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
170 reviews
Just scan QR code provided and you are ready to board

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

8.8/10Very Good320 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.59km from downtown
⭐We recently stayed at Stamford Plaza Melbourne and had a fantastic experience. From the moment we arrived, the staff were incredibly friendly, welcoming, and professional, making us feel right at home. Our room was spacious, clean, and very comfortable, with everything we needed for a relaxing stay. The hotel's central location was perfect, allowing us to easily explore Melbourne's restaurants, shops, and attractions. What truly made our stay special was the outstanding customer service. Every staff member we encountered went above and beyond to ensure we had a wonderful experience. Thank you to the entire team at Stamford Plaza for your hospitality and attention to detail. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would not hesitate to recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Melbourne. We look forward to returning in the future!
FromHK$ 901
9.1/10Great511 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.59km from downtown
The facilities are indeed quite old; everything is showing its age. Its main advantage is the location, which is excellent. It's close to all the major attractions, and getting to Chinatown for meals is very convenient. The breakfast is decent; for Western cuisine, it's quite varied, with some made-to-order options like porridge and eggs.
FromHK$ 1,700
9.2/10Great259 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.62km from downtown
The overall experience leans towards a high-end boutique hotel style. The location is excellent, close to Collins Street, making it very convenient for getting around. The rooms are well-designed, modern, and tasteful, with comfortable bedding and good soundproofing. The service is professional yet unobtrusive, making it ideal for business travelers or those seeking a touch of quality.
FromHK$ 1,520
9.1/10Great555 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.96km from downtown
Located about 10 min walk away from convention center. The tram is just around the corner. Clean room. Comfortable bed and pillow. Limited channels on TV but OK... Breakfast was great and enough variety. Service was excellent. I arrived early in the morning and the staff allowed an early check in, my room was ready at about noon and they informed me via email. I left on a midnight flight, when I collected my luggage from the hotel at around 7pm, the staff Mr Ady suggested that I could take a shower on Level 5 gym before heading to the airport. Truly appreciate this suggestion as it has been a long day of work. Excellent service. Highly recommended.
FromHK$ 1,374
8.6/10Very Good186 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.71km from downtown
The location is fantastic! It's just a short walk to Chinatown and within walking distance of the exhibition center. The hotel rooms are clean, hygienic, and comfortable.
FromHK$ 1,428

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Business travel

9/10Great604 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.35km from downtown
Had a great stay at ibis Melbourne Central. The location is excellent, with many attractions, restaurants, and public transport options within walking distance. The room was clean, comfortable, and well-maintained. Check-in and check-out were smooth, and the staff were friendly and helpful throughout my stay. Overall, it offered great value for money and made exploring Melbourne very convenient. I would happily stay here again on my next visit.
FromHK$ 641
8.7/10Very Good528 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.74km from downtown
Overall, not a bad hotel. The location is very convenient; all major city attractions are within walking distance. Everything is clean, the reception/foyer areas are pleasant, and there's a cozy lounge in front of the cafe entrance where you can read a book or just pass the time if housekeeping is cleaning your room. The housekeepers are Chinese women, and there were no complaints about the cleaning. It was nice that they changed the bed linen every 2-3 days without us having to ask. The room is certainly very small, but it's perfectly fine for one person, especially if you're there for sightseeing rather than spending time in the room. The miniature window overlooks a wall with AC units and oddly only opened to a 15-centimeter gap at the bottom. Holes in the window screen (mine had a torn screen on this small window) would be a problem in the summer, but no bugs will fly in during a winter month. The room renovation is relatively recent. There's a nice backlight above the headboard. The duvet covers are the same as in Africa, by the way – two regular sheets on either side of the duvet. In the shower, it's inconvenient that there's no handheld showerhead, only an overhead rain shower. There are no toothbrushes with paste or hair conditioner, so keep that in mind. What is provided: shower gel, hairdryer, ironing board with iron, wall-mounted air conditioner, TV, refrigerator, kettle, and everything works perfectly. Bottled water isn't provided because there's no point: the water in Australia is very clean, and everyone drinks tap water. Regarding breakfast: in the 16 days I spent at this hotel, the menu never changed. What you see in my photos here is what was in the cafe every day, the same items in the same spots. The staff is very friendly and always ready to help.
FromHK$ 403
8.9/10Very Good422 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.54km from downtown
My stay at Brady Hotel Central Melbourne was absolutely fantastic! The biggest highlight has to be its superb location – incredibly close to the subway entrance, making it super easy to get around. For foodies like me, it was even better: the hotel is surrounded by all sorts of restaurants and eateries. There's so much variety, and you don't even have to go far to find great food. The room itself was very comfortable, and the overall facilities and service were top-notch. It's rare to find a hotel in Melbourne with such convenient transport links and amazing food options nearby. It offers excellent value for money, and I highly recommend it!
FromHK$ 966
8.8/10Very Good180 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.23km from downtown
Best location in the city central heart of melbourne. Staff there were friendly & helpful. Hotel was simple & clean. Valet parking was easy but fees were slightly expensive. Rent a car for only 3 days to drive out the outskirts of the city. Alot of retail & fnb outlets nearby. But driving around that area can be abit challenging especially alot of vehicles during busy period & alot of hook turns. Overall pleasent place & location to stay. Free trams to go around the area.
FromHK$ 950
8.6/10Very Good86 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.19km from downtown
Not a bad stay at this hotel, which was conveniently located near Myers and the walking street. Its a good no frill hotel with a friendly help desk. The only issue we had was finding a place for our car for parking nearby. We could only parking at Docklands as it had cheaper daily rates. The views of the Yarra river and the public library were amazing!
FromHK$ 632

