“What’s the cheapest way to get to Phillip Island?” may sound like a straightforward question, but after years of helping visitors make their way from Southern Cross Station down to the Bass Coast Shire, I’ve come to realise that cheap travel is an art. I’m Paul Beames – I’ve basically spent years of my life making sure visitors from all over get over the Phillip Island Bridge without blowing their entire holiday fund on getting there.
The straight-out answer? Catch the V/Line coach out of Southern Cross bus station. It’s pretty much the most budget-friendly & hassle-free option out there, especially if you are travelling solo or staying at a hostel or caravan park down near the Waterfront at Cowes. But – and I’ve seen this happen to a lot of travellers – every route has its own little quirks & pitfalls, and I’ve seen folk get caught out between Koo Wee Rup, San Remo & Phillip Island Road.
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The Public Transport Route That Saves Money
The V/Line coach is basically the trusty sidekick for budget travellers. You hop on at Southern Cross Station, give the regional bays a passing glance at the coach terminal, & then roll onto a service that threads through Koo Wee Rup, crosses the Phillip Island Bridge & spits you out into Thompson Avenue – right in the heart of Cowes.
Getting to the island on public transport may not be the flashiest option in the world, but it’s reliable, runs every day, & won’t hit you with hidden costs. Even when things get busy at the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre or the Koala Conservation Reserve is buzzing on weekends, the South Coast Bus services tend to keep on running.
If you don’t have a car or you’re not up for fighting traffic on the Monash Freeway or South Gippsland Highway during rush hour, then this is basically your best bet.
A Quick Look At The Costs
Below is a rough comparison table with what you can expect to pay based on early 2026 prices – distance calculations follow the standard Melbourne → Cowes route via the M1 motorway, Bass Highway & Phillip Island Road, which is about 140 km one way.
| Transport Option | Approx. Cost (One Way) | Travel Time | Best For |
| V/Line Coach (Southern Cross → Cowes) | ~$10 | 2.5–3 hrs | Budget travellers, backpackers, day-trippers |
| Drive (Fuel for 1 person) | ~$18–$25 | 1 hr 45 min | Travellers wanting flexibility |
| Drive (Fuel split across 4 people) | ~$5–$7 pp | 1 hr 45 min | Families and groups |
| Rideshare (Uber/Bolt) | $160–$240 | 1 hr 45 min | Late-night arrivals |
| Taxi | $250–$350 | 1 hr 45 min | Emergency only |
| Passenger Ferry (Stony Point → Cowes) | $30–$40 | 2.5–3 hrs | Scenic route seekers |
Fuel calculation base:
* Average consumption: 6.5–7.5 L/100 km
* Average fuel price (Jan 2026): ~$2.10/L
* Route: Monash Freeway → South Gippsland Highway → Phillip Island Road
Why Public Transport Wins For Sheer Cheapness
If saving money is top of your list, then the V/Line coach is your clear winner. The fare cap really does hold the line on how much you pay for a one-way ticket – even during the mad rush around the Penguin Parade or when the holiday crowds are pouring through San Remo.
It’s Simpler Than Travellers Expect
There is no longer a train line to Phillip Island – the old heritage route just isn’t a thing anymore – so the coach is what keeps public transport ticking over on the island. Once you’re on board, you’re on a straight shot past Western Port, then onto the island and past familiar landmarks like The Nobbies Centre, Seal Rocks, and Cape Woolamai (depending on where you are headed).
What Makes It So Cost-Effective
- No tolls coming from Melbourne – a quiet little saving
- No need to shell out for car hire or expensive insurance upgrades
- Even in peak times, the coach is a smooth ride
- Dropped off within walking distance of the Waterfront at Cowes and Thompson Avenue
I’ve seen students, families, and solo backpackers using this route for years. If you are just carrying a small bag, the coach ride is as easy and laid back as a Sunday cruise – minus the seagulls.
Driving: Cheap With Mates, Not Cheap Alone
If you are driving, then it can be a cheap option – but only if you’ve got a full car to split the costs with. The run down the M1, onto the South Gippsland Highway and across the Phillip Island Bridge is pretty smooth, but petrol plus wear and tear soon adds up for a solo traveller.
When It Makes Sense To Drive
- You’re planning to explore remote parts of the island like Cape Woolamai or Churchill Island
- You have surf gear or bikes to cart around
- You’re staying outside Cowes at places like The Island Accommodation or Anchorage Caravan Park
And When It Doesn’t
Nothing chews through a budget faster than driving solo in a car that guzzles fuel and getting stuck in Melbourne traffic before San Remo – trust me, I know from experience.
The Scenic Ferry Route From Stony Point
The budget-conscious traveller might want to look at the Western Port Passenger Ferry Service from Stony Point Jetty to Cowes. It’s a bit pricier than the bus but cheaper than hiring a car – and even more so if you’re already staying on the Mornington Peninsula.
Why Travellers Pick This Route
- A mini-break experience with views across Western Port
- A beautiful arrival straight into Marine Parade
Key Things To Know
- You’ll need to take a train to Stony Point
- Ferry times vary depending on the season
- Crossing time is around 30 minutes
- Be prepared for cancellations in bad weather
It’s a great option if you want a change of scenery, you’re a non-driver on the peninsula, or you just want a better travel story than “I caught the bus.”
Local Hacks That Keep Your Trip Cheap
A few insider pointers from years of transporting travellers across the island:
Smart Money-Saving Moves
- Arrive before major events to dodge peak prices around the Penguin Parade
- Stay near Thompson Avenue or Marine Parade for walkability
- Use public transport to reach The Nobbies Centre, Koala Conservation Reserve, or the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre
- Book ferry tickets early if travelling from Stony Point
- Grab snacks from the supermarket on Thompson Avenue instead of caravan park shops
A Simple Checklist
Here’s your quick prep list – no fuss, no frills.
Before Leaving Melbourne
- Check V/Line coach or South Coast Bus timetables
- Make sure your phone is charged
- Bring snacks and water for the journey
- Map the route via M1 motorway, Bass Highway, or Southern Cross bus station
- Allow extra time on Fridays – traffic near San Remo can be a slow crawl
On The Island
- Walk as much as possible in Cowes
- Time activities around bus timetables
- Avoid late-night taxis – they cost more than a day trip
- Take a sunset stroll along Marine Parade
If you’re planning a Penguin tour Phillip Island with Wildlife Tours or just heading over for a relaxing weekend by the foreshore, getting there on a budget matters just as much as choosing what to do once you arrive.
FAQ
Does the V/Line bus really give you the cheapest option?
Yes – it’s your best bet for price and coverage.
Does the bus stop near the main areas?
Yes – it stops close to Thompson Avenue, with easy access to the Waterfront at Cowes, beaches, and local eats.
Is the passenger ferry from Stony Point worth the splurge?
It’s not the cheapest option, but it’s easily the most scenic arrival, especially if you’re already on the Mornington Peninsula.
Can you get to the Penguin Parade without a car?
Yes — buses and shuttles operate during peak seasons, with local public transport options depending on the date.
How long is the trip from Melbourne?
Expect 2.5–3 hours on the bus and around 1 hour 45 minutes if driving.
