Melbourne to Sydney
Melbourne to Sydney is the busiest intercity corridor in Australia. Driving the Hume takes about 9 hours, a flight adds transfers and bag fees, and the bus is a long night. A RideMates carpool cuts the cost and drops you in the centre of Sydney, not 40 minutes out at Mascot.
Distance
878 km
Drive time
9h
Seat from
$55
Cost comparison
Melbourne to Sydney, every which way
Carpool
$55 to $76
per seat on RideMates
Flight
$150 to $280 one way
plus bags and transfers
Bus
$90 to $170 on Greyhound or Firefly
slower, more stops
Drive solo
around $228 in fuel
fuel and wear, before tolls
Why RideMates
Why carpool this route?
Cheaper than flying, faster than the bus
Flights are $150+ before add-ons. Greyhound is $90+ and takes 12 hours. RideMates carpool seats work out to around $65 and take 9 hours.
Friday afternoon rides run often
Melbourne to Sydney is one of the most posted routes on RideMates. Friday and Sunday rides book out fast, so secure your seat early.
No toll headaches
Driving yourself means Citylink, Eastlink, and the Sydney eastern tolls on the other side. Splitting them three or four ways disappears the cost.
On the way
Common stops between Melbourne and Sydney
Most drivers take a break somewhere along the route. Some will drop passengers off here too.
FAQ
Melbourne to Sydney questions
How much is a rideshare from Melbourne to Sydney?
Typical Melbourne to Sydney carpools cost $55 to $75 per seat. Drivers set their own price, and there's no surge pricing. Drivers keep 100% of what they set.
When do most drivers leave Melbourne?
Friday afternoons and early Saturday mornings are the most common departure times. Sunday evening rides back to Sydney are also popular. Use the filters in the app to match your schedule.
Does the driver cover fuel and tolls?
Yes. The fare you pay covers your seat, including the driver's fuel and tolls. Drivers set the price to make their trip cheaper, not to turn a profit.
Can I bring a pet?
Drivers set their own pet policy when posting a ride. Look for the pet-friendly tag, or message the driver before booking.
Further reading
More on the Melbourne to Sydney run
More carpools from these cities
Ready to hit the road?
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