How to Get From Sydney to Melbourne? 4 Ways Explained

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Sydney to Melbourne
Travelling directly between Australia's two largest and most popular cities, Sydney and Melbourne? There are several different ways you can go about it, from booking a direct flight between the two cities to planning an epic road trip along the coast. In this article, we'll look at all of the different methods of moving between the two cities, how much it costs, and all the logistical information you need for your journey.

Sydney to Melbourne: How to Get There? 4 Ways Compared

Transport Mode

Travel Time

Estimated Cost (AUD)

Best For

Plane

~1.5 hours

$70 – $250+

Speed. The fastest and easiest option for most travellers.

Train

~11 hours

$80 – $130

Slow travel. The countryside without the driving, and no need to watch the road.

Bus 

~12–13 hours

$70 – $135

Budget. The cheapest option, and an overnight service saves a night's accommodation.

Road Trip

9 hours direct (Hume) / 3–5 days (coastal)

$200 – $300+ (fuel + car hire)

Adventure. For anyone who wants to explore Australia’s coastal towns and beaches.

For most people, the easiest way to get to Melbourne from Sydney is to fly. It’s fast, and surprisingly good value once you’ve considered losing a day to travel on the road or rails. But life is meant to be lived, and a road trip from Sydney to Melbourne is the one I’d argue hardest for if you’ve got some extra time to play with, as you’ll discover plenty of beautiful spots along the way. 

Sydney to Melbourne: How to Get There? 4 Ways Compared

Flying from Sydney to Melbourne: The Fastest Way

How to Get to Melbourne from Sydney by Flight

The flight from Sydney to Melbourne takes about 1 hour 35 minutes. This is actually one of the busiest routes in the world, with about 60 or so departures a day to choose from, so you can leave when you like. 

All flights from Sydney will depart from either Terminal 2 or Terminal 3 at Sydney Airport. 

Which Airport in Melbourne Is Closer to the City?

For your arrival into Melbourne, there are actually two different airports: Melbourne Airport at Tullamarine (MEL) and Avalon Airport (AVV). 

Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine - MEL) is the one you want. It's about 20 km from the centre and handles most flights. Avalon looks cheaper on paper, but it's 55 km out, so a bargain fare into AVV can lose its shine once you're paying to get into town.

How to Get to Sydney Airport from the City Centre?

Getting out to the Sydney Airport from the city centre is easy; unlike Melbourne, there's a train straight to the terminals.

Mode

Duration

Cost (AUD)

Best For

Airport Link (train)

~13 min

~$19 – $23

Speed. Runs from Central, bypasses traffic.

Rideshare (Uber/Didi)

20–30 min

$35 – $55

Door to door. Splits well for 3 to 4 people.

Taxi

20–30 min

$45 – $60

Convenience, no app needed.

Public bus + train

45–60 min

~$4 – $6

Budget. Avoids the airport station access fee, although there you'll have to transfer.

How to Get to Melbourne City Centre from the Airport?

The best option from getting to the city centre from Melbourne Airport is the SkyBus. Melbourne, unfortunately, still doesn’t have a train to the airport.

Melbourne Airport (MEL) SkyBus Express Ticket
Melbourne Airport (MEL) SkyBus Express Ticket
4.8/5
93 reviews
After leaving the airport, you can walk to the bus into the city. It's not hard to find, but it's a good idea to buy your ticket online beforehand. Just scan the QR code with the staff before boarding the bus.
Melbourne SkyBus City Express Airport Transfer
Melbourne SkyBus City Express Airport Transfer
4.8/5
186 reviews
It's very convenient, I'll definitely book again next time. I love booking through this platform, it's super convenient. It's a pity the tickets only have a one-month validity period, which is a bit short, but they're still pretty good and a little cheaper than buying them on-site.

Mode

Duration

Cost (AUD)

Best For

SkyBus

30–45 min

~$24

Solo travellers and couples. Frequent and reliable.

