Cheap Sydney to Melbourne flights

Sydney to Melbourne – 1 hour 30 minutes

Airlines that fly direct from Sydney to Melbourne are Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Qantas.

Sydney Airport (SYD) is also known as Mascot Airport or Kingsford Smith Airport, and is located 8km from the city centre. It is the busiest airport in Australia and consists of three terminals, with Terminal 1 the hub for international flights and Terminals 2 and 3 servicing domestic flights. A fast and reliable way to get yourself to the airport – especially during peak times – is the AirportLink train, which departs from Central, Circular Quay, and any of the city stations. Trains run approximately every ten minutes, with the journey taking less than 15 minutes. A one-way ticket is about $19. To use AirportLink, you’ll need to purchase an Opal Card. It’s easy to take a taxi or rideshare service to the airport too, but allow plenty of time if you’re travelling in the peak periods. Read more about Sydney Airport (SYD) transport options.

There are four airports in Melbourne, with Melbourne Airport (MEL) at Tullamarine by far the busiest, and the only one to welcome international flights. Melbourne Airport is approximately 23km to the northwest of the city centre and there are quite a few options for travelling between the two, such as shuttle bus, public bus, private transfer service – even helicopter. A typical taxi fare from the airport to Melbourne CBD in non-peak hour traffic takes around 30 minutes and will cost about $60. If you’re wanting to fly directly into Avalon Airport (AVV) from Sydney, Jetstar offers a number of flights.

Picking the best time to travel down south may seem like a challenge due to the famously unpredictable weather in Melbourne, but the truth is there are benefits to visiting at any time of year. From museums to beautiful sandy beaches, Melbourne has plenty to offer no matter the current season.

Summer

Many would argue that the best time to visit Melbourne is during the summer. Summer brings a dry heat that lasts from December to February. Being a dry heat, humidity is kept low but warm temperatures can persist into the evening. This is perfect weather for beach trips and cool drinks with friends. However, you may see afternoon thunderstorms blowing in over Port Phillip Bay as the cool change arrives each afternoon.

Appropriate clothing: T-shirt and shorts, or any outfit that breathes

Don’t forget: Sunscreen

Autumn

Autumn is the time of year when Melbourne is at its most beautiful. The leaves of the city’s many deciduous trees turn yellow and begin to fall, transforming the hinterland areas to the east into a riot of colour. The typically erratic Melbourne temperature finally finds a little equilibrium in autumn, resting comfortably between about 12 and 19 degrees Celsius each day.

Appropriate clothing: Outfits for both warm days and cool nights

Don’t forget: The “golden period” for falling leaves is mid-May, so plan your trip accordingly if you don’t want to miss this

Winter

Melbourne winters aren’t for the faint of heart. An arctic chill blows into the city, dropping temperatures to 10 degrees Celsius and below. The Melbourne rainfall also makes a reappearance as the colder weather moves in, making the winter months perfect for those who’d prefer to spend their time indoors visiting galleries and museums or keeping cosy in cafes.

Appropriate clothing: Jumper, jacket, thick pants, gloves, and a beanie

Don’t forget: A good hot water bottle!

Spring

Of the four Melbourne seasons, there are none the locals love as much as spring. The trees begin to bloom and the temperature starts to rise back into the high teens and low twenties. Spring is the perfect time to visit if you’re planning to trawl the city’s many streets and laneways for surprises.

Appropriate clothing: A light coat for dips in temperature

Don’t forget: Some antihistamines if you’re sensitive to pollen