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Public Transportation

Getting Around Melbourne: A Guide to Public Transportation

Marina is a freelance writer who began contributing to TripSavvy in 2019. She set off with a one-way ticket to Asia in 2017 and has been living and traveling abroad ever since.

Don’t underestimate the size of Melbourne, Australia. Travelers may only stick to Central Business District and its surrounding neighborhoods—but the city extends so much further than that, stretching around Port Phillip Bay for 3,857-square miles.

Melbourne is kind of like New York City , in a geographical sense, because a lot of Melburnians live in the outer suburbs and travel into the city for work. The daily commute isn’t ideal by car, so people in the city opt to use the Public Transport Victoria train, tram, and bus system instead. Sixteen regular service train lines run north, south, east, and west into and out of the city. It’s an impressive and efficient system for such a big city. 

Here’s what you should know about getting around Melbourne.

How to Ride the Metro Melbourne Train Lines

Most people who use public transportation in Melbourne hop on the train. There are 16 Metro train lines that jut out of the city center and into the outer suburbs. The two main stations are Flinders Street and Southern Cross. Riding the train is a convenient alternative to driving, although a train ride could take just as long (if not longer) to get you where you want to go due to frequent stops.

• Passes: First, you’ll need to buy a myki card for AU$6. It gets you onto trains, trams, and buses throughout Melbourne and regional parts of Victoria. You can purchase one at 7-Eleven stores, a ticket booth at a premium train station, or on myki machines. Next, load the card with money to get from one stop to the next. You can do this at the ticket booth or at the myki machine. 
• Fares: The lowest amount of money you can add to your myki card is AU$10. That will get you two rides as the default fare for the train is $4.50 one way. Children, seniors, and students are eligible for discounted tickets. However, keep in mind that the price for each train ride is different, depending on how far you travel and when you travel. A smart thing to do if you’re visiting for a week is to buy a seven-day myki pass for AU$44. This will save you from continually topping up your card. You can check fares using the myki fare calculator .  
• How to Ride: Once you’ve purchased and loaded a myki pass, you must tap your card onto the center of the reader as you enter the railway platform. When you get off at your desired stop, simply tap off the same way you tapped on. Metro police conduct random checks on every train to see if passengers paid for their ride. If you don’t tap on before entering the platform and an officer catches you, it could result in a hefty fine. 
• Hours of Operation: The train lines operate from 5 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Thursday. The night network runs Friday through Sunday, with trains operating every hour after 12 a.m. 
• Service Changes: It’s typical for the Metro train to have periodic service changes. Delays may happen due to construction on the tracks, public events, or disorderly conduct by passengers. In the event of a service change, there will be announcements made throughout the station and written on the monitors. Sometimes, buses replace trains between specific stops, but there is always clear signage to help you navigate your way. You can check to see if your train line is running on time using the Public Transport Victoria journey planner . 
• Transfers: Transfers are relatively easy to complete when using the Metro train. You can hop off one train and onto another without re-tapping your myki card. If you get confused about a transfer, ask a Metro train station employee (you’ll spot them in neon orange jumpers). They’re usually on the platforms during hours of operation to help passengers with their journey.  
• Accessibility: PTV train stations are accessible to people with disabilities. Ramps, designated seating, and a combination of audio and visual announcements are available at larger stops. If you have hearing difficulties, you can use the National Relay Service . For more information about accessibility and mobility aid specifications, check out the Public Transport Victoria website . 

You can use the journey planner on the PTV website or app to plan your route and find out real-time departure and arrival information.

Riding the Melbourne Metropolitan Bus Network

The public buses in Melbourne are another standard mode of transportation. There are 346 routes within Melbourne and regional Victoria, so it covers more than the train. You can get to shopping centers, hospitals, sporting venues, and other Melbourne attractions via bus. This map shows the different bus routes within Melbourne. You can use the Public Transport Victoria journey planner to help you find the specific stop you’re looking for. 

The public bus takes the myki card as a bus pass, so make sure it’s loaded with money before you get on the bus. Fares are the same as the train. Note that riding the bus will take significantly longer than the train. Traffic, stop lights, and stops will add an extra 10–20 minutes to your journey. 

Airport-Specific Shuttles

Melbourne has a fast, frequent, and cheap airport shuttle called the SkyBus . It’s a big red bus with WiFi onboard and plenty of seating. From Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, there are six SkyBus services: Melbourne City Express, Southbank Docklands Express, St Kilda Express, Peninsula Express, Western Express, and Airport Bus Eastside. The Melbourne City Express bus, for instance, departs every 10 minutes and transfers passengers directly from the airport to Southern Cross Station (and vice versa). It takes about 30–40 minutes and costs AU$19.75 one way.

