How to Get to Sydney from Melbourne? 4 Ways Explained
Plan to visit Sydney from Melbourne? This article provides a detailed list for 4 methods including flight, train, bus, and our tailared road trip to Sydney! Read this article and get all of the information.
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How to Get to Sydney from Melbourne? 4 Ways Compared
Sydney Opera House, Sydney Australia Via Unsplash (by April Pethybridge)
Transport Mode | Travel Time | Estimated Cost (AUD) | Best For... |
~1.5 hours | $70 – $250+ | Efficiency. The fastest and most convenient option for most travelers. | |
9 hours (Direct) 3–5 days (Coastal) | $150 – $300+ (Fuel + Rental) | Adventure. Perfect for those who want to see coastal towns and hidden gems. | |
Train (NSW TrainLink) | ~11.5 hours | $80 – $130 | Slow Travel. Great for seeing the countryside without driving; very relaxing. |
Bus (Greyhound) | ~12–13 hours | $70 – $110 | Budget. The cheapest option, especially if you book a night bus to save on accommodation. |
How to Get to Sydney from Melbourne | by Flight
The Sydney Airport Experience: Tips for a Seamless Journey ...
The flight takes approximately 1.5 hours. It is time-saving, effortless, and ensures no delays to your itinerary.
Which Airport in Melbourne Is Closer to the City?
Melbourne has two main airports:
Airport | Distance to City | Travel Time |
~20 km | 20–35 min | |
Avalon Airport (AVV) | ~55 km | 45–60 min |
How to Get to Melbourne Airport from CBD?
Melbourne CBD to Airport (MEL) Transport Comparison
Mode | Duration | Cost (AUD) | Best For... |
30–45 mins | ~$24 | Solo travelers & couples. Frequent and reliable. | |
Uber / Didi | 25–40 mins | $55 – $75 | Door-to-door convenience. Shared cost for 2-3 people. |
Public Transport | 60–90 mins | $5.70 | Budget travelers. Requires a Myki card and transfer. |
25–40 mins | $90+ | Families or large groups. Stress-free with a driver meet-up. |
How to Get to Sydney Central from Sydney Airport?
Sydney Airport to Central Station Transport Comparison
Mode | Duration | Cost (AUD) | Best For... |
Airport Link (Train) | ~13 mins | ~$19 – $23 | Speed & Reliability. Frequent trains, bypasses traffic. |
Rideshare (Uber/Didi) | 20–30 mins | $35 – $55 | Value. Usually cheaper than taxis (except during surges). |
Shuttle Bus (hotel with shuttle bus service in Sydney) | 30–50 mins | ~$22 – $30 | Door-to-door (solo). Good for hotel drop-offs without transfers. |
Public Bus + Train | 45–60 mins | ~$4 – $6 | Budget. No "Airport Gate Pass" fee. Requires 1 transfer. |
25–40 mins | $90+ | Families or large groups. Stress-free with a driver meet-up. |
BigBus Sydney and Bondi Beach Double-Decker Sightseeing Bus 24/48-Hour Pass
5/5
1 reviewsIf you go to Sydney, you must recommend the big bus You can see all the tourist attractions at once, and you can hear the explanation of the tourist attractions in Korean, so everything is a perfect bus.
BIG BUS Sydney hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus
4.6/5
4 reviewsThis is my third country to get this service. First in NYC & second in SIN. Less busses going around so better to plan where and when to hop on and hop off as there could be around 10-30 minutes wait for the next bus. Best to use the app with it, super helpful! Only thing I did not like is that during stops, some on site staff would say the bus would leave in "5 minutes" but does not leave as mentioned. Still a recommended no brainer way to explore the city!
![1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise Ticket for Sydney Harbor, Australia [Departing from Circular Quay]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0353812000jipjzlc0506_C_750_480.jpg)
1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise Ticket for Sydney Harbor, Australia [Departing from Circular Quay]
4.5/5
1 reviewsThe trip was a great way to see the sights in an hour, excellent photo opportunities for the Opera House and Harbour bridge. Plenty of outdoor and indoor seating depending on your preference, snacks and drinks available on board too. The commentary was pretty funny!
Sydney Blue Mountains National Park 1-hour sightseeing bus tour (Boomerang Pass)
4/5
1 reviewsA fantastic experience.
How to Get to Sydney from Melbourne | Road Trip
This allows you to appreciate the scenery along the way. Sometimes, the unexpected landscapes you encounter are a hundred times more breathtaking than the actual tourist attractions.
