Sydney to Melbourne Distance: 878 km by Road
The driving distance from Sydney to Melbourne is 878 km via the M31 Hume Highway — Australia’s most travelled intercity route. Travel time is approximately 9 hours 30 minutes non-stop by car. Use the free calculator below to get live driving directions, exact travel time, turn-by-turn route, and fuel cost estimate for your trip.Hume Highway (M31)
878 km — the fastest and most direct route by car, ~9h 30min driving time.
Princes Highway (Coastal)
1,040 km — scenic coastal route, ~11h 30min driving time.
Flight Distance & Time
713 km covered in about 1h 25min flight time, plus airport time.
Straight-Line Distance
713 km (443 miles) as the crow flies between the two cities.
How to Calculate the Distance from Sydney to Melbourne
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Sydney to Melbourne Route Options by Car
There are two main highway routes between the two cities, each with a very different character:
Hume Highway (M31) — Fastest
- 878 km, ~9h 30min driving time
- Mostly dual carriageway, 110 km/h limit
- Via Goulburn, Gundagai, Albury-Wodonga, Wangaratta
- ✅ Best for time-sensitive trips
Princes Highway — Scenic Coastal
- 1,040 km, ~11h 30min driving time
- Via Wollongong, Nowra, Batemans Bay, Eden, Lakes Entrance
- Follows the NSW South Coast and Gippsland Victoria
- ✅ Best for a multi-day scenic road trip
Australian road safety guidelines recommend a 15-minute break every 2 hours on long drives. For this trip, plan at least 2 rest stops regardless of which route you take.
Sydney to Melbourne: Flight vs Train vs Car
How you get there depends on your budget, timeline, and whether you need a car once you arrive:
| Method | Distance | Travel Time | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 713 km | ~1h 25min (+ airport time) | AUD 49–150+ one-way |
| 🚂 Train | ~960 km (rail route) | ~10h 45min–11h (NSW TrainLink XPT via Melbourne connection/coach) | AUD 60–130 one-way |
| 🚗 Car (Hume Hwy) | 878 km | ~9h 30min | ~AUD 80–120 fuel one-way |
| 🧭 Straight line (air) | 713 km | — | — |
Note: there's no direct high-speed rail line between Sydney and Melbourne. Rail travel typically involves a coach connection partway, which is why train time is longer than driving despite the shorter straight-line distance.
Halfway Between Sydney and Melbourne
The halfway point on the Hume Highway is near Gundagai, NSW — approximately 439 km from both cities. A popular overnight stop is Albury-Wodonga (~560 km from Sydney), which sits almost exactly on the NSW–Victoria border and offers plenty of hotels and food options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Sydney to Melbourne?
The driving distance from Sydney to Melbourne is 878 km via the Hume Highway. The straight-line distance (as the crow flies) is 713 km. Use our calculator above for the exact distance from your specific address.
How long does it take to drive from Sydney to Melbourne?
Driving from Sydney to Melbourne by car takes approximately 9 hours 30 minutes non-stop via the Hume Highway. With rest stops, budget 10–11 hours.
How many km from Sydney to Melbourne?
Sydney to Melbourne is 878 km by road via the Hume Highway, or 1,040 km via the Princes Highway. The straight-line distance as the crow flies is 713 km.
How far is Melbourne from Sydney in miles?
Melbourne is approximately 546 miles from Sydney by road. As the crow flies, the distance is 443 miles.
What is halfway between Sydney and Melbourne?
The halfway point on the Hume Highway is near Gundagai, NSW, approximately 439 km from both cities.
How long is the flight from Sydney to Melbourne?
A direct flight from Sydney to Melbourne takes approximately 1 hour 25 minutes, covering the 713 km straight-line distance. Including airport check-in, security, and transfers, total travel time is usually 3–4 hours.
How much does a flight from Sydney to Melbourne cost?
Budget flights typically start from around AUD 49–99 one-way when booked in advance, with fares over AUD 150 for peak dates or last-minute bookings. Add AUD 15–25 each way if you need an airport transfer such as the SkyBus.
Is there a train from Sydney to Melbourne?
Yes, though there's no direct high-speed line — rail travel usually involves a NSW TrainLink service plus a coach connection, taking around 10 hours 45 minutes to 11 hours in total. Tickets typically cost AUD 60–130 one-way depending on class and how far ahead you book.
Can you walk from Sydney to Melbourne?
Technically yes, but it's a serious undertaking — at an average walking pace of 5 km/h, covering the 878 km road distance non-stop would take roughly 175 hours, or about 3–4 weeks walking 8 hours a day. It's not a practical way to travel this route.
How far is Sydney to Melbourne by plane?
The flight distance from Sydney to Melbourne is 713 km, the same as the straight-line (as the crow flies) distance. Flight time is approximately 1 hour 25 minutes on direct flights.
Planning Your Sydney to Melbourne Trip
Road Trip Planning
Choose the fast Hume Highway or the scenic Princes Highway depending on your time and travel style.
Business Mileage
Calculate exact road distance for mileage reimbursement and expense reports.
Fuel Budget
Use the fuel cost table above to budget your trip based on your vehicle type.
Overnight Stop Planning
Break the drive at Gundagai or Albury-Wodonga for a comfortable two-day trip.
Other Popular Australian Distances
Exploring more of regional Victoria? Check out our Sydney to Wangaratta distance guide for more.