Melbourne to Canberra
Melbourne to Canberra along the Hume then Federal Highway is 664 km and around 7 hours. Flights exist but are priced for business travellers. A RideMates carpool is the cheapest and most flexible way to do this trip.
Distance
664 km
Drive time
7h
Seat from
$41
Cost comparison
Melbourne to Canberra, every which way
Carpool
$41 to $57
per seat on RideMates
Flight
$130 to $220 one way
plus bags and transfers
Bus
$70 to $120 on Greyhound or Murrays
slower, more stops
Drive solo
around $173 in fuel
fuel and wear, before tolls
Why RideMates
Why carpool this route?
Cheaper than a business-hours flight
Direct Melbourne to Canberra flights are expensive because they only serve politicians. A carpool costs a fraction of the ticket.
Drop at any Canberra suburb
Flights only get you to the airport. A carpool will drop you in Woden, Belconnen, Gungahlin, or the CBD.
Friday night ride options
Federal staff and ANU students run this corridor every Friday and Sunday. Seats go fast but supply is reliable.
On the way
Common stops between Melbourne and Canberra
Most drivers take a break somewhere along the route. Some will drop passengers off here too.
FAQ
Melbourne to Canberra questions
How much is a Melbourne to Canberra carpool?
Typical seats are $41 to $58 per seat, cheaper than half the cost of a flight and under the bus fare.
How long does the drive take?
Around 7 hours via the Hume and Federal Highway. Most drivers include one meal stop at Albury or Gundagai.
Are there rides every week?
Yes, especially Friday afternoon going to Canberra and Sunday evening returning to Melbourne during parliamentary sitting weeks.
More carpools from these cities
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