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Public Transportation

Getting Around Melbourne: A Guide to Public Transportation

Marina is a freelance writer who began contributing to TripSavvy in 2019. She set off with a one-way ticket to Asia in 2017 and has been living and traveling abroad ever since.

visit melbourne public transport

Don’t underestimate the size of Melbourne, Australia. Travelers may only stick to Central Business District and its surrounding neighborhoods—but the city extends so much further than that, stretching around Port Phillip Bay for 3,857-square miles.

Melbourne is kind of like New York City , in a geographical sense, because a lot of Melburnians live in the outer suburbs and travel into the city for work. The daily commute isn’t ideal by car, so people in the city opt to use the Public Transport Victoria train, tram, and bus system instead. Sixteen regular service train lines run north, south, east, and west into and out of the city. It’s an impressive and efficient system for such a big city. 

Here’s what you should know about getting around Melbourne.

How to Ride the Metro Melbourne Train Lines

Most people who use public transportation in Melbourne hop on the train. There are 16 Metro train lines that jut out of the city center and into the outer suburbs. The two main stations are Flinders Street and Southern Cross. Riding the train is a convenient alternative to driving, although a train ride could take just as long (if not longer) to get you where you want to go due to frequent stops.

  • Passes: First, you’ll need to buy a myki card for AU$6. It gets you onto trains, trams, and buses throughout Melbourne and regional parts of Victoria. You can purchase one at 7-Eleven stores, a ticket booth at a premium train station, or on myki machines. Next, load the card with money to get from one stop to the next. You can do this at the ticket booth or at the myki machine. 
  • Fares: The lowest amount of money you can add to your myki card is AU$10. That will get you two rides as the default fare for the train is $4.50 one way. Children, seniors, and students are eligible for discounted tickets. However, keep in mind that the price for each train ride is different, depending on how far you travel and when you travel. A smart thing to do if you’re visiting for a week is to buy a seven-day myki pass for AU$44. This will save you from continually topping up your card. You can check fares using the myki fare calculator .  
  • How to Ride: Once you’ve purchased and loaded a myki pass, you must tap your card onto the center of the reader as you enter the railway platform. When you get off at your desired stop, simply tap off the same way you tapped on. Metro police conduct random checks on every train to see if passengers paid for their ride. If you don’t tap on before entering the platform and an officer catches you, it could result in a hefty fine. 
  • Hours of Operation: The train lines operate from 5 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Thursday. The night network runs Friday through Sunday, with trains operating every hour after 12 a.m. 
  • Service Changes: It’s typical for the Metro train to have periodic service changes. Delays may happen due to construction on the tracks, public events, or disorderly conduct by passengers. In the event of a service change, there will be announcements made throughout the station and written on the monitors. Sometimes, buses replace trains between specific stops, but there is always clear signage to help you navigate your way. You can check to see if your train line is running on time using the Public Transport Victoria journey planner . 
  • Transfers: Transfers are relatively easy to complete when using the Metro train. You can hop off one train and onto another without re-tapping your myki card. If you get confused about a transfer, ask a Metro train station employee (you’ll spot them in neon orange jumpers). They’re usually on the platforms during hours of operation to help passengers with their journey.  
  • Accessibility: PTV train stations are accessible to people with disabilities. Ramps, designated seating, and a combination of audio and visual announcements are available at larger stops. If you have hearing difficulties, you can use the National Relay Service . For more information about accessibility and mobility aid specifications, check out the Public Transport Victoria website . 

You can use the journey planner on the PTV website or app to plan your route and find out real-time departure and arrival information.

Riding the Melbourne Metropolitan Bus Network

The public buses in Melbourne are another standard mode of transportation. There are 346 routes within Melbourne and regional Victoria, so it covers more than the train. You can get to shopping centers, hospitals, sporting venues, and other Melbourne attractions via bus. This map shows the different bus routes within Melbourne. You can use the Public Transport Victoria journey planner to help you find the specific stop you’re looking for. 

The public bus takes the myki card as a bus pass, so make sure it’s loaded with money before you get on the bus. Fares are the same as the train. Note that riding the bus will take significantly longer than the train. Traffic, stop lights, and stops will add an extra 10–20 minutes to your journey. 

