There are 2 way(s) to get from Hobart to Melbourne
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Practical tips
For Hobart to Melbourne, a flight is almost always your best bet. It's faster and often cheaper than the ferry+bus option. Don't assume buses go everywhere; islands like Tasmania require a ferry or plane.
To snag the cheapest fares for domestic flights like Hobart–Melbourne, especially with budget airlines like Jetstar or Virgin Australia, book as far ahead as possible. Last-minute can be costly.
The Spirit of Tasmania ferry is ideal if you're bringing a car or need an overnight journey experience. Otherwise, for pure transit between Hobart and Melbourne, flying is more practical and budget-friendly.
If you do opt for the Spirit of Tasmania, ensure you check their schedules carefully. Departures can vary by season, and missing the ferry means a long wait for the next one. Book well ahead.
Flights depart from Hobart Airport (HBA), while the Spirit of Tasmania departs from Devonport (TAS), requiring an additional bus connection from Hobart. Factor in transfer times to avoid surprises.
🛣️ The journey experience
Planning your trip from Hobart to Melbourne? You've hit one of Australia's classic routes where knowing the best transport option upfront makes all the difference. Forget the map's deceptive distances; here, a direct flight often trumps a long journey by sea and road. We'll show you exactly how long each option takes, the real costs, and why one clear winner emerges for independent travellers.
Your primary choices are flying or taking the Spirit of Tasmania ferry combined with a bus connection. A direct flight from Hobart to Melbourne can get you there in just 1 hour for around €45, making it incredibly fast and efficient. In contrast, the ferry and bus combo clocks in at about 14 hours and costs approximately €70, offering a different, more scenic, but significantly longer experience.
For budget-conscious backpackers and independent travellers, flying is almost always the smart choice for this route. It saves you valuable travel time, which you can instead spend exploring. Don't commit to a lengthy overnight journey when a quick, affordable flight gets you to your destination fresh and ready for your next adventure. Always check flight prices first for this hop!
Frequently asked questions — Hobart → Melbourne
Typically, flying is the cheapest option for the Hobart to Melbourne route. Budget airlines like Jetstar or Virgin Australia frequently offer fares from around €45-€80 if booked in advance. The ferry and bus combination costs roughly €70, but it involves more travel time and potentially additional transfer costs to the ferry terminal in Devonport.
A direct flight from Hobart to Melbourne takes approximately 1 hour. When you factor in airport transfers and check-in, the total door-to-door time is around 3-4 hours. In contrast, the Spirit of Tasmania ferry journey from Devonport to Melbourne takes about 9-11 hours, plus an additional 3 hours by bus from Hobart to Devonport, making the total travel time around 12-14 hours.
For most independent travellers and backpackers, flying is significantly better due to its speed and often lower cost. It saves you a full day of travel time. The ferry is primarily recommended if you are travelling with a vehicle, prefer an overnight sea journey experience, or simply want a different mode of transport, but be prepared for a much longer trip.
The Spirit of Tasmania departs from Devonport, not Hobart. You will need to take a bus from Hobart to Devonport. Various coach operators offer services, typically taking around 3 hours. It's crucial to book this bus connection in advance to ensure it aligns with your ferry departure time. Plan for additional travel time to reach the bus station in Hobart.
✨ Why visit Melbourne?
- ✓ Explore the vibrant laneways and arcades filled with street art, cafes, and boutiques.
- ✓ Visit the iconic Queen Victoria Market for fresh produce, gourmet foods, and souvenirs.
- ✓ Discover world-class museums and galleries like the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV).
- ✓ Catch an Australian Rules Football (AFL) game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
- ✓ Enjoy a scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road, one of the world's most beautiful coastal routes.
☀️ When to visit Melbourne?
TEMPERATE OCEANIC CLIMATE
March to May (Autumn) or September to November (Spring) — pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds make sightseeing enjoyable.
What to do in Melbourne?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
⏱️ How long to visit Melbourne?
For an independent francophone traveler, plan 4-7 days to fully experience Melbourne. This allows time for cultural sites, laneways, culinary exploration, and a day trip to the Great Ocean Road or Phillip Island. A shorter trip of 2-3 days will cover the city center's main attractions, but you'll miss out on deeper exploration.
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