Uber / Didi

25–40 min

$55 – $75

Door to door. Splits well for 2–3 people.

Public transport

60–90 min

~$5.70

Budget option, but you’ll need a Myki card and to transfer.

Private transfer

25–40 min

$90+

Families or groups. A driver meets you, no fuss.

How to Get to Melbourne CBD from the Airport

How to Get to Melbourne from Sydney | Road Trip

There are two different routes you can take in the car from Sydney to Melbourne, each wildly different from one another.

Sydney to Melbourne on the Hume Highway

The quickest way from Sydney to Melbourne is to drive straight down the Hume Highway (M31), which is 878km long and roughly a 9-hour drive. I’ve done the drive many times (starting from my home in Canberra), and as far as long drives go in Australia, it’s nice and easy, with plenty of rest stops and service stations along the route for a break. And while there are some nice stretches, it’s not a route that will win a beauty contest. 

I’ve always done it in one day, although that's coming to and from Canberra. My sister with her kids driving from Melbourne split the drive up with an overnight stay at Albury-Wodonga, a sensible option on the border between NSW and Victoria. I als

Sydney to Melbourne Coastal Drive

The other option is to drive along the east coast, which feels like a completely different world altogether. The Princes Highway (A1) and the Grand Pacific Drive run about 1,040 km down the New South Wales south coast and into Victoria. It's single lane each way for much of it, so not nearly as fast as driving along the Hume. But that’s the point, as you’ll probably want to stop at a few places along the way to explore. You could easily fill three to five days along this route, exploring a stunning stretch of Australian coast. 

How to Get to Melbourne from Sydney by Road Trip

Heading south out of Sydney, your potential road trip could look something like this: 

Sydney → Royal National Park → Sea Cliff Bridge (Grand Pacific Drive) → Wollongong → Kiama → Jervis Bay → Batemans Bay → Narooma → Merimbula & Eden (Sapphire Coast) → cross into Victoria → Lakes Entrance → Wilsons Promontory → Melbourne.

Five days is the sweet spot if you want the beaches and the odd national park without spending the whole time behind the wheel. 

I did a section of the drive from Sydney to Batemans Bay a few years ago with a friend visiting from overseas, and we both loved it. Jervis Bay was a highlight, as was Kiama for its blowhole. I’ve also made plenty of stops at Lakes Entrance before, a nice little town to spend a night on the coast.

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How to Get to Melbourne from Sydney by Train

Taking the train from Sydney to Melbourne is a comfortable experience, but not a high-speed journey by any means. It runs from Sydney's Central Station to Southern Cross in Melbourne in around 11 hours on average, twice a day, on a day service and an overnight one.

You get Economy and First Class seating, a buffet car, and sleeper cabins on the night train. The overnight service is the smart pick if you'd rather not lose a day, and it saves you a night's accommodation in either Sydney or Melbourne.

Australians are less than enthusiastic about their rail system, especially when compared to the high-speed options available in Europe and Asia. But as a visitor, it’s a nice choice if you want to watch the rural scenery unfold outside the window without the pressure of driving yourself. In my opinion, it’s also the best option if you want to get a sense of the scale of Australia.

How to Get to Melbourne from Sydney by Train

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How to Get to Melbourne from Sydney by Bus

How to Get to Melbourne from Sydney by bus

If you're travelling Australia on a budget, getting the bus from Sydney to Melbourne is the way to go. It’s a favourite with backpackers who just want to move between cities and anyone happy to travel overnight to skip a hotel bill.

Sydney to Melbourne by Bus: Overview

Feature

Details

Primary operator

Greyhound Australia (Firefly Express and FlixBus also run the route)

Duration

12 to 13.5 hours

Estimated cost

$70 to $135 AUD (cheaper booked in advance)

Departure point

Central Station coach terminal (Sydney CBD)

Arrival point

Southern Cross Station (Melbourne CBD)

Why Choose the Bus?

