Average Duration
7h 42m
Estimated price
1829-5350
Website
jetstar.com

Plane from Darwin (DRW) to Melbourne (MEL)

Average Duration
4h 10m
Estimated price
5351-1827

Plane from Darwin (DRW) to Melbourne (MEL) via Adelaide

Average Duration
5h 50m
Estimated price
5351-1827
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
1300 473946
Website
greyhound.com.au

Bus from Darwin to Alice Springs

Average Duration
21h 5m
Estimated price
3000-3002

Bus from Alice Springs to Adelaide

Average Duration
19h 55m
Estimated price
3000-3005
Contact phone
1300 730 740
Website
fireflyexpress.com.au

Bus from Adelaide to Southern Cross Coach Terminal

Average Duration
9h 50m
Estimated price
3007-3008
Train
Contact phone
1800 703 357
Website
journeybeyondrail.com.au

Train from Darwin to Adelaide Parklands

Average Duration
24h
Estimated price
5352-0
Contact phone
1800 703 357
Website
journeybeyondrail.com.au

Train from Adelaide to Southern Cross Coach Terminal

Average Duration
10h 35m
Estimated price
5356-1829

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

Traveling between Darwin 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.

Traveling from Darwin to Melbourne by bus is an extensive journey that takes approximately 2 days and 7 hours, with multiple transfers along the route. The services are operated by Greyhound Australia and Firefly Express, and tickets can range from $284 to $916. There are two main routes available for the trip. The first route covers a distance of 3,800 km with 5 transfers, including stops in Palmerston, Alice Springs, Adelaide, Bendigo, and Albury, before reaching Melbourne. The second route spans 3,681 km with 4 transfers, stopping at the same locations except with a direct bus from Bendigo to Melbourne. While the journey may be long, it provides an opportunity to see a diverse range of landscapes and experience the beauty of the Australian countryside. It's recommended to plan ahead and consider the itinerary carefully to make the most of this scenic bus adventure.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Darwin to Melbourne.

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The distance between Darwin and Melbourne is approximately 1968 miles or 2346.1 miles by road. The typical travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. By train, it takes around to reach Melbourne from Darwin. By train and then bus, it takes . By plane, it takes 4 hours and 51 minutes. By car, it takes a considerably longer time of 37 hours and 7 minutes. There is no information available on the travel time by bus from Darwin to Melbourne.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Darwin to Melbourne is by plane. Flying from Darwin to Melbourne takes approximately 4 hours and 51 minutes and can cost between $200 and $470. This is the quickest mode of transportation available and is recommended for both affordability and convenience.
The prices for traveling from Darwin to Melbourne by train range from $637 to $6727, depending on the class and type of service chosen. Similarly, the prices for traveling by bus from Melbourne to Darwin vary from $284 to $916. These prices may fluctuate based on factors such as peak travel times, promotions, and availability. It is always recommended to check with the respective transportation providers for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.
To get from Darwin to Melbourne without using public transportation, you can opt to drive. The driving distance between Darwin and Melbourne is approximately 2346 miles and it takes approximately 37 hours and 7 minutes to complete the journey. However, it's important to note that the prices for the trip may vary between $470 and $700 depending on factors such as fuel costs and any additional expenses along the way.
To travel from Darwin to Melbourne without a car, there are a few options available. The quickest and most convenient way is by flying, which takes approximately 4 hours and 51 minutes and costs between $200 and $470. Alternatively, you can choose to take a bus, which takes approximately 2 days and 7 hours and costs between $280 and $950. Another option is to take a train, which takes approximately 2 days and 13 hours and costs between $600 and $7,000.
Yes, there is a bus link between Darwin and Melbourne but it is not a direct route. The bus services, operated by Greyhound Australia and Firefly Express, require transfers at Alice Springs and Adelaide. The journey takes approximately 2 days and 7 hours, including the transfers. Buses depart from Darwin station and arrive at Melbourne station.
The flight between Darwin and Melbourne typically takes around 4 hours and 10 minutes. The cost of the flight can vary between $200 and $467, depending on the airline and the time of booking. Once you arrive at Melbourne Airport, you can take a taxi to reach the city center, which typically takes about 12 minutes and costs around $19-$23.
There are numerous accommodation options available near Melbourne. There are over 1744 hotels to choose from, with prices starting at $80 per night. These hotels offer a range of amenities and locations to suit different preferences and budgets. Whether you're looking for a luxury hotel in the city center or a budget-friendly option near the outskirts, there is plenty of choice for accommodation near Melbourne.

Trips to Melbourne