The route at a glance
The Ballarat–Geelong corridor.
Ballarat to Geelong connects the Goldfields city with Victoria's second-largest city on the coast, and V/Line runs it as a direct road coach rather than a train. The 88-kilometre trip takes about 90 minutes down the Midland Highway, through Meredith and Bannockburn. Because there is no direct railway between the two cities, the coach is the through service most travellers use, and it links at each end with the Ballarat and Geelong rail lines to Melbourne. Myki fares apply, so it is one of the cheaper intercity coach trips in the state.
Journey essentials
- Onboard
- Toilet · Wheelchair access
- Luggage
- 1 × 32kg checked bag
Compare operators
Who runs this route.
V/Line
ToiletWheelchair access32kg luggageBookon V/LineFrom$6Services
Depart Arrive Runs 6:00 AM 6:50 AM Mon–Fri 6:00 AM 7:01 AM Mon–Fri 6:24 AM 7:14 AM Sat 6:24 AM 7:25 AM Sat 8:27 AM 9:17 AM Sun 8:27 AM 9:28 AM Sun 9:00 AM 9:55 AM Mon–Fri 9:00 AM 10:07 AM Mon–Fri 11:15 AM 12:05 PM Sat 11:15 AM 12:16 PM Sat 3:03 PM 3:58 PM Mon–Fri 3:03 PM 4:10 PM Mon–Fri +6 more services. See the operator’s booking page
Fares are indicative. Live pricing may vary by date and availability. AusBus earns a small commission on some bookings at no extra cost to you.
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Travel tips
What to know before you go.
Touch on and off with your Myki as you would on any V/Line service; concession fares are available for eligible seniors, students and pensioners. If you are carrying on to Geelong's waterfront or the Bellarine Peninsula, check the local train and bus connections before you travel. Coaches can fill on weekday commuter peaks and weekend mornings, so allow a little buffer at the stop.
Worth timing your trip for
What's on in Geelong
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Route FAQs
Ballarat to Geelong, answered.
- It is a V/Line road coach. There is no direct railway between Ballarat and Geelong, so V/Line runs the corridor as a scheduled coach that connects with trains at both ends.
- About 90 minutes for the 88-kilometre trip along the Midland Highway, depending on stops and traffic.
- Yes. V/Line coaches on this corridor accept Myki, and concession fares apply for eligible travellers. Touch on when you board and off when you arrive.
- The coach is timed to link with the Ballarat and Geelong rail lines at each end, though not every service connects. Check the current V/Line timetable before you travel.
Keep going
Onward from Geelong.
Continuing past Geelong? These coach corridors carry on from your arrival city.
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