Sydney, New South Wales to Melbourne, Victoria from $35: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Sydney to Melbourne: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$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.
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Traveling From Sydney to Melbourne
This route takes you from the sun-kissed beaches of Sydney to the vibrant streets of Melbourne, where you'll experience a shift from laid-back coastal charm to a bustling cultural hub.
Best Neighbourhoods in Melbourne
Melbourne's neighborhoods each offer a distinctive vibe worth exploring.
Fitzroy
• Known for its eclectic street art.
• A hub for trendy cafes and boutiques.
St Kilda
• Famous for its beach and boardwalk.
• Vibrant nightlife and diverse dining options.
Southbank
• Home to stunning river views and parks.
• Cultural precinct with art galleries and theaters.
Best Times To Visit Melbourne's Attractions
Timing your visits can enhance your experience of Melbourne's vibrant attractions.
Federation Square
Visit early on weekdays to enjoy the space with fewer tourists.
Royal Botanic Gardens
Late afternoons offer a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for relaxation.
Queen Victoria Market
Go on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings for a more laid-back shopping experience.
Melbourne Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
Melbourne enjoys a temperate oceanic climate with unpredictable weather, making layers your best friend. Spring and autumn are often ideal times to visit, as mild temperatures enhance outdoor activities and the city's charm.
Dining Recommendation
For a truly Melbourne experience, enjoy a plate of slow-cooked, farm-to-table lamb at Attica, known for its innovative use of local ingredients. This dining adventure contrasts with Sydney's seafood-centric scene, as Melbourne’s vibrant food culture emphasizes bold flavors and creative presentations in a cozy, eclectic setting.
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.
Website
qantas.com
Plane from Sydney Airport (SYD) to Melbourne Airport (MEL)
Average Duration
1h 35mEstimated price
90-310Plane from Sydney Airport (SYD) to Avalon Airport (AVV)
Average Duration
1h 34mEstimated price
40-270Website
virginaustralia.com
Plane from Sydney Airport (SYD) to Melbourne Airport (MEL)
Average Duration
1h 35mEstimated price
70-270Plane from Wollongong Airport (WOL) to Melbourne Airport (MEL)
Average Duration
1h 45mEstimated price
160-330Website
jetstar.com
Plane from Sydney Airport (SYD) to Melbourne Airport (MEL)
Average Duration
1h 35mEstimated price
45-250Plane from Sydney Airport (SYD) to Avalon Airport (AVV)
Average Duration
1h 34mEstimated price
40-270Website
rex.com.au
Plane from Sydney Airport (SYD) to Melbourne Airport (MEL)
Average Duration
1h 35mEstimated price
55-240Contact phone
131 500Website
transportnsw.info
Train from Central Station to Southern Cross
Average Duration
10h 50mEstimated price
50-160Train from Sydney Central Railway Station to Southern Cross
Average Duration
10h 48mEstimated price
50-160Contact phone
1800 800 007Website
metrotrains.com.au
Train from Werribee to Southern Cross
Average Duration
35mEstimated price
3-3Contact phone
1300 730 740Website
fireflyexpress.com.au
Bus from Central Station to Southern Cross Coach Terminal
Average Duration
11h 35mEstimated price
35-65Contact phone
1300 473946Website
greyhound.com.au
Bus from Central Station to Southern Cross Coach Terminal
Average Duration
12hEstimated price
80-190Bus from Sydney Domestic Airport to Southern Cross Coach Terminal
Average Duration
11h 40mEstimated price
85-200Sydney 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 unforgettable road trip from Sydney to Melbourne, covering a distance of 541 miles. Enjoy the scenic route that takes approximately 8 hours and 57 minutes, passing through charming towns and beautiful countryside.
🛣️ Experience the flexibility and freedom of driving from Sydney to Melbourne, with car rental prices ranging from $110 to $160. Stop by quaint cafes, breathtaking lookout points, and hidden gems along the way to make the journey truly memorable.
Average price
$110 - $160
🚂 Embark on a scenic train journey from Sydney to Melbourne lasting approximately 10 hours and 50 minutes. Departing from Central Station twice daily, the NSW TrainLink XPT service provides a relaxing way to travel between these iconic Australian cities.
