Key Highlights
- The average flight duration from Melbourne to Sydney is about 1 hour and 25 minutes. The distance between the two cities is close to 710 kilometres.
- Major airlines flying this route are Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar. They offer many daily flights.
- Flights leave from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) and Avalon Airport. When you fly to Sydney, you will usually land at Kingsford Smith Airport, in Terminal 2.
- Using the right fare types and booking tips can help you get the lowest flight prices for your trip.
- There are a few ways to get from Sydney Airport to the Sydney CBD, including the Airport Link train and taxis. These make your transfer easy and quick.
Flying from Melbourne to Sydney is quick and simple. There are many flights every day, so it is easy to find something that fits what you need. You can book with Jetstar, Qantas, or Virgin Australia. When you book with Jetstar, you get good prices and you can pick the way you want to travel. Qantas gives you top-class service. This trip takes a little more than one hour. You go from the cool weather in Melbourne to the busy harbour in Sydney. These two cities are great if you want to plan a weekend away. If you want to get going, you are in the right place. Here you can find what you need to know for booking and making your move between these spots in Australia.
Essential Flight Information for Melbourne to Sydney
Flights from Melbourne to Sydney leave from two big airports. You can go from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport or Avalon Airport. Tullamarine is the one closer to Melbourne CBD, at about 23km away. It gives the people many ways to get to or from the airport like taxis, SkyBus, and rideshares. Avalon is 56km from the city. This airport works better for people who are near Geelong and it has good links for travel.
Most flights to Sydney land at Kingsford Smith Airport. This airport is only 8km from Sydney CBD. The average flight duration for this trip be around 1 hour and 25 minutes. This makes it easy if you want a quick trip or you need to go for business between Melbourne and Sydney.
Key airlines operating this route
The Melbourne to Sydney route has many top airlines to choose from:
Qantas Airways is known for top-level comfort. You can fly in a Business class cabin, and there is smooth service for people who fly often. This airline is one of Australia’s main choices and is trusted for comfort and flying on time. Qantas runs many regular domestic flights between Melbourne and Sydney.
Virgin Australia is great if you want good prices and flexible choices. You can book Economy Lite, Choice, Flex, or Business fares. There are options for what suits you best. Virgin Australia flights leave from Melbourne Airport’s Terminal 3 and for some international flights, from Terminal 2.
Jetstar Flights are popular for being easy on your wallet. You can catch one of up to 20 direct flights each day from Melbourne to Sydney. Flights leave from Melbourne’s Terminal 4 and also from Avalon Airport. Jetstar lets you choose and pay for only the services you want, which is good for travelers who watch their spending.
All of these airlines run lots of direct flights and have different times during the day. This helps you find a flight that works for your own plans.
Average duration of flights
Flight times on this route vary slightly depending on the chosen airline and departure terminal.
| Departure Airport | Average Flight Duration | Distance Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Melbourne Tullamarine (MEL) | 1 hour 25 minutes | 708 km |
| Avalon Airport (AVV) | 1 hour 35 minutes | 758 km |
Direct flights are the most convenient, minimizing journey time and ensuring efficient travel. Virgin Australia, Qantas Airways, and Jetstar primarily offer these direct routes, with Virgin operating flights as early as 6:30 a.m. for added convenience.
Even though flight times might differ by minutes due to wind speed and seasonal weather conditions, you can expect the journey to be relatively consistent throughout the day. Prepare for a quick check-in process and pack lightly to make your travel smoother!
Preparing for Your Flight from Melbourne
If you are leaving from Melbourne Airport, you can use SkyBus. It runs all of the time from Southern Cross Station. This way, it is quick and simple to get to the airport. You can also get a taxi or use rideshare apps for more choice, based on where you are in Melbourne. When you leave from Avalon Airport, there is good parking, and the SkyBus can take you to other big stops outside the city. This makes your trip smoother.
Try to get to the airport 60 minutes before your plane leaves. This gives you enough time to check in and get a snack before you go to your gate. During very busy hours, give yourself extra time. Aim to get there at least 90 minutes early so you will not feel rushed.
Best time to book your flight
Getting the lowest flight prices takes some smart planning. If you want to fly from Melbourne to Sydney, try to book your tickets in the middle of the week. Flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays often have lower fares. You should try not to travel during busy times. Prices can go up during holidays and on Fridays.
Different fare types change how much you will pay. Virgin Australia offers Economy Lite fares, which are the cheapest if you are only bringing a small bag. Flex fares cost more, but with them, you can cancel or change your trip. Always read the fare rules before you book, so you get what you need.
To get the best deals, it is good to book early or pick shoulder season times. Autumn, from March to May, is a good choice. It is not too busy during these months, and the weather is nice. This makes it a good time to travel to Sydney and save money on airfare.
Check-in details at Melbourne Airport
Melbourne Airport welcomes both domestic and international travelers. The airport has a simple check-in process. For Virgin Australia domestic flights, you need to go to Terminal 3. Here, you will find counters and kiosks that help make check-in quick and easy. Be sure to get there at least 60 minutes before your flight time. Luggage drop closes 45 minutes before you fly.
If you are taking international flights from Melbourne Airport, you will use Terminal 2. These flights take more time to check in, so it is good to arrive 2–3 hours before you leave. That way, you have enough time for all steps in the process.
If you fly from Avalon Airport, the check-in is simple because the airport is smaller. Try to come early so you can sit in the lounge or grab some food before you board. Both Melbourne Airport and Avalon Airport have clear signs to help you find your way. This makes it stress-free for people using the terminals in Melbourne, Australia.
Arriving in Sydney
Sydney Airport greets people from Melbourne at Terminal 2. The airport is just 8km away from Sydney CBD, so getting to the city is fast. You can use taxis and rideshare for your transfer. There is also public transport that is good for saving money, like the Airport Link train.
If you want to get to central Sydney quickly, take the Airport Link train. It comes every 10 minutes and only needs 13 minutes to reach the city. This is the best choice if you are doing business or be in a hurry. The area has busy spots like Surry Hills and Sydney Harbour close by. When you arrive in Sydney, you can start exploring all it offers right away, no matter if you just want to see the sights or go to meetings in the CBD.
Transportation options from Sydney Airport
Getting from sydney airport to central sydney is easy and simple. You can pick from many ways to go to Sydney cbd:
- Airport Link Train: The airport link train leaves every 10 minutes. The trip to sydney cbd takes only 13 minutes. You need to have an Opal card to use this train.
- Public Bus: You can also use a public bus for a low price. Buses are good if you want a calm trip with time to see the city.
- Taxi: A taxi takes about 25–45 minutes on the road to reach the cbd. The price is about $55 for a comfortable ride.
- Car Hire: Hiring a car lets you go where you want and when you want. It is good if you want to see other parts of Sydney.
Pick the way that fits your time and money needs best. This will help make your trip from Sydney airport to Sydney cbd easy and pleasant.
Must-visit places near Sydney Airport
Short on time? These places near Sydney Airport are great if you want to do something fun before you go into the city.
- Sydney CBD: This area is full of big sights to see, including the Opera House. It also has shopping areas and is only a 13-minute train ride away from the airport.
- Surry Hills: There are good cafes here, art galleries, and a lively nightlife. It’s a top place for anyone who likes things creative or new.
- Bondi Beach: Bondi is a bit farther from the airport. People love to relax, swim, or surf at this famous beach.
Other city areas like The Rocks and Darling Harbour give you old history mixed with new and exciting things to do. These spots will help make your Sydney trip special with little fuss.