Cost to Drive from Canberra to Melbourne
652 km via the Hume Hwy · about 7 h 55 min driving · range spans 6–11 L/100 km at Canberra's weekly average price
Fuel: Canberra U91 avg, week ending 12 July 2026 · distance computed once from open routingThe drive from Melbourne to Canberra follows the Hume Highway for most of the distance before turning onto the Barton Highway for the approach into the capital. The Hume section is fast dual carriageway, while the Barton stretch is a quieter country road, so the two halves of the trip feel quite different. It's a comfortable long-day drive with services spread along the Hume portion.
Canberra → Melbourne fuel cost
Default price: Canberra average U91, week ending 12 July 2026. Fuel only — tolls, wear and rest stops not included.
The breakdown at typical consumption
| Car | L/100 km | Fuel used | One way | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economical small car / hybrid | 6.0 | 39.1 L | $69.75 | $139.50 |
| Typical car | 8.0 | 52.2 L | $93.00 | $186.00 |
| Large SUV / ute | 11.0 | 71.7 L | $127.88 | $255.75 |
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to drive from Canberra to Melbourne?
- Between $70 and $128 in fuel one way at this week's Canberra average price (178.3 c/L), depending on your car's consumption (6–11 L/100 km). A typical 8 L/100 km car uses about $93.00.
- How far is Canberra to Melbourne by road?
- 652 km via the Hume Hwy, around 7 h 55 min of driving without long stops.
Related trips
- Australian Institute of Petroleum — weekly prices reportverified
- OSRM open routing (road distance, computed at build)cross-checked
Fuel cost only — tolls, food and accommodation not included. Distance is the practical sealed-road driving route; drive time excludes long breaks. Prices along remote corridors run above city averages.