What is the exact distance from Sydney to Melbourne?

The driving distance from Sydney to Melbourne is 877 kilometers (545 miles). The straight-line distance is 713 km.

How long does it take to drive from Sydney to Melbourne?

The estimated driving time from Sydney to Melbourne is 8.9 hours under normal traffic conditions. This can vary based on traffic, road conditions, and your driving speed.

What is the fastest route from Sydney to Melbourne?

The fastest route is typically 877km and takes about 8.9 hours. This route is optimized for time and usually uses major highways and roads.

Are there alternative routes from Sydney to Melbourne?

Yes, we provide up to 2 different route options including the fastest route, shortest distance route, and alternative paths that may offer different scenery or avoid certain road types.

Does the route from Sydney to Melbourne include tolls?

Yes, some routes from Sydney to Melbourne may include toll roads. Check the detailed route information below for specific toll road indicators.

Can I get turn-by-turn directions from Sydney to Melbourne?

While we provide the route overview and key information, for detailed turn-by-turn directions, we recommend using the route data with your preferred GPS navigation app or mapping service.

Sydney to Melbourne Distance

545 miles•877 km•8.9 hours

Driving distance and route information from Sydney, Australiato Melbourne, Australia. Compare multiple routes and get detailed travel information.

⭐

FASTEST ROUTE

544.71 mi

(876.63 km)

⏱️8h 57m

Via George Street, Market Street

George Street → Market Street

🛣️ 70% Highway💰 Tolls

📏

SHORTEST ROUTE

612.12 mi

(985.12 km)

⏱️10h 51m

Via George Street, Market Street

George Street → Market Street

🛣️ 70% Highway💰 Tolls

📏 Straight-line distance: 443 miles (713 km)

See crow flies distance →

Share this route

citytocitydistances.com/sydney-to-melbourne

Complete Driving Guide: Sydney to Melbourne

Essential Route Information

TOTAL DISTANCE

545 mi

877 kilometers

DRIVING TIME

8.9 hours

534 minutes

FUEL ESTIMATE

73 L

$110 cost

📍 Route Overview

Starting PointSydney, New South Wales

DestinationMelbourne, Victoria

Route Options2 available routes

Countries Crossed1 country

Time Zone ChangesCheck local times

🚗 Driving Details

Average Speed99 km/h

Straight-line Distance713 km

Route Efficiency81%

Toll RoadsYes - Budget required

Ferry CrossingsNo ferries

Compare All Routes from Sydney to Melbourne

Route Type	Distance	Drive Time	Avg Speed	Tolls
⭐ Fastest Route	545 mi (877 km)	8.9 hours	98 km/h	✅ Yes
Alternative 1	612 mi (985 km)	10.8 hours	91 km/h	✅ Yes

Complete Journey Overview: Sydney to Melbourne

The road journey from Sydney to Melbourne spans approximately 545 miles (877 kilometers), making it a long-distance drive that typically requires 8.9 hours of continuous driving under normal traffic conditions.

This route connects New South Wales, Australia with Victoria, Australia, traversing through various regions within Australia. The journey offers 2 distinct routing options, each with unique advantages in terms of distance, time, or scenic value.

The most efficient route from Sydney to Melbourne follows major highways and arterial roads, maintaining an average speed of approximately 99 km/h. This route has been optimized for speed, though it includes toll roads that require payment.

🗺️ Travel Planning Essentials

✓

Fuel Planning: Expect to use approximately 22 gallons (73 liters) of fuel for this 545 mile journey. Plan fuel stops every 250-300 miles.

✓

Rest Stops: For safety, plan a 15-minute break every 2 hours of driving. Total journey with breaks: 10.2 hours.

✓

Best Travel Times: Avoid peak traffic hours (7-9 AM and 5-7 PM) in major cities along your route for optimal travel time.

✓

Weather Check: Monitor weather conditions along the entire route, especially during winter months or rainy seasons.

💰 Cost Estimation Guide

Fuel Cost (approximate)$76

Toll Costs$27

Vehicle Wear (per mile)$136

Total Trip Cost$240

* Costs are estimates based on average fuel prices and vehicle maintenance. Actual costs may vary.

Alternative Transportation Options

🚗

By Car

8.9 hours

545 miles

✈️

By Plane

0.9 hours flight

713 km direct

🚌

By Bus

11.6 hours

Multiple stops

🚂

By Train

Check availability

Scenic route