Navigation Overview of Melbourne
As a modern city that frequently ranks among the world’s most livable urban centers, one might anticipate that Melbourne would be easily navigable, and this expectation is quite justified.
While Greater Melbourne spans a vast area that can require considerable time to traverse without a vehicle, the majority of key attractions are concentrated in the city center, often referred to as the central business district (CBD), along with its surrounding neighborhoods.
This portion of the city benefits from efficient public transport options, prominently featuring the world’s longest tram network. These locales also offer high walkability and bike-friendliness, a feature supported by the relatively level terrain and the convenience of bike rental services. For those interested in attractions located further away, options such as trains, trams, buses, and even ferries simplify transportation.
To facilitate your exploration of everything the city presents, this is a comprehensive guide to navigating Melbourne.
Utilize a Myki Card for Transportation
Melbourne’s trains, trams, and buses utilize Myki, an efficient touch-on, touch-off payment system, supported by card readers located aboard these vehicles and on train station platforms.
This card is the exclusive means to access public transport and should be among your initial purchases upon arrival. Standard Myki cards are priced at $6 and can be acquired and recharged at convenience stores, staffed train stations, or through specialized vending machines situated at these locations and major tram stops. Additionally, Myki vending machines can be found in Terminals 2, 3, and 4 at Melbourne Airport.
If you possess an Android device, this functionality can be accessed via the Wallet app, allowing you to tap on and off effortlessly. Unfortunately, a similar app for iPhone users is presently unavailable.
The standard two-hour fare throughout Melbourne is $5, and there is a daily cap of $10 on weekdays and $7.20 on weekends. You can either utilize your credit balance on a pay-as-you-go basis or opt for a seven-day unlimited travel Myki Pass, available for $50.
Be aware that substantial fines are imposed for traveling without having validated a Myki card, and ticket inspectors are stringent and may often operate covertly.
To access timetables, maps, and a journey planner, please visit Public Transport Victoria (PTV). Useful transport planning applications include PTV, tramTRACKER, and CityMapper.
Visitors can also purchase a Myki Explorer pack for $16, which includes a Myki card, one day’s travel credit, and various attraction discounts, including several museums. This pack is available from SkyBus terminals, the PTV Hub at Southern Cross Station, and select hotels.
Experience Iconic Trams
Trams serve as both an effective mode of transport and a quintessential Melbourne experience. Tram services operate roughly every 10 to 12 minutes during the day (with increased frequency during peak hours) and every 15 minutes in the evening. Most lines function until approximately 12:30am from Sunday to Thursday and 1am on Fridays and Saturdays, with select lines offering a night service every 30 minutes on weekends.
Navigate the Train System
Melbourne’s suburban trains provide the quickest and most comfortable means of traversing significant distances within the city. Flinders Street Station and Southern Cross Station serve as the principal hubs for the city’s 17 train lines, which radiate to the suburbs.
Train services commence around 5am on weekdays, operate until just after midnight Sunday to Thursday, and throughout the night on Fridays and Saturdays. Typically, trains run every 10 to 20 minutes during daytime hours, every 20 to 30 minutes in the evening, and provide frequent service during peak times.
Utilize the Bus Network
Melbourne features a comprehensive bus network, encompassing over 300 routes covering areas that are inaccessible by trains and trams. Most bus services operate from 6am to 9pm on weekdays, from 8am to 9pm on Saturdays, and from 9am to 9pm on Sundays. Night bus services are also available after midnight on weekends to various suburbs. It is necessary to hail buses when they approach your stop to signal your intention to board.
Explore by Biking
Melbourne ranks among Australia’s most bicycle-friendly cities, with ongoing efforts to enhance its cycling infrastructure. Bicycles can be rented through various outlets, including Blue Tongue Bikes, BikeNow, and Port Melbourne Cycles. Conventional bicycles are permitted on trains (excluding the first carriage), whereas only folding bikes are permitted on trams and buses. Helmets are mandatory for all cyclists.
