Firefly Express' origins can be traced back to 1966 when Frank Bono and George Sita purchased route 406 Footscray to East Keilor from Barnes Buslines.

In August 1974 route 504 Moonee Ponds to Clifton Hill was purchased, being sold in December 1975.

[1][2] In November 1986 Firefly commenced operating an overnight Melbourne to Sydney service.

In July 1987 route 406 was sold to Westrans and the Melbourne charter licences of VIP Express purchased.

[8] In 2008 Firefly commenced operating services between Ballarat, Ararat, Murtoa, Horsham and Nhill under contract to V/Line.