Overview
Melbourne's public transport system is one of the world's largest and most comprehensive, featuring trams, trains, and buses coordinated by Transport Victoria. As a visitor, you'll navigate the system using the myki smartcard or a contactless debit/credit card. Simply touch on when boarding and touch off when alighting—the system automatically calculates your fare, capping your daily charge at a set daily rate so you never pay more than the day pass, no matter how many journeys you make. Services generally run from 5 AM to midnight Monday through Saturday, with limited services after 8 AM on Sunday and a Night Network operating after midnight on Friday and Saturday nights.
The network
Trains (Metro Trains Melbourne)
Melbourne's suburban train network extends across the metropolitan area with multiple lines radiating from the city centre. The system is electrified and operates on a hub-and-spoke model, with major terminals at Flinders Street and Southern Cross stations in the CBD. Trains serve the outer suburbs and connect to regional centres via V/Line services operating from Southern Cross Station.
Trams (Yarra Trams)
Melbourne operates the world's largest tram network. Trams crisscross the city, particularly within and around the CBD and inner suburbs, with a Free Tram Zone available within the central city area. Tram routes are numbered and serve all major inner and middle-ring suburbs, extending to destinations such as Box Hill and St Kilda.
Buses
Buses cover destinations not served by trains and trams, including many outer suburban and regional areas. SmartBus services provide frequent all-day routes, while standard buses complement the network. Buses are coordinated by multiple operators across the metropolitan area.
Ferries
A small ferry service operates on the Yarra River, providing transport along the waterway as part of the broader public transport network.
Tickets & fares
Smartcard and payment methods
The myki is a contactless smartcard used across all trains, trams, and buses. You can also use Google Wallet for a mobile myki, or tap your Mastercard or Visa directly on the validators—no separate ticket purchase is needed.
Card costs and types
- Full fare myki card: AUD $6
- Concession card (students, seniors, disability): AUD $3
- Youth card: AUD $5
Where and how to buy
- myki machines at all metropolitan railway stations and selected tram stops and bus interchanges
- 7-Eleven stores and approximately 800 retailers across Melbourne displaying the myki sign
- Online at transport.vic.gov.au (allow approximately 45 minutes processing time)
- Transport Vic App (instant top-up)
- PTV Hub at Southern Cross Station
- Phone: 1800 800 007 (allow 24+ hours processing)
Fare structure and zones
Your fare is automatically calculated when you touch on and touch off. The system applies a 2-hour fare the first time you touch on; if you touch on again more than 2 hours later, the system calculates a daily fare, which is valid on all public transport until 3 AM the next day. You will never pay more than the daily fare regardless of how many journeys you make.
- Zone 1+2 covers the entire metropolitan area
- Zone 2 covers the outer suburbs only
- Free Tram Zone: operate within the CBD without touching on, though touching on within the zone charges a Zone 1+2 fare
- Weekday daily fare (Zone 1+2): AUD $11.00 (approximate, as of March 2025)
- Weekend and public holiday daily fare (Zone 1+2): AUD $7.60 (approximate, as of March 2025)
Discounts
- Early Bird: Touch on and touch off before 7 AM on trains for no charge (does not apply to trams or buses)
- Evening discount: Touch on for the first time after 6 PM and travel until 3 AM for the price of a 2-hour fare
Card refunds
myki cards can be refunded at Southern Cross train station.
From the airport
Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine)
Melbourne Airport is located 22 km north-west of the CBD. Public transport options include:
- SkyBus: A dedicated coach service to the city, St Kilda, the Mornington Peninsula, and western suburbs, costing approximately AUD $24 one-way if booked online or AUD $40 return
- Public bus: Melbourne Airport can be accessed via public bus from Broadmeadows station, offering a budget alternative
- Taxi: Approximately AUD $75–100 to the CBD
- Ride-share (Uber): Ranks are available outside Terminal 2 and Terminal 4, costing approximately AUD $50–70
There is currently no train link to the airport, though multiple proposals have been put forward.
Avalon Airport
Avalon Airport, located 55 km south-west of Melbourne near Geelong, is served by:
- SkyBus: Runs to Southern Cross Station via the western suburb of Werribee, costing AUD $22 one-way for adults and AUD $10 for children aged 4–14
- Taxi: To the airport's nearby station costs approximately AUD $20; to the city, upwards of AUD $100
Etiquette & customs
Melbourne's public transport culture reflects Australian informality with a few courtesies to observe. Queue politely when boarding trains and trams, particularly during rush hours. On escalators, stand on the left side to allow faster-moving passengers to pass on the right. Priority and accessible seating is clearly marked for elderly passengers, people with disabilities, pregnant women, and those with young children; offer your seat if these passengers board. Eating is discouraged on trams and trains; drinking (non-alcoholic) is generally tolerated but avoid creating mess. During rush hours (roughly 7–9 AM and 4–6 PM on weekdays), expect crowding on trains and inner-city trams; remain calm and allow passengers to alight before boarding. Be aware that touching off on trams within the CBD is optional and discouraged, as the system can be unreliable in the central area.
Official links
- Metro Trains Melbourne (trains)
- Yarra Trams (trams)
- Public Transport Victoria (journey planner, maps, timetables)
- Transport Victoria (myki purchasing and topping up)
Download the Transport Vic App for journey planning, real-time disruption information, and instant myki top-ups, and use Apple Maps or Google Maps as alternative journey planners.
Keep your myki card topped up before travelling, since topping up at retail locations in remote suburbs can be inconvenient and online processing takes time.