Airport-Specific Shuttles

Melbourne has a fast, frequent, and cheap airport shuttle called the SkyBus . It’s a big red bus with WiFi onboard and plenty of seating. From Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, there are six SkyBus services: Melbourne City Express, Southbank Docklands Express, St Kilda Express, Peninsula Express, Western Express, and Airport Bus Eastside. The Melbourne City Express bus, for instance, departs every 10 minutes and transfers passengers directly from the airport to Southern Cross Station (and vice versa). It takes about 30–40 minutes and costs AU$19.75 one way.

Melbourne city trams are convenient for traveling to a specific destination within the city and the surrounding neighborhoods. The best part? It’s free within Melbourne CBD . Outside of this free tram zone, the tram takes the myki card, with fares the same as the train. Keep in mind that you cannot purchase a myki card on a tram or at a tram stop. 

Use the Metropolitan tram network map to help you get to where you want to go. Locate the area where you want to go, then check the route number and destination on the front of the tram.  

Taking the ferry in Melbourne is a great way to get on the water and travel across the peninsula. From Melbourne CBD, you can take a one-hour cruise to Williamstown, an outer suburb known for being the city's first seaport. It costs AU$24 one way and departs at various times, depending on the season. There’s also a 90-minute cruise from the city to Portarlington , a historic little town on the Bellarine Peninsula. This costs AU$16 for an adult one-way ticket.

Melbourne sits along the Yarra River, where you can hop on a water taxi to shuttle to different stops along the waterway. It operates seven days a week and departs every 15 minutes from 9 a.m. to midnight. It’s a popular way to get around during the summer, so it’s recommended to book a water taxi ticket in advance.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing Apps

If you’re in a hurry, taxis and ride-hailing services are available throughout Melbourne. Local cabs, such as 13cabs , are white cars with bright orange writing on the sides. Ride-railing services such as Uber, DiDi, and Ola operate all over the city, including the surrounding suburbs. It’s a common and quick way to get around.

Car Rentals 

Renting a car to use within Melbourne CBD may not be the best idea. The city is dense with traffic, parking can get pricey, and the town has something called “ hook turns ,” which, if you’re not familiar with, are very tricky to navigate.

On the other hand, if you want to explore the Great Ocean Road or other outer suburb attractions, it might be a good idea to rent a car for the freedom to explore. Melbourne has car rental companies such as Budget, Hertz, Enterprise, and Avis. You can rent a car from the airport or within the city. Don’t forget, Aussies drive on the left side of the road! 

Tips for Getting Around Melbourne

Getting around Melbourne isn’t very difficult. The city has an impressive amount of public transportation options with informative signs and friendly employees to help you navigate your way around.

  • Be wary of rush hour: Traveling during rush hour can be a bit of a headache. Peak traffic on public transportation and the roads is Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. During this time, the roads leading into and out of the city will be jam-packed with people traveling to and from work. If you’re traveling by train, be attentive towards the express services.
  • Melbourne CBD is very walkable: Melbourne CBD is easy to walk around because the streets are set up like a grid. If you’re following a map, it’s very straightforward, and sometimes quicker to walk than take the tram. 
  • If given the option, choose the train over the bus: The train is a bit more reliable without the traffic and quicker without so many stops. 
  • Download the Public Transport Victoria app: This will help with planning your journey throughout the city and the surrounding suburbs. It is available on both Google Play and the Apple Store .

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Getting around Melbourne

Whether you self-drive or take advantage of Melbourne’s efficient public transport system, you’ll find it easy and efficient to get around the city.

By Mark Sariban

Australia’s cities all offer clean, efficient and affordable public transport options, allowing visitors to explore with ease and comfort. Known for its historic suburban tram system, Melbourne is no exception to this rule. Jump on board any of these great transport options and discover how easy it is to get around Melbourne.

Transport in Melbourne

St Paul's Cathedral, Swanston Street, Melbourne, VIC © Josie Withers Photography

St Paul's Cathedral, Swanston Street, Melbourne, Victoria © Josie Withers Photography

  • Airport Transfers
  • Accessibility

Melbourne offers free tram rides within the city centre. To use public transport outside of the free tram zone, you need to purchase a myki card . You can purchase a myki card from retail outlets displaying the myki sign, visitor centres and at train stations.