Some of Melbourne’s cycling paths traverse picturesque parklands, shaded creeks, and rivers. Comprehensive cycling maps are accessible at the Melbourne Visitor Hub located in the Melbourne Town Hall.
Since 2022, an e-scooter share initiative has been trialed in the city center and neighboring areas. It is essential to wear helmets while using e-scooters, and these must be ridden solely on roadways. To access this service, you can download the Lime or Neuron applications.
Consider Car Rentals for Outings
Driving a car in Melbourne is often more of an inconvenience than a convenience, given the challenges associated with finding parking and the high costs incurred (even at hotels), coupled with busy roads. Additionally, one must navigate interactions with trams sharing the roadway and the unique traffic regulations that govern them.
An example of such regulation is Melbourne’s notorious “hook turn,” where vehicles wishing to turn right across a tram line must first position themselves on the far left of the street to avoid obstructing tram passage. Unless you plan to embark on a journey into the countryside—such as along the Great Ocean Road—it is advisable to rely on public transport. Should you choose to drive, further details on local traffic regulations can be found at Vic Roads.
Within the city, most street parking requires payment through meters, and parking inspectors are known for their diligence in city center and popular suburbs, including St Kilda, Collingwood, and Fitzroy. Motorcycles may park on sidewalks, barring specific areas where signage indicates otherwise.
Cars and campervans are available for rent from companies such as Jucy, Avis, Hertz, and Rent a Bomb (note that “bomb” is Australian slang for an older vehicle). Meanwhile, individuals interested in motorcycle rentals can explore options at Moto Sparta located north of the city center and EagleRider Melbourne in eastern Ringwood.
Employ Taxi and Ride-Hailing Services
Taxi services in Melbourne operate on a metered basis, requiring an estimated prepaid fare when summoned between the hours of 10pm and 5am; the taxi ranks adjacent to Flinders St Station on Swanston St typically experience high availability of vehicles.
The two predominant taxi companies are Silver Top and 13 Cabs, both offering mobile applications for convenience. Furthermore, several ride-hailing options are available, including Uber, DiDi, and Shebah, which features an all-female fleet of drivers catering specifically to women and children.
View Melbourne from the Water
Although less commonly used, boat transport offers an enjoyable means of viewing and traversing the city. Services such as Melbourne Water Taxis facilitate passage along the Yarra and Maribyrnong Rivers, while various passenger vessels provide service between the Southbank promenade and Williamstown’s Gem Pier multiple times daily. Additionally, the charming Westgate Punt transports pedestrians and cyclists across the Yarra between Port Melbourne and Spotswood.
Understand Accessible Transportation Options
Most trains and many buses are accessible via ramps. For train travel, individuals requiring assistance should position themselves at the front of the platform to ensure the driver can deploy the ramp.
Accessibility on trams is inconsistent; while numerous vehicles and stops are low-floor and wheelchair-accessible, this is less prevalent outside the CBD. The free tramTRACKER app indicates upcoming low-floor trams with a wheelchair symbol. Additionally, the journey planner on the PTV website features a filter for wheelchair-accessible routes and stops.
13 Cabs provides wheelchair-accessible taxi services, albeit with potential wait times, particularly during peak hours.
Holders of valid interstate or international disability parking permits may occupy designated disability parking areas for the authorized duration and are entitled to park in standard parking bays for double the allocated time upon payment of required fees (often waived for permit holders—refer to parking meter signage for confirmation).
In general, sidewalks are well-maintained, curb cuts are standard, and tactile paving markers are prevalent. Pedestrian crossings feature auditory cues and accessible buttons.
Organizations like Travellers Aid, located within Flinders Street Station and Southern Cross Station, provide essential services for individuals with mobility challenges, inclusive of fully accessible restrooms, wheelchair/scooter charging facilities, and rental options for mobility devices.
This article was originally published on June 15, 2021, and updated on November 22, 2023.
