The route at a glance
The Melbourne–Bendigo corridor.
Melbourne to Bendigo is a 150-kilometre run along the Calder Freeway, taking around 2 hours. V/Line runs both train and coach services from Southern Cross to Bendigo, with the train being the standard option and coaches operating during track work and on selected timetables. Bendigo is the major regional hub for central Victoria, with onward V/Line connections to Echuca, Swan Hill and Mildura.
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 1:05 AM 4:15 AM Fri–Sat 2:05 AM 5:15 AM Fri–Sun 6:22 AM 8:18 AM Mon–Fri 7:01 AM 9:00 AM Mon–Sat 7:15 AM 9:05 AM Sun 7:38 AM 9:55 AM Mon–Fri 7:40 AM 9:55 AM Sat & Sun 8:20 AM 10:15 AM Sat & Sun 9:01 AM 10:58 AM Daily 10:02 AM 11:58 AM Daily 11:02 AM 12:58 PM Daily 12:02 PM 1:58 PM Daily +28 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.
Spotted an error or a missing operator on this route? Let us know.
Travel tips
What to know before you go.
V/Line trains run every 60 to 90 minutes and are usually the better option than coaches. The coach is useful if you are travelling during a track-work weekend or want a direct service that bypasses the inner Melbourne stops. Use a Myki card; V/Line accepts the same Melbourne Metro ticketing. The Bendigo arrival is the V/Line station in the city centre, walking distance from the Bendigo Tramways and the Central Deborah Gold Mine. Friday evening northbound from Southern Cross is the busiest time of the week.
Worth timing your trip for
What's on in Bendigo
All major Australian events
Route FAQs
Melbourne to Bendigo, answered.
- About 2 hours via the Calder Freeway. V/Line trains take a similar time.
- Fares start from around $6 one-way with V/Line. The same fare applies to trains.
- The train is the standard option: more frequent timetable, similar journey time. Coaches run on weekends and during track work.
- Bendigo railway station in the city centre, walking distance from the Bendigo Tramways and Rosalind Park.
- Yes, transfer at Bendigo to V/Line connecting services to Echuca, Swan Hill and Mildura.
Keep going
Onward from Bendigo.
Continuing past Bendigo? These coach corridors carry on from your arrival city.
Related routes