  • Use your myki card on trains, trams and buses. You’ll need to load your card with some money to cover your fares. You can top it up at convenience stores and train stations as your balance runs low. 
  • You can also purchase a  myki Explorer kit, which includes a myki card loaded with a full day of unlimited travel on trains, trams and buses in metropolitan Melbourne, handy maps and discounts on tickets to major attractions.
  • To start your ride, tap your myki card on the reader when you board your selected mode of transport and be sure to tap off when you disembark.

Melbourne is serviced by two airports, Melbourne Airport (MEL) and Avalon Airport (AVV). There are several public transport options available for reaching the city from either airport.

  • SkyBus express services run between 4am and 1am daily from Melbourne Airport and from early morning to evening from Avalon Airport. Both SkyBus services stop at Southern Cross Station on Spencer Street in the city. Tickets can be purchased either online or at the airport.
  • You’ll find taxi ranks and rideshare pick-up areas at the front of each terminal – simply follow the signage. The journey to the city from Melbourne Airport takes around 30 minutes, or 50 minutes from Avalon Airport.

Tip:  If you’re in a group, it will be less expensive to travel from Melbourne Airport to the city by taxi or rideshare.

In Australia, airlines, trains, buses and ferries have accessible options for people using a wheelchair or mobility device.

  • Melbourne Airport provides special assistance for people with disabilities and can help with baggage, getting around the airport, and getting on and off the plane. 
  • The majority of buses and trains have accessible options – check the Public Transport Victoria Accessibility page for information on using public transport before your trip.

Tip: Download the City of Melbourne’s  mobility map  to easily locate accessible toilets and car parks in the city.

Getting around Melbourne on public transport

Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC © Josie Withers Photography

Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria © Josie Withers Photography

Trains are a great way to visit attractions across the city and reach the surrounding suburb. Major stations in the city include Central, Flinders and Southern Cross Station. Use the Journey planner tool to find your route.

  • Trains to regional destinations including Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo and Albury operate on the V/Line services. You can use your myki card on all train networks.

Catching a tram is a great way to get around Melbourne while getting a feel for the city. Use the Journey planner tool to find your route.

  • A Free Tram Zone operates in Melbourne city centre. If your travel is within this zone you don’t need to tap on or off with your myki card.
  • The free hop-on, hop-off City Circle Tram (number 35) is a great introduction to Melbourne, with city loop services running every 15 minutes. 
  • Melbourne’s suburban tram routes run in two zones, with the cost using your myki card calculated according to the zones you travel in.

The bus network is another efficient way of hopping around metro Melbourne and popular neighbourhoods. Use the Journey planner tool to find your route.

  • Night Network trains, trams and buses operate throughout the night on Fridays and Saturdays.

Getting around Melbourne by car

Flinders Lane, Melbourne, VIC © Josie Withers Photography

Flinders Lane, Melbourne, Victoria © Josie Withers Photography

Driving in Melbourne is easy and safe, but you may want to check whether your hotel charges a daily parking fee.

Melbourne is the only city in Australia with a ‘ hook turn ’ (a right-hand turn you make from the left-hand lane), so be sure to familiarise yourself with this manoeuvre if you’re planning to drive in the city.

Having a car for part of your trip may be beneficial if you plan to visit some of the stunning destinations outside of Melbourne, but you can also book tours to many of these places and leave the driving to someone else.

Tip: If you’re hiring an electric vehicle, you’ll find a map of charging stations here.

Melbourne is served by numerous taxi companies. 

  • You can hail a taxi on the street (a taxi is available if its rooftop light is on) or at taxi ranks in built-up areas.
  • You can also book a taxi by phoning individual companies, or by downloading an app from 13cabs or GoCatch .

Tip: You will be asked to pre-pay an estimated fare when riding in a taxi after 10pm.

Most major ridesharing platforms operate in Melbourne, including Uber , Ola and DiDi , as well as local operator GoCatch .

Tip: Female travellers can also book a ride with Shebah , a rideshare service with all-women drivers catering to women. (Adult men can use the service if they need to transport a child who requires an approved child safety seat.)

Make the most of your time in Melbourne with a guided tour . Many tour operators offer half-day and full-day driving tours of the city and surrounds, including Show Me Melbourne and Melbourne Private Tours . 

