Getting Around Melbourne: Free Tram Zone + Public Transport Guide for Travellers
At first glance, Melbourne’s public transport system might seem a little hard to decipher.
Can I rely solely on the free tram zone if I’m staying in the CBD?
Do I really need to get a Myki card if I’m only in Melbourne for a few days?
Is public transport easy?
How can I save money on public transport?
Here’s your ultimate guide to getting around in the Victorian state capital city of Melbourne.
Read: Places to Visit in Melbourne— The Ultimate Travel Guide
Read: Is a Day Trip to the Great Ocean Road Worth It If You’re Not Driving?
Melbourne Free Tram Zone
Source: Public Transport Victoria (April 2022)
Let’s start with the free tram.
The route covers the CBD quite well, with many of the attractions in Melbourne falling within that zone.
You’ll know when you’re at a free tram stop as it is clearly signposted at the stop itself.
It’s a handy thing to have, yes, but personally, I didn’t use it that much.
As a traveller, you’re likely to be going from place to place within the CBD, so at most, you’ll be riding one stop or two to get to your next destination.
With some destinations on different streets, you’ll have to walk to them from your tram stop anyway. Coupled with the fact that CBD is very walkable, the trip might take you the same amount of time whether you walk from Point A to B, or take the tram then walk.
Can I rely solely on the free tram during my visit as a tourist?
The short answer is no.
There’s plenty to see and do in Melbourne outside of the CBD, from kicking it at the beaches of St Kilda to exploring the leafy suburbs of Carlton and Fitzroy, it would be remiss to visit Melbourne and only stay in the CBD.
You can usually cover all of CBD’s attractions in a day.
Can I ride other public transport options for free in the CBD?
By this, you’ll most likely be looking at buses, and the answer is once again, no.
Your Ultimate Guide to the Myki
Sydney has the Opal card (which is useless in Melbourne, in case you were wondering), London has the Oyster, Hong Kong has the Octopus, and Melbourne has the Myki.
There are two options for the Myki, the Myki Pass and Myki Money.
If you’re just visiting (and in Melbourne for less than 7 days), forget the Pass and just get the Myki Money card.
The Myki allows you to travel on the trams, buses and trains.
You essentially purchase the card and top up your stored value card.
You can buy your Myki card from 7-Eleven stores and from machines at select stations and stops (ie. the more popular tram stops).
How much does travelling on Melbourne’s public transport cost?
Source: Public Transport Victoria (April 2022)
There is a cap to the amount you’ll be charged everyday.
I tend to try and see a lot in a day when I travel, so caps like these have always worked perfectly for me.
Take it as buying a 24 hour ticket for unlimited travel on public transport in many other cities.
Does a Myki card expire?
Currently, Myki cards expire after four years.
Getting from Melbourne Airport to the CBD and Back
SkyBus
The SkyBus is currently the most cost effective way to get to the city from the airport, and will drop you off at the Southern Cross station where you’re steps away from the free tram, which you can use to connect to your accommodation in CBD.
You can buy your tickets online in advance on the official website, or at the kiosk in the airport terminal.
Prices are the same online and at the kiosk.
Do note that only cashless payment is accepted at the kiosk.
The Melbourne City Express operates from 4:30am to midnight everyday, and the journey takes approximately half an hour.
You can find the timetable here.
Essentially, you won’t be waiting more than 15 minutes for a bus.
Travel tip: Save money by buying return tickets. Currently, a one-way ticket costs AUD19.75 for adults, and AUD32 if you get a round trip ticket (prices accurate as of 5 April 2022). Make sure not to lose your ticket (which will look like long receipt if you buy it from the kiosk upon arrival), as it needs to be scanned before you board the bus again on your return trip.
Uber / Taxi
An uber or taxi will cost you approximately AUD60 one way, so consider this if you’re travelling in a larger group.
