How to Get From Sydney to Melbourne? 4 Ways Explained

Author's Profile Picture
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

🎁 Book the Cheapest Flights to Melbourne | Browse Melbourne Hotels | Grab a Melbourne eSIM before you fly! 

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
176 reviews
Very convenient and fast! And it's cheaper on Trip.com.

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.

🎁 New to Trip.com? If you’re driving to Melbourne, grab 8% off your first car rental and hit the road for less as a welcome pressie for joining the Trip.com family!

Car Rentals
Car Rental Promo Code - 8% Off
New User Enjoy up to 8% Off
TRIPCAR8

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

🎁Need to stay connected in Melbourne? Don't miss out on these high-speed eSIM plans for Australia!

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 Good327 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.59km from downtown
The location is great, and the cleanliness is good. However, the facilities are a bit old. The laundry room door couldn't be opened with the guest room card; I had to go to the front desk every time to ask staff to open it, which was a bit inconvenient. The pool is very small, only suitable for children to splash around. I've seen many reviews mentioning issues with the deposit, and I'm a bit worried as mine hasn't been refunded yet.😅
From£ 99
9.1/10Great514 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.59km from downtown
I stayed at the Grand Hyatt from 1st Aug to 9th aug in a yarra river view room. The check in was seamless, room was large and spacious. However a few arises raised throughout t he stay. The room was made but bedsheets not changed even after 3 nights. I had to call in to the guest concierge to get them to change the sheets in the middle of the night. Reason my son has respiratory issues and is allergic to dirt and dust. We were informed that housekeeping only starts on 4th day morning 9am and we had to wait the next day. The hot water connection was also bad in the room.whenever I was showering in the main standing shower and my wife came in to use the common sink to wash my son's milk bottles. The moment she turns on hot water from the sink, the hot water from the shower area would automatically be cut. I would feel shots of ice cold water sprayed onto me whilst soaping or in midst of shower. Not a pleasant experience. I highlighted upon check out but the receptionist lady Daphene was instead thinking I did not know how to to operate a shower tap. She was clearly not listening and even her trainee standing behind her was giggling at the nonsense. Lastly Daphene automatically wanted to charge me on the deposit for the full stay despite it was fully paid on Trip.com. when I told her it was already a paid stay she told me she didnt have it on record as it was a 3rd party stay. What a disgrace of a hotel and bad customer service
From£ 149
9.2/10Great254 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.62km from downtown
Stayed here with a friend and had a wonderful experience. The hotel is in a great location with easy access to many places around the area. The staff were very welcoming, friendly, and always helpful throughout our stay. They made us feel comfortable and well taken care of. Overall, a pleasant stay and we would happily come back again.
From£ 113
9.1/10Great558 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.
From£ 139
8.7/10Very Good187 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.
From£ 129

Show more

Business travel

9/10Great625 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.35km from downtown
This hotel is great for budget-conscious families. First off, it's quite affordable and comes fully equipped, except for disposable toothbrushes, slippers, and combs. You can get free still water on the second floor, so once you buy a large bottle and have a kettle, you don't need to buy more. Secondly, it's within walking distance of many city walk attractions, saving you a considerable amount on transportation, and the pickup point for day tours is also very close. Lunch service isn't really available, and there was one lady who only knew one Chinese word, but all the staff were patient and polite and absolutely capable of helping guests with their problems. Lastly, the accommodation environment is very quiet, and the night view from the window is excellent. There are surprising graffiti art pieces on the small street next door. Overall, the safety is high, which is why we didn't hesitate to re-book this hotel during our time in Australia. Finally, a small suggestion: there were many fingerprints on the hotel room doors, indicating some blind spots in cleaning that need improvement. The breakfast selection was too limited; it would be great to have more variety. Overall, it's already excellent and worth recommending!
From£ 57
8.7/10Very Good554 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.
From£ 46
8.9/10Very Good425 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.
From£ 90
8.8/10Very Good176 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.23km from downtown
We recently stayed at Novotel Melbourne on Little Collins, and overall had a comfortable and convenient experience. The biggest highlight is definitely the excellent location in the heart of Melbourne CBD. It’s very easy to get around, with plenty of shopping, dining, and attractions within walking distance. We arrived earlier than check-in time, and the staff kindly allowed us to store our luggage, which made things much easier. We were also offered a discounted breakfast option during check-in, which was a nice touch. The gym facilities were well-maintained, and we enjoyed using them during our stay. The room was a bit more compact compared to other hotels we stayed at during this trip, but still clean and functional. Although we had requested a higher floor, we were assigned a lower-level room, which currently faces some construction. One thing to note is that the lift system can be slightly inconvenient, as the reception is on Level 3 and requires a transfer between lifts. There were also a few instances where the lift didn’t respond as expected. Additionally, there isn’t a self-service laundry facility available. Overall, despite a few minor inconveniences, we enjoyed our stay—especially because of the prime location and helpful service.
From£ 95
8.7/10Very Good87 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.
From£ 70