🌆 As you glide through the picturesque Australian landscape, you'll cover a distance of 946 km on your way to Melbourne's Southern Cross station. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the comfort of the train as you take in the changing scenery from urban areas to scenic countryside views.
💸 Ticket prices for this Sydney to Melbourne train ride can range from $50 to $160, providing an affordable and convenient travel option for those looking to explore two of Australia's most vibrant cities. With reliable services and a journey offering diverse landscapes, this train ride is a memorable way to travel between these two major destinations.
Departure Point
Central Station
Arrival Point
Southern Cross station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On the train journey from Sydney to Melbourne, you'll find that the most popular operator, NSW TrainLink, provides a catering service. They offer a variety of food and beverage options, including light snacks, meals, and drinks that can be purchased on board. You can check their menu ahead of time on their website.
• When traveling on this route, you can choose from multiple seating options with NSW TrainLink. They offer First Class, which features spacious seats and premium service, Business Class for a more comfortable experience with additional legroom and complimentary refreshments, and Economy Class for budget-friendly travel. Depending on your preference for comfort and budget, select accordingly.
• The main operators for the Sydney to Melbourne route are NSW TrainLink (transportnsw.info) and V/Line (vline.com.au). Both websites provide additional information on train times, ticket prices, and on-board services to help you plan your trip thoroughly. Also, you can check local transport schedules and other useful links for your visit.
🛫 Flying from Sydney to Melbourne is a convenient and efficient way to travel between Australia's two largest cities. The quickest direct flight only takes 1 hour and 30 minutes, allowing you to reach your destination swiftly.
🎫 Airlines such as Regional Express, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Qantas offer flights between Sydney Airport and Melbourne Airport, providing travelers with a variety of options to choose from. The journey typically lasts around 3 hours and 21 minutes, ensuring a relatively short flight time.
💸 Prices for flights between Melbourne and Sydney can range from $69 to $216, making it accessible for travelers with different budget preferences. With multiple carriers and flight options available, planning your trip from Sydney to Melbourne by plane offers both flexibility and affordability.
Departure Point
Sydney Airport
Arrival Point
Melbourne Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Consider flying with Qantas or Virgin Australia, as they often provide extra perks like complimentary snacks and beverages, which can make your short trip more enjoyable.
• Upon arrival at Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine), follow the clearly marked signs to the SkyBus services for a quick and efficient transfer to the city; alternatively, there's plenty of signage for rideshare options like Uber.
• Expect to pay around AUD 60-70 for a taxi ride from Melbourne Airport to the city center, which usually takes about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
🚌 The journey from Sydney to Melbourne by bus takes approximately 11 hours and 35 minutes. There are two daily departures from Central Station to Southern Cross Coach Terminal. 🚌
💰 Ticket prices for the Sydney to Melbourne bus range from $35 to $190, offering a budget-friendly transportation option for travelers. Sit back, relax, and let the bus take you on a comfortable and convenient journey between these two vibrant cities. 💰
Departure Point
Central Station
Arrival Point
Southern Cross Coach Terminal station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Book your tickets in advance through Firefly Express (fireflyexpress.com.au) or other operators like Greyhound Australia (greyhound.com.au) and Melbourne Express (melbourneexpress.com.au) to secure the best prices, which can range from $35 to $190.
• Bring snacks and drinks for the 11h 35m journey, as there might be limited stops along the way; check if your bus operator offers a service stop and plan accordingly.
• Upon arrival at Southern Cross Coach Terminal in Melbourne, familiarize yourself with the station layout by reviewing the terminal map online (ptv.vic.gov.au), and consider using the SkyBus for a quick transfer to the city center or nearby transport options.
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 446 miles or 540.6 miles by car. The typical travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. It takes 10 hours and 50 minutes to reach Melbourne from Sydney by train, 4 hours and 52 minutes by flying to Avalon and then taking a bus, 3 hours and 26 minutes by plane, and 8 hours and 57 minutes by car from Melbourne to Sydney. Additionally, it takes approximately 12 hours by bus to travel from Sydney to Melbourne.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Sydney to Melbourne is by taking a bus via Liverpool Station, Stand G. This option typically costs around $35-$100 and takes approximately 12 hours and 13 minutes. However, if time is of the essence, the quickest way to travel between the two cities is by flying. The flight usually takes around 3 hours and 26 minutes and costs between $65 and $230.
