Cost to Drive from Melbourne to Sydney
865 km via the Hume Hwy · about 10 h 15 min driving · range spans 6–11 L/100 km at Melbourne's weekly average price
Fuel: Melbourne U91 avg, week ending 12 July 2026 · distance computed once from open routingThe Hume Highway is the inland corridor between Sydney and Melbourne and is dual carriageway for its full length, which makes it the standard choice for the drive. The coastal alternative down the Princes Highway is a slower, longer run better suited to sightseeing than a direct trip. It's a long day either way, so plan your rest stops in advance and break the drive before fatigue sets in rather than pushing through in a single run.
Melbourne → Sydney fuel cost
Default price: Melbourne 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 | 51.9 L | $86.62 | $173.24 |
| Typical car | 8.0 | 69.2 L | $115.49 | $230.99 |
| Large SUV / ute | 11.0 | 95.2 L | $158.81 | $317.61 |
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to drive from Melbourne to Sydney?
- Between $87 and $159 in fuel one way at this week's Melbourne average price (166.9 c/L), depending on your car's consumption (6–11 L/100 km). A typical 8 L/100 km car uses about $115.49.
- How far is Melbourne to Sydney by road?
- 865 km via the Hume Hwy, around 10 h 15 min of driving without long stops.
Related trips
- Sydney → Melbourne (reverse)
- Melbourne → Adelaide
- Melbourne → Canberra
- Melbourne → Geelong
- Melbourne → Ballarat
- Melbourne → Bendigo
- Melbourne fuel prices
- 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.