Cost to Drive from Adelaide to Melbourne
726 km via the Western Hwy / Dukes Hwy · about 9 h 15 min driving · range spans 6–11 L/100 km at Adelaide's weekly average U91
Fuel: Adelaide U91 avg, week ending 18 October 2026 · distance computed once from open routing- A typical car costs $140.38 one way at Melbourne's average (241.7 c/L), $2.85 more than at Adelaide's (236.8 c/L).
- At Adelaide's average the one-way trip in a typical car costs $137.53, $0.58 more than a week earlier ($136.95 at 235.8 c/L in the week ending 11 October 2026).
- That is $42.57 more than in the week ending 12 July 2026, when Adelaide U91 averaged 163.5 c/L and the same drive cost $94.96.
- At 726 km this is the 7th longest of the 21 corridors RegoWise prices, so at any single price it ranks 7th dearest to drive.
The direct route between Melbourne and Adelaide runs inland along the Western and Dukes Highways, a steady drive across open country that's the sensible choice when you just want to get there. The coastal alternative by the Great Ocean Road is far more scenic but much longer and slower, so it's a trip in its own right rather than a shortcut. Fuel is available in the towns along the inland route, though it's worth topping up before the longer gaps between them.
Adelaide → Melbourne fuel cost
Default price: Adelaide average U91, week ending 18 October 2026. Fuel only — tolls, wear and rest stops not included.
The breakdown at typical consumption
| Car | L/100 km | Fuel used | Adelaide average (236.8 c/L) | Melbourne average (241.7 c/L) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| One way | Return | One way | Return | |||
| Economical small car / hybrid | 6.0 | 43.6 L | $103.15 | $206.30 | $105.28 | $210.57 |
| Typical car | 8.0 | 58.1 L | $137.53 | $275.07 | $140.38 | $280.76 |
| Large SUV / ute | 11.0 | 79.9 L | $189.11 | $378.22 | $193.02 | $386.04 |
| One way, 6–11 L/100 km | $103–$189 | $105–$193 | ||||
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to drive from Adelaide to Melbourne?
- Between $103 and $189 in fuel one way at Adelaide's weekly average U91 for the week ending 18 October 2026 (236.8 c/L), depending on your car's consumption (6–11 L/100 km). A typical 8 L/100 km car uses about $137.53.
- How far is Adelaide to Melbourne by road?
- 726 km via the Western Hwy / Dukes Hwy, around 9 h 15 min of driving without long stops.
Related trips
- Melbourne → Sydney
- Canberra → Melbourne
- Geelong → Melbourne
- Melbourne → Ballarat
- Melbourne → Bendigo
- Adelaide → Perth
- Adelaide fuel prices
- Melbourne fuel prices
- Australian Institute of Petroleum — weekly petrol prices report, week ending 18 October 2026verified
- OSRM open routing (road distance, computed at build)cross-checked
Fuel cost only — tolls, food and accommodation not included. Distance is the practical sealed-road driving route; drive time excludes long breaks. Prices along remote corridors run above city averages. AIP weekly averages for the week ending 18 October 2026.