Classic Route from Melbourne to Sydney: Melbourne → Wilsons Promontory National Park → Lakes Entrance → Merimbula → Narooma → Batemans Bay → Jervis Bay → Kiama → Wollongong → Sea Cliff Bridge → Royal National Park (South of Sydney) → Sydney.
This route passes through many scenic spots between Melbourne and Sydney. We recommend allocating 5 days for this trip to enjoy a "slow life" while sightseeing. If you are in a rush, this is not recommended, and it is best not to travel this route alone.
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How to Get to Sydney from Melbourne | By Train
A stunning view of Sydney's skyline against a blue sky and waters. Via Pexels (by Yolanda Chintanu)
Taking a modern high-speed train is one of the best ways to travel from Melbourne to Sydney. Designed to offer a pleasant and relaxing journey, these intercity trains provide different classes of service to suit your needs. With a travel time of approximately 11 to 13 hours and up to two departures daily, the schedule offers flexibility for various travel plans.
The trains are equipped with premium facilities to serve you throughout the trip. Carriages are bright and spacious, featuring comfortable seating with ample legroom and dedicated luggage areas. Large panoramic windows offer the perfect vantage point to admire the spectacular Australian countryside along the way. Furthermore, with stations located in the heart of the city and well-connected to public transport, the train is a highly convenient choice for your journey.
Transport Overview
- Operator: NSW TrainLink (XPT Service)
- Departure Station: Southern Cross Station (Melbourne)
- Arrival Station: Central Station (Sydney)
- Duration: Approximately 11 – 13 hours
- Frequency: Multiple daily departures (Day and Night services)
- Classes: Economy and First Class (Sleeper cabins available on night service)
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Book Your Tickets: Visit the official NSW TrainLink website to check schedules and reserve your seat in advance.
2. Departure: Head to Southern Cross Station in Melbourne. Locate the NSW TrainLink platforms (usually clearly signposted near the regional coach terminal).
3. The Journey:
- Choose between Economy or First Class based on your preference.
- Relax in comfortable seats and enjoy the sweeping views of the Australian rural landscape through panoramic windows.
- On-board cafe facilities are usually available for snacks and light meals.
4. Arrival: You will arrive at Sydney Central Station, the city's primary transport hub. From here, you can easily transfer to the Sydney Metro, light rail, buses, or ferries to reach your final destination.
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18157 booked
How to Get to Sydney from Melbourne | By Bus
Greyhound Australia WHIMit Pass - Sailing Whitsundays
If you are looking for the most budget-friendly way to travel between Australia's two largest cities, taking a long-distance coach is the way to go. It’s particularly popular for backpackers and solo travelers who want to save on accommodation by traveling overnight.
Melbourne to Sydney by Bus: Overview
Feature | Details |
Primary Operator | Greyhound Australia (Most reliable & frequent) |
Duration | 12 – 13.5 hours |
Estimated Cost | $70 – $120 AUD (Cheaper if booked in advance) |
Departure Point | Southern Cross Station (Melbourne CBD) |
Arrival Point | Central Station (Sydney CBD) |
Why Choose the Bus?
- Ultimate Savings: It is consistently the cheapest travel option, especially during peak seasons when flight prices skyrocket.
- The "Night Bus" Hack: By taking the overnight service (departing around 7:00 PM and arriving at 7:00 AM), you save the cost of one night's hotel stay.
- Modern Amenities: Most Greyhound coaches are equipped with free Wi-Fi, USB charging ports at every seat, reclining leather chairs, and an on-board restroom.
- Flexible Stops: Unlike the train, buses often make short stops at regional hubs like Albury or Canberra, allowing you to stretch your legs and grab a quick snack.
How to Book and Ride
- Book Online: Visit the Greyhound Australia website. Use the "Early Bird" fares for the best deals.
- Check-in: Arrive at the Southern Cross Coach Terminal at least 20 minutes before departure. You will need to show your digital ticket and ID.
- Luggage: You are typically allowed one large suitcase (up to 20kg) in the under-bus compartment and one small carry-on bag.
- The Journey: The bus follows the Hume Highway. While it’s a long ride, the seats are designed for long-haul comfort.
