- Must visit
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Major art museum near the Domain, featuring Australian, European and Asian works in historic and modern buildings.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Melbourne to Sydney
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 12 Nov
- Cheapest price on 12 Nov
- £115
- Average ticket price on 12 Nov
- £115
- Fastest journey on 12 Nov
- 11 h 2 m
- Average journey duration on 12 Nov
- 11 h 10 m
- Trains on 12 Nov
- 2
- Distance
- 713 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Melbourne to Sydney is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Melbourne to Sydney will cost around £115 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £115.
Fast trains
On Thu 12 Nov, we found 2 trains from Melbourne to Sydney, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 713 km distance in an average of 11 h 10 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 11 h 2 m .
The slowest trains will take 11 h 18 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
8:30 11h18 Southern Cross 19:48 Central Station, Platform 3 £115 1 One-way 0 changes19:50 11h02 Southern Cross 6:52 Central Station, Platform 1 £115 1 One-way 0 changes
19:50 11h02 Southern Cross 6:52 Central Station, Platform 1 £115 1 One-way 0 changes8:30 11h18 Southern Cross 19:48 Central Station, Platform 3 £115 1 One-way 0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Melbourne to Sydney
AustraliaAustralia
Trains from Melbourne to Sydney run on average 2 times per day, taking around 11h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £45 but you can travel from only £27 by coach.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 08:50, the last at 22:30. The fastest train covers the 713 km distance in 10h 57m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £27
Distance 713 km |
Average train duration 11h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price £45 |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 10h 57m |
First train 8:50 |
Last train 22:30 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £27
Frequently asked questions about your Melbourne to Sydney trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Melbourne to Sydney.
The cost of a train ticket from Melbourne to Sydney can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £45, while the average price tends to be around £61.
The train journey from Melbourne to Sydney covers a distance of 713 km and takes approximately 10h 57m. Trains run 2 per day.
The train distance from Melbourne to Sydney is 713 km.
The first train from Melbourne to Sydney leaves at 8:50.
The last train from Melbourne to Sydney departs at 22:30.
Trains from Melbourne to Sydney run approximately 2 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Melbourne and Sydney. The service operates 2 times per day, provided by NSW Railway.
Live departures
Melbourne to Sydney train times
The table below shows live departures for Melbourne to Sydney trains for today, Wednesday 11 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19:50 Southern Cross | 11h02 | 6:52 Central Station, Platform 1 | 0 changesdirect | |
| Thursday 12 November | |||||
| 8:30 Southern Cross | 11h18 | 19:48 Central Station, Platform 3 | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Train companies: NSW Railway from Melbourne to Sydney trainsNSW Railway trains will get you between Melbourne and Sydney from £27. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
NSW Railway
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average NSW Railway Duration
10h 57m
Cheapest NSW Railway Price
£45
NSW Railway frequency
2 a day
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Melbourne and Sydney
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Melbourne to Sydney.
There is no night train service from Melbourne to Sydney.
Complete guide to Sydney
Things to do in Sydney
Discover the best of Sydney — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Sydney trip today.
- Must visit
Australian Museum
Natural history and science museum with dinosaur skeletons, minerals and interactive family-friendly displays.
- Recommended
Museum of Contemporary Art Australia
Contemporary art museum at Circular Quay with harbour views, changing exhibitions and a strong Australian focus.
- Must visit
The Rocks
Historic harbourside district with sandstone lanes, markets, pubs, museums and excellent views of the bridge and quay.
- Must visit
Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Large waterfront garden with harbour walks, palms, flower beds and classic views towards the Opera House.
- Must visit
Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
Popular coastal walk linking beaches, cliffs and rock pools, ideal for sea views, exercise and photography.
- Gluten-free
Sydney rock oysters
Sydney rock oysters are prized for their rich, briny flavour and creamy texture, harvested from New South Wales estuaries and long linked to Sydney’s seafood culture.
- Gluten-free
Barramundi
Barramundi is a popular Australian fish, often simply grilled or pan-fried. It is a staple on Sydney menus for its mild flavour and crisp skin.
- Gluten-free
Moreton Bay bugs
Moreton Bay bugs are sweet, slipper-lobster shellfish, usually grilled with butter or served chilled. They are a classic luxury seafood choice in Sydney.
Catalina Rose Bay
Elegant waterfront restaurant specialising in seafood, especially oysters, fish and shellfish, with Harbour Bridge views.
Bennelong
Refined harbourside fine dining in Bennelong House, known for Australian produce and polished service in a landmark setting.
Doyles on the Beach
Long-running Sydney seafood restaurant and fish market with harbour views, popular for oysters, platters and grilled local catch.
Australian dollar (A$)
Sydney is costly for visitors, with high hotel prices, dining above many cities, and public transport reasonable but not cheap.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- A$15-25 for fast food or casual takeaway.
- Mid-range
- A$35-60 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- A$120+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- A$4.50-6 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. Restaurants may get 5-10% for great service, taxis can be rounded up, and cafés usually do not expect tips.
FAQs: Melbourne to Sydney train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Melbourne to Sydney by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Sydney, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Booking trains from Melbourne to Sydney in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Yes, you can take the train from Melbourne to Sydney.
More options for your journey from Melbourne to Sydney
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
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