Flying from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD) to Melbourne: what you need to know
Jump on a direct flight from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport to Melbourne and you'll be travelling for an average of 1 hour 25 minutes.
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 502 flights a week to choose from. If you prefer a later start to the day, the last flight from SYD to MEL is with Jetstar at 22:00. Choose the first departure operated by Jetstar at 06:00 if you want to fly out earlier.
For stress-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. That way, you won't have to rush to board your SYD to Melbourne flight.
If you're jetting off during a major holiday or another peak period, allow for even more time. A good general rule is two hours ahead of domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Lines at check-in and security will be longer.
Start your trip at SYD and fly straight to Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL). That's where you can expect to land when searching for Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport to Melbourne tickets.
Top airlines that operate direct flights from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport to Melbourne include:
Travelling from central Sydney to SYD takes around 25 minutes by public transport. If you ride-share, drive or take a cab, you'll cover the 8 kilometres in 20 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Booked an early flight from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport to Melbourne? Avoid rushing to the terminal (and sneak in some extra snooze time) by choosing one of these stays close to SYD:
Of all flights leaving Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport, 69.62% arrive on time at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD) to Melbourne
Rs9,930 is currently the best price for a one-way Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport to Melbourne flight. Return flight tickets start from Rs19,847. These fares may change based on demand and availability.
Lock in cheap flights from SYD to Melbourne by booking 11 months ahead. According to our research, that's the sweet spot for bagging a bargain.
March is the best month for nabbing an awesome deal on Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport to Melbourne tickets. If you'd like to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for each month.
Cut down on the time spent looking for cheap flights from SYD to Melbourne by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification through the app when fares go down.
Tailor your flights with filters. Select your preferred arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' flights from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport to Melbourne.
Airports in Melbourne
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to the centre of Melbourne takes around 30 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 24 kilometres away.
Getting there on public transport will take you around 40 minutes.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport to Melbourne, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and resting soon after at one of these accommodation options near MEL:
Follow your own route with a Melbourne Tullamarine Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Bargain Car Rentals, East Coast or Sixt and experience more of Melbourne and beyond.
Lock in the best possible rate by booking your vehicle from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport around four weeks in advance of your flight from SYD to Melbourne.
Avalon Airport (AVV)
Avalon Airport (AVV) is roughly 56 kilometres from central Melbourne. After your flight from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport to Melbourne, it'll take you around 50 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
If you're travelling on public transport, it'll take around 2 hours 5 minutes.
You'll find some fantastic places to stay within an easy drive of AVV. Ease into relaxation mode at Corio Bay Motel after your SYD to Melbourne flight.
No need to worry about public transport schedules or cab lines. Grab an Avalon Airport rental car and take your trip in whatever direction you choose. Check out the rates and availability from Sixt, Kangaroo Rental and yesaway car hire.
Don't pay more than you need to. Securing your ride three weeks before your arrival at AVV can help you lock in a better rate.
Essendon Airport (MEB)
Set your sights on the city centre after your flight from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport to Melbourne has arrived. Central Melbourne is about 19 kilometres from Essendon Airport (MEB) and takes roughly 25 minutes to reach by car.
If you go by public transport, expect a journey of around 1 hour 15 minutes.
If you don't want to make the trip to the centre, find a hotel near MEB. Settle in at one of these options after your SYD to Melbourne flight:
Whether you're searching for a mini for a solo adventure or an SUV to transport your group, you'll find the ideal Essendon Airport rental car for your needs. Explore the types of wheels available from providers such as East Coast, Ace Rental Cars and Goldcar.
Booking at least a few weeks in advance of your flight from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport to Melbourne is always smart. Along with more affordable prices, you'll get a better selection of vehicle makes and models at MEB.
Best time to go to Melbourne
Before locking in your flights from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport to Melbourne, consider which time of year is best for you. High season in Melbourne offers a bustling atmosphere and plenty to do, while low season means you'll get cheaper hotel rates and smaller crowds.
Before booking a Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport to Melbourne flight ticket, think about the type of weather you enjoy. January is the warmest month in Melbourne, with temperatures ranging from 12ºC to 29ºC.
If you like cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from SYD to Melbourne in July when temperatures average between 4ºC and 13ºC.
More about Melbourne
After booking your flight from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport to Melbourne, find a hotel that offers both comfort and a great location. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Melbourne:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be tricky to work out where to start. National Gallery of Victoria, Federation Square and Eureka Skydeck 88 are major attractions which should feature on any good Melbourne itinerary.
Explore more of Australia
Canberra is just one of the many cities in Australia waiting to be explored after you've experienced Melbourne. Around 467 kilometres away to the north-east, top sights here include Australian War Memorial, National Gallery of Australia and Parliament House.
If you're looking to explore another great destination in Australia, consider Launceston, roughly 451 kilometres south-east of Melbourne. City Park, Tamar Island Wetlands and James Boag Brewery Experience are highlights.