Getting from Melbourne to Canberra
>> Have a read through some things to do in Canberra.
Getting from Melbourne to Canberra by Plane
The easiest way, as with most destinations in Australia, of getting to Canberra from Melbourne is by plane. Direct flights from Melbourne to Canberra operate 10 to 18 times per day depending on the day of the week, and they can be completed on both Qantas and Virgin Australia. To learn more about getting a good fare, read the article on budget airlines that fly to Canberra. Otherwise, have a search using the widgets below.
Getting from Melbourne to Canberra by Train
Getting from Melbourne to Canberra by train is not entirely possible. In order to get from one to the other, at a decent time, you would have to take the train (the XPT) from Melbourne to Cootamundra, and then proceed from Cootamundra by coach service. The entire journey takes 9 hours and 10 minutes; standard fares run in the $92 range for economy.
Quick search flights to Canberra (CBR) from Sydney (SYD) and Melbourne (MEL):
Getting from Melbourne to Canberra by Car
The most direct route from Melbourne to Canberra by car is 704 kilometers and will take you a good 8 hours and 15 minutes to complete without stopping. The route goes mainly along the Hume Freeway, north through Albury and Wagga Wagga until coming into Canberra from the north. The driving route, when you factor in any necessary stops, will end up being around the same, or longer, as the route by train and coach.
Getting from Melbourne to Canberra by Bus
The route from Melbourne to Canberra by Greyhound bus will only set you back 8 hours (overnight) and anywhere from $60 to $75. When considering the other options (the combined train and coach route, and the self-driving route if not stopping off along the way), the overnight bus would be the quickest and easiest, except for the fact that you would arrive at about 4am. The day bus option takes longer at about 9 hours and 15 minutes while other buses require a change in Narrandera.