Sydney Hotel Recommendation
Sydney Hotels
5 star
Very Good107 Reviews
Sydney|0.25km from downtown
The hotel is old and the equipment is average. The location is very good, just by the pier. It is very convenient to eat nearby. The restaurant on the first floor of the hotel is also OK. We didn't go out to eat one day in heavy rain. We tried it and felt it was not bad. Parking is charged. There is also a Japanese restaurant nearby. It is good to try.From€ 117
Great104 Reviews
Sydney|0.15km from downtown
Facilities: Very good
Hygienic: clean and tidy
Environment: Too satisfied 👍, the bed is very comfortable, watching the sea, so beautiful!
Service: Very good, the handsome guy at the front desk forgot to ask the name, very thoughtful and careful! I originally booked for two nights, and stayed for 3 nights decisively. The hotel is very close to the violin 🎻 square, more than 10 minutes along the seaside boardwalk.From€ 139
102 Reviews
Sydney|0.64km from downtown
not badFrom€ 84
40 Reviews
Sydney|0.13km from downtown
The location is close to the cruise terminal, one kilometer away from the ship station at the lobster market port, and the supermarket and department store banks are very close. The service attitude is as warm and thoughtful as the family.From€ 74
120 Reviews
Sydney|1.77km from downtown
My experience at the travel Lodge was fantastic the room was big everything I needed was there my original booking was a day later then it should of been but when I arrived the lady at the desk was there to help and got me all fixed up. I highly recommend this hotel the service is excellent the breakfast is fantastic whatever you need is there or at the desk a small shop to pick things up to get you by. I'd say though some spots in the rooms are lacking some matnience however I really enjoyed my stay and I hope to go back again soon.From€ 116
Business travel
104 Reviews
Sydney|1.93km from downtown
The room is on the first floor, it feels a bit depressing, but the service of the hotel is very good. It's okay for girls to be accompanied by male friends, but if there are two girls, you should be more cautious, it doesn't feel very practicalVery Good105 Reviews
Sydney|1.41km from downtown
Facilities: Parking is convenient and free
Service: The service is very good, the deposit is much faster than other hotels
Environment: Sydney town, good location, behind the hotel is a port, no time to stay more, come back next time ～～From€ 133
Very Good110 Reviews
Sydney|1.66km from downtown
Location: In fact, in a palm-sized place like Sydney, location is not very important. Is the museum next to Mick Mac Aboriginal a plus?
Cleanliness: 100 points
Service: 99 points, generally good, but one point is deducted when breakfast only has eggs as a source of protein. I asked the service staff, there is no meat, ham, meat, none at all.
Facilities: It looks clean, but the swimming pool is too crowded and the gym is a bit small.
Probably the best hotel in Sydney. Overall it exceeded my expectations.From€ 135
Great5 Reviews
Sydney|2.28km from downtown
Centrally located to the Regional hospital, Sydney River shopping center and to the waterfront.Few minutes to Cabot Trail, you can stay for a night and head down to Cabot Trail.20 minutes to Ski Ben Eion.In the summer time , it is closer to Mira beach, Kennington Cove and Dominion beach.You can bring your pet.About pets:Pets allowed: limit 1 total.About children:Children allowed: ages 0-17.About smoking:Smoking is not permitted.About events:No events allowed.Very Good107 Reviews
Sydney|0.25km from downtown
The hotel is old and the equipment is average. The location is very good, just by the pier. It is very convenient to eat nearby. The restaurant on the first floor of the hotel is also OK. We didn't go out to eat one day in heavy rain. We tried it and felt it was not bad. Parking is charged. There is also a Japanese restaurant nearby. It is good to try.From€ 117
Family friendly
Great104 Reviews
Sydney|0.15km from downtown
Facilities: Very good
Hygienic: clean and tidy
Environment: Too satisfied 👍, the bed is very comfortable, watching the sea, so beautiful!