Show more

Family friendly

8.7/10Very Good426 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|1km from downtown
This hotel is perfectly located if arriving into Melbourne on the train from Sydney. The hotel let me check in early at no extra charge. I found the staff to be cheerful, pleasant and very helpful. The room was spacious and very clean. The coffee and tea facilities were in the room but hidden in the cupboard next to the fridge and the drinking glasses were stored in the fridge! (Never seen that done before). The swimming pool was a nice added bonus and breakfast, although very basic, was adequate. [I only stayed one night, any longer that breakfast would certainly be classed as extremely boring!😜]. I did enjoy my stay and for one or two nights would definitely stay there again.
From£ 64
8.9/10Very Good30 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!
From£ 92
8.7/10Very Good337 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.19km from downtown
The location is fantastic, right in Chinatown. Stepping out, you're surrounded by various Chinese restaurants and supermarkets, so there's no need to book breakfast. It's in the CBD, so many attractions are nearby, and a free tram stop is just a short walk away. The room is spacious and very clean. However, the service and amenities are just average. There's no water in the room; you have to go to the corridor to get it, and you need to bring your own slippers, toothbrush, and toothpaste. The biggest drawback is also the location. Chinatown turns into a bar street at night. After 8 PM, the area gets very chaotic with teenagers, drunk people, homeless individuals, and sex workers, which can be a bit intimidating. If this bothers you, you might consider booking a hotel in a quieter neighborhood that's not as central or in an upscale area. If you do stay here, it's best not to go out after 9 PM, although it's very normal and great for exploring during the day. Overall, for this price in Melbourne city center, I think it offers good value for money.
From£ 105
8.8/10Very Good215 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. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
From£ 82
9.3/10Great177 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!
From£ 163

Show more

Hot spring

8.7/10Very Good412 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.
From£ 73
8.5/10Very Good115 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.66km from downtown
For my 21-day trip to Australia, I stayed in 11 hotels across Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide. Here's my ranking of the best to worst experiences (with value for money considered): 1. Capella Sydney (low value for money) 2. Park Hyatt Melbourne (high value for money) 3. InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto (medium value for money) 4. Crown Towers Melbourne (high value for money) 5. Le Méridien Melbourne (medium value for money) 6. Hilton Adelaide (medium value for money) 7. The Langham Melbourne (low value for money) 8. Citadines on Bourke Melbourne (best value for money) 9. Meriton Suites Waterloo, Sydney (high value for money) 10. Best Western Plus Travel Inn Hotel Melbourne (low value for money) 11. The Hotel Windsor Melbourne (worst value for money) Now, let's talk about the InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto. Like The Windsor, it's a heritage hotel, and its beauty is undeniable. It truly looks like a 19th-century Neo-Gothic Venetian castle! Located in the heart of Collins Street, it's one of InterContinental's most luxurious heritage hotels worldwide. When you stay here, you can't help but spend time exploring, as both the exterior and interior decor are magnificent, and the room facilities are top-notch. It's definitely worth a stay.
From£ 158
9.2/10Great192 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.
From£ 201
8.2/10Very Good505 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.
From£ 45
8.6/10Very Good424 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
From£ 17

