The distance between Canberra and Melbourne is around 642km (399 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 6h 50m.
We've found 5 different ways to get from Canberra to Melbourne by bus, train and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Melbourne → Canberra if you're planning a return trip.
Take the bus to Melbourne.
1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Take the bus to Albury then take the train to Southern Cross.
Multiple operators
1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
There are several options for getting from Canberra to Melbourne by bus, train and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus and then take the train which costs around A$79 ($53) and will take around 7h 55m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 6h 50m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately A$88 ($59).
The distance between Canberra and Melbourne is around 642km (399 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 464km (288 miles)
It takes around 6h 55m to get from Canberra and Melbourne by bus and train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 6h 50m to drive there.
The quickest way to get from Canberra to Melbourne is to drive which takes around 6h 50m and will set you back approx A$88 ($59).
The cheapest way to travel between Canberra and Melbourne, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus and then take the train which will typically cost around A$79 ($53) for a standard one-way ticket.
There is no train service that runs between Canberra and Melbourne. We recommend that you drive to Melbourne. instead which will take 6h 50m.
Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Canberra and Melbourne. It typically takes around 8hrs and departs once daily.
Yes there is a direct bus service that runs between Canberra and Melbourne with no changeovers required. The bus runs once daily and takes 8hrs.
Greyhound Australia and V-Line run regular bus services between Canberra and Melbourne. Buses run once daily and take around 8hrs on average but will vary depending on you book with.
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Canberra to Melbourne. We recommend that you take the bus to Albury then take the train to Southern Cross. instead which will take 6h 55m.
The closest major airport to Melbourne is Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) (MEL) which is approximately 19km (12 miles) from Melbourne. Avalon Airport (AVV) (AVV) and King Island Airport (KNS) (KNS) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.
Yes it is possible to drive from Canberra and Melbourne. The distance is around 654km (406 miles) by road and it will take around 6h 50m in normal traffic conditons.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Canberra to Melbourne is to take the bus and then take the train which takes, on average, 6h 55m and will usually cost around A$105 ($69).
Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bus + 1 similar | 8hrs | A$120($80) | once daily | 652km (405 miles) |
Bus via Wodonga Station | 8h 20m | A$95($65) | 5 times a week | 676km (420 miles) |
Bus and Train + 1 similar | 6h 55m | A$105($69) | once daily | 642km (399 miles) |
Bus to Junee Station, Coach Stop, Train | 7h 55m | A$79($53) | once daily | 683km (424 miles) |
Drive | 6h 50m | A$88($59) | on demand | 654km (406 miles) |
Regional Express
Virgin Australia
Qantas
XPT
V-Line
NSW TrainLink
The following major airports near Melbourne offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Australia and internationally.