Sydney to Melbourne Driving Cost
Driving from Sydney to Melbourne covers roughly 880 km and takes about 10h 21m behind the wheel before stops and traffic. At an average fuel consumption of 8 L/100km and a petrol price of $2 per litre, the trip costs about $141 in fuel one way ($282 return). Your real cost depends on your vehicle and the current pump price in Australia, both of which you can set in the planner.
Petrol vs diesel vs electric
| Fuel type | Assumption | One way | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 8 L/100km | $141 | $282 |
| Diesel | 6.5 L/100km | $117 | $235 |
| Electric (home charge) | 18 kWh/100km | $47.52 | $95.04 |
Charging away from home on a rapid charger costs more and can erase the EV saving. Set your own rate in the planner.
Estimated fuel cost by vehicle efficiency
| Vehicle | Consumption | One way | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Efficient (small car / hybrid) | 5 L/100km | $88 | $176 |
| Average car | 8 L/100km | $141 | $282 |
| Thirsty (SUV / van) | 11 L/100km | $194 | $387 |
Indicative figures based on a $2/litre petrol price. Set your exact local price and consumption in the planner.
What changes the Sydney to Melbourne cost
- Pump price. Fuel in Australia moves week to week; a swing of 10% shifts this trip by about $14.08 each way.
- Your car. A small hybrid can halve the bill versus a large SUV or van on the same route.
- Route and traffic. Motorway cruising is more efficient than stop-start city driving, so the real 880 km figure varies with the roads you pick.
- Load and driving style. A roof box, a full boot, and hard acceleration all push consumption up.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to drive from Sydney to Melbourne?
At an average 8 L/100km and a petrol price of $2 per litre, the 880 km drive from Sydney to Melbourne costs about $141 in fuel one way and $282 return. Enter your own car and local pump price in the planner for an exact figure.
How far is Sydney to Melbourne by road and how long does it take?
The driving distance is approximately 880 km, roughly 10h 21m of driving before stops and traffic. Actual distance and time vary with the route you take.
Is it cheaper to drive Sydney to Melbourne in a diesel or electric car?
A diesel covers the 880 km for about $117, and an electric car for roughly $47.52 charging at home. The EV is usually the cheapest per mile; switch fuel type in the planner to compare with your own figures.
Can I split the fuel cost between passengers?
Yes. Set the number of passengers in TripKalc and it shows the per-person fuel cost, handy for carpools and shared road trips.