Melbourne city trams are convenient for traveling to a specific destination within the city and the surrounding neighborhoods. The best part? It’s free within Melbourne CBD . Outside of this free tram zone, the tram takes the myki card, with fares the same as the train. Keep in mind that you cannot purchase a myki card on a tram or at a tram stop. 

Use the Metropolitan tram network map to help you get to where you want to go. Locate the area where you want to go, then check the route number and destination on the front of the tram.  

Taking the ferry in Melbourne is a great way to get on the water and travel across the peninsula. From Melbourne CBD, you can take a one-hour cruise to Williamstown, an outer suburb known for being the city's first seaport. It costs AU$24 one way and departs at various times, depending on the season. There’s also a 90-minute cruise from the city to Portarlington , a historic little town on the Bellarine Peninsula. This costs AU$16 for an adult one-way ticket.

Melbourne sits along the Yarra River, where you can hop on a water taxi to shuttle to different stops along the waterway. It operates seven days a week and departs every 15 minutes from 9 a.m. to midnight. It’s a popular way to get around during the summer, so it’s recommended to book a water taxi ticket in advance.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing Apps

If you’re in a hurry, taxis and ride-hailing services are available throughout Melbourne. Local cabs, such as 13cabs , are white cars with bright orange writing on the sides. Ride-railing services such as Uber, DiDi, and Ola operate all over the city, including the surrounding suburbs. It’s a common and quick way to get around.

Car Rentals 

Renting a car to use within Melbourne CBD may not be the best idea. The city is dense with traffic, parking can get pricey, and the town has something called “ hook turns ,” which, if you’re not familiar with, are very tricky to navigate.

On the other hand, if you want to explore the Great Ocean Road or other outer suburb attractions, it might be a good idea to rent a car for the freedom to explore. Melbourne has car rental companies such as Budget, Hertz, Enterprise, and Avis. You can rent a car from the airport or within the city. Don’t forget, Aussies drive on the left side of the road! 

Tips for Getting Around Melbourne

Getting around Melbourne isn’t very difficult. The city has an impressive amount of public transportation options with informative signs and friendly employees to help you navigate your way around.

• Be wary of rush hour: Traveling during rush hour can be a bit of a headache. Peak traffic on public transportation and the roads is Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. During this time, the roads leading into and out of the city will be jam-packed with people traveling to and from work. If you’re traveling by train, be attentive towards the express services.
• Melbourne CBD is very walkable: Melbourne CBD is easy to walk around because the streets are set up like a grid. If you’re following a map, it’s very straightforward, and sometimes quicker to walk than take the tram. 
• If given the option, choose the train over the bus: The train is a bit more reliable without the traffic and quicker without so many stops. 
• Download the Public Transport Victoria app: This will help with planning your journey throughout the city and the surrounding suburbs. It is available on both Google Play and the Apple Store .

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Public Transport Victoria app 4+

Public transport victoria, designed for iphone.

• #16 in Travel
• 1.9 • 2.6K Ratings

iPhone Screenshots

Description.

Make travel easier. Real time information, journey planning and myki top up. Welcome aboard the Public Transport Victoria (PTV) app where you can top up your myki, plan your journey, get travel alerts and more. The PTV app lets you plan your journey using trains, trams, and buses, making travel around Melbourne and Victoria simple and convenient. Create an account and register your myki for added security. You can also schedule auto top up so you are always ready to travel. Personalise the app by saving your favourite routes and stops and get real time notification alerts for your preferred stops and journeys. - myki top up: Hold your myki to the back of your phone to check your balance and top up instantly - Apple Pay: Pay with Apple Pay for myki Money and myki Pass - Account management: Keep track of your mykis and easily access their balance, expiry dates, transactions, and travel history - Auto top up: Set up auto top up to ensure you always have sufficient balance on your myki - Alerts: Stay informed of disruptions to your journey, news and myki - Real time information: Get real time departure information for upcoming services - Live tracking: Watch your service arrive at any stop (available for bus and train only) - Favourites: Save your favourite stops, lines, journeys, and addresses for fast access - Reminders: Set journey planner reminders for leaving on time - Search: Look for destinations, stops, routes and myki outlets, or use your current location to search for nearby transport options. If you enjoy using our app, please leave us a review. If you would like to contact us about anything, please email [email protected]. Please note: Offline mode is not available in this app. The app is online only and requires an internet connection. This helps us to always provide you with the most up-to-date public transport information.