  • Enjoy an emissions-free sightseeing tour of Melbourne by pedicab with Green Cabs .

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Where to stay in Melbourne

Other forms of transport in Melbourne

Cyclists ride along Southbank in Melbourne, VIC © Josie Withers Photography

Southbank, Melbourne, Victoria © Josie Withers Photography

  • Water taxis
  • Cycling & scooting
  • Williamstown Ferries offers two-hour cruises from Southbank to Williamstown, a seaport at the mouth of the Yarra River.

If you’re in town for a sporting event or a stadium concert, you can catch a water taxi from Southbank to Melbourne’s sports precinct .

Melbourne is mostly flat and has an extensive network of bike paths, making it easy to cycle around the city.

  • Download an app from Neuron to access a pool of shared e-scooters across Melbourne.

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Melbourne, Victoria © Ray Captures

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E-class tram interior

A guide to Melbourne public transport

Explore Australia's cultural capital completely car free

Nicola Dowse

Despite the local penchant for griping about the city’s public transport, Melbourne remains one of the best-connected cities in Australia. Like most major cities, we’ve got buses and trains , but what Melbourne is really known for is its extensive tram network.

Whether you opt for a tram, catch a bus or take a train, you can get pretty much anywhere in Melbourne without a car. All you need is an adventurous spirit and a Myki card – Melbourne's reusable public transport ticket you can buy or top up at metropolitan train stations as well as at some tram stops and bus interchanges.

RECOMMENDED: The unofficial rules for catching Melbourne public transport.

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Public transport in Melbourne

Trams

1.  Trams

Best for: Visitors hopping between CBD attractions or visiting the inner suburbs

Price:   Free to $4.60 per trip (with a daily cap of $9.20)

Melbourne’s most iconic form of public transport is a novel treat for visitors. But because they’re not as common as trains or buses, there are a few tricks to using them right. You need to tap on (that is, hold your Myki card against the card reader) on trams, but you don't have to tap off. In the free tram zone (the Melbourne CBD; listen for announcements) you don’t need to tap on at all. This makes trams ideal for sightseeing in the city, and they travel out to some of the coolest inner-suburban hangouts as well. Trams sometimes stop suddenly, so make sure you hold on!

Trains

2.  Trains

Best for: Those traveling long distances or going out to the ‘burbs.

Price: $4.60 per trip (with a daily cap of $9.20).

Melbourne’s trains are trams' beefcake older brother. They ferry people from the outer edges of Melbourne right through to the inner suburbs and CBD. Depending on where you are and where you’re going trains are sometimes a quicker option than trams or buses. But they can be packed to bursting during peak hour, so avoid traveling during the morning or evening commute if possible. Tap on at the station before boarding and tap off as you leave the station – and remember to press the button on the train door to get on and off.

Buses

3.  Buses

Best for: Going further and getting closer.

Price : $4.60 per trip (with a daily cap of $9.20).

Buses are the unsung heroes of Melbourne’s rail-dominated public transport system. They might not have the same cachet as trams, but they cover more ground. You won’t find a tram that will take you directly to Australia’s biggest shopping centre, Chadstone, but a bus will. There are more routes for buses than trams, they travel further out into the suburbs, and they travel across the city more directly than other public transport options. Be sure to tap your Myki both on and off when using buses, and take your backpack off before boarding.

V/Line trains and coaches

4.  V/Line trains and coaches

Best for: Those day tripping from Melbourne or traveling to other parts of Victoria 

Price: $4.60-$35 per trip

Where Melbourne’s trams, trains and buses fear to tread V/Line rushes in, no worries. Victoria's V/Line trains and coaches are your ticket to the state’s beautiful regional cities and towns. In the Melbourne CBD V/Line all services connect at Southern Cross Station, which in itself is easily accessed by tram or bus. From here you can catch a train or coach to the goldfields of Bendigo or Ballarat; to the springs of Daylesford; to the shorelines of Geelong or Warrnambool; or even interstate to Adelaide. Importantly, not all V/Line services use Myki so check the ticketing info before travelling.

