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Townsville, Queensland to Melbourne, Victoria from AU$1021: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Townsville, Australia
to
Melbourne, Australia

How to Get from Townsville 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.

$1021 - PlaneBest price
2484 kmDistance
3h 45m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Townsville 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  45m
Estimated price
AU$102-374
Recommended
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
3h  45m
Estimated price
AU$1021-1022
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 2484 km
Duration: 3h 45m

See more options

Company
various
Train
Train
Average Duration
45h  26m
Estimated price
AU$195-3451
Company
various
Train
Average Duration
45h  28m
Estimated price
AU$195-3451
Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
48h  6m
Estimated price
AU$210-474
Company
Greyhound Australia
Bus
Average Duration
48h  2m
Estimated price
AU$225-727
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
29h  20m
Estimated price
AU$310-1020
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Traveling From Townsville to Melbourne

Traveling from Townsville to Melbourne offers a journey from the sunny, tropical landscapes of North Queensland to the bustling urban scene filled with cultural diversity, culinary delights, and dynamic arts.

Best Neighbourhoods in Melbourne

Melbourne boasts vibrant neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences for visitors.

Fitzroy
• Known for its street art and hipster cafes.
• Bustling markets and eclectic shops abound.
Southbank
• Home to cultural attractions like the Arts Centre.
• Scenic views along the Yarra River promenade.
St Kilda
• Famous for its beach and lively boardwalk.
• Offers vibrant nightlife and delicious eateries.

Best Times To Visit Melbourne's Attractions

Timing your visits can dramatically improve your Melbourne experience.

Federation Square
Visit early on weekdays to enjoy a quieter atmosphere and fewer crowds.
Royal Botanic Gardens
Go in the morning or late afternoon for cooler weather and stunning light.
Queen Victoria Market
Visit on weekdays to explore without overwhelming crowds and enjoy fresh finds.

Melbourne Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Melbourne experiences a temperate oceanic climate with four distinct seasons, so you can expect anything from warm summers to cool, rainy winters. The best times to visit are during spring and autumn, as the mild weather enhances outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Dining Recommendation

Try the iconic Neapolitan-style pizza at DOC Pizza in Melbourne, where the hand-stretched dough and fresh, locally sourced ingredients create a delightful flavor explosion that contrasts with the simpler seafood dishes of Townsville. The vibrant atmosphere and the art of craft pizza-making elevate the dining experience, showcasing Melbourne's diverse culinary landscape.

Townsville - Melbourne operators

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

Plane
Website
qantas.com

Plane from Townsville (TSV) to Melbourne (MEL)

Average Duration
3h 12m
Estimated price
AU$1027-1028

Plane from Townsville (TSV) to Melbourne (MEL)

Average Duration
5h 10m
Estimated price
AU$1029-3740

Plane from Townsville (TSV) to Melbourne (MEL)

Average Duration
5h 48m
Estimated price
AU$1029-3740
Website
virginaustralia.com

Plane from Townsville (TSV) to Melbourne (MEL)

Average Duration
5h 18m
Estimated price
AU$3741-3742
Website
jetstar.com

Plane from Townsville (TSV) to Melbourne (MEL)

Average Duration
3h 10m
Estimated price
AU$3743-3744

Plane from Townsville (TSV) to Melbourne (MEL)

Average Duration
5h 5m
Estimated price
AU$3743-3744

Plane from Townsville (TSV) to Melbourne (MEL)

Average Duration
5h 40m
Estimated price
AU$3743-3744
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
1800 872 467
Website
queenslandrailtravel.com.au

Train from Townsville to Roma Street

Average Duration
Estimated price
AU$195-3451

Train from Roma Street to Central Station

Average Duration
14h 12m
Estimated price
AU$195-3745

Train from Central Station to Southern Cross

Average Duration
10h 50m
Estimated price
AU$1953-1027
Contact phone
131 500
Website
transportnsw.info

Train from Townsville to Roma Street

Average Duration
Estimated price
AU$195-3451

Train from Roma Street to Central Station

Average Duration
14h 12m
Estimated price
AU$195-3745

Train from Central Station to Southern Cross

Average Duration
10h 50m
Estimated price
AU$1953-1027
Bus
Contact phone
1300 473946
Website
greyhound.com.au

Bus from Townsville to Brisbane

Average Duration
23h
Estimated price
AU$3747-1957

Bus from Brisbane to Central Station

Average Duration
14h
Estimated price
AU$3743-1958

Bus from Central Station to Southern Cross Coach Terminal

Average Duration
12h
Estimated price
AU$34512-1023
Contact phone
13 34 10
Website
premierms.com.au

Bus from Townsville to Brisbane Roma Street

Average Duration
23h 10m
Estimated price
AU$1021-1959

Bus from Townsville to Aspley Gympie Road

Average Duration
22h 40m
Estimated price
AU$1021-1959

Bus from Brisbane Roma Street to Central Station

Average Duration
17h 45m
Estimated price
AU$1955-1021
Contact phone
1300 730 740
Website
fireflyexpress.com.au