  • It’s the cheapest option. Catching the bus is consistently the lowest fare, unless you get a really good deal on a flight. But even then, you’ll have to factor in the cost of travelling to and from the airports. 
  • You can save money on a hotel. There are buses that make the journey overnight. I’ve taken one, and found that I slept pretty well thanks to the comfortable seats designed for long-haul travel. 
  • Decent amenities. The buses nowadays will have Wi-Fi, USB charging at the seat, reclining seats and an onboard toilet.
  • Leg stretches. Buses stop at regional hubs like Albury or Canberra, so you're not stuck in the seat the whole way. Always nice to be able to hop out, grab a drink, and stretch your legs before continuing.

Melbourne Hotels

5 star

8.9/10Very Good321 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.59km from downtown
The hotel's location is excellent. Being in the free zone, there are different tram lines passing by both in front and behind the hotel, making it incredibly convenient to get anywhere. 👍 Although the hotel is quite old, the facilities are well-maintained, 👍 clean and hygienic. 👍 The rooms are also very bright and spacious. To my surprise, when I first entered the room, there was a welcome message on the TV screen! 🤗 What I appreciated most was the large round table, where the whole family could sit together and eat. 👏👏👏 However, there were only two dining chairs, plus the computer chair, so we were still short one chair. On our first day, we tried calling housekeeping for a long time, but no one answered. We then called the front desk, who said they would follow up, but nothing came of it. On the third day, because we needed more toilet paper, we called the front desk again. A staff member brought the tissue, and we also mentioned that we needed an extra dining chair. That staff member called someone who seemed to be from the engineering department. He checked the style of the existing chairs and then brought over a chair of the same style. 🙏 It turns out they had to match the style! 😅 One thing to note is that even though the bathroom has a wet/dry separation, water easily splashes out of the bathtub when showering, getting the floor wet. I highly recommend the steakhouse downstairs, 7 Alfred – it's absolutely delicious! 😋
FromTRY 7,069
9.2/10Great522 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.59km from downtown
Exceeded expectations! First off, the hotel's location is unbeatable. It's walking distance to the shopping district and Chinatown, and the amazing croissant shop Lune is right across the street. The room view was also fantastic, with an incredible night view – perfect for photos. The staff were all very warm and attentive. I'll definitely choose Grand Hyatt Melbourne again on my next visit.
FromTRY 9,381
9.1/10Great249 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.62km from downtown
First, the cons: stayed three nights, and there was no housekeeping – trash wasn't even taken out. The bed was very soft, and the pillows were high and hard. The air conditioning was also very noisy. Now for the pros: it felt safe and quiet. The room was quite new. The breakfast, which was à la carte plus a small buffet, was pretty good. The gym was good!
FromTRY 7,356
9/10Great324 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.51km from downtown
W has always been my choice no matter which country. But W Melbourne is really weird in the design of the toilet. The toilet bowl has a door but the shower does not have a door. The door can be sliding close between the hall room area. But the problem is when we shower in the aircon when there’s no door, it’s super cold! They should have built a door for the shower area
FromTRY 12,711
9.1/10Great532 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.96km from downtown
The room was spacious and well-laid out. The hotel boasts an excellent location with convenient access to transportation. The guest rooms are well-maintained, and the cleanliness is meticulously handled. The staff are friendly, attentive, and responsive. The overall environment is quiet, making it suitable for a family rest. The facilities are of high quality, ensuring a comfortable stay. It's a great accommodation choice for a trip to Melbourne.
FromTRY 7,492

