Getting around · Melbourne · Australia
Getting around Melbourne
Public transport, passes, airport connections and when a car makes sense.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: DXR, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Melbourne has one of the world's largest tram networks, backed by suburban trains and buses, all under Public Transport Victoria. Trams inside the CBD's Free Tram Zone cost nothing, and most inner suburbs are a 10–25 minute tram ride away. Not in the city, where trams and trains cover the sights.
Key facts
- Main way around
- Tram
- Airports
- MEL, AVV
- Need a car?
- Sometimes
- Travel pass
- myki
Ways to get around
Tram
Trams run along most major streets in the CBD and out to Fitzroy, Carlton, St Kilda, South Yarra and Richmond. Trips that start and end inside the Free Tram Zone, which covers the CBD and Docklands, are free.
Listen for the announcement as the tram leaves the Free Tram Zone; you need a valid fare beyond it.
Train
Suburban trains run from Flinders Street and Southern Cross stations, with the underground City Loop under the CBD, while regional V/Line trains leave Southern Cross for Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong.
Walking
The CBD grid is compact and flat, and the Yarra River paths link Federation Square, Southbank, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the sports precinct on foot.
Cycling
Bike lanes and riverside routes such as the Main Yarra Trail and the Capital City Trail suit cyclists, and app-based shared e-bikes are available.
Bus
Buses cover routes the trams miss, and SkyBus express coaches link the airport with Southern Cross Station.
Ride-hailing
Rideshare apps and taxis are widely available, and are the practical choice late at night or for the airport with heavy luggage.
Tickets and passes
myki
Victoria's reusable public-transport smartcard for trains, trams and buses. Fares are capped daily, with a lower cap at weekends; check the PTV site for current mobile and card payment options.
Free Tram Zone
Tram travel that begins and ends inside the CBD and Docklands is free, and signs at tram stops mark the zone's boundary.
From the airport
Melbourne Airport at Tullamarine is about 23 km north-west of the CBD and has no train link. SkyBus express coaches run to Southern Cross Station in about 30 minutes, and taxis or rideshares take about 25–45 minutes depending on traffic. Avalon Airport, about 55 km south-west, is linked to the city by connecting coaches.
Do you need a car?
Not in the city, where trams and trains cover the sights. A car is the best way to see the Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island, the Yarra Valley and the Mornington Peninsula at your own pace.
Reaching the day trips
| Destination | Travel time | How |
|---|---|---|
| Great Ocean Road and the Twelve Apostles | About 4 hours each way along the coast | Car or organised coach tour |
| Phillip Island | About 2 hours by car | Car or evening coach tour |
| Yarra Valley | About 1–1.5 hours by car | Car or winery tour |
| Dandenong Ranges and Puffing Billy | About 1 hour by train or car | Suburban train to Belgrave, or car |
| Mornington Peninsula | About 1.5 hours by car | Car |
| Ballarat and Sovereign Hill | About 1.5 hours by train | V/Line train from Southern Cross |
| Grampians National Park | About 3 hours by car | Car |
Questions travellers ask
+Do you need a car in Melbourne?
Not in the city, where trams and trains cover the sights. A car is the best way to see the Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island, the Yarra Valley and the Mornington Peninsula at your own pace.
+How do you get from the airport to Melbourne?
Melbourne Airport at Tullamarine is about 23 km north-west of the CBD and has no train link. SkyBus express coaches run to Southern Cross Station in about 30 minutes, and taxis or rideshares take about 25–45 minutes depending on traffic. Avalon Airport, about 55 km south-west, is linked to the city by connecting coaches.
+What is the best way to get around Melbourne?
Tram: Trams run along most major streets in the CBD and out to Fitzroy, Carlton, St Kilda, South Yarra and Richmond. Trips that start and end inside the Free Tram Zone, which covers the CBD and Docklands, are free.