How to Get to Melbourne from Sydney

Sydney and Melbourne are Australia’s most popular cities. Sydney is known for its sunny harbour views and beaches, ☀️ while Melbourne is known for its coffee culture, good food, and indie vibes. ☕️ While they may be a few hundred kilometers apart, there’s much to love in each city.

If you’re making your way through the Land Down Under, this guide will help you figure out the best way to get from Sydney to Melbourne, whether you’re after the fastest route, the most affordable, or something in between. 📌

Before anything else, don’t forget to purchase an eSIM to stay connected wherever you are in Australia!

Sydney to Melbourne by air is the fastest way to go. It only takes an hour and a half! Book a flight from Sydney Airport (SYD), otherwise known as Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport or Mascot Airport, to Melbourne Airport (MEL), also known as Tullamarine Airport. 

Ticket prices vary depending on the month, but they usually start at 100 AUD. It’s the priciest option, but it’ll save you lots of time. 🫱🏼‍🫲🏽

For those who enjoy road trips and want something more slow-paced and private, renting a car is the best option for you. This way, you’ll get to visit some spots in between Sydney and Melbourne, making the trip itself an adventure! Check out this guide to get some ideas.

Rates start at 29.59 AUD per day, depending on the type of car you’d like to rent and your travel distance. For child passengers, an infant seat, child seat, and booster seat are also available as add-ons. Don’t forget to bring your driver’s license and check Australia’s driving laws for a smooth trip!

If you’d like to sit back and enjoy Australia’s scenery without worrying about the drive, taking the train is a great choice. The XPT express runs between Sydney and Melbourne and takes around 10 to 11 hours. There are two departures daily: one during the day and one overnight, which means you choose whether to enjoy the views or catch some sleep while you travel! You can book economy or first-class seats, and if you’re taking the overnight service, sleeper cabins are available too.

The train departs from Sydney’s Central Station and arrives at Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station. One-way fares range from around 65 AUD to 250 AUD, depending on when you book and whether you’re travelling during peak or off-peak times.

Taking the bus to Melbourne from Sydney is the most budget-friendly option. It’s not exactly a scenic ride (you’ll mostly pass by farmlands and stretches of countryside as the route follows the quickest path), but it gets the job done. The trip takes around 11 to 12 hours, with major operators like Greyhound Australia and Firefly Express running regular services. 

Buses usually depart from Sydney’s Central Station or the airport and arrive at Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station. A ticket from Sydney to Melbourne starts at 59 AUD and can exceed 100 AUD during peak travel periods.

For kids (and kids at heart!), the Disney Wonder Cruise will be sailing to Melbourne from Sydney between October 2025 to February 2026! Don’t miss the chance to experience a 3-night cruise on the world’s most magical ship. ✨Read this guide to learn more.

Cabins start at 2,490.15 AUD for a single occupancy standard room and could range up to 5,972.45 AUD per person for a family room with a verandah. It’s definitely worth the splurge.

Book your room to experience this special voyage while it lasts!

After the long journey to Melbourne from Sydney, rest is a must! Here are some hotels we recommend staying at while you’re in Melbourne. 😴

Perfect for travellers who want comfort and convenience without breaking the bank, Ibis Melbourne Hotel and Apartments is a solid pick right in the city center. With Queen Victoria Market just around the corner and a few steps away from trams, it’s easy to explore the best of Melbourne. Families especially love the spacious rooms and helpful staff, while foodies can start their mornings with a hearty breakfast before heading out to see the sights.

If you’re in the mood to spoil yourself, The Langham is perfect for a luxurious stay. Set along the Yarra River, it combines city views with elegant interiors, polished service, and fine dining that lives up to its 5-star name.

For a boutique stay that’s full of character, Zagame’s House hits the sweet spot. Located in Carlton, just steps from Lygon Street’s buzzing café scene, it's perfect if you're the type of traveller who wants to experience Melbourne’s creative side. The interiors are sleek and modern, the staff genuinely welcoming, and the overall vibe is effortlessly cool, much like the city itself.

Now that you’ve figured out how to get to Melbourne from Sydney (plus where to go and stay), all that’s left to do is pack your bags and enjoy the ride!

There are 700 kilometers between Sydney and Melbourne, with the flight only taking around 1 hour and 30 minutes. It’s the fastest and most convenient way to travel between the two cities.

A one-way train ticket from Sydney to Melbourne ranges from around 65 AUD to 250 AUD, depending on the seat class, time of booking, and whether you’re traveling during peak or off-peak periods.

Yes definitely, especially if you love scenic drives, it’s absolutely worth it! Driving lets you explore lots of stopovers along the way. It’s a slower but more flexible and adventurous way to experience Australia.

The XPT express train takes around 10 to 11 hours, with both daytime and overnight departures available, so you can either enjoy the views by day or rest comfortably through the night.