The route at a glance
The Geelong–Ballarat corridor.
Geelong to Ballarat links two of Victoria's largest regional cities across the Western District, and V/Line runs it as a direct road coach rather than a train. The 88-kilometre trip takes about 90 minutes along the Midland Highway, rolling through Bannockburn and Meredith on the way. Because there is no direct railway between the two cities, the coach is the through service most travellers use, and it connects at each end with the busy Geelong and Ballarat 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
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Who runs this route.
V/Line
ToiletWheelchair access32kg luggageBookon V/LineFrom$6Services
Depart Arrive Runs 9:55 AM 10:29 AM Mon–Fri 3:58 PM 4:32 PM Mon–Fri 4:40 PM 5:14 PM Sat
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. Coaches on this corridor can fill on weekday commuter peaks and weekend mornings, so allow a little buffer at the stop. If you are continuing beyond Ballarat or Geelong, check the connecting train times before you travel, as the coach is timed to meet some but not all rail services.
Worth timing your trip for
What's on in Ballarat
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Route FAQs
Geelong to Ballarat, answered.
- It is a V/Line road coach. There is no direct railway between Geelong and Ballarat, 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 Geelong and Ballarat rail lines at each end, though not every service connects. Check the current V/Line timetable before you travel.
Keep going
Onward from Ballarat.
Continuing past Ballarat? These coach corridors carry on from your arrival city.
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