Group Bookings

Discounts for groups

 

We offer discounts to groups travelling on V/Line coaches and trains, subject to availability.

 

A group, for the purposes of group travel, is at least 12 people travelling together for the same purpose, joining and alighting at the same locations. Return journeys (if applicable) must be undertaken under the same conditions. The group must purchase the ticket at the same time and place. Seating is limited.

 

Group travel discounts are available to both general groups and school groups.

 

* Special information for primary school groups *

 

 

Frequently asked questions

 

Please be sure to view our Frequently Asked Questions (below) before contacting our Group Travel Co-ordinator with any enquiries.

 

 

Online booking

 

Register your travel request with our Group Travel Co-ordinator:

 

Ø      Online Group Booking Form.

 

We will get back to you to confirm your travel details within 14 days.

 

 

General conditions

 

·        Group travel allows a group of 12 or more to travel at concession rates.

·        Group travel discounts are available for Single, Day Return, Off Peak Single and Off Peak Day Return tickets (see vline.com.au/tickets for more info).

·        The fare is the concession fare of the selected ticket type multiplied by the number of passengers.

·        Group travel must be arranged at least seven days in advance

o       Phone   (03) 9619 2338

o       Fax       (03) 9619 2210

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

 

How many people do I need for a Group Booking?

To obtain V/Line Group Travel fares a group requires at least 12 People travelling together at all times, boarding and alighting at the same locations.

What discount do I receive travelling as part of a V/Line Group Travel booking?

All group travel is charged at the concession rate, which is 50% of the normal full fare rate.

To determine how much your trip will cost, use our online fare calculators and selecting the Concession rate:

 

Rail only: see vline.com.au/railfares

 

Journeys involving coaches: use the Plan Your Journey tool (help) on our homepage.

How can I make a Group Travel application?

If you are looking to travel as group you will need to apply to the Group Travel Co‑ordinator.

 

Group Bookings can be made three ways:

 

1.       Fill out the Online group travel application form

 

2.       Visit your local station where they can assist you to fill out a group travel application form

 

3.       Contact the V/Line Group Travel Coordinator
Phone: (03) 9619 2338   Fax: (03) 9619 2210

Can I incorporate a combination of tickets (e.g. Pension Free Vouchers, Senior Vouchers, Family Traveller) in my group booking?

No.  Ticket combinations are not allowed with group travel. All passengers must travel on the same group travel ticket type.

How far in advance do I need to book my group travel?

You will need to request your group booking at least 7 business days before the outbound leg of your trip. 

Any bookings that fall within 7 business days may not be accepted.

 

 

What times can I travel as part of a Group Travel Booking?

All group travel is subject to availability.

We may not be able to accommocdate groups at times of peak demand e.g.  peak trains, school holidays, sporting events, seniors week, Easter and the Royal Melbourne Show.

 

We will try to accommodate your initial group travel request.  If we are unable to, we will work to find alternative times that are suitable for your group.

 

What destinations can my group travel to?

V/Line services cover the state of Victoria.  We also run some services into South Australia and New South Wales.

For some ideas of tourist destinations please see the Discover Victoria section of our website.

 

 

I’ve filled out the Group Travel Application form - does this mean my booking is now confirmed?

No.  With all group travel applications, we need to review your application before confirmation can be given.

 

We have to take into account the available seating on your requested service.

How long can I expect to wait to receive confirmation that my Group Booking has been successful?

We will endeavour to finalise your Group Travel arrangements within 14 days. 

Please bear in mind that during busy times, it may take longer – so please give us as much notice as you can.

Once we confirm your booking, we will provide you with a booking reference number.  Quote this number at your local V/Line Station to collect your tickets.

 

 

What is the largest number of people that can travel on a train service with V/Line Group Travel?

There is no set maximum numbers for group travel, however, there are operational limitations to the number of passengers we can carry.

 

 

Can my group travel on a V/Line service that operates as a road coach?

While we accept group travel on V/Line coach services, due to limited seating capacity we may not be able to accommodate your group as requested.

Can my group charter a road coach from V/Line for our travel?

No.  V/Line’s main priority is providing country Victoria with public transport services. While we will always attempt to accommodate your group on our train and coach services, if you require a chartered coach, you will have to contact a coach company in your local area.

 

Will my group be given allocated seating on the services which we are travelling?

Yes, when travelling as a group on V/Line services you will be allocated seats accordingly, so your group can sit together.  On unreserved services, the Conductor will set aside enough seats to cater for your group.

 

When am I required to pay for my V/Line Group Travel booking?

We ask that all Group Travel Bookings are paid and collected no later than 48 hours prior to travel. Payment of all bookings is required at time of ticket collection.

V/Line is able to provide you with a Tax Invoice for your accounting records. 

 

 

Can my group travel with our bikes on V/Line services?

This depends on a number of factors. 

Groups travelling with bikes can do so on our locomotive-hauled, intercity services, subject to space availability.   

Where possible, V/Line will make provisions on the services to accommodate large numbers of bicycles, subject to operational requirements.

Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate groups with bicycles on our VLocity and Sprinter trains.

 

 

Am I able to obtain a refund on any tickets that are not used in my Group Booking?

Yes. Group travel tickets can be refunded, provided they are presented to a V/Line booking office under the following rules:

 

Unreserved tickets: present to a V/Line booking office or agent at least the day before the departure date printed on the ticket.

 

Reserved tickets: The booking must first be cancelled by contacting the V/Line Group Travel Coordinator (03 9619 2338), or presenting the ticket to a V/Line booking office or agent, before the departure date of the service. The ticket may then be presented for refund up to seven days from the cancellation date.

 

No administration fee applies.

 

 

More information

 

Customers requiring further information can call us on 136 196.