The prices of a train ticket between Sydney and Melbourne can range from $45 to $160, while the prices of a bus ticket between Melbourne and Sydney can vary from $35 to $270. It is important to note that these prices may fluctuate depending on factors such as the time of travel and availability. It is advisable to check with the respective transportation companies for the most up-to-date pricing information.
To get from Sydney to Melbourne without using public transportation, you can drive. The distance between the two cities is approximately 541 miles, and it takes about 8 hours and 57 minutes to drive from Sydney to Melbourne. The cost of the journey by car can vary between $110 and $160, depending on factors such as fuel prices and tolls.
The best way to travel from Sydney to Melbourne without a car is by train, which takes approximately 10 hours and 50 minutes and costs between $45 and $160. Another option is to fly, which takes around 3 hours and 26 minutes and costs between $65 and $230. If you're looking for a more affordable option, you can take a bus, which takes about 12 hours and costs between $35 and $270.
Yes, there are direct transportation links between Sydney and Melbourne. The most convenient option is the train service operated by NSW TrainLink XPT, which departs from Central Station in Sydney and arrives at Southern Cross Station in Melbourne. This journey takes approximately 10 hours and 50 minutes. Alternatively, there is also a direct bus service provided by Greyhound Australia, which departs from Sydney and arrives at Melbourne. The bus journey takes around 12 hours.
The flight between Sydney and Melbourne typically takes around 1 hour and 35 minutes. Prices for flights between the two cities can range from $68 to $227, depending on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and availability. It is recommended to check for flight deals and book in advance to secure the best prices.
There are numerous accommodation options in Melbourne. With over 1744 hotels to choose from, visitors have a wide range of choices to suit their preferences and budgets. Prices for hotels in Melbourne start at $80 per night, providing various options for different budgets. Travelers can explore different areas of Melbourne to find the perfect accommodation that suits their needs and preferences during their stay.
Trips from Sydney
- Sydney to Cairns
- Sydney to Newcastle
- Sydney to Alice Springs
- Sydney to Gold Coast
- Sydney to Byron Bay
- Sydney to Brisbane
- Sydney to Canberra
- Sydney to Adelaide
- Sydney to Airlie Beach
- Sydney to Perth
- Sydney to Port Douglas
- Sydney to Port Macquarie
- Sydney to Townsville
- Sydney to Broken Hill
- Sydney to Gladstone
- Sydney to Kangaroo Island
- Sydney to Tahiti
- Sydney to London
- Sydney to WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS
- Sydney to Amsterdam
- Sydney to Singapore
- Sydney to Nelson
- Sydney to Rome
- Sydney to Wellington
- Sydney to Noosa Heads
- Sydney to Broome
- Sydney to Coffs Harbour
- Sydney to Rockhampton
- Sydney to Launceston
- Sydney to Tamworth
- Sydney to Christchurch
- Sydney to Santiago
- Sydney to Beijing
- Sydney to Rarotonga
- Sydney to Seattle
- Sydney to Athens
- Sydney to Tauranga
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Trips to Melbourne
- Perth to Melbourne
- Canberra to Melbourne
- Adelaide to Melbourne
- Brisbane to Melbourne
- Cairns to Melbourne
- Ballarat to Melbourne
- Geelong to Melbourne
- Darwin to Melbourne
- San Francisco to Melbourne
- New York City to Melbourne
- Albury to Melbourne
- Griffith to Melbourne
- Hamilton to Melbourne
- Newcastle to Melbourne
- Bendigo to Melbourne
- Dubbo to Melbourne
- Townsville to Melbourne
- Byron Bay to Melbourne
- Gisborne to Melbourne
- Hobart to Melbourne
- Edinburgh to Melbourne
- Stockholm to Melbourne
- Los Angeles to Melbourne
- Oslo to Melbourne
- Zagreb to Melbourne
- Paris to Melbourne
- Jakarta to Melbourne
- Barcelona to Melbourne
- Kochi to Melbourne
- Dammam to Melbourne
- Toronto to Melbourne
- Vancouver to Melbourne
- Dunedin to Melbourne
- Reykjavík to Melbourne
- Boston to Melbourne
- Chicago to Melbourne
- Hamilton Island to Melbourne
- Kansas City to Melbourne
- Honolulu to Melbourne
- Riyadh to Melbourne