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Business travel

8.9/10Very Good647 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.35km from downtown
Pros: Great value for money, excellent location, no issues with cleanliness or service. Cons: Was assigned a room at the very end of the hallway, no complimentary water bottles, the TV wasn't working, the air conditioning wasn't effective, and the shower water kept fluctuating between hot and cold with insufficient water pressure.
FromTRY 4,041
8.7/10Very Good565 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.74km from downtown
Location: easy 3-6 min walk to Southern Cross station and the skybus station which made reaching the hotel from melbourne airport extremely convenient (~40 mins). It's close to many cozy and prolific cafés for breakfast/brunch, lunch. Ease of access to gift shops, electronics, and post boxes as well. Amenities: Gym is available. Laundry with washers and dryers are also available but prepare coins. Security: Staffed during the day, and the automatic doors in the main hotel entrance could only be opened with keycards at night. Good safety. Service: Hospitable staff. Had issues with my room and they were happy to assist. Room: I booked the single room. Quaint and tiny. Room's very dark and quiet at night. Great sleep. Bathroom is equipped with heat lamps and exhaust fans which made super comfortable for a winter stay. Didn't use the AC much but I tried it out just to see that it worked. Runs well even though it's a bit noisy if you're sleeping. Towels and sheets mostly clean. I noticed some stains on the bedding once but otherwise good.
FromTRY 3,051
9/10Great444 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.54km from downtown
1. The hotel's location is excellent. It's in the city center, and you can reach any attraction within a 10-15 minute walk or by taking the free light rail. 2. The rooms are well-equipped with basic amenities. Both rooms were spacious, and the beds were very comfortable. The hotel has coin-operated washing machines and dryers. In the room, there's a TV, refrigerator, microwave, kettle, and cutlery. There was plenty of space for our luggage and a stroller, even for our group of four, which included a 4-year-old child. 3. We stayed for two nights. After the first night, there was only about a third of the toilet paper left, and the cleaning staff didn't replenish it in the morning. We had to use our own tissues midway through, which was a bit inconvenient.
FromTRY 7,251
8.8/10Very Good173 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.23km from downtown
Overall, it was an enjoyable stay, room was quite spacious, bed was comfortable as well. They have a pool and spa too, though its on the smaller side, it was still great. They are renovating or fixing the elevators, so only 1 was working but it was not too bad or too long of a wait to go up or down.
FromTRY 5,665
8.8/10Very Good91 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.19km from downtown
The location of the Hotel are on a good spot, where are really close to tram. So you don’t have to walk yourself to dead. The room was cleaned. However, there are only a few things for me to point out. One issue that has been quite frustrating is the room keycard. It has made it a bit inconvenient to access the elevator.
FromTRY 4,517

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Family friendly

8.7/10Very Good441 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|1km from downtown
Extremely convenient! The train station and SkyBus are both super close downstairs. Plus, the city tram is free. The hotel is clean and hygienic, and the WiFi is really fast. Very satisfied, I'll definitely stay here again next time!!!!
FromTRY 3,459
8.8/10Very Good47 Reviews
Carlton|0.34km from downtown
We stayed at this Crowne Plaza with our little one and it was a comfortable and stress-free experience from start to finish. The room was clean and odor-free, and the soundproofing was good, so our child wasn't disturbed. The staff were friendly and patient, and they really thought about the challenges faced by families with children, paying attention to many small details. The location is excellent, making it easy to visit city attractions. With its comprehensive amenities, it's suitable for both short stays and longer visits. I genuinely recommend it to families!
FromTRY 5,279
8.9/10Very Good421 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|1.16km from downtown
The hotel's location is very convenient. We were attending an exhibition, and the convention center was just across the river, within walking distance. There's a tram stop right outside the hotel, offering free transfers to Chinatown. If your budget allows, I recommend upgrading to a river view room; the scenery is beautiful on a clear day. The hotel breakfast is quite ordinary, suited to local tastes, and didn't really satisfy my Chinese palate. Also, bottled water isn't provided in the room, but there's a water dispenser in the lobby for hot and cold water. Housekeeping wasn't very timely; we put out the 'make up room' sign in the morning, but when we returned after 5 PM, it still hadn't been cleaned. I'd highly recommend this hotel for business travelers. Finally, remember to bring your own slippers and toothbrush.
FromTRY 6,133
8/10Very Good1059 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.19km from downtown
I stayed in a double room with a friend for the first two days, and then moved to a single room by myself for the last two days. The environment and facilities were pretty good. Even when I returned very late, there was always someone at the front desk, and their service attitude was also good. The electric kettle was difficult to open; I managed it once, but couldn't get it open again after that.
FromTRY 3,671
8.8/10Very Good456 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.27km from downtown
The location was awesome, and the check-in trainee was lovely, but that was about where the positives ended. Whilst rennovation work is clearly happening in the building, the apartment block still feels old and run-down, and the quick refurbs inside the room felt cheap and poorly maintained. The room was impossible to decompress in. The shower had red and black mold, and the clear shower head meant starting every morning staring at a filthy, dirty filter. Finding a comfortable water temperature was a constant battle. The windows were filthy, and between the loud sports bar downstairs, rowdy drunks in the nearby alley, and a massive HVAC unit or exhaust system droning on a neighboring building, getting any uninterrupted sleep was out of the question. Every afternoon, an overwhelming, lingering smell like heavy restaurant exhaust filled the space, forcing me to leave the AC running 24/7 just to make the air feel bearable. Combined with the stained carpets and not feeling comfortable enough to drink the tap water with no other options provided, the whole experience just felt yuck. The fantastic location was the only saving grace, if only because it gave me a good reason to force myself out of an uncomfortable room despite being exhausted.
FromTRY 7,885