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Family friendly

8.6/10Very Good415 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|1km from downtown
Location-wise, it's right opposite the SkyBus terminal and next to Southern Cross Station. There's a Coles supermarket right by the hotel entrance, which is super convenient for grabbing snacks. Trams 30 and 86 stop right outside, so getting around is a breeze. As for facilities, the room has a mini-fridge, and while the amenities aren't brand new, they're comprehensive. A big plus is that the front desk kindly accepted an online clothing order delivered to the hotel for me!
FromHK$ 605
9.6/10Amazing19 Reviews
Carlton|0.34km from downtown
The hotel is newly renovated and the rooms are clean and tidy. It's located right next to the University of Melbourne campus, with a tram stop directly outside. It's a quick 5-minute tram ride to Chinatown and the city center, or a pleasant 20-minute walk.
FromHK$ 944
8.6/10Very Good326 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.19km from downtown
The rooms were very clean and beds were huge! Very comfortable and the place was convenient and very central. The only issue we had was locating the hotel. We had problems finding it as the GPS could not get us to it. However, we were very grateful that Ayden who worked at the Concierge - offered and took the initiative to walk with us and guide us from where we parked our car which was a 10min walk away, to drive our luggage to the hotel lobby. We are thankful for such great and wonderful service!
FromHK$ 970
8.8/10Very Good209 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.88km from downtown
We recently stayed at The Windsor and had an absolutely wonderful experience from start to finish. The hotel is truly beautiful, with so much character, elegance, and history. From the moment we arrived, the staff were warm, welcoming, professional, and attentive, making us feel valued throughout our stay. Our room was spacious, immaculate, and incredibly comfortable, with every detail thoughtfully considered. The location is also perfect, making it easy to explore Melbourne while enjoying the charm and luxury of this iconic hotel. What stood out most was the atmosphere—The Windsor offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern comfort that is hard to find elsewhere. It was the perfect place to relax, unwind, and enjoy a special getaway. Thank you to the entire team for making our stay so memorable. We will definitely be returning and highly recommend The Windsor to anyone looking for an exceptional Melbourne experience. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
FromHK$ 821
9.3/10Great171 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.34km from downtown
My stay here was absolutely perfect! This hotel is a fantastic conversion of a century-old building, blending vintage Art Deco style with modern minimalist design, giving it a unique and upscale vibe. It's located right in the heart of the city, within walking distance of Bourke Street Mall and Queen Victoria Market, and with direct tram access to all the major attractions, making getting around and shopping incredibly convenient. The soundproofing in the rooms is excellent – it’s remarkably quiet despite being in a bustling area. The entire room was spotless, the bedding was soft and comfortable, and the bathroom amenities were top-notch. The front desk staff were warm, attentive, and efficient with check-in, responding quickly to any requests. The Luci restaurant inside the hotel has a grand setting, offering a rich variety for breakfast, and the cocktail bar has an amazing atmosphere. The small gym is also well-equipped. It's a peaceful oasis in the city, combining historical charm with five-star service, making it ideal for both business trips and leisure travel. I'll definitely choose this hotel again next time I'm in Melbourne. Highly recommended!
FromHK$ 1,279

