Answer first
- Direct service
- We hold no direct coach service for Launceston to Melbourne. The options below involve a connection or another mode.
The route at a glance
The Launceston–Melbourne corridor.
Launceston is the simplest Tasmanian city to leave by sea, since the Devonport ferry port is only about an hour and a quarter west by road. From there the Spirit of Tasmania crosses Bass Strait to Geelong, and a short onward coach brings you into Melbourne. There is no single coach ticket for the whole trip, because part of it is a sea crossing. The alternative is the one hour flight. AusBus handles the coach legs; ferry tickets come from Spirit of Tasmania.
No scheduled coach listed
Still need to make this trip?
We don't currently list a scheduled public service on this corridor, but a private charter can make the trip. This suits groups especially: the per-person cost of a minibus with a driver is often comparable to individual fares on served routes.
Travelling as a group? Hire a bus with a driver
Tell us about the trip and we'll connect you with an accredited charter operator — minibus to full-size coach, anywhere in Australia. The operator quotes you directly; AusBus adds no fees.
Travel tips
What to know before you go.
The short Launceston to Devonport run makes the ferry option genuinely practical here, particularly with a car. Aim to reach Devonport with time before check in closes, since the coach and ferry are separate bookings. For a quick, hands free trip to Melbourne, compare the direct flight first.
Worth timing your trip for
What's on in Melbourne
OctoberMelbourne, VICMelbourne FringeEarly-to-mid October (approx. 18 days)
OctoberMelbourne, VICMelbourne Cup CarnivalLate October or early November: four race days from the Saturday before the first Tuesday of November (Derby Day, Melbourne Cup Day, Oaks Day, Stakes Day)
DecemberMelbourne, VICBoxing Day Test26-30 December
Route FAQs
Launceston to Melbourne, answered.
- Yes, in legs. Take a short coach west to Devonport, sail the Spirit of Tasmania to Geelong, then continue by coach to Melbourne. There is no single through coach, since the route crosses Bass Strait.
- Around an hour and a quarter by road, the shortest land leg to the ferry of any Tasmanian city, which is why leaving from Launceston by sea is straightforward.
- More so than from Hobart, thanks to the short coach leg, especially with a vehicle. If you just want to get to Melbourne quickly, the one hour flight is hard to beat.
Keep going
Onward from Melbourne.
Continuing past Melbourne? These coach corridors carry on from your arrival city.
Related routes