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The ultimate guide to getting around Melbourne

Nov 22, 2023 • 7 min read

A black woman riding the City Circle tram in Melbourne

Melbourne's trams have become intertwined with the city's identity, especially the City Circle line © Craig Dingle / Shutterstock

As a progressive metropolis that regularly tops rankings of the world’s most livable cities, you might expect Melbourne to be a breeze to navigate – and you wouldn’t be wrong.

Although Greater Melbourne is a sprawl that can take hours to cross without a car, most major attractions are concentrated in the city center (also known as the central business district or CBD) and its surrounding neighborhoods .

This part of the city is well-serviced by public transportation, including the world’s longest tram network. These areas are also highly walkable and bikeable, a quality aided by relatively flat terrain and the availability of bike rentals. And for attractions further afield, trains, trams, buses and even boats carry you to them with ease.

To help you experience everything the city has to offer, here’s our guide to getting around in Melbourne.

Use a Myki card to get moving

To collect fares, Melbourne’s trains, trams and buses use Myki , a touch-on, touch-off system with card readers located aboard trams, buses and on train station platforms.

It’s the only way to pay for public transit and should be one of your first purchases on arrival. Standard Myki cards cost $6 and can be purchased and topped with credit at convenience stores and staffed train stations, or from dedicated vending machines at stations and major tram stops. There are also Myki vending machines within Terminals 2, 3 and 4 at the Melbourne Airport.

If you have an Android phone, you can use your phone to tap on and off using Myki via the Wallet app . An app for iPhone users does not yet exist.

The standard two-hour fare across Melbourne is $5, and there’s a daily fare cap of $10 on weekdays and $7.20 on weekends. You can either pay as you go from your credit balance or purchase a seven-day unlimited travel Myki Pass ($50).

Note that there are large fines for traveling without having touched on a valid Myki card, and ticket inspectors are unforgiving and sometimes undercover.

For timetables, maps and a journey planner, visit Public Transport Victoria (PTV). Handy transport planning apps include PTV , tramTRACKER and CityMapper .

Visitors also have the option of a Myki Explorer pack ($16), which includes the card, one day's travel credit and discounts on various attractions including several museums. It's available from SkyBus terminals, the PTV Hub at Southern Cross Station and some hotels.

Flinders Street Railway Station in Melbourne with tram, Eureka Tower and other modern buildings near sunset.

Catch an iconic tram through eclectic neighborhoods

Trams are both a practical means of transport and a quintessential Melbourne experience. They run roughly every 10 to 12 minutes during the day (more frequently in peak periods) and every 15 minutes in the evening. Services operate until around 12:30am Sunday to Thursday and 1am Friday and Saturday on most lines. A night service is also available (every 30 minutes) on Friday and Saturday on a handful of lines.

All aboard for a free introduction to the city center

Trams are free to ride within the Free Tram Zone in the city center. The zone is signposted on tram stops, with announcements made when you're nearing its edge.

One tram route entirely within the Free Tram Zone is the City Circle (route 35), on which delightfully retro W-class trams follow a clockwise circuit around the CBD and Docklands.

Ride the train network to speed across the city

Melbourne’s suburban trains are the fastest and most comfortable way to travel significant distances across the city. Flinders Street Station and Southern Cross Station are the main downtown hubs for Melbourne's 17 train lines, which radiate out to the suburbs.

Trains start operating around 5am on weekdays, run until after midnight Sunday to Thursday, and all night on Friday and Saturday nights. Trains generally run every 10 to 20 minutes during the day, every 20 to 30 minutes in the evening and more frequently during peak periods.

Use the bus – or night bus – to reach your destination

Melbourne has an extensive bus network, with over 300 routes covering places trains and trams don't go. Most routes run from 6am to 9pm on weekdays, 8am to 9pm on Saturdays, and 9am to 9pm on Sundays. Night Bus services operate after midnight on weekends to many suburbs. You need to hail buses as they approach your stop, so the driver knows you want to board.

A man cycles next to the Yarra River in Melbourne, Australia. Across the river, Melbourne's main skyline is visible, with a number of towering skyscrapers.

Explore Melbourne’s parks and streets on two wheels

Melbourne is up there with the most cycle-friendly cities in Australia, with work ongoing to improve the infrastructure. Bikes can be rented from outlets including Blue Tongue Bikes , BikeNow and Port Melbourne Cycles . Though conventional bikes can be taken on trains (but not the first carriage), only folding bikes are allowed on trams or buses. Helmets are compulsory for cyclists.

