- Must visit
National Gallery of Victoria
A major art museum showing international and Australian works across two buildings, with strong contemporary displays and varied temporary exhibitions.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Sydney to Melbourne
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
- 10 h 48 m
- Average journey duration on 12 Nov
- 10 h 49 m
- Trains on 12 Nov
- 2
- Distance
- 713 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Sydney to Melbourne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Sydney to Melbourne 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 Sydney to Melbourne, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 713 km distance in an average of 10 h 49 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 10 h 48 m .
The slowest trains will take 10 h 50 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.
7:40 10h50 Central Station, Platform 2 18:30 Southern Cross £115 1 One-way 0 changes20:42 10h48 Central Station, Platform 2 7:30 Southern Cross £115 1 One-way 0 changes
20:42 10h48 Central Station, Platform 2 7:30 Southern Cross £115 1 One-way 0 changes7:40 10h50 Central Station, Platform 2 18:30 Southern Cross £115 1 One-way 0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Sydney to Melbourne
AustraliaAustralia
Trains from Sydney to Melbourne run on average 2 times per day, taking around 10h 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £45 but you can travel from only £15 by coach.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 09:42, the last at 21:40. The fastest train covers the 713 km distance in 10h 48m.
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 £15
Distance 713 km |
Average train duration 10h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price £45 |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 10h 48m |
First train 9:42 |
Last train 21:40 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
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 £15
Frequently asked questions about your Sydney to Melbourne trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Sydney to Melbourne.
The cost of a train ticket from Sydney to Melbourne can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £45, while the average price tends to be around £59.
The train journey from Sydney to Melbourne covers a distance of 713 km and takes approximately 10h 48m. Trains run 2 per day.
The train distance from Sydney to Melbourne is 713 km.
The first train from Sydney to Melbourne leaves at 9:42.
The last train from Sydney to Melbourne departs at 21:40.
Trains from Sydney to Melbourne run approximately 2 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Sydney and Melbourne. The service operates 2 times per day, provided by NSW Railway.
Live departures
Sydney to Melbourne train times
The table below shows live departures for Sydney to Melbourne 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20:42 Central Station, Platform 2 | 10h48 | 7:30 Southern Cross | 0 changesdirect | |
| Thursday 12 November | |||||
| 7:40 Central Station, Platform 2 | 10h50 | 18:30 Southern Cross | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Train companies: NSW Railway from Sydney to Melbourne trainsNSW Railway trains will get you between Sydney and Melbourne from £15. 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 48m
Cheapest NSW Railway Price
£45
NSW Railway frequency
2 a day
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Sydney and Melbourne
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 Sydney to Melbourne.
There is no night train service from Sydney to Melbourne.
Complete guide to Melbourne
Things to do in Melbourne
Discover the best of Melbourne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Melbourne trip today.
- Must visit
Melbourne Museum
Melbourne’s main museum covers natural history, culture and science, with family-friendly galleries and the notable Forest Gallery indoors.
- Recommended
The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia
A photography-focused centre with thoughtful contemporary exhibitions, moving-image work and a strong location in Federation Square.
- Must visit
Federation Square
A riverside cultural precinct with public art, event spaces, museums and easy walks linking the CBD with the Yarra.
- Must visit
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
A large landscaped garden with lakes, broad lawns and city views, ideal for a relaxed walk close to central Melbourne.
- Must visit
Hosier Lane
A creative inner-city lane known for ever-changing street art, compact galleries and a distinctly local Melbourne atmosphere.
- Vegetarian
Avocado Toast
A classic Melbourne café staple: smashed avocado on toast, often with feta, lemon and dukkah. It reflects the city’s influential brunch culture.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Flat White
Melbourne is famous for espresso-based coffee, especially the flat white: velvety steamed milk over a strong espresso, central to daily local life.
Chicken Parma
Chicken parmigiana, or ‘parma’, is a beloved pub meal in Melbourne: crumbed chicken topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese, usually served with chips.
Patricia Coffee Brewers
Popular city coffee spot serving expertly made espresso and brunch in a busy, modern café atmosphere.
Attica
Refined fine dining focused on Australian ingredients with elegant tasting menus and a calm, contemporary setting.
South Melbourne Market Dim Sims
Long-running South Melbourne market favourite, best known for classic dim sims and casual counter service.
Australian dollar ($)
Moderate for Australia. Hotels and dining are pricier than many Asian cities, but public transport is good value and budget eats are easy to find.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $15-25 for fast food or casual eats.
- Mid-range
- $30-50 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- $100+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- $4.50-6 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is not expected. Round up or leave 5-10% for excellent restaurant service; taxis can be rounded up, and cafés usually do not require tips.
FAQs: Sydney to Melbourne train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sydney to Melbourne 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 Melbourne, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Booking trains from Sydney to Melbourne 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 Sydney to Melbourne.
More options for your journey from Sydney to Melbourne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
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