Popular Interstate Car Transport Routes in Australia

3 min read

Key Takeaways

• The Sydney–Melbourne corridor is the most active car transport route due to high demand and short distance.
• Long-haul routes like Melbourne–Perth and Brisbane–Perth involve longer transit times but remain in high demand.
• Dealer networks, relocations, and auction activity drive the volume on key interstate lanes.
• Booking early and choosing depot-to-depot can result in faster turnaround and lower costs.
• Tasmania to mainland moves often include sea freight as part of the vehicle transport process.

Understanding the busiest lanes & why certain corridors dominate vehicle logistics Australia’s size, geography, and spread-out population centres create unique transport patterns, especially in the car-transport industry. Each year, thousands of vehicles move across the country on well-established interstate corridors, supported by shipping lines, rail, and road carriers. 

Below is an overview of the most popular interstate car transport routes in Australia, why they’re in high demand, and what customers should know when booking along these lanes.

1. Sydney ↔ Melbourne

Australia’s busiest transport corridor

The Sydney–Melbourne route consistently ranks as Australia’s most popular for vehicle movement. With two of the nation’s largest cities located just 850 km apart and connectedby the Hume Highway, it offers frequent departures, short transit times, and competitive pricing.

2. Brisbane ↔ Sydney

The eastern seaboard favourite

Driven by strong population growth and car sales between QLD and NSW, this route offers multiple departures weekly and reliable transit times.

3. Brisbane ↔ Melbourne

Longer distance, high volume

Supported by auction centres and relocation demand, this route sees constant movement, typically taking 5–8 business days.

4. Melbourne ↔ Perth

The biggest interstate move in the country

Driven by mining, commercial activity, and relocations, vehicles often travel via truck or rail with transit times of 10–15 business days.

5. Sydney ↔ Perth

High-demand long haul

A major cross-country lane with consistent demand from corporate relocations and dealer transfers.

6. Brisbane ↔ Perth

A major cross-country lane

One of the longest and most complex routes, usually travelling through Sydney and Adelaide before crossing the Nullarbor.

7. Adelaide ↔ Darwin

Top End specialist route

Common for defence, government, and remote community logistics. Transit times vary due to seasonal and regional conditions.

8. Melbourne ↔ Brisbane / Gold Coast

A frequently booked QLD–VIC route

Popular for private relocations, dealer transfers, and auction movements.

9. Tasmania ↔ Mainland Australia

Bass Strait traffic to/from Hobart, Devonport & Melbourne

Vehicles usually move via coastal shipping before continuing interstate by truck.

Why These Routes Are So Popular

1. High population migration

2. Dealer & auction activity

3. Industry movements

4. Strong logistics infrastructure

Tips for Customers Booking on These Routes

• Check seasonal changes

• Book early for door-to-door services

• Keep vehicles clean and empty

• Depot-to-depot is quickest

Ready to Book on a Popular Route? Let Us Handle the Details

Popular interstate car transport routes are shaped by Australia’s geography, economy, and population movements. Choosing a well-established route helps ensure smoother logistics and better pricing.

Using established interstate transport routes ensures better efficiency, pricing, and reliability, especially when handled by experienced professionals. Whether you’re moving a car from Sydney to Melbourne or all the way from Perth to Brisbane, Car Transport Express can help you choose the right service for your route, timeline, and budget. Get started by requesting a quote or contacting our team for advice on the best options for your interstate vehicle move.