Price range
US$92-US$395
Ride Duration Range
1h 25m-1h 35m
Earliest Departure
19:00
Latest Departure
23:00
Most Popular Operator

Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.

Travel Schedule Options from Melbourne to Sydney



























































































Taking a bus from Melbourne to Sydney

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The available amenities for this trip are currently unavailable. For specific questions, please contact our customer service, available 24/7.

The fastest: 1h 25m

The cheapest: US$92

The available amenities for this trip are currently unavailable. For specific questions, please contact our customer service, available 24/7.

routes_hero-image-alt Sydney

About the ride from Melbourne to Sydney


Melbourne is a city brimming with coffee and culture, but wait until you see Sydney. 


Often mistaken as the capital city of Australia, Sydney has everything you could ask for. The Sydney Opera House and its iconic harbor are only the start. 


In this dynamic city, you'll find endless restaurants, lively nightlife, world-famous beaches, and incredible nature on its doorstep. 


If you're traveling between two of Australia's greatest cities, there are three ways to get from Melbourne to Sydney: by bus, flight and train.


The journey can be as long or short as you like. Hop on a bus and expect to reach Sydney after 12 hours. If you don't fancy sitting on transportation for that long, a flight can get you from Melbourne to Sydney in 1.5 hours. 


The train takes almost as long as the bus but can be a fun and unique way to travel across Australia. 


Surprisingly, there's not always a huge difference in price between any of the transport options, even the flight.


Stuck on which option to take? Keep reading our detailed guide on how to get from Melbourne to Sydney, plus what to do when you get there. 


Five amazing things to do in Sydney


You'll never be able to tick off everything there is to do in Sydney. This ever-evolving city just keeps adding new things to the list, and it already feels endless. No matter your interests, Sydney has something for you!


Here are some of the best things on offer in Sydney:

  1. Visit the Sydney Opera House. You can't come to Sydney and not see the Opera House — it's one of the most iconic buildings in the world! A UNESCO World Heritage site, this unique-looking structure cost $102 million to build and unbelievably hides 1000 rooms inside. Attend a performance or take a guided tour to learn about its history and architecture. 


  1. Take a boat trip in the Sydney Harbor. Viewing the Opera House from the water is a whole other experience. Plus, you'll get to pass under the famous Sydney Harbor Bridge and enjoy views of the city while basking in the sunshine. 


  1. Chill out on Bondi Beach. It is one of the most famous beaches in the world thanks to its renowned surf and Bondi Rescue television series. Explore the town, stroll along the golden sand, go for a swim, or take a seat and watch the talented surfers do their thing. 


  1. Hang out at Manly Beach. Not quite as popular as Bondi, Manly can be reached by taking a ferry from Circular Quay — an experience in itself. Once you arrive, the town has plenty of cute boutiques to keep you busy or take a surf lesson with beginner-friendly waves.


  1. Day trip to the Blue Mountains. The Blue Mountains offer spectacular views and great hiking opportunities a few hours outside the city. Make sure to check out the Three Sisters rock formation, too. 


How to get from Melbourne to Sydney


There are three ways to get from Melbourne to Sydney: by bus, flight, and train.


By bus


Don't want to waste a day traveling? Consider getting the bus from Melbourne to Sydney. All of the buses travel overnight, meaning you can save on accommodation. The journey takes 12 hours, giving you plenty of time to get some shut-eye.


Buses depart from Melbourne Southern Cross Coach Terminal and arrive at Sydney Central Station. 


Buses are operated by Australia's most popular bus companies, Greyhound Australia and Firefly Express. You can expect a reasonably comfortable journey with air conditioning, charging ports, and a toilet onboard, but they can feel a little cramped after 12 hours. 


Greyhound Australia offers different fares: Early Bird, Advantage, and Flexible. The bus is the same, but the different fares give you varying levels of flexibility with your ticket. For example, if you book the most expensive Flexible ticket, you can change your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure. 


The bus is also a more environmentally friendly option compared to flying. Bus prices start from $67.


By flight


Flying is the fastest way to get from Melbourne to Sydney. If you're lucky, it can actually be cheaper than the bus and train. Tickets can cost as little as $33 if you book in advance or get lucky!


As a major route in Australia, several airlines operate from Melbourne to Sydney: Jetstar Airways, Virgin Australia, Qantas Airways, and Regional Express


Countless flights depart daily, providing you with plenty of flexibility. Flights leave from Melbourne Airport and arrive at Sydney Airport. 


By train


The train is a slightly faster option than the bus — it takes just over 11 hours to travel from Melbourne to Sydney. 


Operated by NSW Trainlink, two train classes are available: Economy and First Class. 


Economy offers air conditioning, WiFi, power outlets, access to a buffet car, and seats that recline a bit. Tickets start from $53. 


If you want to enjoy a more comfortable journey from Melbourne to Sydney, upgrade to First Class. The seats offer all of the amenities of Economy, plus extra legroom and a deeper seat recline. Tickets start from $74. 


There are at least two departures daily, in the morning and evening. Trains depart from Melbourne Southern Cross and arrive at Sydney Central Station. 


Taking the train can be a fun and unique way to travel from Melbourne to Sydney.


What to expect from the journey from Melbourne to Sydney


Your journey from Melbourne to Sydney will vary greatly depending on your preferred transport option. 


Opt for a flight, and you'll say hello to Sydney in no time. While the train and bus take significantly longer, they are more environmentally friendly and allow you to see more of Australia through the window. 


When is the best time to visit Sydney?


Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are the best times to visit Sydney. It's when temperatures are comfortable, hovering between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), and are ideal for outdoor activities, such as surfing and relaxing on the beach. 


Many people still visit in summer, between December and February, but temperatures get HOT in these months. Expect 30°C (86°F) most days and high humidity. It shouldn't be too bad if you plan to spend your days at the beach and surfing. 


Sydney's winters are mild compared to most Australian cities. While it might be too cold to go swimming, there's still plenty to do in the city. 


How many days should you spend in Sydney? 


Sydney is a city overflowing with things to do! We recommend at least four days, but many people decide this is too little and spend weeks, if not months, in this lively city. 


If you're tight on time, four days to a week gives you enough time to wander around the city, try some of its best restaurants, try surfing, and take a day trip or two. 


Where should you visit after Sydney? 


Once you've finished exploring Sydney, continue up Australia's east coast to Brisbane, the capital of Queensland. 


Brisbane is a lively and rapidly growing city that's the gateway to famous destinations like the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Moreton Island.



Companies Operating from Melbourne to Sydney

Average time

1h 25m

Average price

US$131 - US$162

Average time

1h 25m - 1h 35m

Average price

US$97

Average time

1h 25m

Average price

US$92 - US$139

Why travel with Bookaway?

Bookaway.com makes it simple and easy to find, compare, and buy city-to-city tickets via bus, train, ferry, and more. We support over 13 languages and 23 currencies worldwide, and we believe that everyone should easily be able to find and purchase what they are looking for. We don’t just want to help you get where you want to go - we want you to enjoy the ride.