Group Bookings

Discounts for groups

 

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

 

Use Plan Your Journey (help) on our homepage to:

 

►    choose your dates of travel

►    add the number of passengers

►    calculate the fare

►    submit your request online

 

If your group has 12-19 passengers who are travelling by rail only, you will be able to buy your tickets online.

 

If you are a group travelling by coach (for any part of your journey) or a group of 20+ travelling by train, our Group Travel Co-ordinator will get back to you 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 group travel fares, at least 12 people must travel together at all times, boarding and alighting at the same locations.

Can I purchase group travel tickets from any V/Line outlet?

If you have 12-19 members in your group and are travelling by train only (i.e there is no coach journey), purchase your tickets from any V/Line ticket sales outlet up to 1 hour prior to the departure time.

 

If you have 20 or more passengers, your booking needs to be confirmed by our Group Travel Co‑ordinator.

Is group travel available on V/Line coach services?

 

While we do accept group travel on coaches, we may not be able to accommodate your group due to limited seating capacity. 

All coach group bookings (12 or more passengers) must be confirmed by our Group Travel Co‑ordinator.

 

 

How do I submit my application?

Group bookings can be made four ways:

 

1.     Use Plan Your Journey (help) to choose your dates of travel.  You can then add the number of passengers, calculate the fare before submitting your request online.

2.     Visit your local staffed station and they will help you complete a group travel application form.

3.     Email your request to grouptravel@vline.com.au

4.     Contact our Group Travel Co‑ordinator:

Phone: 9619 2338   Fax: 9619 2210

 

 

Can we charter a coach from V/Line?

Unfortunately not.  Our main priority is providing public transport to regional Victoria.

While we’ll always attempt to accommodate your group, if you require a chartered coach, please contact a coach company in your local area.

 

 

What discount applies?

All group travel is charged at concession fares.

 

This is approx. 50% off the normal full fare (Mondays to Fridays) and approx. 30% at weekends.

Can I use Pension Free Vouchers, Senior Vouchers or Family Traveller tickets in my group booking?

Unfortunately, ticket combinations are not allowed with group travel.

 

How much notice should I give?

We suggest submitting all group travel applications at least 30 days prior to departure, to maximise the chances of us accommodating you on your chosen service(s).

 

All group travel must be made at least 7 days prior to travel. 

 

Exception: 12-19 passengers on train services only can purchased tickets from any V/Line ticket sales outlet up to 1 hour before departure.

 

 

What times can I travel?

All group travel is subject to availability.  We cannot accommodate some groups at peak times.

Additionally, special events, school holidays, sporting events, Seniors Week, Easter, Melbourne Show etc. may be unavailable.

 

We will try and provide you with your initial group travel request.  If we are unable to, we’ll do our best to find alternative times that are suitable for your group.

What destinations can we travel to?

V/Line services cover the state of Victoria, plus some services to South Australia and New South Wales.  View our network maps.

For tourist destination ideas, see Discover Victoria. 

 

I’ve filled out a group travel application form. Does this mean my booking is confirmed?

No.  Group travel applications must be authorised by our Group Travel Co-ordinator, unless it’s a booking for 12-19 passengers by train only.

 

 

How long until I receive confirmation my group booking has been successful?

We’ll endeavour to finalise your group travel arrangements within 14 days.  (Note: during busy times this time may be extended).

If we’re able to confirm your booking, we’ll provide a booking reference number.  Quote this number at your local, staffed V/Line station to collect tickets.

 

 

Is there a maximum group size?

There is no set maximum numbers for group travel. However, due to the operational logistics of carrying larger groups, it may be necessary to split large groups across multiple services or deny the request.

 

 

Will my group be given allocated seating?

Seats will be set aside for groups with 20 or more people.  On unreserved services, the Conductor will set aside enough seats to cater for your group.

 

When am I required to pay?

All group bookings should be paid for and tickets collected at least 48 hours before departure.

 

Can my group travel with bikes?

This is sometimes possible, when groups travelling on locomotive‑hauled intercity services (subject to operational requirements).

Unfortunately, we’re unable to accommodate groups with bicycles on our Vlocity and Sprinter services.

 

Can I obtain a refund on unused tickets?

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 up to the day before the departure date printed on the ticket.

 

Reserved tickets:
The booking must first be cancelled by contacting our Group Travel Coordinator on 03 9619 2338.  Alternatively, present the tickets to a V/Line booking office or agent, before the departure date of the service.

Tickets may be presented for refund up to seven days from the cancellation date.

 

Note: individual unused tickets cannot be presented for refund.

 

No administration fee applies.

 

 

More information

 

Customers requiring further information can call us on 136 196.