Cheap Melbourne to Sydney flights

Melbourne to Sydney flight time: 1 hour 20 minutes

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

There are four airports in Melbourne, with Melbourne Airport (MEL) at Tullamarine by far the busiest, and the major airport for all domestic and international flights. Melbourne Airport is approximately 23km to the northwest of the city centre. If you’re departing on a domestic flight from Melbourne Airport, you’ll most likely leave from T1, T3 or T4; Qantas arrives and departs from T1, T3 is reserved for Virgin Australia passengers, and all remaining airlines fly from T4.

While there is no direct rail link between the airport and the city, there are a number of reliable options for transport such as taxi, rideshare, shuttle bus, public bus, private transfer service – even helicopter if you feel like a splurge. A typical taxi fare from Flinders Street in the Melbourne city centre to the airport in non-peak hour traffic takes around 30 minutes and will cost between $45 and $62.

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. The taxi service from the airport is efficient and well-organised, the AirportLink train is a fast and inexpensive way to get from the airport to the city, and there are also several other transport options such as airport shuttles.

The weather in Sydney comprises a sunny climate with mild winters and warm summers, perfect for making the most of the great outdoors. The best time to visit Sydney will depend largely on your personal preference and your ideal getaway plans. You can enjoy the stunning coastal headlands from summer right through winter, and the mild weather and drop in humidity also makes for perfect whale-watching conditions, in autumn and winter.

Summer

Summer in Sydney is best spent outdoors. During summer the average temperatures range from 18-25 degrees Celsius, and the average humidity peaks at 65%. It’s a great time to take a dip at one of Sydney’s magnificent beaches or harbourside pools, with water temperatures rising to a comfortable average of 23 degrees.

Appropriate clothing: Comfortable light attire

Don’t forget: A shady hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses

Autumn

During autumn the humidity drops and average temperature falls between 14-22 degrees Celsius. The crisp autumn air makes for the perfect weather to take a morning stroll along the coast, which is especially inspiring during the annual humpback whale migration.

Appropriate clothing: A light jacket

Don’t forget: A warm scarf for chilly evenings, and a camera for potential whale sightings

Winter

Average temperatures drop to between 8-17 degrees Celsius during Sydney winter. The city’s rainfall is also at its highest in these months with an average downpour of 132mm, so make sure to rug up and stay dry.

Appropriate clothing: Long pants, warm jacket

Don’t forget: Raincoat and umbrella

Spring

The days are warmer during spring, but the humidity is usually still quite low. With average temperatures fluctuating between 11-23 degrees Celsius, it would be a good idea to pack for two climates. October also marks the beginning of daylight saving, so make sure to turn your watches forward by an hour.

Appropriate clothing: Light jacket, short-sleeve shirt

Don’t forget: You’re on Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT)!