Service: Very good, the handsome guy at the front desk forgot to ask the name, very thoughtful and careful! I originally booked for two nights, and stayed for 3 nights decisively. The hotel is very close to the violin 🎻 square, more than 10 minutes along the seaside boardwalk.From€ 139
104 Reviews
Sydney|1.93km from downtown
The room is on the first floor, it feels a bit depressing, but the service of the hotel is very good. It's okay for girls to be accompanied by male friends, but if there are two girls, you should be more cautious, it doesn't feel very practicalVery Good107 Reviews
Sydney|0.25km from downtown
The hotel is old and the equipment is average. The location is very good, just by the pier. It is very convenient to eat nearby. The restaurant on the first floor of the hotel is also OK. We didn't go out to eat one day in heavy rain. We tried it and felt it was not bad. Parking is charged. There is also a Japanese restaurant nearby. It is good to try.From€ 117
120 Reviews
Sydney|1.77km from downtown
My experience at the travel Lodge was fantastic the room was big everything I needed was there my original booking was a day later then it should of been but when I arrived the lady at the desk was there to help and got me all fixed up. I highly recommend this hotel the service is excellent the breakfast is fantastic whatever you need is there or at the desk a small shop to pick things up to get you by. I'd say though some spots in the rooms are lacking some matnience however I really enjoyed my stay and I hope to go back again soon.From€ 116
Very Good105 Reviews
Sydney|1.41km from downtown
Facilities: Parking is convenient and free
Service: The service is very good, the deposit is much faster than other hotels
Environment: Sydney town, good location, behind the hotel is a port, no time to stay more, come back next time ～～From€ 133
Hot spring
104 Reviews
Sydney|1.93km from downtown
The room is on the first floor, it feels a bit depressing, but the service of the hotel is very good. It's okay for girls to be accompanied by male friends, but if there are two girls, you should be more cautious, it doesn't feel very practicalVery Good107 Reviews
Sydney|0.25km from downtown
The hotel is old and the equipment is average. The location is very good, just by the pier. It is very convenient to eat nearby. The restaurant on the first floor of the hotel is also OK. We didn't go out to eat one day in heavy rain. We tried it and felt it was not bad. Parking is charged. There is also a Japanese restaurant nearby. It is good to try.From€ 117
120 Reviews
Sydney|1.77km from downtown
My experience at the travel Lodge was fantastic the room was big everything I needed was there my original booking was a day later then it should of been but when I arrived the lady at the desk was there to help and got me all fixed up. I highly recommend this hotel the service is excellent the breakfast is fantastic whatever you need is there or at the desk a small shop to pick things up to get you by. I'd say though some spots in the rooms are lacking some matnience however I really enjoyed my stay and I hope to go back again soon.From€ 116
Great104 Reviews
Sydney|0.15km from downtown
Facilities: Very good
Hygienic: clean and tidy
Environment: Too satisfied 👍, the bed is very comfortable, watching the sea, so beautiful!
Service: Very good, the handsome guy at the front desk forgot to ask the name, very thoughtful and careful! I originally booked for two nights, and stayed for 3 nights decisively. The hotel is very close to the violin 🎻 square, more than 10 minutes along the seaside boardwalk.From€ 139
Very Good105 Reviews
Sydney|1.41km from downtown
Facilities: Parking is convenient and free
Service: The service is very good, the deposit is much faster than other hotels
Environment: Sydney town, good location, behind the hotel is a port, no time to stay more, come back next time ～～From€ 133
Gym
Very Good107 Reviews
Sydney|0.25km from downtown
The hotel is old and the equipment is average. The location is very good, just by the pier. It is very convenient to eat nearby. The restaurant on the first floor of the hotel is also OK. We didn't go out to eat one day in heavy rain. We tried it and felt it was not bad. Parking is charged. There is also a Japanese restaurant nearby. It is good to try.From€ 117
120 Reviews
Sydney|1.77km from downtown
My experience at the travel Lodge was fantastic the room was big everything I needed was there my original booking was a day later then it should of been but when I arrived the lady at the desk was there to help and got me all fixed up. I highly recommend this hotel the service is excellent the breakfast is fantastic whatever you need is there or at the desk a small shop to pick things up to get you by. I'd say though some spots in the rooms are lacking some matnience however I really enjoyed my stay and I hope to go back again soon.From€ 116
Great104 Reviews
Sydney|0.15km from downtown
Facilities: Very good
Hygienic: clean and tidy
Environment: Too satisfied 👍, the bed is very comfortable, watching the sea, so beautiful!
Service: Very good, the handsome guy at the front desk forgot to ask the name, very thoughtful and careful! I originally booked for two nights, and stayed for 3 nights decisively. The hotel is very close to the violin 🎻 square, more than 10 minutes along the seaside boardwalk.From€ 139
Very Good110 Reviews
Sydney|1.66km from downtown
Location: In fact, in a palm-sized place like Sydney, location is not very important. Is the museum next to Mick Mac Aboriginal a plus?
Cleanliness: 100 points
Service: 99 points, generally good, but one point is deducted when breakfast only has eggs as a source of protein. I asked the service staff, there is no meat, ham, meat, none at all.