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Hot spring

8.7/10Very Good404 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.
FromHK$ 970
8.5/10Very Good116 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.66km from downtown
I booked this hotel during a Ctrip promotion, and honestly, the price was a steal at 1000/night. First, the pros: Location: It's right in the city center, first ring, free zone. You can take the tram for a free city walk. If you're on a day tour, the bus pick-up point is just a two-minute walk away. The front desk staff, Holy, and the senior gentleman from concierge were both very nice. Now, for the cons: The coffee spoon wasn't clean, it was dirty. The minibar fridge had cooling issues; the bottom was full of water. These, I could overlook. However, and seriously, as a Hyatt Globalist, I rarely stay at InterContinental, and I have never, in all my previous experiences, encountered an unlocked room door. I left my room early Friday morning for a day tour and returned at 9:30 PM to find my room door unlocked, just as pictured. I was shocked. The next day, I spoke to the duty manager, and they checked the surveillance footage, confirming that no one had entered my room. But my stay experience was truly poor. Such carelessness, forgetting to lock the guest's door after cleaning. Plus, this hotel's elevators don't require a room card swipe. At 9:30 PM, both the front desk and concierge were empty, making it easy for anyone to access any floor. I somewhat regret not spending a bit more to stay at the Grand Hyatt. Also, I heard this hotel is rebranding to Regent, oh my! InterContinental truly feels like a makeshift operation. To think they dare to rebrand to Regent like this! This hotel usually sells at the same price as the Grand Hyatt, and if it weren't for this promotion, I definitely wouldn't have chosen it. InterContinental left such a terrible impression on me; it's really hard not to come here and complain.
FromHK$ 1,533
9.3/10Great188 Reviews
Melbourne|1.12km from downtown
Check in late, room was wrongly assigned, booked a bigger room with added extra bed for my 3 boys was give a small room with no xtra bed, we booked a king bed room, was assigned a twin bed bigger room. We have to wait another half hour or more to change rooms and added the extra bed to the already small room for my kids. Then the reception said our rooms comes with breakfast without us asking which was also heard by my wife as well as her colleague, in which we thought it was complimentary after the wrongly assigned rooms. My kids enjoyed the breakfast as I normally don’t eat breakfast and but the follow night, I went down to the reception to ask if check out time can be extended which the same lady said she can extend it to 12pm, which we are glad, then I just told her the breakfast was enjoyable by my family and thank her for recommending them to us and also the complimentary offer. She check again on her computer then and a bit unsure and ask her senior colleague Austin to see if it was complimentary and that already raise my suspicion but her colleague said it is fine he will waive the charges if that happens as we already went through so much trouble with them. I felt relieved, thanking both of them , I went back to my room. At 11:40pm, my wife has already asleep and me almost to, the phone rang which startled my wife and myself , we answered and the same lady was on the line stating that they need to charge the breakfast for both days. I was a bit annoyed with this as we have already taken our breakfast for the first day which was offered to us as complimentary and then later in the middle of the night said we are charged ! The best part was as a 5 stars well known establishement, she tried to haggle with us on the price by saying she can offered some discount and then later she can give 50% discount for already consumed breakfast. My wife was furious and change her PJs and then we head down to the reception to settle this once and for all in the middle of the night. In the reception, we directly spoke to her supervisor whom heard of her offering us the complimentary breakfast in which he straight away cancel the charge for the morning breakfast and offer us a discounted breakfast the following morning. It was all a farce and inconvenience as well unreliability with their services which makes us go through so much stress for our family holiday. Anyway, we decided not to take up the offer and have to inform our children of the cancellation which disappointed them of course, but we think this whole incident is unfair. They said when we booked we choose no breakfast but the communication was it was complimentary for us for the disarray of arranging the room when we first check in. Besides we did not ask but was offered and said how good the breakfast was by your own staff. Also we did not extend our check out time as we were worried that they will charged us as we are totally have non confidence of what the staff said and actual offerings As my wife and myself are regular travellers, and normally we like to enjoy better accommodations, this is the first time these kind of incidents happen to us and at first we thought to booked Hyatt chain of hotels in our incoming Vietnam and Taiwan trip but we would be sceptical to do so after this. Please don’t get me wrong, the hotel is very nice, cleanliness , location and even food (our breakfast on day1) but the services was a let down to us and it is not about costs, it is about integrity and what been offered and not fulfilled and blame the clientele as well as the whole timing to disrupt the peace and enjoyable period of the guest.
FromHK$ 4,623
8.2/10Very Good465 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.78km from downtown
My stay at YEHS Hotel Melbourne was excellent. The location is very convenient, with easy access to public transport, restaurants, shops, and popular attractions. The room was clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, making it a great place to relax after a day of exploring the city. The staff were friendly, welcoming, and always willing to help with any questions. Check-in and check-out were smooth and hassle-free. I also appreciated the hotel’s quiet atmosphere and comfortable bed, which made for a good night’s sleep. Overall, I had a wonderful experience at YEHS Hotel Melbourne and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a clean, affordable, and conveniently located place to stay. I would be happy to stay here again on my next visit to Melbourne.
FromHK$ 401
8.7/10Very Good414 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.47km from downtown
The location is absolutely wonderful, and the reception staff are so incredibly friendly and attentive. The facilities are nice, and I really enjoyed my time in the 6-bed shared room. The bed was super comfortable with lovely privacy curtains, and the bedding was perfectly clean with a wonderfully warm duvet that kept me cozy all night. The bathrooms were great too, with nice individual stalls and excellent hot showers with wonderful water pressure. The kitchen was good, though it could perhaps use a few more supplies and some extra clean dish towels. I also absolutely loved the record store and bar in the basement—it has such a cool, relaxed, and trendy vibe! The only little challenge was some really loud construction work out on the street that started around 11 PM. It was quite noisy in the room, so I ended up using my noise-canceling headphones to help me drift off to sleep.23
FromHK$ 178

