Flying from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD) to Melbourne: what you need to know
Approximately 1 hour 27 minutes is how long you can expect to be travelling on a direct flight from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport to Melbourne.
Melbourne's timezone is UTC+11, which is the same as Sydney (the location of Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport).
Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD) to Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) is the most popular route, with 779 flights a week to pick from. If you have things to finalize before heading off, the last flight from SYD to MEL is with Jetstar at 22:00. Choose the first departure with Jetstar at 06:00 if you want to fly out earlier.
To ensure you get on your flight from SYD to Melbourne, allow plenty of time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
During popular months like July, you'll want to get to the airport earlier. Arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead for an international flight whenever you're flying during a peak period in general.
Nonstop flights from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD) to Melbourne are available for booking. Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) is where you'll step off the plane.
You'll find a good selection of airlines that operate direct flights from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport to Melbourne, such as:
You won't need a visa or passport to fly within Australia. You will need a valid identity document however, like a driver's licence or an ID card. Put them on your packing list once you've booked cheap tickets from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport to Melbourne.
The journey from central Sydney to SYD takes about 27 minutes by public transport. If you ride-share, drive or grab a cab, you'll cover the 18 kilometres in 21 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Planning to catch an early flight from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport to Melbourne? Avoid the stress of rushing to the terminal (and get some extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels near SYD:
How to find the cheapest flights from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD) to Melbourne
The best price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport to Melbourne is 30 €. The cheapest price for a return flight is 59 €. Keep in mind fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
Book 7 months before your departure date. After looking at the numbers on our calendar, this is how far you'll want to book ahead to find cheap tickets from SYD to Melbourne.
March is the cheapest month for tickets from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport to Melbourne. If you're looking to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices across every month.
Create a Price Alert for cheap tickets from SYD to Melbourne. There's no need to look every day to see whether fares have dropped. We'll update you the moment there's a change in price.
Make the most of the filters to find your ideal journey. To see the 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' flights from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport to Melbourne, use the 'Sort by' tool. You can also filter results by arrival and departure times, airline, and journey duration.
Airports in Melbourne
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) is around 24 kilometres from the centre of Melbourne. With a car rental or if you're catching a cab, the drive is about 28 minutes.
It typically takes 42 minutes when travelling by public transport.
Consider staying in a hotel close to MEL if you're taking a late flight from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport to Melbourne. Select one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Avalon Airport (AVV)
Avalon Airport (AVV) is roughly 56 kilometres from the centre of Melbourne. After your flight from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport to Melbourne, it'll take you around 51 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
Travelling by public transport will take about 2 hours and 4 minutes.
There are some comfortable places to stay just a quick drive from AVV. Switch to relaxation mode at Little River Bed and Breakfast after your flight from SYD to Melbourne.
Best time to go to Melbourne
July is the busiest month for flights from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport to Melbourne. To skip the crowds, visit Melbourne in April when things are quieter.
Book your flight from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport to Melbourne for January to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 12ºC to 29ºC.
For cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from SYD to Melbourne in July when temperatures average between 4ºC and 13ºC.
More about Melbourne
Start your Melbourne trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport to Melbourne, check out our range of accommodation options including:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be tricky to work out where to begin. Federation Square, National Gallery of Victoria and Eureka Skydeck 88 are leading attractions which should be on any good Melbourne itinerary.
Complete your Melbourne trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport to Melbourne to track down amazing deals on car rentals. Search for your ride in seconds and easily compare your options. Plus we give you all the info on car rentals in Melbourne, from the most popular rental company to the best time to book.