Are you planning a trip from Melbourne to Sydney? Whether you want to soak up the scenery, hit the hot spots or discover hidden gems, there is plenty to see along the way. With trains, flights and road trip routes aplenty, let’s find out what’s the best fit for you.

Australia’s top two rival cities are crowned with a world of contrasts, from the action-packed events to the iconic landmarks.

Sydney oozes big city vibes and is scattered with spots like the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Melbourne is coined as the country’s European enclave and is dotted with delectable cuisine, street art laneways and cultural diversity.

Both of these big cities in Australia have a lot going on, whether you’re interested in art, sport, history or culture.

New South Wales and Victoria are carved with a world of experiences and you could be spending your days sunbaking on Bondi Beach, squealing at Luna Park, hiking in the Grampians or sipping wine in the Yarra Valley.

Making your way from Melbourne to Sydney is easy. Choose between trains, airplanes and buses, or, create your own route and drive.

Each option offers a different perspective on this part of southeastern Australia. And there’s no doubt you’ll fall in love with the landscape. Some modes of transport can take more time than others, so the distance from Melbourne to Sydney differs depending on what you choose.

In this guide, we’ll cover the three main modes of ways to get from Sydney to Melbourne. Let’s roll!

Melbourne to Sydney: By Plane

This is the most popular way of getting around, especially because it’s cost-effective, quick and efficient. Sydney to Melbourne flights certainly come in no shortage and are operated by all of the major airlines like Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar.

Finding Melbourne to Sydney flights is easy, but if you’re on a budget, it’s important to plan ahead. The further in advance you prepare, the more you can save. You’ll find that major airlines offer specials on their websites every couple of months. The best way to stay up to date on discounts and deals is by signing up to their newsletters. And as annoying as spam emails can be, sometimes, you can get lucky and find a steal!

Another way to break down the big cost of airfares is by signing up for a travel rewards program. If you’re planning a trip around Australia, a travel program like Velocity Frequent Flyer or Qantas Frequent Flyer can help you earn points and save cash on every flight you book.

Usually, the cost of a flight from Melbourne to Sydney is around $100 AUD. High season takes place during the summertime (December to February) and also reels in higher prices. During this time, you’ll pay more money for airfares, hotels and activities.

The off-season runs in the wintertime from June to August and offers some seriously great deals. The only drawback of visiting Sydney and Melbourne during this time is the weather. Melbourne especially is renowned for having more than four seasons in one day, so it can be a bit of a risk. I’d only recommend travelling during this time if you plan on being inside the galleries, museums and foodie spots.

Otherwise, the best time to find cheap flights from Melbourne to Sydney is during the low seasons of autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November). Not only can you save more money, but you can still enjoy pleasant weather and outdoor activities. Plus, there are fewer crowds, and that’s always a bonus!

Now that you’re up to speed on some budget-saving tricks, let’s get stuck into the logistics. The Melbourne to Sydney flight time is generally around 1 hour and 30 minutes. This is by far the quickest mode of transport between the major cities, so if you have a limited itinerary, it’s your best bet.

Melbourne to Sydney: By Car

You can opt for various routes on your drive from Melbourne to Sydney. Two of the most popular routes are the scenic coastal trail and the inland one.

If you’re not overly interested in stopping to see the scenery along the way, you can choose the most direct route. This option is around 9 hours and takes you through the National Highway and Hume Highway.

In my opinion, it’s worth the long drive if you stop along the way. Sprinkling in some sightseeing and time in nature can help break up the long time spent in the car. Take your time, set your own pace and discover Australia’s eclectic east coast scenery on the scenic Melbourne to Sydney road trip. Here are two different options to choose from:

Coastal Route

Duration: 1432km, 20 hours

This is one of the most popular routes for wine lovers, food fanatics and beach enthusiasts. This panoramic coastal route is the perfect excuse to indulge in fine food and wine, gawk-worthy beaches and quaint towns along the way. Keep your eyes peeled for plenty of wildlife too, like the koalas, seals and little penguins in Phillip Island.

This drive winds up the east coast, inviting you to take in jaw-dropping landscapes and surf beaches at spots like the Gippsland Lakes, Wilsons Promontory, Lakes Entrance, Merimbula and Batemans Bay. If you have lots of time, definitely swing by postcard-worthy towns like Metung, Paynesville and Mallacoota.

Inland Route

Duration: 1178km, about 16 hours

This inland route is another popular option for travellers. If you’re planning a Sydney to Melbourne road trip, take the inland route for a dash of crisp mountain air and gob-smacking gold-rush history.

Immerse yourself in the history of Walhalla, admire the lush farmland in Metung and hike the mountains in the Gippsland Lakes. Before you continue up to Sydney, stop by the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve of Croajingolong National Park. Sounds pretty epic, hey?

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Melbourne to Sydney: By Train

train from melbourne to sydney australia

Driving is dowsed with spectacular scenery, flights are time-efficient and convenient, while the train boasts its own bounty of benefits.

This is the best option for those who want to get immersed in the landscape but don’t want to sit behind a steering wheel for hours on end.

The train from Melbourne to Sydney is one of the most comfortable ways to travel between Australia’s two biggest cities. It runs from Melbourne Station to Sydney Station and takes around half a day. On a regular intercity train, it’s about 12 hours, and on a night train, it’s around 11 hours.

One of my favourite travel hacks is to book overnight trains.

This way, you can save money on a night’s accommodation. You’ll enjoy a peaceful sleep on board and wake up in a new city. And that’s pretty nifty if you ask me! If you choose this option, just keep in mind you may have to pay a little extra for a sleeper cabin.

Tickets are relatively affordable and usually cost around $70 - 80 AUD one way. The Melbourne to Sydney train is a frequent and reliable service that’s run by XPT Regional Trains. If you’d like to buy tickets, make sure you book in advance.

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FAQs

How far is Melbourne to Sydney by plane?

Flights from Melbourne to Sydney take around 1 hour and 35 minutes. This time can change depending on the weather and other conditions.

Is it worth driving from Melbourne to Sydney?

Yes, it's worth driving if you want to experience the country’s charming towns and stunning scenery. A road trip also allows you to set your own schedule, travel at your own pace and make as many stops as you want to along the way.

What is the cheapest way to get to Sydney from Melbourne?

The most affordable way to get from Melbourne to Sydney is by train. This transport option costs around $50 - $170 and takes 11 to 12 hours. You can also find flights for approximately $65 - $220, but it’s important to book at least a few months in advance.

How long is the drive from Melbourne to Sydney?

There are many road trip routes from Melbourne to Sydney. The most direct route is around 9 hours without stopping. But if you’d like to stop along the way, admire the scenery and see some of the quaint villages, the driving time will be around 12 – 13 hours.