How to Get From Melbourne to Ballarat: The Best Travel Options

North Removals specialize in making it easy to move from Melbourne to Ballarat. As moving professionals, we have perfected the art of stress free moving and have accumulated plenty of knowledge on how to travel between these two legendary destinations.

This guide gives you all the key information about traveling to Ballarat whether you are planning a move or simply visiting. We will guarantee that your trip will be easy and enjoyable. Let’s dive into the options!

Transport Options

How far is it from Melbourne to Ballarat?

• It is 113 kilometers (70 miles) and takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes by car or 1 hour and 25 minutes by train.

Where can I find the V/Line timetable for Melbourne to Ballarat?

• Here you can check all the Regional Victoria V/Lines Timetables.

How do I get from Melbourne Airport to Ballarat Train Station?

• From your airport terminal walk around 6 minutes to Melbourne T4 Skybus, then take the Skybus from the airport to Skybus Coach Terminal in Melbourne City and walk 5 minutes to Southern Cross Station where you can take your train to Ballarat.

What is the Quickest Option to Travel from Melbourne to Ballarat?

• Car or taxi are the quickest and it takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

What is the Cheapest Option to Travel from Melbourne to Ballarat?

• The cheapest transport is by train with fares starting at $9.20 for an adult Myki ticket.

Are There Any Discounts for Students or Tourists?

• Students: Students with a valid International Student Travel Pass are eligible for a 50% discount on Myki fares.
• Tourists: There are no specific tourist discounts but using Myki Explorer package gives you discounted fares and special deals for tourist activities.

What is the Trip from Melbourne to Ballarat Like?

The trip from Melbourne to Ballarat has a mix of history, art and nature. For example, Sovereign Hill, an open-air museum recreating the gold rush era where there are also large gardens, art galleries and the Lake Wendouree where you can enjoy the outdoors.

If you drive or take a train to Ballarat, you’ll able to enjoy views of Victoria’s rolling countryside. There are places such as Bacchus Marsh or Ballan, small towns with so much history and character.

What Means of Transport Can I Use to Travel from Melbourne to Ballarat?

1. Traveling to Ballarat by Car or Taxi

• Time: ~1 hour 20 minutes.
• Cost: $15–20 for fuel (car), $160–200 (taxi).
• Advantages: Flexible, quick and has nice stops at attractions along the way.
• Tips:
  • Use navigation apps like Google Maps to avoid traffic.
  • Plan stops at Bacchus Marsh, known for its orchards and fresh produce.
  • Check your car’s fuel and maintenance, especially for longer trips.

2. Reach Ballarat by Train (V/Line Service)

• Time: ~1 hour 25 minutes.
• Cost: $9.20–$14.60 (Myki card required).
• Advantages:  Most efficient, cheapest and trains run frequently from Southern Cross Station.
• Tips:
  • Travel during off-peak times for a more comfortable journey.
  • Bring snacks or water for the trip, as onboard facilities may be limited.
  • Upon arrival, Ballarat Railway Station is centrally located, making it easy to explore the city.

3. Travel from Melbourne to Ballarat by Bus

• Time: ~2 hours.
• Cost: ~$20.
• Advantages: Cheap and comfortable.
• Tips:
  • Book your tickets in advance to secure a seat.
  • Use the bus service as a backup option if train schedules don’t align with your plans.
  • Bring entertainment or reading materials for the longer journey.

What is the Myki Card for?

Myki card is an electronic payment system for public transport in Melbourne and around Victoria, like Ballarat. Users are able to pay for fares conveniently on trains, buses and trams.

The card is rechargeable, and users can choose between two options: The Myki Money charges by trip, and the Myki Pass gives you unlimited travel in selected zones for a set period.

• Initial Card Cost: Prices run at $6 for adults or $3 for concession users.
• Fares to Ballarat: Myki Money costs a one way adult fare of $9.20.

The Myki Explorer package can also be bought by tourists for a card with discount vouchers to local attractions. If you’re visiting Melbourne and Ballarat, this package is for you and it’s easy and affordable to use.

Traveling from Melbourne to Ballarat with Uber

Uber is the best option for people who like the convenience and comfort of their trip to Ballarat. These are the advantages of using Uber:

• Availability: Uber works all day long and unlike regular taxis provides flexibility.
• Economy: Uber is not the cheapest option, but it’s cheaper than a private taxi which will cost around $220.
• Efficient Connections: Uber’s app guarantees that the driver takes the quickest route according to traffic conditions.

