Melbourne Transport

Melbourne has an excellent public transport system which includes an integrated network of buses, trains, trams and metro services. The city’s fleet of historic trams offers a nostalgic way to get around and they are a highlight of Melbourne. Many visitors choose to rent a car during their visit, since it is relatively easy to navigate you way around the city. There are also dozens of excellent daytrips in the area and Victoria’s road system makes driving a snap.

By Metro

The City Loop is the name of Melbourne’s underground train network. This metro system provides a quick and inexpensive way to get from one side of the city to the other. The metro stops at several of the city’s major tourist points such as Spencer Street, Flinders Street and Melbourne Central.

By train

The city’s impressive and reliable network of trains cover the centre of Melbourne and its surrounding suburbs. Most of the trains start running at 05:00 and stop around midnight. They operate every 10 minutes or so during the peak commuting hours and every 15 to 20 minutes during the rest of the day. After 19:00 and at the weekends, the trains run every 30 minutes or so. Melbourne’s main inner-city train station is at the Flinders Street Railway Station in the downtown area.

By bus and tram

Buses in Melbourne are operated by a private company, and are designed to supplement the city’s train and tram services. The city buses cover an extensive route network, both within the metropolitan area and the outer suburbs. Melbourne’s public transit system is divided into three zones for ticketing purposes. A basic ticket allows travel within one zone on any bus, tram or train for up to 2 hours after purchase. Tickets can be bought directly on the bus or from a newsagent.

Melbourne’s historic trams are one of the charismatic highlights of this city and should not be overlooked. Tram routes cover much of the central area as well as parts of the inner suburbs. They operate until midnight and can be hailed wherever you see a gold and green tram sign. There is also a free City Circle tram which operates every 10 minutes from 10:00 to 18:00 daily. The free tram travels mainly in the city centre.

Taxis

Taxis in Melbourne are metered and can be hailed on the street, found at taxi stands or pre-booked by phone. Most city taxis are yellow and drivers are required to wear uniforms.

Tourist services

There are several tourist trains and bus tours which provide an informative look at the city. City Explorer is a double-decker bus designed for self-guiding tours of the major attractions of Melbourne. A ticket allows riders to get on and off as many times as they want up to one complete circuit (tel: +61 3 9650 7000).

The Bellarine Peninsula Railway travels from Queenscliff along the coast and back again. The wonderful old steam train and its carriages make one of the most memorable ways to tour Melbourne (tel: +61 3 5258 2069). Campbelltown Miniature Railway offers steam train rides around the countryside of Melbourne. If you want to see a bit of the surrounding area, this is a fun option (tel: +61 3 9796 8481).

From the airport

The public transportation service, called Skybus, runs between the airport and the city centre every 15 minutes from 07:00 until 19:00; every 30 minutes between 19:00 and 00:30; and every hour between 00:30 and 04:30. The journey takes about 20 minutes and the bus makes a loop around Melbourne, stopping at several main points before terminating at the Spencer Street Train Station, where there are free shuttle buses to transfer you to city hotels. Tickets can be bought at Skybus desks, located outside the Baggage Claim areas, or at the airport information desks. This is a very cheap, easy and convenient way to get into town.

Taxis are another convenient option, and are located outside the Arrivals areas of each terminal. Official Melbourne Airport taxis should be used to ensure the best fare. Taxis start at a basic fare, but they tack on additional charges for luggage, late night travel and holidays. Always check with your driver before setting off. Many hotels in Melbourne offer a courtesy shuttle bus service for their guests, so always check with your hotel if this service if available. Visitors who rent a car need to simply pull out of the airport and follow the signs to downtown Melbourne along the Tullamarine Freeway.