V/Line Adds Early Trains for ANZAC Dawn Service

V/Line adds 3:55am and 4:00am trains from Wyndham Vale and Melton for Dawn Service access

V/Line Adds Early ANZAC Day Trains for Dawn Service

V/Line will run two extra early-morning trains on ANZAC Day to help riders reach Melbourne's Dawn Service, officials said. The additional services depart Wyndham Vale at 3:55am and Melton at 4:00am on Saturday, April 25, arriving at Southern Cross before the 5:30am ceremony at the Shrine of Remembrance. The regional rail operator is adding capacity during the public holiday when demand typically increases for commemorative events.

Free Fares Extended Through May

The ANZAC Day service additions come as V/Line continues offering free travel across its network through May 31, transit officials said. Victoria's regional public transport provider operates train and coach services connecting communities across the state to Melbourne and regional centers. Passengers who'd already purchased tickets for travel during the free fare period can request refunds online or at staffed stations. The fare waiver applies to all V/Line train and coach routes.

Two Routes Serve Dawn Service Travelers

The Wyndham Vale service stops at Tarneit and Footscray before reaching Southern Cross at 4:31am, according to the transit agency. The Melton train makes additional stops at Cobblebank, Caroline Springs, Deer Park, and Ardeer, arriving at Footscray at 4:30am and Southern Cross at 4:41am. Riders heading to the Shrine of Remembrance via Anzac Station should transfer at Footscray to Cranbourne, Pakenham, or Sunbury line services, officials said. The Melbourne Dawn Service runs from 5:30am to 6:30am.

Services Timed for Ceremony Access

Both special trains are scheduled to arrive at Southern Cross more than an hour before the Dawn Service begins, giving travelers time to reach the Shrine of Remembrance. Officials said the additional services are designed to accommodate increased ridership during the ANZAC Day public holiday. V/Line didn't specify whether regular Saturday service will operate alongside the special early trains or if modifications will affect other routes that day.

Plan Trips in Advance

Riders attending ANZAC Day ceremonies should plan their journeys ahead of the early departure times, transit officials said. V/Line encouraged passengers to check schedules before traveling, though the agency didn't say whether the special services require reservations or operate on a first-come basis. Moovit provides real-time departure information and trip planning for V/Line trains and coaches across Victoria's regional network.