Where do I buy Airport Shuttlebus tickets?
You can buy tickets online and either print them out or present the ticket on your smartphone. You can also buy tickets from our office situated inside the Ballarat Railway Station or by phoning the office on 03 5333 4181. We strongly recommend pre-purchasing tickets in order to guarantee a seat but tickets can also be purchased from the driver using cash of Eftpos if seats are available.
Can I pay for my Airport Shuttlebus tickets with EFTPOS or Credit Card?
Yes you can buy your tickets online using your credit card 24/7. You can also use your credit card or Eftpos to buy tickets from our office. Drivers can also process Eftpos and credit card payments.
Services departing on time
Our services depart on time and operate according to our published timetable and will depart Ballarat and the Airport at these times. For pickups from other stops (Ballan, Bacchus Marsh and Melton) times can be delayed slightly depending on other pickups on the route.
Does the driver wait for me or phone me?
No, we run to a schedule as per above
What happens if I miss the bus that I was booked on?
Your ticket is valid for the next available service - providing there is spare seats on the bus. (Passengers booked on that service will have priority) Please ensure you have your ticket or booking number available for the driver, if you cannot provide either you will be asked to pay again. You may contact the office to obtain a refund once you can provide proof of purchase.
Please note that if you are booked on the last service of the day and your plane is delayed - the bus will still adhere to our timetable and will depart at the advertised time (The bus service operates to its timetable - just as trains do or other public transport). Please be aware that if you think there is a chance that the plane may be delayed you may need to make alternative travel arrangements.
Who do I contact for lost property?
If you have left something on-board our vehicle please contact the Shuttlebus office on 03 5333 4181.
I need to book for today's bus, is that possible and is there room at such late notice?
YES, you can book and pay online 24/7. Please note that the website has a 2 1/2 hour cut-off for bookings prior to the service commencement time. If you need the bus at very short notice then please phone our office during business hours 03 5333 4181 and they will be able to make a booking for you providing there is enough seats for you.
Can I be picked up or dropped off from my house or accommodation?
No, sorry but we only pick up and drop off at our designated stops
How much luggage can I take?
We allow 1 standard suitcase and small a carry on bag per paying customer. There is a small extra charge for other items. For the latest prices see our Fares page.
I am a pensioner / health care card holder. Is there a concession fare for me?
NO, unfortunately we do not have a separate fare for pensioners/health care card holders.
Can I take my pet with me when I travel?
No, we are not able to carry pets. No animals are permitted inside the cabin, in trailers or carried in vehicle luggage bins. Assistance dogs are permitted where documentation is presented.
I am planning on travelling to the Airport to bid farewell to someone before they catch their flight and returning to Ballarat on the same day. Do you have a special price?
YES, we call this our 'Same Day Travel' ticket. Just enter in the return travel details and our system will automatically charge you the reduced rate.
I do not have a credit card. Can I book a ticket?
Yes, if you contact our office you may be able to make arrangements to pay cash to our driver.
How long does the trip take?
We allow 1hour 35 minutes for most trips - this includes all scheduled stops.
I need a receipt so my employer can reimburse my travel expenses.
Our tickets are also tax invoices. Our website will automatically email you a ticket and will also give you the opportunity to print a ticket. In addition, tickets booked over the phone can be emailed.
When should I book my ticket for the bus?
We strongly advise booking your tickets early to guarantee a seat. Also see Question 1 above
I have not made a booking. Can I still travel on the bus?
Yes, as long as we have vacant seats on the bus - our drivers carry a number of tickets and you can pay cash to the driver. Please note though that some pickup points are by booking only.
What happens if I miss the bus that I was booked on?
Your ticket is valid for the next available service - providing there is spare seats on the bus. (Passengers booked on that service will have priority) Please ensure you have your ticket or booking number available for the driver, if you cannot provide either you will be asked to pay again. You may contact the office to obtain a refund once you can provide proof of purchase. Please note that if you are booked on the last service of the day and your plane is delayed - the bus will still adhere to our timetable and will depart at the advertised time (The bus service operates to its timetable - just as trains do or other public transport). Please be aware that if you think there is a chance that the plane may be delayed you may need to make alternative travel arrangements.
What happens if I purchase a ticket but don't use it?
The ticket is valid for 12 months - or contact the office for a refund.
What happens if I lose my ticket?
You will always be asked to produce a ticket number if you wish to travel on a bus other than the one you were booked on. If you cannot provide either you will be asked to pay again. You may contact the office to obtain a refund once you can provide proof of purchase
Do the vehicles have toilets on board?
Unfortunately, our vehicles do not have toilets on board.
Infants and child restraints
Buses and coaches are exempt from rules regarding child restraints. Adults may wish to nurse small children on their laps and ensure the seat belt is placed around the both of you – similar to flying in an Airplane. However, Road safety experts recommend you bring your own suitable child restraint and fit it properly into the bus - each of our vehicles have at least 4 seats fitted with child restraint bolts. Airport Shuttlebus and/or its driver will not be responsible for fitting the restraint or for any claim, loss or damage suffered by a passenger caused by the restraint. Airport Shuttlebus does not supply child restraints and will not be responsible for storing the restraint.
Mobility
We endeavour to accommodate our disabled passengers and we do have wheelchair equipped vehicles available. These vehicles must be booked at least 48 hours in advance by telephoning our Airport Shuttlebus office. The wheelchair lift is available to/from Ballarat or Melbourne Airport bus stops only. Each disabled passenger needs to ensure they can board and disembark the bus with minimal assistance or, alternatively, to travel with a carer/companion. Airport Shuttlebus will issue companion cardholders with a second ticket for their companion to travel at no charge.
Assistance at the Airport - Mobility Issues
Travellers Aid offer a mobillity Service at the Airport - see below for futher info
https://airportshuttlebus.com.au/airport-mobility-hubs/?fl_builder
Where is the 'Drop off Point' at the Airport and how do I find my Airline Departure Terminal?
I'm having trouble viewing the timetables online.
If the timetable online will not display correctly on your browser then try the link to the PDF versions at the bottom of each timetable page. These PDF versions are also useful if you wish to print the timetable.