Uber Options

• UberX: The most affordable option at ~$180.
• Uber Comfort or Uber Black: Premium rides with added comfort, costing ~$250.
• UberXL: Perfect for groups, accommodating up to six passengers for ~$220.
• Uber Green: A sustainable choice using electric vehicles, costing ~$200.

Check the app for current pricing and availability of service before booking.

Travelling from Melbourne to Ballarat by Truck

If you’re moving to Ballarat with a truck full of furniture then it’ll take a little longer than by car. A car can do it in about 1 hour and 20 minutes and a fully loaded truck usually takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the weight of the cargo and traffic.

This extended time is to ensure that your belongings get transported safely. Our professional drivers at North Removals will take care of your furniture on the journey ensuring nothing get damaged.

If you’re planning a move to Ballarat and want to know how much your relocation will cost, visit our regional removalist pricing page for detailed information on rates and services. With us, you’ll receive a smooth and professional moving experience.

What to Do Once You Arrive in Ballarat

Ballarat is full of history, culture and outdoor activities and a great destination for any type of traveller. Here are some highlights:

• Sovereign Hill: Recreating Gold Rush era as an open air museum with a big number of interactive exhibitions and live performances.
• Lake Wendouree: A nice place for a picnic, boating or even just for a walk along the lakeside.
• Art Gallery of Ballarat: Visit Australia’s oldest regional art gallery with historical and contemporary works.
• Ballarat Wildlife Park: A park that is perfect for families, with native Australian wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas and emus.

If you’re just popping in for a weekend or choosing to stay, Ballarat has so much to discover.

What Are the Best Transportation Options for People with Reduced Mobility?

Travelers with disabilities or reduced mobility have several accessible transport options when traveling from Melbourne to Ballarat:

Train

Passengers with reduced mobility are well looked after by V/Line trains. They include:

• Wheelchair-Accessible Spaces:
• Accessible Bathrooms and Ramps:
• Assistance: Boarding can be helped by staff trained for that purpose. If you need help, contact V/Line in advance.

Cars: Taxis or Rental Vehicles

In Melbourne there are ramps on accessible taxis and rental vehicles adapted for wheelchairs. Booking these services in advance is advisable to have availability.

Buses

Wheelchair access may be provided by the buses on some routes that go to Ballarat. Call the operator to check the availability.

Are You Interested in Traveling Using Sustainable Transport? Here Are the Eco-Friendly Options

Some modes of transport are more environmentally friendly than others. Below is a comparative table with the average CO2 emissions per passenger and per kilometer traveled from Melbourne to Ballarat.

Means of Transport	Emissions (g CO2/passenger/km)
Car	104
Bus	68 – 180
Train	14 – 120

Buses, as seen in the graph above, are the most polluting options with emissions of up to 180 g of CO2 per kilometer. Combustion vehicles emit 104 g of CO2 and of all the options, trains are the most sustainable and emit only 14 g of CO2.

If you prefer a greener ride, try Uber Green, which is powered by electric vehicles or carpool which will make you to save money and reduce your carbon footprint.

The Carpooling Option

Users can share trips with carpooling and travel to Ballarat more affordably and eco-friendly. In Melbourne there are several platforms that facilitate carpooling:

• Coseats: One of Australia’s largest carpooling networks, connecting passengers and drivers heading in the same direction.
• Moovl: An app that allows passengers and drivers to coordinate a shared trip. You can also advertise spare seats in your vehicle.

By choosing these options, you aren’t only saving the environment but also become part of a community of sustainable travelers.

Travel Options from Melbourne Airport to Ballarat

1. Traveling from Melbourne Airport to Ballarat by Car or Taxi

• Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes.
• Cost: $20–25 for fuel (car), $200–250 (taxi).
• Advantages:  Perfect for those with luggage and with things to carry.

2. Reach Ballarat by Train (V/Line Service via SkyBus Transfer)

• Time: ~2 hours.
• Cost: $25–30.
• Advantages: Affordable, combining SkyBus from the airport to Southern Cross Station and then a train to Ballarat.

3. Travel from Melbourne Airport to Ballarat by Bus

• Time: ~2 hours 30 minutes.
• Cost: ~$30.
• Advantages: Budget friendly and with direct connections available during peak travel times.

Conclusion: The Best Ways to Travel to Ballarat

From our perspective:

• From Melbourne City: The V/Line train is the best choice if you don’t have a car. It’s affordable ($9.20–$14.60), fast (~1 hour 25 minutes), and runs frequently.
•  
• From Melbourne Airport: The best value is to get the SkyBus + Train for $25–30, and it takes about 2 hours.

If you are going to move to Ballarat, North Removals is the right company for a smooth and professional moving experience. We are here to work for you so you can spend your time discovering this historic city!