Show more

Gym

8.6/10Very Good172 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.46km from downtown
Our group of four guys stayed at Oaks Melbourne on Market Street for one night before picking up our campervan for a road trip, and it turned out to be an excellent choice. The location is fantastic, right in the heart of Melbourne CBD and within walking distance of many attractions, restaurants, bars, and the Yarra River. It was very convenient for us to explore the city and enjoy a good meal and drinks without worrying about transportation. We booked a spacious apartment-style room, which was perfect for a group of friends travelling together. The room was clean, comfortable, and well-equipped with a kitchen, living area, and laundry facilities. Having the extra space made it much more enjoyable than staying in a standard hotel room. The staff were friendly and efficient during both check-in and check-out. The building itself is well maintained, and we appreciated the indoor pool and gym facilities, even though we only had a short stay. The only minor drawback was that some parts of the apartment showed signs of age, but everything was functional and clean, so it did not affect our stay. Overall, Oaks Melbourne on Market Street offered great value for money, an excellent location, and plenty of space for a group of friends. We would definitely stay here again on our next trip to Melbourne.
From£ 89
8.7/10Very Good708 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!
From£ 91
9/10Great255 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.
From£ 103
8.6/10Very Good444 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.27km from downtown
The room was well-equipped, and the bedding was incredibly comfortable. The air conditioning system worked perfectly. The high floor with a balcony was a real plus. The hotel front desk staff were very friendly and helpful. We were able to store our luggage after check-out, and when we came to pick it up and rearrange our belongings, a ********* staff member at the front desk thoughtfully asked if we needed a luggage scale. What excellent service!
From£ 106
9/10Great115 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.54km from downtown
We stayed at the Vibe for 7 nights. Visiting Melbourne for the AO, free Tram outside the door straight to AO, we did walk most days and it was a quick 20 minute walk. 10 minute walk to Central Station for the Skybus to airport (we used it to and from airport). Great facilities, rooftop bar, pool & gym. We had buffet breakfast included. Great views, we were on the 18th floor.
From£ 97

Show more

Swimming pool

9.2/10Great63 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.52km from downtown
The hotel is in a great location, close to Chinatown and Thai Town, with plenty of restaurants nearby. It’s also close to the tram, making transportation very convenient. The room is spacious and comes with cooking facilities.
From£ 78
8.4/10Very Good55 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.9km from downtown
This place is so perfect for travelers. Everything is near. I will definitely come back and stay here when i go to melbourne. The staff is very friendly.
From£ 66
8.5/10Very Good96 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.
From£ 89
8.8/10Very Good3180 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.
10/10Outstanding8 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.

Show more

Breakfast

7.9/10Good312 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.2km from downtown
At first, they gave me the room at the corner and which had high frequency noise from air conditioning. The front desk staff was very nice, he helped me to change another room at once. Even that the room was smaller than the old one, but brighter, feel more comfortable and more quiet. I can’t imagine if I need to sleep in the old room for 6 night. This hotel is very convenience which place at the free tr zone in the city centre.
From£ 44
9.5/10Amazing120 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.
From£ 166
8.8/10Very Good473 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.
From£ 16
8.8/10Very Good127 Reviews
St Kilda Road Melbourne|3.82km from downtown
I was pleasantly surprised by my stay here. It's about a 20-minute tram ride from Melbourne city center (which isn't too far, but the tram is quite slow), then a 3-5 minute walk. The area is very quiet. The double room was very spacious, I'd estimate around 30 square meters. Even with two beds, there was still plenty of extra space. There's a walk-in closet-like area connecting to the bathroom (which is relatively small). The fridge is tucked away in a cabinet. All toiletries were provided except for a toothbrush and toothpaste. For Melbourne, where space is at a premium, this location and room size at only 500 RMB a night is a fantastic deal. I had to pay a 100 AUD deposit upon check-in, which was refunded on the day of check-out.
From£ 76
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.

Show more

Show more

FAQs about Sydney to Melbourne

Disclaimer: This article has been provided by an individual contributor or third party platform. If there is any discrepancy regarding the copyright, please contact us directly and we will delete the content immediately.
James Taylor

James Taylor

Trip.com Writer

View profile

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.

29 articles
Travel Insights
> >
Sydney to Melbourne