Is there a direct train?

No, you must change trains at Southern Cross Station in Melbourne.

How long is the drive?

The drive takes approximately 8 hours depending on traffic.

Do I need a Myki card?

Yes, a Myki card is required for all V/Line services in Victoria.

Where should I stop for food?

Albury is the halfway point and offers the best variety of restaurants.

Is the Hume Highway toll-free?

The Hume Highway is toll-free, but some Melbourne bypasses may have tolls.

Queanbeyan

Geelong

Train Driving

Queanbeyan to Geelong

Updated: 27 May 2026

The journey from Queanbeyan to Geelong covers approximately 700 kilometers. Most travelers prefer driving via the Hume Highway and M80 Ring Road to bypass Melbourne CBD. Alternatively, you can take the XPT train from Canberra to Southern Cross Station and transfer to a V/Line service. The trip takes roughly 8 hours by car or 10 hours by rail. This route connects the capital region of NSW to the industrial hub of Victoria.

Total Distance: 700 km driving distance; 520 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving via the Hume Highway takes 8 hours, the fastest option.

Cheapest Way

Driving is the cheapest for groups of two or more people.

Compare Queanbeyan to Geelong Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	10 hours	8 hours
Avg Price	$90-$130	$120-$150 fuel
Operator	NSW TrainLink and V/Line	Personal Vehicle
Route	Canberra Station to Southern Cross, then V/Line to Geelong.	Hume Highway (M31) to M80 Ring Road and A1.
Tip	Book your V/Line ticket in advance using a Myki card.	Use the Western Ring Road to avoid Melbourne city traffic.

Travel Tips

Traffic Timing
Avoid the M80 Ring Road during weekday peak hours of 7am-9am and 4pm-6pm.
Fuel Stops
Gundagai and Albury are the best locations for fuel and food breaks on the Hume Highway.
Myki Card
You must purchase a Myki card for all V/Line train travel within Victoria.
Booking XPT
Book your NSW TrainLink seat at least two weeks early to secure lower fares.
Rest Areas
Use the official Transport for NSW rest areas every two hours to manage fatigue.

Safety Tips

Fatigue Management
Stop every two hours for a 15-minute break to prevent driver fatigue.
Wildlife
Be extremely cautious of kangaroos at dawn and dusk, especially near rural sections.
Weather
Check for fog warnings on the Hume Highway during winter mornings.
Emergency
Dial 000 for emergency services if you encounter a serious incident on the highway.