Minibus Hire Across Australia

Avalon Airport pickups for Geelong, the Bellarine and the coast

Avalon is a single-terminal airport between Geelong and Melbourne, and for a group heading to the Surf Coast or the Bellarine it's often the better place to land. A driven minibus or people mover can carry the whole party on from there.

One terminal, one Bus Zone

Buses collect passengers in Avalon's Bus Zone, staying just long enough to load. The charge for entering is set by the vehicle's size and paid before it goes in, and it isn't refunded if nobody appears.

That's the reason your flight number matters so much here. If the plane is late or diverted, the operator needs to know before the vehicle enters, not after. For a bigger party, say wedding guests filling two vehicles, the arrangements are agreed with the airport itself, so give plenty of notice.

Executive Sprinter van, side view
Executive Sprinter van, side view

The terminals

  • Single passenger terminal

Good to know at Avalon Airport

  • Public bus route 18 links the airport with Lara Station.
  • The airport puts the trip to the Melbourne CBD at roughly 50 minutes; an airport express bus meets each major flight and runs to Southern Cross Station and Werribee.
  • All commercial vehicles picking up passengers pay an access fee at the terminal control point.
  • The Bus Zone fee is set by the maximum number of passengers the bus can safely carry and must be paid before entry; it is not refunded if no passengers are collected.

Geelong or Melbourne?

Central Geelong is about 24 km away, a 25 to 30 minute run along the Princes Freeway with no tolls. The Melbourne CBD is further off, about 56 km to Southern Cross Station, and the airport reckons on roughly 50 minutes for that trip.

Where your days can take you

Avalon makes a natural start for the Great Ocean Road. From Geelong, Torquay is about 25 minutes and Lorne about an hour and a quarter, while Queenscliff, with its car ferry across the bay to Sorrento, is around 35 minutes. Ballarat is about an hour from Geelong if Sovereign Hill is on the list.

The Twelve Apostles are a long outing: 200 km or more each way from Geelong. When the new visitor centre is open, visits there need a booking, so lock in a time before you arrive, and think about breaking the trip with a night on the coast.

Heading on to Tasmania?

The Spirit of Tasmania sails from North Geelong, and the service moves to new ships and a new Devonport terminal in late 2026. Check your sailing time before booking the transfer from the airport to the quay.

Your questions

Is Avalon or Tullamarine better for a Geelong wedding?

Avalon, as a rule. It's about half an hour from central Geelong, whereas Melbourne Airport is around 85 km away, an hour or more on the road.

Can a straggler catch up without the minibus?

Yes. The airport's express coach lines up with every major flight and runs into Melbourne, so one late traveller can follow on and meet the rest of you in the city.

How big a vehicle should we ask for?

A people mover suits a family of up to six or seven, and a minibus takes 16 to 19. Past 19, look at a midi coach or a full-size coach. Since the Bus Zone charge is tied to the vehicle's capacity, it's worth choosing the size that fits rather than the largest available.

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