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Gym

8.6/10Very Good170 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.46km from downtown
The apartments are good but dirty. The staff smiles to guests but don’t solve problems. First, when I arrived to the hotel it was early, their check in is after 3pm. The guy at the reception offered me to complete paperwork for check in. He also said that I can go for a walk and they will contact me once the room is ready. I gave him my Australian number but I never got a call. When I came back around 3:30pm the room key was ready for me, but why couldn’t they call me as promised? Second, the room was dirty especially bath tub (see photos). It had hair and skin of previous guests there- it seems they don’t really clean it. Second, next day morning I asked for packed breakfast because I went for a tour but the lady continued asking me why I need it and whether I want to check out one day early, why?.. third, the internet password did not work, so I went to reception and asked them to fix the problem. A lady took my phone and fixed it but instead solving the password issue she just reconnected using different option but she didn’t tell it to me . When I went back to my room it appeared that I still cannot connect my laptop so I had to go to the reception again. If the hotel staff know ls about Internet problem why not to fix it for everyone? Finally, they ask guests to clean their rooms before leaving otherwise cleaning charge will be applied. This is nonsense!
FromHK$ 951
8.6/10Very Good692 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.55km from downtown
The location is great and overall we had a very pleasant stay. The staff were all very friendly and helpful. However, housekeeping gave us a different surprise on both days. 😂 On one day, the card we had inserted in the room’s power slot was taken away. Another night, at around 11pm when we were getting ready for bed, we realized there was no duvet in the room. We called the front desk and were told that they had run out of duvets. Thankfully, the staff responded very quickly and brought us a brand-new, unopened duvet. Overall, we still enjoyed our stay!
FromHK$ 970
9/10Great250 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.
FromHK$ 956
8.6/10Very Good432 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.27km from downtown
The location is fantastic, right in the heart of the CBD with plenty of shopping and dining options. The room itself is spacious, but cleanliness is a clear issue – the carpet has numerous stains. Upon arrival on the first day, the cooking utensils in the kitchen cabinets were uncleaned, suggesting the previous user put them back directly without them being checked by housekeeping. The towel rack in the bathroom kept falling down daily, which was very annoying, and the hot water in the shower was extremely difficult to control, oscillating between scalding hot and icy cold. The bed in the bedroom was comfortable, but the bedside table and lamp were covered in dust, which was a bit disappointing.
FromHK$ 868
9/10Great122 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.54km from downtown
I stayed here for two nights, and the Ctrip price for this hotel was significantly lower than on other platforms. For the same price, other hotels weren't as new. Comparing them, this hotel is ideal, from its location to its rooms. The hotel also has USB ports on its outlets. From a distance while walking along the river, you can easily spot the 'vibe' blue letters on the building, making it easy to find your way back. There's a path right outside the entrance that crosses the river. The Urban Rooms are located on floors below the sixth floor. If you want a view, you should opt for a River View Room on the sixth floor or higher. Just a heads-up: they don't provide toothpaste or toothbrushes, so remember to bring your own.
FromHK$ 763