Bus from Central Station to Southern Cross Coach Terminal

Average Duration
11h 35m
Estimated price
AU$34513-1954
Drive

Drive from Townsville to Melbourne

Average Duration
29h 20m
Estimated price
AU$310-1020

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

Traveling between Townsville 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 thrilling road trip from Townsville to Melbourne, covering a distance of 1543 miles in approximately 29 hours and 20 minutes of driving time. Enjoy the scenic landscapes and diverse terrains along the way as you make your way south. 💰 The cost of driving from Townsville to Melbourne by car ranges between $310 to $460, depending on factors such as fuel prices, vehicle efficiency, and any accommodation or dining stops you choose to make along the journey. Budget accordingly to ensure a smooth and enjoyable road trip experience.
Average price
$310 - $460
🌉 The total travel time from Townsville to Melbourne by train is approximately 45 hours and 26 minutes. This long but scenic route will take you through various landscapes and cities along the way. 💰 Ticket prices for the train ride between Townsville and Melbourne range from $195 to $3451, offering different classes and comfort levels for passengers to choose from.
Departure Point
Townsville station
Arrival Point
Southern Cross station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard the Spirit of Queensland and the XPT services, meals are available for purchase, offering a range of options including snacks, hot meals, and beverages. There are also designated dining car areas where you can enjoy your meal and socialize with fellow passengers. Check their menus online prior to your trip to plan what you might want to try.
• The journey from Townsville to Melbourne can be serviced by both the Spirit of Queensland and NSW TrainLink XPT. The seating options on the Spirit of Queensland include First Class and Economy Class seating with reclining seats, accommodating different budgets. For the XPT, options include First Class with spacious seating and a Business Class for extra comfort, while Economy Class remains a more budget-friendly choice. Be sure to book your seats in advance to secure your preferred option.
• Upon arriving at Southern Cross Station in Melbourne, you'll find facilities such as luggage lockers available for short-term storage. Additionally, there are restrooms available, but note that showers are not offered directly at the station. Follow signs to easily navigate from the platform to the main concourse for transport connections.
🛫 Experience a convenient and efficient journey from Townsville to Melbourne by catching a quick direct flight that takes approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes. Jetstar, Qantas, and Virgin Australia provide excellent flight options from Townsville Airport to Melbourne Airport. 🌏 Enjoy a seamless transition as you cover the distance of 3 hours and 45 minutes, arriving in the vibrant city of Melbourne. With various airlines offering competitive prices ranging from $102 to $374 for a one-way trip, there are options to suit every budget for this popular route.
Departure Point
Townsville Airport
Arrival Point
Melbourne Airport
🚏 Starting at Townsville station, board a Greyhound Australia bus that will take you to Brisbane's Roma Street Stop 125 at Transit Centre. From there, transfer to another bus at Central Station before continuing your scenic route towards Melbourne. 💸 The cost of this bus adventure can range from $225 to $727, depending on the ticket type and availability. Plan ahead for a total travel time of approximately 2 days and 2 hours to experience the diverse landscapes and charming towns between Townsville and Melbourne.
Departure Point
Townsville station
Arrival Point
Southern Cross Coach Terminal station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Townsville to Melbourne.

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The distance between Townsville and Melbourne is approximately 1294 miles or 1543 miles by road. The typical travel times by various modes of transportation are as follows: 45 hours and 26 minutes by train, 3 hours and 40 minutes by plane, and 29 hours and 20 minutes by car. Unfortunately, the travel time by bus was not provided, but it is likely to be similar to the travel time by car.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Townsville to Melbourne is to fly. It takes approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes to reach Melbourne by plane, making it the quickest option available. The cost of a flight ticket ranges from $100 to $390, providing a budget-friendly choice for travelers.
The prices of a train ticket from Townsville to Melbourne vary between $195 and $471. On the other hand, the prices of a bus ticket from Melbourne to Townsville range from $190 to $812. It is important to note that these prices can vary depending on factors such as the time of travel, availability, and booking options. It is recommended to check with the specific transportation providers for the most up-to-date and accurate pricing information.
To get from Townsville to Melbourne without using public transportation, you can opt to drive. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 1543 miles, and it takes around 29 hours and 20 minutes to complete the journey. The cost of driving from Townsville to Melbourne can vary between $310 and $460, depending on factors such as fuel prices and vehicle type.
The best way to travel from Townsville to Melbourne without a car is by train and night train. This journey takes approximately 45 hours and 26 minutes and costs between $190 and $480. Another option is to fly, which takes only 3 hours and 40 minutes and costs between $100 and $390. Alternatively, you can also take a bus, but this option takes a longer time, around 2 days and 3 hours, and the cost varies between $190 and $850.
There is no direct train or bus link between Townsville and Melbourne. To travel by train, you would need to take a service from Townsville to Brisbane or Central Station, and then transfer to another train to reach Southern Cross station in Melbourne. The train journey takes approximately 45 hours and 26 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Townsville to Brisbane, then transfer to another bus to reach Melbourne, but this journey takes approximately 2 days and 3 hours.
The flight between Townsville and Melbourne typically takes around 3 hours and 5 minutes, provided you take the direct flight. However, it is worth noting that flight durations may vary depending on factors such as weather conditions and airline schedules. As for the cost, prices for flights between Melbourne and Townsville can vary between $101 and $386, depending on factors such as the time of year, how far in advance you book your ticket, and the airline you choose to fly with.
There are plenty of accommodation options near Melbourne. With over 1744 hotels available, you can find something to suit every budget and preference. Prices for hotels in Melbourne start at around $80 per night. From luxury hotels to budget-friendly options, there is a wide range of choices available to meet your needs.

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