How to travel from Ballarat to Newcastle, Australia

The distance between Ballarat and Newcastle is around 1,096km (681 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 11h 30m.

4 routes found

We've found 4 different ways to get from Ballarat to Newcastle by train, bus and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out NewcastleBallarat if you're planning a return trip.

1
3 x train
+

Train via Southern Cross

Take the train to Southern Cross then Central Station and then to Newcastle Interchange.

  • Duration15h 30m
  • Departsonce daily
  • Typical cost
    A$130($86)
Operated by

Multiple train operators

1 similiar route

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

2
3 x bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to Southern Cross Coach Terminal then Sydney and then to Newcastle.

  • Duration15h 60m
  • Departs6 times a week
  • Typical cost
    A$215($145)
Operated by

Multiple bus operators

🚀 Fastest
3
car
+

Drive

Drive to Newcastle.

  • Duration11h 30m
  • Distance1,096km (681 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Ballarat and Newcastle

There are several options for getting from Ballarat to Newcastle by train, bus and car. The cheapest option is to take the train which costs around A$130 ($86) and will take around 15h 40m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 11h 30m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately A$145 ($100).

The distance between Ballarat and Newcastle is around 1,096km (681 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 885km (550 miles)

It takes around 15h 40m to get from Ballarat and Newcastle by train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 11h 30m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Ballarat to Newcastle is to drive which takes around 11h 30m and will set you back approx A$145 ($100).

The cheapest way to travel between Ballarat and Newcastle, if you exclude driving, is to take the train which will typically cost around A$130 ($86) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Ballarat and Newcastle. It typically takes around 15h 40m and departs once daily.

There are no direct train services that runs from Ballarat to Newcastle. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in Southern Cross and Central Station. These services run once daily and will take a minimum of 15h 40m.

V-Line, XPT and Transport NSW run train services between Ballarat and Newcastle. Trains depart once daily and will take around 15h 40m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Ballarat and Newcastle. It typically takes around 15h 60m and departs 6 times a week.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Ballarat to Newcastle. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Southern Cross Coach Terminal and Sydney. These services run 6 times a week and will take a minimum of 15h 60m.

V-Line, Firefly Express and Greyhound Australia run regular bus services between Ballarat and Newcastle. Buses run 6 times a week and take around 15h 60m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Ballarat to Newcastle. We recommend that you take the train to Southern Cross then Central Station and then to Newcastle Interchange. instead which will take 15h 40m.

The closest major airport to Newcastle is Newcastle Airport (NTL) (NTL) which is approximately 14km (9 miles) from Newcastle. Sydney Airport (SYD) (SYD) and Port Macquarie Airport (PQQ) (PQQ) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Ballarat and Newcastle. The distance is around 1,096km (681 miles) by road and it will take around 11h 30m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Ballarat to Newcastle is to take the train which takes, on average, 15h 40m and will usually cost around A$130 ($86).

How do I get from Ballarat to Newcastle

Compare travel optionsbetween Ballarat and Newcastle

Transport options from Ballarat to Newcastle
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Train via Southern Cross + 1 similar
15h 30m
A$130($86)
once daily1,216km (756 miles)
Train15h 40m
A$130($86)
once daily1,216km (756 miles)
Bus
15h 60m
A$215($145)
6 times a week1,224km (761 miles)
Drive
11h 30m
A$145($100)
on demand1,096km (681 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Ballarat and Newcastle

Airlines

Train operators

Bus companies

Airports near Newcastle

The following major airports near Newcastle offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Australia and internationally.

NTL
Newcastle Airport (NTL)
Domestic Airport
Distance
14km (9 miles) from Newcastle
SYD
Sydney Airport (SYD)
International Airport
Distance
126km (78 miles) from Newcastle
PQQ
Port Macquarie Airport (PQQ)
Domestic Airport
Distance
195km (121 miles) from Newcastle