The Sydney (Mascot) to Melbourne route connects Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) in AU with Melbourne Airport (MEL) in AU. This short-haul flight covers approximately 439 miles (707 km) with a typical flight time of 1h 14m. This route is served by 5 airlines: Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar and others. AirportRoutes has tracked 43 daily flights on this route.
Okay, I will research the flight route from Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) to Melbourne Tullamarine (MEL) and provide the information in the requested format.
Here's the requested information about flights between Sydney and Melbourne:
**
The Sydney (SYD) to Melbourne (MEL) route is one of the busiest domestic air routes in the world. It is a vital connection for both business and leisure travelers. The typical flight duration is around 1 hour and 35 minutes. Travelers choose this connection for its speed and convenience, especially compared to longer travel options like driving or taking the train. With over 948 flights every week, serviced by multiple airlines, passengers have a wide range of options.
To get good prices, it is often recommended to book flights around 40 days (6 weeks) in advance. Also, consider flying on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays as these days may offer cheaper fares. For a smoother airport experience in Sydney (SYD), aim to arrive between 12pm-3pm. Given the short flight duration, consider bringing your own snacks and drinks. Upon arrival at Melbourne Airport (MEL), the Skybus offers an express route to the city center.
Melbourne is known for its vibrant culture and diverse attractions. Top attractions include the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), a historic sporting venue, Eureka Skydeck 88, offering panoramic city views, and the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. What makes Melbourne unique is its laneways filled with street art and hidden cafes, as well as its thriving arts and culinary scene. Popular neighborhoods to explore include the CBD (Central Business District), Fitzroy, and St Kilda. Don't miss out on local culinary experiences like trying Melbourne's famous coffee culture and exploring diverse food options at the Queen Victoria Market.
Melbourne's weather is known for being unpredictable, so be prepared for "four seasons in one day". Summer (December-February) is generally sunny, ideal for coastal activities, while autumn and winter can be chilly. To avoid crowds, consider traveling during the off-peak months of May and October**, which often offer lower prices.
Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport
YSSYSYDYMMLMEL5
Operators43
Daily Flights439
Miles1h 14m
Flight Duration
| Airline | ICAO | IATA |
|---|---|---|
| Qantas |
QFA
|
QF
|
| Virgin Australia |
VOZ
|
VA
|
| Jetstar |
JST
|
JQ
|
| Cathay Pacific |
CPA
|
CX
|
| QantasLink |
QLK
|
-
|
| Day | Flights Observed | Frequency | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 94 | 17% |
|
| Tuesday | 93 | 17% |
|
| Wednesday | 85 | 15% |
|
| Thursday | 83 | 15% |
|
| Friday | 77 | 14% |
|
| Saturday | 53 | 10% |
|
| Sunday | 67 | 12% |
|
Pattern Analysis
| Airline | Flight Numbers | Aircraft Type | Typical Time | Days Active | Last Seen | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cathay Pacific
CPA
/ CX
|
CPA28 | B748 | 14:30 2:30 PM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Dec 9, 2025 | Active |
|
Jetstar
JST
/ JQ
|
JST501 JST515 JST527 JST537 JST505 | A21N | 20:25 8:25 PM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Feb 1, 2026 | Active |
|
Qantas
QFA
/ QF
|
QFA401 QFA1289 QFA7445 QFA7488 QFA443 | BCS3 | 19:30 7:30 PM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Feb 1, 2026 | Active |
|
QantasLink
QLK
|
QLK1289 | BCS3 | 19:30 7:30 PM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Jan 16, 2026 | Active |
|
Virgin Australia
VOZ
/ VA
|
VOZ800 VOZ850 VOZ866 VOZ808 VOZ898 | B738 | 20:00 8:00 PM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Feb 1, 2026 | Active |
| Departure Time | Operator | ICAO | IATA |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14:30 2:30 PM | Cathay Pacific |
CPA
|
CX
|
| 19:30 7:30 PM | Qantas |
QFA
|
QF
|
| 19:30 7:30 PM | QantasLink |
QLK
|
-
|
| 20:00 8:00 PM | Virgin Australia |
VOZ
|
VA
|
| 20:25 8:25 PM | Jetstar |
JST
|
JQ
|
Time Information
Times are shown in the departure airport's local timezone (YSSY - Australia/Sydney).