Version 4.6.2

Bug fixes and stability improvements

Ratings and Reviews

2.6K Ratings

Favorites stops won’t show scheduled times and can’t see any stops near location

Ever since upgrading my iPhone from iOS 16 to 17, using the app became more of a pain in the *#%<! Before upgrading, the favorite page would should my favorite stop (and it’s headed direction) its scheduled time, which now showing me —:—, forcing me to actually go an extra step and look at the actual train I want to look at time, which renders the favorite page useless at this point. With the stops near my location or where I am looking at, I would be able to look at the closest stops near me and also go look around to see the other stops or even pinpoint where I want to go to/start the journey, now I can’t see other stops other than my location, and if I want to look at nearby stops, I have to zoom out and press the location button, but it doesn’t always show what I wanted to see, and only show stops in the area my screen is in, for example, I’m at the CBD, then I zoomed to see Coburg, I would see the stops around the edges of the screen of the location I am currently viewing, very annoying. I tried calling PT on the phone, they told me to go to Southern X Station, then when I did, they said they couldn’t do much and told me to send an email, very frustrating, please fix this as not only me, but many others on iOS 17 most likely experiencing the same issue!

They tried fixing something that wasn’t broken

The PTV app use to be great! It use to be simple and efficient, telling you the closest options and when they come. It was simple and useful and had few issues to speak of. Use to. Now it’s clunky, unnecessarily complicated and has lost a lot to its use. It use to be that on the front page you had the stops you favourited and stops a 5 minute walk away from you at that moment. Then they removed that amazing feature and now it’s only the favourited stops you can see. You needlessly have to go through a menu and map to see the time table of the bus stop your already at, and how far away the bus actually is. And there is also the issue of many lines, routes and stops not showing up at all. My local bus route is only showing in one direction now and the bus interchange at a train station I regularly stop at is in the wrong spot, ruining the already sub par journey planner. It’s now easier to go and take a photo of the timetable at the bus stop and trust that more than this impossible app. It wasn’t broken, why did you have to brake it.

The iOS myki top up system is soooo bad

Let me break down on how tedious it is to top up your myki from an iPhone. First you have to sign up or log in to the app which isn’t too big of a deal. Although I resent the fact that you can’t stay logged in for however long you want as the app will log you out after 30 days. Then you have to take off your phone case if you have one which most people do. Then take out your myki card and payment card from your wallet. And then the most frustrating part. After selecting “top up” the app will ask you to scan your myki but the scanning is soooooo inconsistent and it typically takes 10+ tries to get a “correct” scan. After that you input your card details and then what’s next? Yup even more inconsistent and frustrating failed scans. I don’t even know which card position is optimal for scanning and the fact that you need to take off your case is just extra tedious. At minimum please make it easier to scan our myki’s on ios or remove the scanning process altogether and find a different more reliable method. I don’t know how this much needed and long waited feature even made it pass testing to be honest. Especially considering that most of us use this feature on the tram when we realise our myki is running low. Please fix soon.

App Privacy

The developer, Public Transport Victoria , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer's privacy policy .

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The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

• Financial Info
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The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

• User Content
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Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

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Public transport

Everything you need to know to get around on a train, tram or bus.

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Improvements are underway across the network to meet Victoria's ever-growing transport demand.

From bigger trains and trams and smarter signalling to adding capacity to run extra trains to key regional cities , laying the foundation for longer-term options for fast rail. (opens in a new window)

Buses are a vital part of Victoria’s integrated transport system .

We are buying new buses, adding new routes or adjusting old ones and overhauling contracts with operators to make bus travel better for passengers.

We’re also working to make our public transport network safer for everyone by installing better CCTV on trains and at stations, getting more PSOs out on the network and providing resources for teachers to plan lessons with a safety focus (opens in a new window) .