Some of Melbourne's cycle paths head through lush parklands, beside shaded creeks and along rivers. Detailed cycle maps are available from the Melbourne Visitor Hub at the Melbourne Town Hall .

Since 2022, Melbourne has also been trialing an e-scooter share scheme in the city center and surrounding neighborhoods. Helmets must be worn while using e-scooters and they must be ridden on roads only. To zip around on one, download the Lime or Neuron apps.

Car rentals are best left to adventures further afield

Cars tend to be more of a hindrance than a help when exploring Melbourne, as parking is difficult to find and expensive (even at hotels) and roads are busy. You’ll also have to contend with trams sharing the street and the distinctive road rules that apply to them.

For example, there’s Melbourne’s infamous “hook turn,” in which cars wanting to turn right across a tram line must first pull over on the far left of the street, in order not to block trams. Unless you’re planning to drive into the countryside – such as along the Great Ocean Road – you might prefer to stick to public transportation. If you do decide to drive, see Vic Roads for further details on local road rules.

In Melbourne itself, most street parking is metered and parking inspectors are particularly vigilant in the city center and popular nearby suburbs such as St Kilda, Collingwood and Fitzroy. Motorcyclists are allowed to park on the sidewalk, except in some parts of the city center where there are signs.

Cars and campervans can be rented from companies such as Jucy , Avis , Hertz and Rent a Bomb (“bomb” being Aussie slang for an old car). Motorbike rental spots include Moto Sparta north of the city center and EagleRider Melbourne in eastern Ringwood.

Summon taxis and ride-hailing services if you're short on time

Melbourne’s taxis are metered and require an estimated prepaid fare when hailed between 10pm and 5am; one of the taxi ranks most likely to have a vehicle waiting is next to Flinders St Station on Swanston St.

Two of the largest taxi companies are Silver Top and 13 Cabs , both of which have booking apps. Several ride-hailing services also operate, such as Uber , DiDi , and Shebah , the latter of which features an all-female fleet of drivers offering rides for women and children.

A ferry transports tourist down Melbourne's wide Yarra River. In the background, several high-rise buildings are visible.

Set sail to see Melbourne from the water

Though boats are a less-used form of transport, it’s a fun way to see the city and get around.  Melbourne Water Taxis conveys clients along the Yarra and Maribyrnong Rivers, while other passenger boats link the Southbank promenade and Williamstown's Gem Pier several times a day. The charming Westgate Punt carries pedestrians and cyclists across the Yarra between Port Melbourne and Spotswood.

Accessible transportation in Melbourne

All trains and most buses are accessible by way of ramps. If using trains, you need to be at the front of the platform so the driver can see you and put the ramp out.

Trams are more hit-and-miss – many vehicles and stops are low-floor and wheelchair-accessible, but less so outside the CBD. The free tramTRACKER app displays a wheelchair icon to indicate approaching low-floor trams. The journey planner on the PTV website has a useful filter for wheelchair-accessible services and stops.

13 Cabs offers wheelchair-accessible taxis , but be aware that you may have to wait a long time, especially during peak hours and in the evenings.

Holders of current and valid interstate or overseas disability parking permits may park in reserved disability parking spaces for the specified time, and may also park in regular parking bays for twice the specified time upon payment of applicable parking fees (often waived for permit holders – see signs on parking meters for confirmation).

Elsewhere, sidewalks are generally in good repair and curb cuts are standard, as are tactile paving markers. Pedestrian crossings feature sound cues and accessible buttons.

Travellers Aid centers inside Flinders Street Station and Southern Cross Station are particularly helpful for those with mobility issues and offer a variety of facilities for travelers, including fully accessible toilets, wheelchair/scooter recharging facilities, and wheelchair/scooter hire.

This article was first published Jun 15, 2021 and updated Nov 22, 2023.

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City Circle tram passing in front of Flinders Street Station.

Public transport

Melbourne's famed trams and extensive train and bus network make it easy to explore every corner of the city.​​​​​​​​​​​​

Melbourne's public transport network extends from the city centre in all directions, with trains, trams and buses offering comprehensive public transport services.

There's also the free City Circle Tram to help you get around to all the city's major attractions.

