Cheap Melbourne to Sydney flights (MEL to SYD)

Arriving at Sydney Airport

Central Sydney is approximately 8 kilometres from Sydney's Domestic and Kingsford Smith International Airport. The easiest and most affordable commute option to Sydney CBD is the Airport Link train, a 13-minute journey. To use this service either purchase an Opal Card at the station itself, or simply tap on with your Visa, Amex or Mastercard. Other options include taxi, rideshare, and rental car. 

You will arrive into Terminal 2 (T2) at Sydney Airport, from there make your way outside the terminal to the various transport services.

Transfer times and cost guide (to Sydney City)

• Taxi and rideshare: 25-45mins – approx. $55
• Airport Link Train: 13mins – approx. $18

Departing from Melbourne Airport

Located 23km from Melbourne CBD, Melbourne Airport is best accessed by SkyBus, with regular daily schedules running 24-hours a day from various central city locations, including Southern Cross Station.

Alternatively - commute to Melbourne Airport via taxi and rideshare services - or self-drive, utilising the short-term and long-term airport parking options.

In non-peak hour the drive is approximately 25-minutes from central Melbourne. Allow plenty of time during peak times, as the journey may take up to an hour.

Virgin Australia generally operates from two terminals, Terminal 3 (T3) for all Virgin Australia Domestic flights and Terminal 2 (T2) serving all International flights in and out of Melbourne.

What time do you need to arrive at Melbourne Airport?

If you’re planning to check in luggage we recommend that you plan to arrive at the airport 60 minutes prior to your flight time, as check-in is 45 minutes prior departure. This should allow you enough spare time to grab a coffee or snack on your way to the departure gate, without feeling rushed.

Sydney Itinerary – What to do in a day?

Only have 24 hours in Sydney? Here’s our handy guide so you can squeeze in lots of attractions and things to do, without feeling like you’re a contender on The Amazing Race.

8.30am - BridgeClimb

From Sydney Airport, board the Airport Link Train through to Circular Quay, drop the bags at your hotel, then make your way to BridgeClimb, where the day begins with a 1-hour climb followed by the best aerial views of Sydney!

10.30am - Coffee at Opera Bar, Sydney Opera House

With the early start from Melbourne it’s well and truly coffee time, and what better place for a caffeine-fix than at Opera Bar at Sydney Opera House, this time taking in Sydney Harbour views at a more leisurely pace.

12.00pm - Lunch in Manly

Next up, hop on the ferry at Circular Quay across to Manly, for a spot of lunch. Try Hugos Manly located on Manly Wharf for fresh contemporary Italian cuisine, or The Pantry Manly – once the famous ‘Beach House’ built in 1919, this restaurant showcases a menu based on local seasonal produce.

2pm - Shopping on Oxford Street, Paddington

You will be tempted to kick on and product-test the cocktail menu, but you need to hustle, as there’s more on today’s must-see list. Shopping is next on the itinerary and you’ll be truly spoilt in Sydney. We are headed to Oxford Street in Paddington, keen to explore the designer boutiques, art galleries, bookstores and chocolatiers.

4pm - Powerhouse Museum

Next stop is The Powerhouse Museum for a look around MAAS (Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences) hosting an array of incredible permanent exhibitions including Social History, Art & Design, and Transport.

5pm - Powerhouse Late Session

You’re just in time to catch one of the Powerhouse Late sessions, choose from the free exhibition tours, plus rotating live music performances, DJ sets and film screenings.

8pm - Dinner at Flying Fish

It’s time for dinner, so make the short 2-kilometre taxi ride to The Star in Pyrmont, to dine at the exquisite Flying Fish (lucky we booked ahead for you).

11pm - Nighcap at Papa Gedes Bar

The last stop for the day is a nightcap at the very funky Papa Gedes Bar, located on Kent Street. A CBD Cocktail Bar with a neighbourhood vibe, enjoy a classic or tiki cocktail, and reminisce on the perfect day you had in Sydney.

