How to get around Melbourne

Melbourne's metropolitan network combines trains, trams and buses under myki ticketing. Trams are most useful through the centre and inner corridors; trains cover longer radial journeys; buses fill gaps between those lines. Use the official journey planner and live disruption notices.

The Free Tram Zone covers the central city and Docklands, including Queen Victoria Market. A myki is not required for a tram journey made entirely inside the zone. The exemption does not apply to trains or buses, and a journey continuing beyond the boundary requires a valid fare.

As checked on 6 October 2026, a temporary statewide policy halves the full daily fare to A$5.70 through 31 December 2026. The standard gazetted full daily metropolitan fare is A$11.40. Check the current fare before travel, because the lower price is explicitly temporary unless extended.

Accessibility varies by exact vehicle and stop. High-floor trams have steps, while low-floor trams and platform stops support easier boarding. The official journey planner identifies lifts, accessible toilets, tactile surfaces and tram-stop ramp access. Check the whole route and current lift status.

For emergency numbers, weather hazards and health planning, see Practical Information for Melbourne.

Walking

The central grid is compact, but broad streets, tram tracks and busy crossings require attention. Laneways are useful routes only where they connect through; some are service spaces or dead ends. The river promenades offer an easier east-west line than repeated crossings through the retail core.

Trams, trains and buses

Choose the mode by corridor. A tram is convenient for short inner trips but can be slow in traffic. Trains are better for longer journeys to neighbourhood centres, while buses handle cross-suburban connections. On Friday and Saturday nights, selected services operate through the night, not the entire daytime network.

Cycling

Protected lanes and river paths support some journeys, but route quality changes quickly at intersections and older streets. Check the current cycling map, follow signed separation on shared paths and avoid assuming a scenic river path provides the fastest connection.

Driving

A car is unnecessary for a centre-and-inner-suburb stay. Parking, one-way streets, hook turns, event closures and tram corridors add complexity. Hire one only for a regional trip that public transport does not serve well, and collect it after the city portion when practical.

From Melbourne Airport

There is no passenger rail link at the airport. SkyBus City Express runs between the terminals and Southern Cross Station from 4am to 1am, with departures every 10 minutes at peak times and every 15 minutes outside them. Five scheduled public bus services leave from Terminal 4; check the current route and connection before choosing them.