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Hot spring

8.8/10Very Good419 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.37km from downtown
Unfortunately, my experience at Novotel Melbourne Central was quite disappointing, especially considering that I had a very positive experience at Novotel Sydney, where my daughter and I were treated with great kindness and hospitality. I had an issue with the breakfast arrangement that was handled in a very uncomfortable and embarrassing way. At check-in, I specifically asked to add breakfast for the three days of our stay. I explained that I am an ALL – Accor Live Limitless member and that I had received an email stating that ALL members would receive a discount on breakfast. The receptionist confirmed the benefit and also told me that my 11-year-old daughter would not be charged. I was informed that the total cost for breakfast for the three days would be AUD 56. I paid the amount at check-in and, naturally, assumed everything had been correctly arranged. However, the following morning, when we went to breakfast, the staff member told me that breakfast was not included in my reservation. I explained that I had specifically added it during check-in and showed him the payment receipt from my card. Instead of simply checking the situation and resolving what was clearly a possible system or communication error, I was repeatedly questioned: who had checked me in, when I had become an ALL member, and whether I had any proof that breakfast had been added. The whole situation was extremely uncomfortable and embarrassing. I had done exactly what was required at check-in, had paid for the breakfast, and had proof of the payment. Nevertheless, I felt as though my word was being questioned. I explained that I would make a complaint. The staff member then reluctantly took down my room number and directed us to a table next to the service area, despite there being several vacant tables in the main dining area. This made the situation even more unpleasant. I understand that mistakes can happen, particularly if there is an issue with the hotel system or communication between staff members. What I found unacceptable was the way the situation was handled. It gave me the impression that the staff may not have received adequate training on how to deal with guests when an operational error occurs. The appropriate approach would have been to acknowledge the possibility of a mistake, verify the payment and resolve the issue discreetly and courteously, rather than making the guest feel embarrassed or disbelieved. Unfortunately, I also experienced problems with the cleanliness of the room. The bed was poorly made, the toilet and sink were clearly not properly cleaned, and a cup had been placed wet on the tray. These details contributed significantly to my overall negative impression of the hotel. This was particularly disappointing because our experience at Novotel Sydney was excellent. We were welcomed warmly, treated very well and felt genuinely looked after throughout our stay. Unfortunately, our experience in Melbourne was very different. I hope the hotel management will take this feedback seriously, particularly regarding staff training, guest communication and housekeeping standards. The issue could have been handled very differently and would have avoided turning a simple operational mistake into an unpleasant and embarrassing experience.
FromTRY 5,234
8.8/10Very Good196 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.71km from downtown
The location is super convenient, right in the CBD. It's close to shopping, dining, and attractions. The hotel service is excellent, and it's also very near a tram stop. Highly recommended, I'll definitely stay here again next time.
FromTRY 7,976
8.6/10Very Good347 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.19km from downtown
I was very disappointed with my experience at Pullman Melbourne, particularly with the housekeeping service and the way an unauthorised charge was handled. Although the hotel staff were generally friendly and pleasant, I was extremely concerned to discover that my credit card had been charged an additional amount without any prior notice or explanation at checkout. The hotel claimed that my sister had ordered a drink at 6:38 am. We strongly disputed this, as both of us were still asleep in the room at that time. I asked the hotel to check the CCTV footage and the electronic swipe-card records to verify whether our room door had actually been opened before 9:00 am. Given that the room uses an electronic key-card system, it should have been relatively straightforward for the hotel to establish whether anyone had entered or left the room. More importantly, this raises serious questions about the hotel’s billing and security procedures. Can someone simply provide a room number and order food or drinks without the hotel verifying the guest’s name or identity? If so, this is a significant weakness in the hotel’s procedures. Guests should not be held responsible for charges that they did not authorise, especially when the hotel has electronic records that could potentially verify what happened. I was particularly disappointed that the matter was not handled with greater care and transparency. An unexpected charge to a guest’s credit card should never be taken lightly. For a hotel of the Pullman standard, I expected much better attention to detail, billing accuracy and guest security. I hope management takes this incident seriously and reviews its procedures so that other guests do not experience the same issue.
FromTRY 6,533
9.4/10Amazing181 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.34km from downtown
Initially, the room wasn't thoroughly cleaned, but it improved after I called the front desk. Breakfast wasn't amazing, but it met basic expectations; the bread, however, was delicious. The gym is quite small and doesn't have a body scale, but you can ask the front desk for one. The location is excellent, with many restaurants nearby. My room's window faced a wall, so the view wasn't great.
FromTRY 8,323
8.6/10Very Good119 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.66km from downtown
I booked this hotel after watching a TV show about it in Japan! It was simply the best. The room was just the right size, not too small and not too big, offering a comfortable and relaxing space. The spacious bathroom was a huge plus. The bed and pillows were incredibly comfortable, allowing me to get a great night's sleep. It was also very convenient that the hotel offered a pick-up service for tours. Both dinner and breakfast were delicious, and I would definitely love to stay here again. Thank you so much!!!
FromTRY 9,305

