$50 Cheap Flights from Melbourne (MEL) to Sydney (SYD)
Popular airlines from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Sydney Airport (SYD)
Qantas AirwaysQantas Airways
Virgin AustraliaVirgin Australia
JetstarJetstar
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Cheap Flights from Melbourne to Sydney (MEL-SYD)
Alternative airports near Sydney
Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Find the cheapest month to fly from Melbourne (MEL) to Sydney (SYD)
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Melbourne (MEL) to Sydney (SYD) at a glance
Travel between Melbourne (MEL) and Sydney (SYD) with a range of airlines servicing this popular domestic short-haul route. Whether you’re looking for full-service options or budget-friendly choices, you can compare itineraries to find the best fit for your travel plans and budget. Explore Sydney’s iconic sights and neighborhoods easily by checking key flight details for journeys from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD).
- Fastest flight duration: around 1h 30m non-stop
- Route distance: roughly 450 miles (725 km)
- Flights per week: around 30+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
- Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $55–$300, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD)
According to recent traveler bookings, the top airlines favored for non-stop flights from Melbourne to Sydney offer great flexibility. You can easily compare prices, total travel times, and cabin classes to create the best itinerary that suits your needs.
- Jetstar: This budget airline provides non-stop flights with one-way ticket prices usually ranging from $55 to $235. It represents around 45% of flights on this route, with a total travel time of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Virgin Australia: Another budget-friendly option, Virgin Australia offers direct services with one-way fares typically between $75 and $400. They account for nearly 39% of departures on this route, also taking 1 hour and 30 minutes for the journey.
- Qantas Airways: As a full-service airline, Qantas offers non-stop connections with one-way fares generally falling between $105 and $510. They make up about 17% of the flights on this route, with a total journey time of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Travelers can enhance their journey from Melbourne to Sydney by upgrading to Business Class, with Virgin Australia and Qantas Airways both providing premium service options for this route.
Best time to fly from Melbourne (MEL) to Sydney (SYD)
The most popular months for travelers flying from Melbourne to Sydney are January, February, and March, when peak temperatures in Sydney reach up to 73.4°F in January. If you prefer quieter travel, consider May, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 61.2°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $110). Flight availability peaks in January, with approximately 47 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. June, September, and October have the fewest flights, with approximately 20 flights per week.
- Cheapest time to fly: May usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $110, roughly 24% cheaper than the yearly average.
- Most flight options: January has the highest number of flights from Melbourne to Sydney, with approximately 47 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
| Month | Temperature | Demand | Weekly Flights | Average one-way Fare |
| January | 73.4°F (23.0°C) | High | 47 | $146 |
| February | 72.7°F (22.6°C) | High | 40 | $133 |
| March | 70.9°F (21.6°C) | High | 32 | $148 |
| April | 66.4°F (19.1°C) | Average | 25 | $145 |
| May | 61.2°F (16.2°C) | Low | 23 | $110 |
| June | 57.2°F (14.0°C) | Low | 20 | $128 |
| July | 55.9°F (13.3°C) | Average | 22 | $135 |
| August | 57.2°F (14.0°C) | Average | 23 | $138 |
| September | 61.2°F (16.2°C) | Average | 20 | $140 |
| October | 64.6°F (18.1°C) | Low | 20 | $138 |
| November | 67.6°F (19.8°C) | Average | 27 | $173 |
| December | 70.3°F (21.3°C) | Average | 40 | $221 |
*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.
Alternative route from Melbourne (MEL) to Sydney (SYD)
- Melbourne to Sydney (AVV-SYD): Avalon Airport (AVV) lies approximately 32 miles from Tullamarine Airport (MEL). One-way economy prices for this journey generally fall between $40 and $200, influenced by the season and how far in advance you book. This route is primarily offered as a non-stop flight, mainly operated by Jetstar, a well-known low-cost carrier.
How to find the best prices for flights from Melbourne (MEL) to Sydney (SYD)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Melbourne to Sydney is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:
- Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually available when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, coinciding with when most travelers make their reservations. Afternoon departures between 12 PM and 6 PM not only tend to be less expensive but are also the most popular times to fly. Additionally, flying on Wednesdays offers both lower prices and high travel demand.
- Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
- Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
- Compare flight options: use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
- Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
- Think about luggage: nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.
Arriving at Kingsford Smith International Airport from Tullamarine Airport
Sydney welcomes travelers from Melbourne with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Sydney efficiently:
- Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Sydney, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
- Car rental: Renting a car from Kingsford Smith International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Kingsford Smith International Airport on Expedia.
- Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
- Public transportation: From Kingsford Smith International Airport, several transportation options are conveniently accessible. International Airport Station, a metro station, is located about 0.1 miles away on foot, while Sydney Arncliffe Station, a train station, is around 1.2 miles from the airport by car. Additionally, Sydney Seaport, a seaport, is situated about 6.7 miles away by car.
Melbourne to Sydney Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Melbourne to Sydney
On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Melbourne to Sydney are during the month of June. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Melbourne to Sydney with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Melbourne to Sydney
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Melbourne to Sydney: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.
How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Melbourne to Sydney
Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Melbourne to Sydney in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $50 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.
Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Melbourne to Sydney flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.
You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Melbourne to Sydney airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.
*Terms apply.
Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a flight from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $50 and cheap return flights $100 Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $57 to $953, and return flights typically cost between $135 and $1593. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) ticket fares go up or down.
*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.)?
February is the cheapest month to fly from Melbourne, VIC (MEL) to Sydney, NSW (SYD), with average return fares around $181. This price is about 11% lower than the average throughout the year, as travel demand is generally lower during this time. Other economical months to consider are May and June.
*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.)?
Choose from 4 airlines operating direct flights from MEL to SYD:
- Qantas Airways operates around 219 direct flights from MEL to SYD every week
- Virgin Australia operates around 180 direct flights from MEL to SYD every week
- Jetstar operates around 117 direct flights from MEL to SYD every week
- All Nippon Airways operates around 7 direct flights from MEL to SYD every week
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.)?
Virgin Australia is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from Tullamarine (MEL) to Kingsford Smith Intl. (SYD), with round-trip tickets starting from around $201. Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.
*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I find cheap flights from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best airline to fly with from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Melbourne, VIC (MEL) to Sydney, NSW (SYD) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, Qantas Airways offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, Virgin Australia typically offers the lowest fares. Virgin Australia offers the most daily flights from MEL to SYD, which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.)?
The best time to fly from Melbourne, VIC (MEL) to Sydney, NSW (SYD) is typically in February or May. These months offer the best value, with return flights averaging around $181. February is popular for its warm summer weather, while May provides a pleasant autumn experience, making both months great for your travel plans.
*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How many flights per day from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.)?
There are approximately 74 nonstop flights per day from Tullamarine (MEL) to Kingsford Smith Intl. (SYD). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Melbourne (MEL-Tullamarine) to Sydney (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) typically departs at around 5:15 AM, operated by Virgin Australia. This is a seasonal service active in March and April, and an early departure like this can help you maximize your time in Sydney. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.)?
When flying from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), the most popular departure times are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 29% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Virgin Australia and Qantas Airways, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it lets you maximize your day in Sydney upon arrival.
How long does it take to fly from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.)?
A nonstop flight from MEL to SYD typically takes around 1 hour 30 minutes, covering approximately 438 miles. Connecting flights on this route usually add 4 hours to your travel time. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.)?
You can fly business class between MEL and SYD. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:
- Virgin Australia
- Qantas Airways
- Jetstar
How much is a business class flight from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.)?
A direct, return business class ticket from Melbourne, VIC (MEL) to Sydney, NSW (SYD) typically costs between $936 - $1,840. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) if you opt for a connecting flight.
*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I earn miles on a Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.
*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for Sydney from Tullamarine (MEL)?
From Tullamarine (MEL), you can fly into Kingsford Smith Intl. (SYD) to reach Sydney. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Canberra Intl. (CBR), MIM (MIM) before reaching Sydney. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) Sydney Vacation Packages is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.)?
If you booked your Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.
Travel information
Origin airport | Melbourne Airport |
|---|---|
Destination airport | Sydney Airport |
Distance | 437 miles away |
Airlines serving | Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia, Jetstar |
Popular airline | Qantas Airways |
Roundtrip price | $100 |