Sydney
Sydney
Melbourne
Melbourne
Flight Driving

Sydney to Melbourne

Updated: 29 May 2026

Melbourne is the capital of Victoria, located 880 kilometers from Sydney. The most efficient way to travel is by flight, which takes about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive via the Hume Highway, which takes about 9-10 hours. This is one of the most popular travel routes in Australia.

Total Distance: 880 km driving distance, 710 km straight-line air distance.
Fastest Way
Flight from Sydney Airport.
Cheapest Way
Flight with a budget airline.
Compare Sydney to Melbourne Routes
Flight
Direct
Driving
Direct
Duration 1 hr 30 mins 9 hrs
Avg Price 100-300 AUD 150-250 AUD fuel
Operator Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar Private Vehicle
Route Sydney Airport to Melbourne Airport. Hume Highway (M31).
Tip Flights are the most convenient method. The drive is long; plan for overnight stops.
Travel Tips
  • Driving
    The drive is long; plan for overnight stops.
  • Flight
    Book flights in advance for better prices.
  • Weather
    Melbourne weather is known for being unpredictable.
  • Parking
    Parking in Melbourne is expensive; use public transport.
  • Walking
    Melbourne CBD is very pedestrian-friendly.
Safety Tips
  • Road Safety
    Follow speed limits on the highways.
  • Vehicle Security
    Always lock your car in public parking.
  • Emergency
    Melbourne hospitals are nearby for medical needs.
  • Fatigue
    Take regular breaks to avoid driver fatigue.
People Also Ask
  • Is Melbourne far from Sydney?
    It is about 880 kilometers.
  • Are there flights?
    Yes, from Sydney Airport.
  • Is the drive safe?
    Yes, but it is long and requires caution.
  • What is there to do?
    Sports, gardens, and cultural hubs.
  • How long does it take?
    About 9 hours by car or 1.5 hours by flight.
Quick Info
  • From Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
  • To Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
  • Modes
Best Time to Travel

Any time of year, but spring and autumn are pleasant.

Things to Do in Melbourne
1
Federation Square
A major cultural hub in the heart of Melbourne.
2
Royal Botanic Gardens
A beautiful garden perfect for a short walk.
3
Melbourne Cricket Ground
A world-famous stadium for sports.
4
Dining
Enjoy a wide variety of international cuisines.
Tags
Sydney to Melbourne flying to Melbourne driving to Melbourne Hume Highway Melbourne travel Sydney to Melbourne flight interstate travel Australia travel
More from Sydney
Sydney
Engadine → Sydney
Sutherland
Engadine → Sutherland
Miranda
Engadine → Miranda
Cronulla
Engadine → Cronulla
Wollongong
Engadine → Wollongong
Parramatta
Engadine → Parramatta
Liverpool
Engadine → Liverpool
Campbelltown
Engadine → Campbelltown
Penrith
Engadine → Penrith
Blacktown
Engadine → Blacktown
More to Melbourne
Humpty Doo
Humpty Doo → Melbourne
Howard Springs
Howard Springs → Melbourne
Palmerston
Palmerston → Melbourne
Coolalinga
Coolalinga → Melbourne
Noonamah
Noonamah → Melbourne
More to Sydney
Sutherland
Sutherland → Engadine
Kirrawee
Kirrawee → Engadine
Gymea
Gymea → Engadine
Cronulla
Cronulla → Engadine
Jannali
Jannali → Engadine