Updated 15 November 2023

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Transport Planner

12 days remaining

Job Description

Location: Western Region | Ballarat

Job type: Ongoing - Full Time

Organisation: Department of Transport and Planning

Salary: $92,332 - $104,762

Occupation: Planning

Reference: 4459

Job posted: 16/06/2024

Closes: 30/06/2024

Classification: VPSG4

Job duration: Not provided

Contact: [email protected] - Manager Transport Strategy Adam C Lorensene - N/A

Salary Range: $92,332 - $104,762

Work location: Western Region | Ballarat

About the Role

*Multiple Vacancies  Available

The Transport Planner will support the Department’s Regional Transport Strategy team in shaping the future regional transport system to foster a prosperous, connected, and liveable Victoria. Collaborating across the transport portfolio and with government departments, agencies, Regional Partnerships, and local stakeholders, this role advances integrated land use and transport planning outcomes in Regional Victoria. The Transport Planner ensures that the transport system aligns with the Transport Integration Act, focusing on user-centred, multimodal transport planning conducted in an integrated, place-based manner across all modes.

To access the   Position Description, please click  here ’.

Position Outcomes / Accountabilities

• Provide the required advice and analyse into planning for new projects, understanding the full network-wide and whole-of-life implications of the projects.
• Engage with regional Industries, portfolio agencies, government agencies, local government, local communities, freight and logistics companies and other transport and industry stakeholders to ensure successful integrated transport planning occurs and transport issues are effectively managed.
• Prepare briefings, reports, discussion papers and presentations with well-informed recommendations on transport strategy and network planning.
• Work closely with other parts of the Transport Services Group, the department and relevant agencies across government to integrate transport planning with land use planning and government policy.
• Meet objectives and timelines in the planning, coordination and delivery of regional transport projects, events and program.
• Monitor and provide advice on emerging transport trends and ensure that transport plans are kept afresh and relevant in the face of changes to transport demand, emerging technology, and changing social preference.
• Help deliver the Department’s Inclusion Strategy and other initiatives for improved economic and social outcomes by liaising with Aboriginal communities.
• In line with Section 31A of the Public Administration Act 2004 (Vic) other duties may be assigned consistent with employment classification, skills, and capabilities.

Key Selection Criteria – Summary

The ideal candidate will excel in applied strategic planning, aligning daily tasks with team and organizational strategies, and guiding others through the planning process. They will have an accomplished future focus, understanding broader contexts, seeking new technologies, and consulting experts for comprehensive issue analysis. In critical thinking and problem-solving, they use a deep understanding of guidelines or consult others to resolve issues and make informed decisions. They will manage stakeholders by adding value, linking people appropriately, monitoring satisfaction, and addressing issues constructively. With strong interpersonal skills, they will tailor communications to audience needs and ensure clarity. They will engage in partnering and co-creation, collaborating with users and stakeholders to design and test solutions, ensuring timely decision-making.

Personal Attributes

The ideal candidate will work collaboratively by cooperating with others, sharing information, acknowledging efforts, and stepping in to help when needed. They will demonstrate flexibility and adaptability by accepting changed priorities comfortably, responding quickly to changes, and effectively collaborating with external teams.

Qualifications and Experience

• Experience in transport or land use planning would be desirable.
• A relevant tertiary degree, particularly in transport or land use planning, would be well regarded.

What we offer

• Meaningful work making Victorian communities more accessible and liveable
• Professional growth and development opportunities across the department and the wider Victorian Public Services
• A hybrid working model focused on collaboration and teamwork
• Optimal work-life balance initiatives including flexible working arrangements
• Opportunity to work across multiple urban and suburban hubs
• We prioritise the development of a safe and inclusive culture

Culture Value

We are an equal opportunity employer, embracing a diverse range of applicants such as veterans, and people who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, LGBTQIA community members, individuals with disabilities and/or health conditions, as well as those from varied faith and cultural backgrounds. At our department, we prioritise the development of a safe, inclusive, and high-performance culture through shared actions and behaviours that align with our strategy and direction. This empowers our employees to effectively contribute to our goals.

How to Apply

DTP Employees or DTP Affiliates with VicGov People Login

To apply, click  here   to log in and start the application process.

Non-DTP Employees (Including VPS outside of DTP)

Create an account by clicking the  ‘Apply’  button and follow the prompts. For help,  click here  for Quick Reference Guide.

Applications close at 11:59 PM on Sunday, 30th June 2024.

Please include a resume and cover letter.

All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We’re unable to consider email or manual applications.

For more information, contact  Adam C Lorensene- Manager Transport Strategy  via  [email protected] .

Preferred applicants will need to complete a police check and other pre-employment checks. Your information will be treated confidentially.

If you require additional adjustments across the recruitment process or accessible formats of this ad, please contact us by phone or email.

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Ongoing - Full Time

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[email protected] - Manager Transport Strategy Adam C Lorensene - N/A

To apply for this role, you will be redirected to the Department of Transport and Planning job application system.

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