The distance between Melbourne and Sydney is approximately 705.9 kilometers (438.6 miles) as the crow flies (air distance). The driving distance is about 843.2 kilometers (523.9 miles), with a typical driving time of around 9 hours and 48 minutes via the most direct route on the Hume Highway. Alternative driving routes, such as the scenic coastal drive, can be longer, around 1,200 kilometers, taking about 15 hours to drive.