Reservations

Do I need to make a reservation?

 

Reservations are compulsory on all Intercity (long distance) train and some coach services – even if you are only travelling a short distance.

 

You do not have to make a reservation on any Interurban (short distance) train service e.g. between Melbourne and Ballarat / Bendigo / Geelong / Seymour / Traralgon.

If you are using the Plan Your Journey tool on our homepage - look for this symbol:

 

 

If you are using printed or online timetables, ‘reservations required’ services are highlighted in yellow:

 

 

 

 

How far in advance can I make a reservation?

 

Early reservations are encouraged – up to 100 days in advance for most Intercity service journeys.  Important: see ‘Reservation Restriction’ services below.

‘Reservation Restriction’ services

 

A small number of services on the Bendigo, Geelong and Seymour lines have a ‘reservation restriction’.  These occur on some short distance journeys on Intercity (long distance) trains.

 

These restrictions are in place to ensure there is sufficient room for our intercity customers, who are travelling longer distances on less frequent Intercity trains.  

 

Customers taking shorter journeys in the Interurban area are encouraged to catch an alternative Interurban train, as these run more frequently.

 

 

Specific services with restrictions

 

Jump to:   Bendigo Line   |   Geelong Line   |   Seymour Line

 

 

Bendigo Line       

 

On the train service below, reservations must be made less than 24 hours before departure – but only between the stations listed.

 

Journeys between Kyneton and Swan Hill can be reserved up to 100 days in advance.

 

 

Train Service	Days of operation	Reservation restriction between these stations only …
18:17 Melbourne to Swan Hill	Mon – Fri	Southern Cross – North Melbourne – Sunbury – Gisborne – Woodend – Kyneton

 

Geelong Line

 

On the train services below reservations must be made less than 24 hours before departure – but only between the stations listed.

 

 

Train Service	Days of operation	Reservation restriction between these stations only …
05:38 Warrnambool to Melbourne	Mon – Fri	Marshall - South Geelong - Geelong - North Geelong – Lara – Footscray – North Melbourne - Southern Cross
18:28 Melbourne to Warrnambool	Mon - Fri	Southern Cross - North Melbourne – Lara – North Geelong - Geelong - South Geelong - Marshall

 

 

 

Seymour Line

 

On the train services below reservations must be made less than 24 hours before departure – but only between the stations listed.

 

 

Train Service	Days of operation	Reservation restriction between these stations only …
06:57 Shepparton to Melbourne	Mon – Fri	Seymour – Broadford – Kilmore East – Wandong – Wallan – Broadmeadows – North Melbourne – Southern Cross
18:33 Melbourne to Shepparton	Mon - Fri	Southern Cross – North Melbourne – Broadmeadows – Seymour

 

 

 

 

Travel on all other Intercity services can be reserved up to 100 days in advance.

 

 

Making a reservation

 

Reservations can be made and tickets can be collected from:

 

·         staffed V/Line train stations

·         some premium metropolitan (Metro) stations

·         through V/Line ticket agents

·         by calling 136 196 (+61 3 8608 5011 from overseas)

 

See Where to Buy Tickets for more details.

 

 

Tickets for telephone reservations

 

·         If it is 10 business days or more before departure, you can pay for tickets over the phone and have them posted to you (Australian addresses only).

·         If it is less than 10 days before departure, or you are overseas, you can pay for your tickets and pick them up before you travel - see Where to Buy Tickets for more details.

·         If you are unable to pick up the tickets before your journey commences, it will not be possible to make a reservation.  In this case, you can turn up and, subject to space being available, you can purchase a ticket from the conductor and sit in the unreserved area.

 

 

What if no reservation is required?

 

Reservations are not required on Interurban services, which travel only between Melbourne and Marshall, Ballarat, Bendigo, Seymour and Traralgon.

 

You should purchase your ticket at the station prior to travel.  

 

If you are joining a train at an unstaffed station, you may purchase a ticket from the conductor on the train. 

 

If you are travelling by coach, tickets can be purchased from the driver.

 

 

Why are reservations required on some services?

 

Substantial fare reductions in 2007 resulted in significantly higher patronage. To ensure that customers travelling long distances can be assured of getting a seat, reservations were introduced to provide certainty and comfort.

 

Customers may still be able to board a train without a reservation if spare capacity is available, but this cannot be guaranteed.

 

 

Further information

 

For more information, call us on 136 196 with any enquiries.