Travel and transport
Getting Around
Melbourne has a comprehensive public transport system of trams, trains and buses. The tram network is the largest in the world, and has a 16 line train system. The transport network is divided into two zones, representing inner (zone 1) and outer (zone 2) Melbourne.
Use the journey planner at www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au to work out the best route for your regular journeys to study or work. Most transport services end around midnight.
Tickets
Metcards
Metcards can be purchased at train stations, aboard trams and buses, and at retail outlets such as newsagents and convenience stores displaying the blue Metcard sign.
Tickets can be bought for two hours of unlimited travel in specific zones, or for a full day, a week, a month, or a year.
You can buy a ticket aboard a tram, but these machines take coins only. There are no ticket machines aboard buses or trains.
Wherever you buy your ticket, make sure you also validate it in one of the machines on the train platform or on your bus or tram. Inspectors can issue heavy fines.
myki
Alternatively, you can use a stored-value myki (my-key) card. Two kinds of products are stored on cards - myki money (a dollar amount) and/or a myki pass (travel days). Purchase or top up the value on your card online, via the call centre or a myki machine at metropolitan train stations. 'Touch on' at the beginning on your trip by holding your card up to the myki reader. At the end of each leg of your trip 'touch off' so that myki can calculate your fare.
The new stored-value myki (pronounced 'my-key') ticketing system is now in use on Melbourne's trains, trams and buses. The myki and Metcard ticketing systems will operate concurrently until the end of 2012. Always ensure you have a validated ticket. Without a valid ticket you can be fined.
International students are not eligible for concession cards.
Getting to and from the Melbourne International Airport
Melbourne’s SkyBus runs every 10 minutes between the airport and city centre during peak times and no bookings are required. Check Skybus times and ticket prices.
Timetable Information
Pocket train timetables can be obtained from some railway stations.
The Metlink website will show you how Melbourne’s transport system operates and has timetables.
Visit Metlink website to register for SMS updates to your mobile phone.
NightRider
NightRider is a bus service that provides a safe, easy and inexpensive way to travel after midnight on weekends.
All you need is a valid Metcard.
Buses run every 30 minutes, 1.30am to 4.30am on Saturday mornings and 1.30am to 5.30am on Sunday mornings. There are additional buses on selected routes and special services may operate for major events such as New Year's Eve.
Regional Victoria
Viclink provides public transport information and services for regional Victoria (areas of Victoria other than Melbourne and the metropolitan suburbs) and is operated by Metlink.
Metlink and Viclink can be contacted by telephone on 131 638 for information on metropolitan and regional train, tram, bus and coach services and bookings.
There is also a TTY (text telephone) facility for passengers with hearing difficulties on (03) 9619 2727.
Public Transport Concessions
Overseas students may be eligible for a concession card if they are studying as part of a recognised exchange program, if they have refugee status or if they hold an Australian Development Scholarship.
Fee-paying international students are not entitled to concession fares on public transport.
Taxis
Taxis are yellow and easy to hail on the street. If the rooftop light is on it means the taxi is available for hire. If the light is off it means the taxi is occupied or not taking passengers. Between 10pm and 5am, taxis require prepayment for journeys.
Use the Department of Transport’s online fare estimator for an indication of what your journey might cost. Drivers are entitled to charge extra fees, known as surcharges, for:
- Flagfall, which means a surcharge for hailing a taxi on the street;
- CityLink and EastLink toll roads
- Airport
- Late night
If you are not satisfied with your service, note your driver's identification number, displayed on the dashboard, and the taxi registration number (licence plate) and report it to the taxi company.
Driving
In Australia, you must drive on the left side of the road. VICRoads is the state authority that issues Victorian driver permits and licences. Check that your overseas licence or permit is valid in Victoria. Visit the VICRoads website for information in your language on Victoria’s road laws.
Toll roads
Melbourne has several toll roads. You can purchase an E-tag at selected newsagents or online, or you can pay for a pass online up to three days after you travelled on the toll road. Further information is available at www.citylink.com.au and www.eastlink.com.au.
Each CityLink Pass can be purchased in advance or up to midnight three days after travel.
Buying a car
About to purchase a car for the first time? Get helpful advice on buying or selling a car as well as important information on financing, insurance, servicing and repairs.