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Gym

8.7/10Very Good163 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.48km from downtown
My parents and I stayed at Oaks Melbourne on Market from 24 to 26 July, and we had a wonderful experience. From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel genuinely welcomed and well looked after. A special thank you to Fardin and Betty for their exceptional service. My luggage was lost in transit on my flight from Sydney to Melbourne, which was understandably stressful. I explained the airline’s delivery arrangements to Fardin, and he was incredibly helpful throughout the process. He kept me informed, provided updates, and promptly let me know when my luggage arrived at the hotel. His attentiveness and reassurance made a worrying situation much easier to manage. Betty also provided outstanding customer service and made both me and my family feel incredibly welcome. Her warmth and hospitality added a personal touch to our stay and left a lasting impression. The room itself was comfortable and relaxing. The bed was very comfortable, and having a bathtub was a lovely feature after a long day exploring Melbourne. The hotel’s location is also extremely convenient, right in the heart of Melbourne CBD and within easy reach of restaurants, shops, public transport, and many of the city’s attractions. Thank you to the entire team at Oaks Melbourne on Market, especially Fardin and Betty, for making our family stay so enjoyable. We would happily stay here again
FromTRY 5,906
8.7/10Very Good745 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.55km from downtown
This hotel is wonderful to stay. We have a small kitchen that allow us to cook our meal, very accessible to the chinatown which is very lively during the night time. Street parking is available infront of the hotel. Just to make sure follow to the parking rules written in the signboard. Not forgot to mention, I checked in on my birthday and the kind receptionist just gifted me a red wine for me to celebrate my birthday.
FromTRY 5,695
8.9/10Very Good250 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.46km from downtown
Stayed at DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne – Flinders Street for a short city break. The location is excellent, directly opposite Flinders Street Station and within easy walking distance of Federation Square, the Yarra River, restaurants and Melbourne's laneways. The hotel itself is functional rather than impressive. It appears to be a converted office building, which means the layout is a little different from purpose-built hotels and there are no particularly memorable views despite the prime location. The room was comfortable enough, but the finishes and fixtures lacked the polished feel I've experienced at other DoubleTree properties. Business travellers looking for a more premium or contemporary fit-out may find it falls short of expectations. During our stay there was an issue with our baggage, however the staff handled the situation professionally, resolved the problem and provided complimentary drink vouchers as a goodwill gesture, which was appreciated. One disappointment was that the gym was closed during our stay, as this is a facility I normally like to use when travelling. Overall, the hotel's strongest selling point is its outstanding location. It works well as a tourist base for exploring Melbourne, but business travellers who prioritise hotel facilities, room finishes and a more modern feel may prefer some of the newer hotels in the CBD.
FromTRY 6,405
8.7/10Very Good107 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.54km from downtown