Where to stay in Sydney?

Sydney offers an incredible range of accommodation to suit all budgets and styles, located in the city, surrounding inner-city suburbs, and further afield.

Sydney CBD

Always humming, Sydney CBD is an ideal area to stay with key attractions around and nearby including Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, Taronga Zoo, art galleries and museums. Choose a stay in central (even if a little pricey) Circular Quay, 5-star Sofitel or W Hotel in Darling Harbour, or Barangaroo - for a quieter, more cultural scene.

Sydney's Inner West

For a more alternative vibe we recommend a stay in Sydney’s inner west. You’ll love Newtown, an inner-city bohemian-feel neighbourhood thriving with its unique theatre, music, food, and design scene (it’s a bit like Fitzroy); or music-centric Enmore – home to iconic Enmore Theatre.

Sydney's Eastern Beaches

For a beach stay, we recommend Sydney’s Eastern Beaches. Bondi needs no introduction, a famous beach with hipster food, youth fashion and impressive views. Watson Bay, a quick ferry ride from Circular Quay, is a more affluent area to stay, home to famous Doyle’s Seafood; or stay at Coogee, well known for its surfer vibes and backpackers.

Sydney's Inner East

For a killer café scene, vintage shops and galleries, stay in Sydney’s Inner East. At Surry Hills discover everything from brunch spots to nightlife, Potts Point for its stunning art deco architecture and top wine bars, and Sydney’s famous neighbourhood Paddington is home to Australian designer boutiques and terrace-lined streets.

Sydney's North Shore

For an upmarket beach vibe, stay on Sydney’s North Shore at either Milsons Point with its harbour views and Luna Park, the hot-property spot of Mosman - also home to Taronga Zoo, and bustling Balmoral Beach – ideal for the active-types with the nearby bushwalks and water sports.

Sydney's Northern Beaches

Each of Sydney’s Northern Beaches has their own flavour. A scenic ferry ride away from the City, stay in Manly if you like to go bare-feet and don’t mind a Sunday session; Newport for a friendly neighbourhood beach feel; and 40 odd kilometres out to Palm Beach for a true beach escape.

Sydney's South

In Sydney’s South - Rosebery is a hot-spot for millennials and young families to stay, with its industrial vibe full of designer warehouses, yoga studios and hip foodie scene (there’s even a gin distillery); or stay in The Shire (Cronulla) if surfing, rugby and fishing is your thing.

Explore More with Our Sydney Travel Guide

When to visit Sydney?

Sydney is a buzzing destination to visit year-round, with a busy event calendar, and so much to see and do throughout the year.

The most popular time to visit Sydney is the Summer months (December to February), the city alive with festivals, events and sports.

If travelling in the heat isn’t your thing, book your flight to Sydney for Autumn (March to May) when you’ll find the weather is cooler, it’s less busy, and you’ll also find a great value airfare too. Compared to Melbourne you’ll find the Winter months (June to August), mild in Sydney. September is also a great time to visit, nab a sharp airfare and enjoy Spring in Sydney after the harsh winter back home.

Sydney hosts a blockbuster calendar of events that draws visitors throughout the year, including Vivid Sydney’s Festival of Light (August), Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras (March), Sydney Royal Easter Show (April), and Sydney Comedy Festival (April/May).

What to pack for your trip to Sydney?

Sydney is generally warm year-round, with some cooler temperatures throughout the shoulder seasons and during winter (albeit nothing like home). Bring comfortable walking shoes and a day bag for urban adventures, and a jacket and smart shoes if transitioning from daytime to dinner.

Must Packs

• • Summer: lightweight clothes, sunscreen, comfortable dresses for women, short- sleeved shirts for the men
  • Autumn: a light jacket
  • Winter: jeans, boots, warm scarf, long-sleeved tops, a wool coat or medium-weight jacket
  • Spring: a light jacket for cooler evenings