Melbourne to Ballarat
Melbourne to Ballarat on the Western Freeway is 116 km and about 90 minutes. Popular with Federation Uni students and anyone heading to the goldfields or Grampians.
Distance
116 km
Drive time
1h 30m
Seat from
$12
Cost comparison
Melbourne to Ballarat, every which way
Carpool
$12 to $14
per seat on RideMates
Flight
Not practical
plus bags and transfers
Bus
$10 to $18 on V/Line
slower, more stops
Drive solo
around $30 in fuel
fuel and wear, before tolls
Why RideMates
Why carpool this route?
Uni student corridor
Federation Uni and weekend trips home mean dozens of seats available Friday and Sunday each week.
Gateway to the goldfields
Plenty of Ballarat-bound drivers continue to Creswick, Daylesford, Castlemaine, or Bendigo.
Weekend festival runs
Meredith Music Festival fills up this corridor every December. Book seats weeks in advance.
On the way
Common stops between Melbourne and Ballarat
Most drivers take a break somewhere along the route. Some will drop passengers off here too.
FAQ
Melbourne to Ballarat questions
How much is a Melbourne to Ballarat carpool?
Typical seats are $12 to $14 per seat, cheaper than a V/Line off-peak ticket and direct to your Ballarat suburb.
How long is the drive?
Around 1h 30m via the Western Freeway.
Can I be dropped in Bacchus Marsh or Melton?
Yes, most drivers will stop at outer-western suburbs on the way.
More carpools from these cities
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