Facilities: It looks clean, but the swimming pool is too crowded and the gym is a bit small.
Probably the best hotel in Sydney. Overall it exceeded my expectations.From€ 135
104 Reviews
Sydney|1.93km from downtown
The room is on the first floor, it feels a bit depressing, but the service of the hotel is very good. It's okay for girls to be accompanied by male friends, but if there are two girls, you should be more cautious, it doesn't feel very practicalSwimming pool
Great104 Reviews
Sydney|0.15km from downtown
Facilities: Very good
Hygienic: clean and tidy
Environment: Too satisfied 👍, the bed is very comfortable, watching the sea, so beautiful!
Service: Very good, the handsome guy at the front desk forgot to ask the name, very thoughtful and careful! I originally booked for two nights, and stayed for 3 nights decisively. The hotel is very close to the violin 🎻 square, more than 10 minutes along the seaside boardwalk.From€ 139
104 Reviews
Sydney|1.93km from downtown
The room is on the first floor, it feels a bit depressing, but the service of the hotel is very good. It's okay for girls to be accompanied by male friends, but if there are two girls, you should be more cautious, it doesn't feel very practicalVery Good107 Reviews
Sydney|0.25km from downtown
The hotel is old and the equipment is average. The location is very good, just by the pier. It is very convenient to eat nearby. The restaurant on the first floor of the hotel is also OK. We didn't go out to eat one day in heavy rain. We tried it and felt it was not bad. Parking is charged. There is also a Japanese restaurant nearby. It is good to try.From€ 117
120 Reviews
Sydney|1.77km from downtown
My experience at the travel Lodge was fantastic the room was big everything I needed was there my original booking was a day later then it should of been but when I arrived the lady at the desk was there to help and got me all fixed up. I highly recommend this hotel the service is excellent the breakfast is fantastic whatever you need is there or at the desk a small shop to pick things up to get you by. I'd say though some spots in the rooms are lacking some matnience however I really enjoyed my stay and I hope to go back again soon.From€ 116
Very Good105 Reviews
Sydney|1.41km from downtown
Facilities: Parking is convenient and free
Service: The service is very good, the deposit is much faster than other hotels
Environment: Sydney town, good location, behind the hotel is a port, no time to stay more, come back next time ～～From€ 133
Breakfast
104 Reviews
Sydney|1.93km from downtown
The room is on the first floor, it feels a bit depressing, but the service of the hotel is very good. It's okay for girls to be accompanied by male friends, but if there are two girls, you should be more cautious, it doesn't feel very practicalVery Good107 Reviews
Sydney|0.25km from downtown
The hotel is old and the equipment is average. The location is very good, just by the pier. It is very convenient to eat nearby. The restaurant on the first floor of the hotel is also OK. We didn't go out to eat one day in heavy rain. We tried it and felt it was not bad. Parking is charged. There is also a Japanese restaurant nearby. It is good to try.From€ 117
120 Reviews
Sydney|1.77km from downtown
My experience at the travel Lodge was fantastic the room was big everything I needed was there my original booking was a day later then it should of been but when I arrived the lady at the desk was there to help and got me all fixed up. I highly recommend this hotel the service is excellent the breakfast is fantastic whatever you need is there or at the desk a small shop to pick things up to get you by. I'd say though some spots in the rooms are lacking some matnience however I really enjoyed my stay and I hope to go back again soon.From€ 116
Great104 Reviews
Sydney|0.15km from downtown
Facilities: Very good
Hygienic: clean and tidy
Environment: Too satisfied 👍, the bed is very comfortable, watching the sea, so beautiful!
Service: Very good, the handsome guy at the front desk forgot to ask the name, very thoughtful and careful! I originally booked for two nights, and stayed for 3 nights decisively. The hotel is very close to the violin 🎻 square, more than 10 minutes along the seaside boardwalk.From€ 139
Very Good105 Reviews
Sydney|1.41km from downtown
Facilities: Parking is convenient and free
Service: The service is very good, the deposit is much faster than other hotels
Environment: Sydney town, good location, behind the hotel is a port, no time to stay more, come back next time ～～From€ 133
FAQs about Melbourne to Sydney
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How far is Melbourne to Sydney by plane?
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Is it cheaper to fly or drive from Melbourne to Sydney?
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Is a Melbourne to Sydney road trip worth it?
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