How to travel from Melbourne to Sydney, Australia

The distance between Melbourne and Sydney is around 860km (534 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 8h 60m.

4 routes found

We've found 4 different ways to get from Melbourne to Sydney by train, bus and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out SydneyMelbourne if you're planning a return trip.

💰 Cheapest
1
bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to Liverpool.

  • Duration11hrs
  • Departs4 times a week
  • Typical cost
    A$80($54)
Operated by

Firefly Express

1 similiar route

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

2
train
+

Train

Take the train to Central Station.

  • Duration11h 10m
  • Departstwice daily
  • Typical cost
    A$95($65)
Operated by

XPT

🚀 Fastest
3
car
+

Drive

Drive to Sydney.

  • Duration8h 60m
  • Distance860km (534 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Melbourne and Sydney

There are several options for getting from Melbourne to Sydney by train, bus and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around A$80 ($54) and will take around 11hrs. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 8h 60m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately A$115 ($77).

The distance between Melbourne and Sydney is around 860km (534 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 703km (437 miles)

It takes around 11h 10m to get from Melbourne and Sydney by train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 8h 60m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Melbourne to Sydney is to drive which takes around 8h 60m and will set you back approx A$115 ($77).

The cheapest way to travel between Melbourne and Sydney, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around A$80 ($54) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Melbourne and Sydney. It typically takes around 11h 10m and departs once daily.

Yes there is a direct train service that runs between Melbourne and Sydney with no changeovers required. The train runs once daily and takes 11h 10m.

XPT run train services between Melbourne and Sydney. Trains depart once daily and will take around 11h 10m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Melbourne and Sydney. It typically takes around 11hrs and departs 4 times a week.

Yes there is a direct bus service that runs between Melbourne and Sydney with no changeovers required. The bus runs once daily and takes 12hrs.

Firefly Express and Greyhound Australia run regular bus services between Melbourne and Sydney. Buses run 4 times a week and take around 11hrs on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Melbourne to Sydney. We recommend that you take the train to Central Station. instead which will take 11h 10m.

The closest major airport to Sydney is Sydney Airport (SYD) (SYD) which is approximately 28km (17 miles) from Sydney. Newcastle Airport (NTL) (NTL) and Orange Airport (OAG) (OAG) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Melbourne and Sydney. The distance is around 860km (534 miles) by road and it will take around 8h 60m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Melbourne to Sydney is to take the train which takes, on average, 11h 10m and will usually cost around A$95 ($65).

How do I get from Melbourne to Sydney

Compare travel optionsbetween Melbourne and Sydney

Transport options from Melbourne to Sydney
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Bus + 1 similar
11hrs
A$80($54)
4 times a week863km (536 miles)
Bus to Sydney12hrs
A$165($110)
once daily934km (580 miles)
Train
11h 10m
A$95($65)
twice daily938km (583 miles)
Drive
8h 60m
A$115($77)
on demand860km (534 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Melbourne and Sydney

Airlines

Train operators

Bus companies

Airports near Sydney

The following major airports near Sydney offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Australia and internationally.

SYD
Sydney Airport (SYD)
International Airport
Distance
28km (17 miles) from Sydney
NTL
Newcastle Airport (NTL)
Domestic Airport
Distance
135km (84 miles) from Sydney
OAG
Orange Airport (OAG)
Domestic Airport
Distance
175km (109 miles) from Sydney