How much does it cost to drive from Melbourne to Ballarat?

Between $14 and $26 in fuel one way at this week's Melbourne average price (204.7 c/L), depending on consumption. A typical 8 L/100 km car: about $18.83.

How far is Melbourne to Ballarat by road?

115 km via the Western Fwy, around 1 h 35 min of driving without long stops.

Cost to Drive from Melbourne to Ballarat

$14–$26 in fuel, one way

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 30 August 2026 · distance computed once from open routing

The 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

Distance (km)

Consumption (L/100 km)

Fuel price (c/L)

Split between

Return trip

$18.83

Fuel used9.2 L

Price used204.7 c/L

Default price: Melbourne average U91, week ending 30 August 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	$14.12	$28.25
Typical car	8.0	9.2 L	$18.83	$37.66
Large SUV / ute	11.0	12.6 L	$25.89	$51.79

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to drive from Melbourne to Ballarat?: Between $14 and $26 in fuel one way at this week's Melbourne average price (204.7 c/L), depending on your car's consumption (6–11 L/100 km). A typical 8 L/100 km car uses about $18.83.
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

Sources — figures current as at 30 August 2026.

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. Updated each week from AIP's Monday report; this is the week ending 30 August 2026.