Cost to Drive from Melbourne to Ballarat
115 km via the Western Fwy · about 1 h 35 min driving · range spans 6–11 L/100 km at Melbourne's weekly average price
Fuel: Melbourne U91 avg, week ending 12 July 2026 · distance computed once from open routingThe Western Freeway carries traffic between Melbourne and Ballarat on a direct, well-maintained route through the ranges to the goldfields city. It's a common commuter and day-trip drive, short enough to do comfortably in a single sitting. Conditions are consistent freeway for most of the way, with the usual services along the corridor if you need to stop.
Melbourne → Ballarat fuel cost
Default price: Melbourne average U91, week ending 12 July 2026. Fuel only — tolls, wear and rest stops not included.
The breakdown at typical consumption
| Car | L/100 km | Fuel used | One way | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economical small car / hybrid | 6.0 | 6.9 L | $11.52 | $23.03 |
| Typical car | 8.0 | 9.2 L | $15.35 | $30.71 |
| Large SUV / ute | 11.0 | 12.6 L | $21.11 | $42.23 |
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to drive from Melbourne to Ballarat?
- Between $12 and $21 in fuel one way at this week's Melbourne average price (166.9 c/L), depending on your car's consumption (6–11 L/100 km). A typical 8 L/100 km car uses about $15.35.
- How far is Melbourne to Ballarat by road?
- 115 km via the Western Fwy, around 1 h 35 min of driving without long stops.
Related trips
- Ballarat → Melbourne (reverse)
- Melbourne → Sydney
- Melbourne → Adelaide
- Melbourne → Canberra
- Melbourne → Geelong
- Melbourne → Bendigo
- Melbourne fuel prices
- Australian Institute of Petroleum — weekly prices reportverified
- OSRM open routing (road distance, computed at build)cross-checked
Fuel cost only — tolls, food and accommodation not included. Distance is the practical sealed-road driving route; drive time excludes long breaks. Prices along remote corridors run above city averages.