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Swimming pool

8.9/10Very Good141 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.83km from downtown
This hotel deserves a five-star review! I wish I had stayed at the Sheraton for my entire trip to Melbourne. It's in the city center, which is incredibly convenient, and even late at night, around 8-9 PM, there are still plenty of people around, making it feel very safe. When I checked in, there was a Chinese-speaking staff member available. Although the person who actually checked me in was of Indian descent, a Chinese colleague came over to make sure everything was alright before leaving. They even offered me a complimentary glass of champagne! The hotel room was spacious and clean, definitely the best I've stayed in during my past two weeks in Sydney and Melbourne. It certainly lived up to expectations! Right outside the hotel, there's a Rolex store, and if you walk down the street, you'll find the Town Hall and a church. There are plenty of options for dining, entertainment, and shopping. It's also not far from Australia's famous WWL? Or was it WWs?
FromHK$ 1,484
8/10Very Good52 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.9km from downtown
The hotel is clean and very busy during the morning time. Dont say about the reception area because it just too crowded. The fact that they provide luggage storage before check in also very helpful for us. The only cons is the hotel is too busy and full with people, there were people open/close the door non stop for 10minutes with loud voices in front of our room around 5pm.
FromHK$ 640
8.8/10Very Good0 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Docklands|0.82km from downtown
Melbourne Stays Apartments provides flawless service and all the necessary facilities for visitors.To facilitate your arrival and departure, you can pre-book airport transfer services prior to checking in.When arriving by car, you'll be grateful for the on-site complimentary parking at apartment. The apartment offers reception assistance, including express check-in or check-out, to ensure guest satisfaction. Whether you're here for an extended stay or simply require fresh garments, the apartment ensures your cherished travel attire remains spotless and accessible with the convenience of dry cleaning service located on the premises. The apartment's daily housekeeping ensures an excellent option for your stay. Visitors staying at Melbourne Stays Apartments have the option to receive groceries in their room for meal preparation, courtesy of the unique service provided by the apartment. Throughout the day, engage in the entertaining activities available at Melbourne Stays Apartments.Unwind and conclude each day delightfully by stopping by hot tub, steam room, spa and sauna, ensuring a soothing experience.Unwind by the pool at apartment and cherish a leisurely moment.Guests who enjoy maintaining their fitness regimen while on holiday can visit the fitness center provided by apartment.
10/10Outstanding1 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.95km from downtown
Location was excellent with tram stops within a few minutes walk. Kevin was very helpful and responsive with any questions we had.
FromHK$ 1,033
6.9/106 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Southbank|0.71km from downtown
Key collection was easy, and the staff were friendly and helpful. The apartment was beautifully decorated and smelled lovely, with a very comfortable bed. The apartment was in a convenient location, and all essentials were well considered. I would highly recommend this stay.

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Breakfast

7.9/10Good307 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.2km from downtown
A simple and compact hotel. It's close to the train station, and there are restaurants and fast food options nearby, which is convenient for late-night snacks. If you have high expectations, you might be disappointed as the photos don't quite match reality.
FromHK$ 471
9.5/10Amazing119 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.84km from downtown
Booked a triple room with a king bed and an extra single bed. Overall service was quite nice! The only downside was that the room only had a bathtub, no separate shower. The hotel breakfast was decent, served on the 35th floor (which seemed to be the executive lounge level). It was mostly Western-style breakfast (various breads, vegetable salad, sausages, ham, fried eggs), but they also had miso soup, congee, and Chinese crullers! You need to ask the waitstaff for tea and coffee (they have several varieties), and they'll bring it to your table.
FromHK$ 1,717
8.8/10Very Good456 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.74km from downtown
I had a great stay at Melbourne City Backpackers. The location is perfect—just a short walk from Southern Cross Station, trams, and plenty of cafés and restaurants, which made getting around Melbourne really easy. The staff were friendly, welcoming, and always happy to help with recommendations or any questions. The hostel had a good social atmosphere without feeling like a party hostel, so it was easy to meet other travellers while still getting a good night’s sleep. The rooms and shared bathrooms were kept clean, and the free breakfast was a nice bonus. Overall, it’s great value for money, especially if you’re looking for a central place to stay in Melbourne. I’d definitely stay here again and would recommend it to other backpackers.
FromHK$ 150
9/10Great123 Reviews
St Kilda Road Melbourne|3.82km from downtown
Facilities: Quite comprehensive, and the room size is pretty good. Cleanliness: The hygiene is quite clean. Environment: It's right next to Albert Park, and very close to the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. You can walk or cycle around the lake, which is also the F1 Grand Prix circuit. The overall environment is lovely. Service: The front desk staff has a good service attitude.
FromHK$ 813
7.4/10110 Reviews
St Kilda Road Melbourne|3.97km from downtown
It's about 20 minutes' drive from the city center. There are many trams available, so the transportation is quite convenient. The room is quite clean, the space is large, and the environment is quiet. Some rooms have washing machines and simple cooking utensils, making it convenient for long-term stays. Unfortunately, there are no large shopping malls nearby. For shopping and dining, you have to go to the city center or distant towns.

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FAQs about Sydney to Melbourne

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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