Melbourne is an easy and inexpensive city to get around, with the
metropolitan area servicing a great network of public transport, roadways and
walking paths. This useful information will make moving around Melbourne’s
different areas and attractions very simple. Our tip: travel like a local
and save yourself some money by using the free city tram services.
Public Transport Tickets
St
Paul's Cathedral, Swanston Street, Melbourne, Victoria
Public
transport is heavily used in Australia by locals, commuters and visitors
alike. To use public transport outside of the free tram zone in Melbourne,
you need to purchase a myki card (which costs $6 plus travel
fares). You can purchase a myki card from retail outlets displaying the
myki sign, visitor centres, and at train stations.
Initially you’ll need to load it with some money to
cover your fares. You can top it up at convenience stores and train stations as
your balance runs low. To start your ride, tap your card on the reader when you
board your selected mode of transport and be sure to tap off when you
disembark.
Free tram zones
Take advantage of the Free Tram Zone that operates in Melbourne city centre. If
your travel is within the free zone you don’t need to tap on or off with your
myki card.
The City Circle Tram (number 35) is a great
introduction to Melbourne with city loop services running every 12 minutes. The
entire circuit takes about 48 minutes and provides historical commentary if you
listen carefully. This hop on/hop off service links with other bus and train
routes, and passes major attractions stopping on Flinders Street, at Federation
Square, the Harbour Esplanade, Docklands and Queen Victoria Market.
And best of all, it doesn't cost a cent.
Suburban trams
Melbourne has an excellent tram service that
operates through the inner suburbs. The routes run in two zones, with the cost
using your myki card calculated according to the zones you travel in. Most
trams operate only within zone one, and sometimes the zones will overlap
depending where you are traveling.
The trams also run to other Metropolitan areas
including St Kilda Beach, the
arts district of Fitzroy and
the popular shopping and dining district of Chapel Street in South Yarra and
Prahan. For more information on the tram network, visit Public Transport Victoria.
Trains
The trains are a great way to visit attractions across the
city and reach the surrounding suburbs, with services running daily from early
morning to late at night. Major stations in the city include Central, Flinders
and the newly refurbished Southern Cross Station. Catch the train to reach
attractions including Melbourne Aquarium, Etihad Stadium, and a
range of destinations including South Yarra and Brighton via the Sandringham
Line, Richmond and St Kilda via the South Morang & Hurstbridge Line.
Trains to regional destinations including Geelong,
Ballarat, Bendigo, Seymore and Albury, operate on the V/Lineservices. You can
use your myki card on all train networks.
Buses
The bus network is another efficient way of hopping around
metro Melbourne and popular neighbourhoods. To reach Fitzroy by bus from the
city, catch the 200 and 207 buses, Collingwood on the 302, 303, 305 and 318,
and South Yarra and Prahan on the 216, 219, 220 services.
The night bus network operates Fridays and
Saturdays, running every thirty minutes and stopping at six locations around
the city centre.
Bikes
If you are feeling a little more adventurous, try
Melbourne’s bike share service which starts from $3 a day. There are some great
tracks around the city and along the Yarra River to explore.
Getting to and from the airport
You can use taxis or rideshare to get to and from
Melbourne airport. For a convenient option, catch the SkyBusexpress
service that runs 24 hours a day, stopping at terminals one, three and four.
SkyBus also operate a service to and from Avalon Airport. Both airport services
stop at Southern Cross Station on Spencer Street in the city. Note that the
SkyBus services do not accept myki cards, and tickets are purchased either
online or at the airport.
You can access taxis and rideshare services when
you arrive. The Melbourne CBD is a short, 20-35 minute ride away and will cost
about $56-$62 one way. You'll find taxi ranks at the front of all terminals -
simply follow the signs to the nearest ranks. Find out more on rideshare services and hire car options.
Accessible transport options
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 website for information on
using public transport before your trip.