Getting around

Most visitors base themselves in the city centre, the buzzing commercial heart of Melbourne that's also home to museums, theatres, restaurants, bars and shops. Melbourne's grid layout makes it an easy city to navigate, with many attractions close by. Transport options include train, tram, bus or bike. The Night Network also operates on weekends with after hours transport to many locations.

myki cards

myki is Melbourne's ticket to travel on the city's trains, trams and buses. It's a plastic smartcard with stored value which can be topped up and re-used again. Purchase your myki online at the PTV website, premium train stations, retail outlets displaying the myki sign (including 7-Elevens), or by calling 1800 800 007 (free from a land line) in Australia.

Trains

Melbourne's metro trains run between the outer suburbs and Flinders Street Station in the city. The city loop is Melbourne's underground system, with five stations in the central business district: Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff, Melbourne Central, Parliament and Flinders Street. Southern Cross Station is Melbourne's hub for regional and interstate trains. Plan your trip with Public Transport Victoria's journey planner.

Trams

Passengers can board trams at signposted stops displaying maps, route numbers and a timetable. Route numbers are also displayed on the front of the tram. Travel within the central area of Melbourne by tram is free, though you will need a myki card if you plan to start or finish your journey outside this central area. For information on the area covered by the Free Tram Zone and a downloadable map, go to the Public Transport Victoria website.

Buses

Melbourne buses run frequently to major hubs, including shopping centres, schools, hospitals, leisure and sports venues, and some of Melbourne's biggest attractions. For more information visit ptv.com.au. For people travelling further afield, Victoria's V/Line service gives access to regional towns and scenic attractions across the state.

Fare types

Outside of the Free Tram Zone, Melbourne has two transit zones (1 and 2), with a single price to travel across both. It is cheaper to travel in Zone 2 only. Touch on and touch off within two hours and before 7.15am on a weekday, and make sure you have a positive myki Money balance, to receive the free Early Bird fare on your metropolitan train journey. For more information on ticketing and timetables, visit the Public Transport Victoria website.

Regional Victoria

V/Line is Victoria's regional train and bus provider, operating services across the state. Visit V/Line for timetables, maps and other information, if you plan to explore Victoria by train.

Maps

View the Inner Melbourne Map for an overview of tram, train and bus routes, parks, landmarks and attractions, bike paths and walking trails. Street and transport maps are also displayed on the wall at many train stations, at tram and bus shelters and are available from visitor information centres.  

Taxi and rideshare

Melbourne taxis are easy to spot, as they display a lamp on the cab roof and most are painted yellow, silver or white. You can book taxi cab pick up for a set location, or take one from a cab rank at signposted spots. You may also hail a taxi in the street. If the rooftop lamp is lit, the taxi is usually unoccupied and available for hire. Rideshare trips are available via apps with Uber, Taxify and DiDi. Apps show fare estimate, driver's picture, vehicle details, and can track your trip on a map.