The Iglu Guide | Blog
Getting around Melbourne
A well-planned city, Melbourne is super easy to explore both on foot and by public transport. Home to a buzzing cultural scene and thriving commercial precinct, it is a hugely popular city with students, locals and tourist alike – and has met that demand with a comprehensive public transport service. With multiple travel options at your fingertips, you will never be short of ways to get in, out, and across the city.
It’s all about the myki
This little pocket rocket is so important to getting around the city that it deserves particular attention. A reloadable super-smart smartcard, the myki really is your ultimate ticket to ride. You will literally go nowhere without it. Valid on all trains, trams and buses, you can find myki cards on sale at most newsagents and 7-Elevens – as well as on some travel services. Pick up a card for just $6 (or $3 concession) and work out the best ticket-type for you. Next, you simply load it up with a myki pass or myki money and you can get tapping. Touch the myki reader as you board the transport and once again as you depart. This makes sure you are eligible for the best available fare.
Top tip: You can top up your myki online – but it can take up to 90 minutes to work. For faster top-ups use a Quick Top Up machine!
The tram
Ferries are to Sydney, as trams are to Melbourne. Operating one of largest tram systems in the world, there are multiple tram routes that merrily criss-cross the city streets throughout the day. With over 250kms of track, 24 routes and some 490 trams in service, tram use is incredibly popular and second only to the trains in Melbourne. Route numbers are handily displayed at the front of the vehicle and passengers can board at designated tram stops (where they can also find maps, timetables and route information). The popular and free city circle tram is a great option for those staying centrally as it passes through many of the key tourist attractions. Travelling on a heritage-listed W-class tram, you’ll be transported back to a romantic era as you circumnavigate the city enjoying the view – and you can hop on and off as often as you like. The regular trams are also free to use within the city centre.
Top tip: You don’t have to tap your myki within the free tram zone
The train
Melbourne has a whopping 16 metro trainlines running from Flinders Street Station and Southern Cross Station out into the surrounding suburbs. Operating from 5am through to midnight Monday-Thursday, there is also a night network that picks up the slack from Friday evening across the weekend. Like Sydney, Melbourne also has a city train loop that circulates the CBD running through Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff, Melbourne Central, Parliament and Flinders Street.This city loop can be a little confusing with trains running in different directions at different times – this map can help you find your way!
Top tip: Your myki card is valid across all train travel, plan your route here.
The bus
Happily sharing the roads with the trams and cars, Melbourne has a large and comprehensive bus route service
Top tip: For city transport there are two bus zones. Your fare will be calculated on the distance you have travelled.
Regional travel
For those wanting to travel a little further afield to explore the more scenic regions of Victoria, the V/Line service will get you out to Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo and beyond – all courtesy of your little myki card. Incorporating both buses and trains, V/Line is now Australia’s largest regional public transport operator.
Top tip: Advance reservations are compulsory on all V/Line reserved train services as well as most coach services. Plan your journey here.
By bike
A relatively flat environment, Melbourne is the perfect city to jump on a bike and make the most of improving your pedal power. With over 135km of cycleways to explore on and off the roads there really are no excuses. And while bike-share schemes have not yet lasted the course, there’s no reason not to jump on your own set of wheels and take advantage. With over 2,500 bike hoops available in the city for secure parking, you can check out the scenic views along the Yarra River trail or catch some of the ocean breeze down at St Kilda. Your Insta feed will thank you later.
Top tip: Don’t forget to wear your helmet – they are a legal requirement in Victoria.
Photo by Edbert Als on Unsplash