Maps and timetables

For detailed information and timetables for trains, trams and buses, visit Public Transport Victoria or call 1800 800 007.

Plan your journey

The public transport journey planner can help you plan your trip from A to B. Many attractions are listed in the journey planner – simply enter your origin and the name of the attraction in the destination box for a tailored trip plan.

You can also download the PTV app .

Accessibility

Do you use a mobility aid, need priority seating or have a vision or hearing impairment? There are services, support and resources to help you access public transport in Melbourne.

For more information, visit accessing public transport .

All night public transport Friday and Saturday

Trains as well as some trams and buses operate through the night on Fridays and Saturdays. A selection of coach services also run to key regional centres. Find out more about the Night Network .

Free Tram Zone

Melbourne’s free tram zone includes the central city and Docklands, bounded by Spring Street, Flinders Street and La Trobe Street. The zone also includes Victoria Street, William Street and Elizabeth Street, surrounding the Queen Victoria Market.

If you’re only travelling in this zone, you don’t need a myki, but travelling by train or bus still requires a valid ticket.

Free Tram Zone map (PDF 757KB)

You’ll need a myki to travel on most of Melbourne's trains, trams and buses. It is a re-usable smart card that stores value to pay your public transport fare.

You can buy and top up a myki from:

7-Eleven stores and other retailers where you see the myki sign

major train stations, such as Flinders Street Station and Southern Cross Station

myki machines at metropolitan train stations

your Android phone , via Google Pay

online at Public Transport Victoria

calling 1800 800 007 (delivered to Australian addresses only).

How to use myki

Once you have a valid myki, you're ready to travel. All you need to do is touch on at the myki reader (at entry / exit points at train stations and on board trams and buses) at the start of each trip. Then touch off when you exit the train station or vehicle.

Failure to show a valid myki (that is topped up and touched on) to a ticket inspector can lead to a fine.

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COMMENTS

  1. Visiting Melbourne and Victoria - Public Transport Victoria

    PTV Hubs. by calling 1800 800 007. stations and stops - look for station barrier staff, Protective Service Officers or Authorised Officers. on trains, trams and buses - speak to the driver if they aren't driving, or look for an Authorised Officer. We provide a range of public transport information in languages other than English.

  2. Public transport, Getting here and around, Travel information ...

    Children under four years travel for free and do not need a myki card. For more information on zones, ticketing and timetables, visit the PTV website. Night network. Melbourne's Night Network offers all-night public transport on weekends, with all-night metropolitan trains and trams, late-night buses, and a 2am coach service to key regional ...

  3. Getting Around Melbourne: A Guide to Public Transportation

    Peak traffic on public transportation and the roads is Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. During this time, the roads leading into and out of the city will be jam-packed with people traveling to and from work. If you’re traveling by train, be attentive towards the express services.

  4. Getting around Melbourne - Tourism Australia

    Getting around Melbourne on public transport. Trains are a great way to visit attractions across the city and reach the surrounding suburb. Major stations in the city include Central, Flinders and Southern Cross Station. Use the Journey planner tool to find your route. Trains to regional destinations including Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo and ...

  5. Melbourne public transport guide | How to use PT in Melbourne

    4. V/Line trains and coaches. Best for: Those day tripping from Melbourne or traveling to other parts of Victoria. Price: $4.60-$35 per trip. Where Melbourne’s trams, trains and buses fear to ...

  6. Getting around in Melbourne - Lonely Planet

    For timetables, maps and a journey planner, visit Public Transport Victoria (PTV). Handy transport planning apps include PTV, tramTRACKER and CityMapper. Visitors also have the option of a Myki Explorer pack ($16), which includes the card, one day's travel credit and discounts on various attractions including several museums.

  7. Public transport - What's On Melbourne

    Public transport. Info. Melbourne's famed trams and extensive train and bus network make it easy to explore every corner of the city. Melbourne's public transport network extends from the city centre in all directions, with trains, trams and buses offering comprehensive public transport services. There's also the free City Circle Tram to help ...

  8. Plan - Public Transport Victoria

    Whether you are travelling in Melbourne or regional Victoria, Public Transport Victoria Plan can help you plan your trip with ease. Find the best routes, fares, timetables and travel updates for trains, trams and buses across the state.