Free public transport across Victoria

Public transport is free from Tuesday 31 March to Thursday 30 April.

V/Line paper tickets and e-tickets on long distance train services

During this period, seat reservations are not available, and bookings are not required on the following V/Line train services:

• Warrnambool Line
• Ararat and Maryborough lines
• Shepparton and Albury lines
• Echuca and Swan Hill lines
• Bairnsdale Line

Passengers travelling on these services can board without a ticket.

Passengers who have already booked a train ticket to travel during this time can claim a refund online by filling in the customer feedback form or by visiting a staffed station. Seat reservations will be honoured even after a refund has been issued.

Scheduled coach services

Seat reservations on some scheduled coach services are still required, at zero cost. Existing seat reservations will be honoured.

Tickets for these coaches can be booked at staffed regional and metropolitan train stations, as well as V/Line booking agents.

Passengers travelling on all other scheduled coach services can board without a ticket.

An interstate levy will apply for coach journeys starting or ending outside Victoria except for Albury, Deniliquin and Mt Gambier services.

We encourage passengers to plan ahead and arrive early for their service, travel outside peak periods if possible and allow extra time for their journey.

V/Line will closely monitor services during this period and where possible have coaches on standby in key locations to support train services.

V/Line staff will be working hard to keep services moving and support passengers.
 
Questions and Answers

I already have a booking/reservation on reserved seated train service? What happens to my booking?

If you have an existing booking on a V/Line train service for the period between Tuesday 31 March 2026 and 30 April 2026 your booking is still valid and will be honoured for that journey. Seat reservations will be honoured after a refund has been issued.

Passengers who have already booked during this period can contact 1800 800 007 or apply online by completing the customer feedback form at vline.com.au/contact-us or visit a staffed station or agent to seek a refund.

I want to book a ticket for a reserved seating train service because I want to be guaranteed a seat, what can I do?

We will not be taking bookings/reservations for V/Line train travel beyond Monday 30 March 2026 for the free travel period (until 30 April 2026).

Our services are popular and busy, particularly during the Easter holiday period, and we encourage you to plan ahead, check the service information before travelling and if possible, travel outside the peak period.

I have been able to book a free unreserved ticket on the website and have been sent an e-ticket – do I need to show this e-ticket when I travel?
No, you do not need to show this ticket when you travel during the free travel period from 31 March until 30 April.


I want to book a seat on a V/Line coach service – can I still get a seat?

Yes, if the coach you are traveling on is a reserved service you can make a booking online, by calling 1800 800 007, or by visiting a staffed station. A ticket is not required for unreserved coach services.

Will this make V/Line services even busier?
We expect V/Line services to continue to be popular and busier than usual during this period.

We encourage passengers to plan ahead and arrive early for their service, travel outside peak periods where possible, allow extra time for their journey and check service information before travelling.

V/Line staff will be working hard to keep services moving and support passengers.

Please be patient and treat them with respect as they assist you.