Cost to Drive from Canberra to Sydney
285 km via the Hume Hwy / Federal Hwy · about 3 h 30 min driving · range spans 6–11 L/100 km at Canberra's weekly average U91
Fuel: Canberra U91 avg, week ending 18 October 2026 · distance computed once from open routing- A typical car costs $56.16 one way at Canberra's average (246.3 c/L), $1.14 more than at Sydney's (241.3 c/L).
- At Canberra's average the one-way trip in a typical car costs $56.16, $0.37 more than a week earlier ($55.79 at 244.7 c/L in the week ending 11 October 2026).
- That is $15.51 more than in the week ending 12 July 2026, when Canberra U91 averaged 178.3 c/L and the same drive cost $40.65.
- At 285 km this is the 10th longest of the 21 corridors RegoWise prices, so at any single price it ranks 10th dearest to drive.
The run to Canberra follows the Hume Highway before branching onto the Federal Highway for the final stretch into the capital. It's a straightforward, well-served drive on good dual-carriageway roads and a popular hop for weekend visitors and regular commuters between the two cities. The shorter length makes it an easy single-sitting trip for most drivers, with services along the way if you need a break.
Canberra → Sydney fuel cost
Default price: Canberra 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 | Canberra average (246.3 c/L) | Sydney average (241.3 c/L) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| One way | Return | One way | Return | |||
| Economical small car / hybrid | 6.0 | 17.1 L | $42.12 | $84.23 | $41.26 | $82.52 |
| Typical car | 8.0 | 22.8 L | $56.16 | $112.31 | $55.02 | $110.03 |
| Large SUV / ute | 11.0 | 31.4 L | $77.22 | $154.43 | $75.65 | $151.30 |
| One way, 6–11 L/100 km | $42–$77 | $41–$76 | ||||
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to drive from Canberra to Sydney?
- Between $42 and $77 in fuel one way at Canberra's weekly average U91 for the week ending 18 October 2026 (246.3 c/L), depending on your car's consumption (6–11 L/100 km). A typical 8 L/100 km car uses about $56.16.
- How far is Canberra to Sydney by road?
- 285 km via the Hume Hwy / Federal Hwy, around 3 h 30 min of driving without long stops.
Related trips
- Melbourne → Sydney
- Sydney → Brisbane
- Brisbane → Sydney
- Sydney → Newcastle
- Gold Coast → Sydney
- Canberra → Melbourne
- Canberra fuel prices
- Sydney 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.