The hotel's location is excellent, making it super convenient for shopping and dining. Breakfast options were a bit limited, though. The room itself was quite spacious. Overall, it's a very good place to stay.
FromTRY 6,239
8.8/10Very Good467 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.69km from downtown
My stay at Oaks Melbourne on William Suites this time was very satisfying. The hotel's location is convenient, close to a free tram stop and city attractions, making getting around very easy. The room was spacious and clean, well-equipped with plenty of kitchenware, suitable for both short and long stays. The high-floor view was open and offered great cityscapes. The front desk staff were friendly and enthusiastic, and the check-in and check-out processes were smooth. The overall environment was comfortable and quiet, offering great value for money. I will definitely choose this place again on my next trip to Melbourne. Highly recommended.
FromTRY 3,882

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Swimming pool

9.1/10Great196 Reviews
Melbourne|1.12km from downtown
The surroundings are excellent, and the location is convenient. The room was spacious and cleaned promptly. Room service was also very efficient; anything I needed was delivered quickly with just a phone call. I accidentally scraped my leg, and when I asked room service for some disinfectant, the hotel's medical staff came to my room to disinfect and bandage it, even thoughtfully asking how I got the scrape. The breakfast was exquisite, and the flat white truly is my favorite – I had it seven mornings in a row! The restaurant manager and staff were very warm and friendly, and their attire was elegant and neat. I'll definitely stay here again next time.
FromTRY 12,032
9/10Great144 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.83km from downtown
The hotel is located on a small street, yet it's incredibly convenient for getting around, close to everything, but far enough from the hustle and bustle to offer a unique sense of tranquility. Most of the staff and management are of Indian descent, and they seemed to lack enthusiasm, although there were some Chinese staff members we didn't interact with much. The breakfast was quite disappointing, especially compared to the much richer options we're used to in China – there was hardly anything to eat here. A heads-up: the entrance is on the ground floor (G), but check-in is on the first floor (which we'd consider the second floor in our country, haha).
FromTRY 8,860
9.3/10Great65 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.52km from downtown
I enjoyed everything as I usually do on our annual trip to Mantra on Russell. However, this is the first time that myself and my family member were not in rooms beside eachother. We were on separate floors and that was very disappointing for our family holiday. Hopefully this won’t happen next year or we will start staying elsewhere. We were assured we would be as close by as possible. I don’t believe separate floors is acceptable. I spoke with staff and management and was told there is nothing that can be done so that did put a dampener on our stay unfortunately.
FromTRY 4,856
8.5/10Very Good57 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.9km from downtown
We got a free upgrade to a two-room apartment. The balcony and view were excellent, and the apartment had everything we needed. Great location!
FromTRY 3,761
8.2/10Very Good101 Reviews
Chapel Street South Yarra|0.14km from downtown
For my solo trip, the front desk staff were incredibly friendly. The hotel's location was also very convenient, and the breakfast was decent. Overall, I found it to be excellent value for money. If you're looking to experience local life and want a lively atmosphere, I think this place will definitely meet your needs.
FromTRY 6,148

