Melbourne’s public transport system is envied across Australia.
With more than 250km of tram lines, plus extensive networks of buses and trains throughout the city and surrounds, you’re only a short (and sometimes free) ride away from your next lecture, tutorial or coffee catch-up.
We’ve put together this guide to help international students in Melbourne navigate the public transport system.
Trams
Unlike other Australian cities, Melbourne has an extensive tram network that stretches outward from the city centre. In fact, the city’s network is one of the largest in the world!
There are 24 tram routes that operate around Melbourne. During peak times, trams run every seven to 10 minutes.
Even better, trams are free across most of Melbourne’s CBD! To see which parts of the city the Free Tram Zone covers, check out Transport Victoria’s handy map.
Buses
While the tram network rules central Melbourne, if you live in the outer suburbs, then buses may be a better solution.
Bus frequency varies depending on the time of day. Popular routes are frequented every 10–15 minutes during peak times, and once every 20 or 30 minutes during the evenings.
Trains
Melbourne has 16 train lines stretching from the CBD into the outer suburbs. Trains are an effective solution for travelling to these outer suburbs, but can become very busy during peak hours.
On busy lines at peak hour, trains can run every four or five minutes. During off-peak times, some trains may only run every 20 minutes. Melbourne is a large city, so for ticketing purposes, it has been divided into two ‘zones’. Zone 1 includes the CBD and the inner suburbs, while Zone 2 encompasses the outer suburbs.
Ticketing
Metropolitan zones determine the myki fares for metropolitan trains, trams and buses. Metropolitan zones include:
- The Free Tram Zone (applies to trams only)
- Zone 1
- Zone 2
- The Zone 1/2 boundary overlap
You can find out more about zones here.
Did you know that travelling to and from regional Victoria is also affordable? No matter where you live in Victoria, the most you’ll pay for a day’s travel is just $11.
International Student Travel Pass
Public transport is a cheap, reliable and efficient way to get around. But did you know students can save even more?
As an undergraduate international student, you might be eligible for a 90-day, 180-day or 365-day International Student Travel Pass, saving you up to 50% on your annual transport fees!
Simply ask your institution for an International Student Travel Pass code, then visit the International Student Travel Pass website to register.
Remember, international students are not able to travel on general student concession fares in Victoria, and you could be fined if you do. Make sure you sign up for your International Student Travel Pass as soon as you can, so you can start saving on travel right away!
myki Card
The reusable myki smart card is easy to use. Once you have purchased a card, you will need to add money (top up) to travel.
You can top up a myki instantly through the PTV App, or at a myki machine, station ticket office, online, authorised store (including all 7-Eleven stores), or by calling 1800 800 007.
For information on where to buy and top up a myki, click here.
Tapping on and off
Trains: Tap on before getting on the train and tap off when you exit the station.
Buses: Tap on when you board the bus and tap off when you disembark.
Trams: If you’re travelling in Zone 1+2, remember to tap on. You don’t need to tap off.
