If you’re planning a trip from Canberra to Sydney, whether for work or fun, it’s important to know your options and weigh up the pros and cons of each! Here’s the information you need to make smart choices for a hassle-free and enjoyable journey:
Driving Times From Canberra To Sydney
It takes approximately 3 hours and 7 mins to drive from Canberra to Sydney 3 hr 7 min for a total of 285.4 km. This is via the most direct route, on the Hume Highway (M1). However, this time doesn’t account for traffic coming in Sydney – I’d recommend planning an extra 30-45 minutes, just in case.
While driving is a lot longer than flying from Canberra to Sydney, it does give you a chance to see some beautiful stops along the way – and there’s nothing like the freedom of a road trip! Personally, I always prefer driving to Sydney. The driving distance isn’t enough for me to justify the prices for flights from Canberra to Sydney. Driving is the cheapest way to get there, and the route is both picturesque and straightforward, passing through pastoral lands, rolling hills, and sections of bushland.
The Best Stop Between Canberra And Sydney
There are so many great places to stop on the way up to Sydney. The most popular stops are Goulburn and Bowral, and I find stopping at both paces out the trip perfectly.
Goulburn is just over an hour from Canberra, so one-third of the way through the trip. Get out, stretch your legs, have a coffee and check out the famous Big Merino and historical architecture.
Further along the route, Bowral, nestled in the Southern Highlands, offers a picturesque setting with its beautiful gardens, vineyards, and antique shops. You might be familiar with one of the antique shops – Dirty Janes, one of the best secondhand and antique shops in Canberra, has a massive Bowral location that’s well worth checking out. It’s a sprawling vintage lovers’ paradise with over 90 vendors, as well as a cafe where travellers can stop for lunch.
Flight Time From Canberra To Sydney
The quickest flight from Canberra Airport (CBR) to Sydney Airport (SYD) is the direct flight which takes 55 mins. Flight prices, on average, range from $300 return to $500 (subject to change), and you have the choice of flying with either Qantas or Virgin. These are the only two airlines that offer direct flights, and it makes very little sense to do it any other way.
How to Find Cheap Flights for Your Canberra to Sydney Trip
Airlines adjust prices for flight departure dates and times, so if you’re able to be flexible and fly at the cheapest times, you can save yourself quite a bit of money. The cheapest months to fly from Canberra to Sydney are typically outside of school holidays and major events. Early-week departures (Monday to Wednesday) can also be more affordable.
The best way to find good flight deals from Canberra to Sydney is to use flight comparison tools like skyscanner.com to find the lowest price. They allow you to stay updated with the latest flight schedules and pricing and compare tickets across all your options so you can find the flight that best suits you for the best price. According to Skyscanner, the cheapest time to book a flight to Sydney is 40 days before your departure date, so don’t leave it too late!
Choosing The Right Airline
Choosing between Qantas Airways and Virgin Australia depends on your priorities. Qantas offers a premium experience with more flight times available, while Virgin Australia is known for competitive pricing and excellent service. Consider your budget, preferred departure times, and loyalty programs when making your choice.
Catching The Train Or Bus From Canberra To Sydney
If you don’t want to drive to Sydney or spend $300 on a ticket, there are always trains and buses! Murrays Coaches operate a bus service to Sydney, leaving on an hourly basis every day. The bus takes 3h 30m and costs $45 each way. The bus departs from the Jolimont Centre on Northbourne Avenue in Canberra’s CBD, and you can choose to either get off at Sydney Central Railway Station or Sydney International Airport.
If you’d prefer a journey where you can get up and walk around as you go, the train is best for you. It does take longer than any of the other transport methods on this list, but it is the most leisurely way to get to Sydney without a car. NSW TrainLink operates a train that departs three times a day from the Canberra Station in Kingston to Sydney Central Station every 4 hours. You can expect to pay between $30-$40, and the journey takes approximately 4 hours.
In my opinion, the train is the best option apart from driving if you don’t mind the extra trip length. It’s cost-effective and comfortable (think buffet cart, reclining chairs, and even showers), and you get some pretty scenic views along the way.
Whether you choose to get there via train, bus, plane, or car, we wish you a safe and happy trip!