Travelling from Sydney (SYD) to Melbourne Tullamarine (MEL): what you need to know
The average duration of a direct flight from Sydney to Melbourne Tullamarine is 1 hour 35 minutes.
Sydney and Melbourne follow the same timezone, UTC+11.
Choose from 472 weekly Sydney to Melbourne Tullamarine flights. The 06:00 departure with Jetstar is the earliest flight available. Jetstar operates the last service of the day at 22:00.
To ensure you catch your SYD to MEL flight, leave plenty of time to check in and find your gate. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
During popular months like July, you'll want to get to the airport even earlier. Arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead for international flights whenever you're travelling during a peak period in general.
A range of airlines operate direct flights from Sydney to Melbourne Tullamarine, so jetting off to Melbourne (and then exploring more of Australia!) is easy. The most popular carriers that fly nonstop include:
The airline that passengers book most often on this route is Qantas.
The carrier with the best on-time arrival rate for SYD to MEL flights is Qantas.
We make it simple to book a flight with a stopover. To see all your options for tickets from Sydney to Melbourne Tullamarine, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, choose a flight offering a stop long enough to explore your chosen city. Top stopovers between SYD and MEL include:
Canberra
Hobart
Launceston
How to find the cheapest flights from Sydney (SYD) to Melbourne Tullamarine (MEL)
The lowest price we've found for a one-way Sydney to Melbourne Tullamarine flight is ₹ 4,675. A return fare is currently ₹ 10,641. Depending on the availability and when you book, these fares can change.
Score cheap tickets from SYD to MEL by booking ten months ahead. According to our research, that's the sweet spot for finding the biggest deals.
March is the cheapest month for flights from Sydney to Melbourne Tullamarine. If you want to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest airfares for every month.
Getting your hands on cheap flights from SYD to MEL is a cinch with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch when there's a better deal.
Select your preferred arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines with the filters. Alternatively, sort your results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals on flights from Sydney to Melbourne Tullamarine.
Handy information about Sydney (SYD)
Of all flights leaving Sydney, 66% land on time at their destination.
Sydney is about 8 kilometres from central Sydney. If you're driving, catching a taxi or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic.
You can expect a trip time of about 15 minutes on public transport.
Looking for a convenient hotel near SYD? If you're catching an early flight from Sydney to Melbourne Tullamarine, these accommodation options will have you sleeping moments from your check-in counter:
What is the baggage allowance on flights from Sydney Airport (SYD) to Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)?
Most flights from SYD to MEL include a carry-on bag with standard fares, though baggage allowances vary by airline and ticket type. Here is what you can expect with the main airlines operating this route:
Qantas
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag up to 56x36x23cm plus personal item
Checked baggage: 23kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Sydney Airport (SYD), Terminal 3
Arrival terminal: Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL), Terminal 1
Check-in counters: Open 2 hours before domestic departures
Virgin Australia Regional
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag up to 56cm x 36cm x 23cm plus personal item
Checked baggage: 23kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Sydney Airport (SYD), Terminal 2
Arrival terminal: Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL), Terminal 1
Check-in counters: Open 3 hours before departure, close 30 minutes before
Jetstar
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag plus personal item
Checked baggage: 20kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Sydney Airport (SYD), Terminal 2
Arrival terminal: Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL), Terminal 4
Check-in counters: Open 2 hours before domestic departure
You can access a wide range of facilities at Sydney Airport (SYD) including complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the terminals, numerous shops and restaurants, and comfortable lounges for relaxation. The airport also provides essential services such as baby care rooms, prayer facilities, and medical services to support your travel needs. Additional conveniences include self-service check-in kiosks, currency exchange counters, and comprehensive transport connections to help you reach the city centre.
Arriving at Melbourne Tullamarine (MEL)
Reserve a hotel close to MEL if you have a late Sydney to Melbourne Tullamarine flight. Check in to one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer:
Pick up a Melbourne Tullamarine rental car and explore Melbourne and beyond with your own wheels. Bargain Car Rentals, East Coast and Sixt are top outlets to choose from here.
To get the best deal, book your vehicle from Melbourne Tullamarine around four weeks in advance.
Getting from Melbourne Tullamarine (MEL) to central Melbourne
Melbourne Tullamarine to central Melbourne has a drive time of around 25 minutes. It's approximately 24 kilometres away.
Travelling on public transport takes about 35 minutes.
When to fly to Melbourne Tullamarine (MEL)
The quietest month for a flight from Sydney to Melbourne Tullamarine is March, while July is the most popular. Pick the best time to visit Melbourne based on whether you prefer a more fast-paced or easygoing experience.
Lock in your flight from Sydney to Melbourne Tullamarine for January if you want to visit Melbourne during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures of between 11ºC and 28ºC.
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from SYD to MEL in July. Temperatures average between 3ºC and 12ºC then.
Weather snapshot
The weather in Melbourne is famously unpredictable, with four seasons that can shift dramatically from day to day. Here's what to expect throughout the year:
December – February: Summer brings warm days and long evenings, making these the best times to explore Melbourne. Pack light clothing and sunglasses for sunny weather that's perfect for outdoor adventures.
March – May: Autumn brings crisp, mild weather with occasional showers that keep the city fresh and green. Layer your clothing as temperatures can shift throughout the day.
June – September: Melbourne's winter brings cool, crisp days perfect for exploring galleries, cosy cafes and indoor attractions. You'll want warm layers and a waterproof jacket for occasional showers. The city's cultural scene thrives during these months, making it ideal for museum visits and discovering local neighbourhoods on foot.
October – November: Spring brings warmer weather and longer days, perfect for exploring outdoor attractions and wandering through gardens. You'll find this an ideal time for sightseeing and enjoying nature activities around the city.
Sightseeing and travel inspiration
Melbourne combines its reputation for exceptional coffee culture with a strong arts scene and sporting tradition. The city draws visitors with its street art, diverse neighbourhoods, and year-round events calendar. Whether you're planning flights to Melbourne for the food scene or cultural attractions, this multicultural city offers experiences across every season.
Things to do in Melbourne: Stroll through Queen Victoria Market, just 1 kilometre north of the city centre, where you can browse fresh produce and local goods, or take a walk along the Yarra River trails that wind through the city and beyond. For coastal views, head to St Kilda Beach, about 6 kilometres southeast, where you can walk the pier and watch penguins return at sunset.
Cultural experiences: Catch a performance at the Arts Centre Melbourne on St Kilda Road, about 2 kilometres south of the city centre, or browse contemporary galleries in the Fitzroy arts district roughly 3 kilometres northeast. Sample diverse food traditions at Queen Victoria Market, just 1 kilometre north, and discover everything from Vietnamese pho to Greek souvlaki alongside fresh local produce.
Seasonal highlights: Experience the Melbourne International Comedy Festival during March and April when the city buzzes with laughter across hundreds of venues. The Australian Open tennis tournament takes place in January, offering thrilling matches alongside pleasant summer weather. Winter brings the Melbourne International Film Festival in July and August, perfect for cosy cinema sessions during the cooler months. Spring and autumn offer the best time to visit Melbourne for comfortable outdoor exploring and festival hopping.
Explore more of Australia
You've done Melbourne, now it's time to explore other corners of Australia. Journey about 467 kilometres north-east to Canberra to check off its leading sights. From National Gallery of Australia to National Portrait Gallery and Museum of Australian Democracy, your itinerary will be busy.
Geelong is another essential stop in Australia and is around 64 kilometres south-west of Melbourne. No trip is complete without experiencing Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Eastern Beach Promenade and Eastern Beach.