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Breakfast

8.1/10Very Good563 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.78km from downtown
Overall, my stay was quite good. I booked a standard queen room; it wasn't huge, but the layout was well-designed, and the cleanliness and facilities met my expectations. The bed was also comfortable. The hotel's location is excellent, making it convenient to get to Melbourne CBD's main attractions and public transport, perfect for a short trip. The front desk staff were friendly, and both check-in and check-out were smooth. I particularly want to commend the young man at the front desk – he was handsome and very polite, which definitely enhanced my experience 😂. Overall, the hotel offers good value for money. If you prioritize location, transportation, and a short stay, I would recommend it.
FromTRY 2,568
8.6/10Very Good461 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.47km from downtown
This was my first time staying in a dormitory, and it was much more comfortable than I expected. The room I stayed in was for women only, but it seems mixed-gender rooms are a bit cheaper. The location is the best part; being right in the heart of the city, it's understandably a bit noisy.
FromTRY 1,224
7.7/10Good318 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.2km from downtown
I stayed at Ibis Budget Melbourne CBD recently. As the name suggests, it’s a budget hotel, so expectations should be modest. The biggest strength is definitely the location — right in the heart of the city, with easy access to trams, Flinders Street Station, and plenty of shops and restaurants. However, I did encounter some concerns with cleanliness and housekeeping. On one occasion, my linens and bedsheet had visible yellow stains that looked like old pee stains. I requested a replacement, but honestly, linens in that condition should already be disposed of. There were also two separate instances when my linens and towels were not replaced at all, which was disappointing. Service was generally okay, and staff were responsive when approached, but consistency in housekeeping needs attention. Overall, it’s fine if you’re after affordability and location, but improvements in cleanliness would make the stay much more comfortable.
FromTRY 2,606
9.3/10Great128 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.84km from downtown
This is an older, well-established hotel with an excellent location. It's very convenient to get to all the city's major attractions, and there's a tram stop right outside, so you can easily explore without much walking. There's also a mall downstairs with plenty of dining options if you don't fancy the hotel breakfast. We received a room upgrade to the 41st floor, and the views were fantastic. The windows are unique, with a wooden push-out design, and the room itself is spacious and comfortable. The bathroom is accessible but doesn't have a bathtub, which is fine since the amazing high-floor view made up for it. Breakfast was decent; they had some Chinese options, but I still prefer a buffet-style breakfast as the à la carte didn't have anything I particularly liked – my Chinese palate, I guess! Overall, I'd recommend it.
FromTRY 10,725
8.6/10Very Good509 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.74km from downtown
The location is great, just a 5-minute walk from Southern Cross Station, making it super convenient for getting around and finding plenty of food options. The front desk staff were very friendly and provided detailed explanations. I loved the app-based room key system. The lobby has lots of power outlets, and the first-floor lounge area is spacious, plus there are independent lounge areas on each floor. The room itself was quite large and had bedside lamps. On the third floor, the men's restroom has two individual shower stalls, and there are more on the second floor. The kitchen has 8 gas burners, which can get quite crowded during meal times. The free breakfast was simple, but they did offer almond milk. On the downside, the bathroom felt a bit humid, there were no privacy curtains on the bed, and there weren't many hooks in the room.
FromTRY 1,125

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James Taylor

James Taylor

Trip.com Writer

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Hi, I'm James, an Australian travel writer based in Europe. Years of trips across Asia, Europe, the US and back home in Australia have taught me that good travel comes down to having the right information beforehand: knowing the details of transfers and public transport, which queue to skip, what's worth it and what's not. I'm bringing all that knowledge and research to my travel guides for Trip.com so you can spend less time working it out and more time enjoying your trip.

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Sydney to Melbourne