Get around

Melbourne has a very large metropolitan area, but most sights of interest are within the city centre and the rest can for most part be reached within about 20 min from the centre on the train or tram. Melbourne's city centre is laid out in an orderly grid system, similar to the grid system of Manhattan, meaning that navigating the city centre is easy. Public Transport Victoria's centre and the rest can for most part be reached within about 20 min from the centre on the train or tram. Melbourne's city centre is laid out in an orderly grid system, similar to the grid system of Manhattan, meaning that navigating the city centre is easy. Public Transport Victoria's centre and the rest can for most part be reached within about 20 min from the centre on the train or tram. Melbourne's city centre is laid out in an orderly grid system, similar to the grid system of Manhattan, meaning that navigating the city centre is easy. Public Transport Victoria's centre and the rest can for most part be reached within about 20 min from the centre on the train or tram. Melbourne's city centre is laid out in an orderly grid system, similar to the grid system of Manhattan, meaning that navigating the city centre is easy. Public Transport Victoria's Journey Planner can suggest the best way to get from point A to point B, with schedules, maps and connections. Melbourne has a reputation for a well-planned road system, although traffic can be heavy in the peak period.

By public transport

Melbourne has a fairly reliable public transportation system which consists of trams, trains and buses: trams and trains branch out from the city centre to the suburbs, while buses usually cover where there are no tram or train tracks. There are connections to most of the major attractions of the city, and it is fairly easy to get around Melbourne without a car. Most of the network is wheelchair and pram accessible, with the major exception of the tram network which mostly operates with older, step-entry vehicles. Train, tram and major bus services generally operate between 5AM and midnight Monday–Saturday and after 8AM Sunday. On Friday and Saturday nights, all-night services run on a limited "night network".centre to the suburbs, while buses usually cover where there are no tram or train tracks. There are connections to most of the major attractions of the city, and it is fairly easy to get around Melbourne without a car. Most of the network is wheelchair and pram accessible, with the major exception of the tram network which mostly operates with older, step-entry vehicles. Train, tram and major bus services generally operate between 5AM and midnight Monday–Saturday and after 8AM Sunday. On Friday and Saturday nights, all-night services run on a limited "night network".centre to the suburbs, while buses usually cover where there are no tram or train tracks. There are connections to most of the major attractions of the city, and it is fairly easy to get around Melbourne without a car. Most of the network is wheelchair and pram accessible, with the major exception of the tram network which mostly operates with older, step-entry vehicles. Train, tram and major bus services generally operate between 5AM and midnight Monday–Saturday and after 8AM Sunday. On Friday and Saturday nights, all-night services run on a limited "night network".centre to the suburbs, while buses usually cover where there are no tram or train tracks. There are connections to most of the major attractions of the city, and it is fairly easy to get around Melbourne without a car. Most of the network is wheelchair and pram accessible, with the major exception of the tram network which mostly operates with older, step-entry vehicles. Train, tram and major bus services generally operate between 5AM and midnight Monday–Saturday and after 8AM Sunday. On Friday and Saturday nights, all-night services run on a limited "night network".

Public Transport Victoria coordinates public transport and provides timetables, maps, disruption info and a very useful journey planner. Mobile apps are available for iOS and Android devices.

Trains

The train network is operated by Metro Trains Melbourne with blue branding. A partly-underground "City Loop" forms the basis of the network, with all the other lines branching off to the suburbs like spokes of a wheel. The lines are named after the station at the end of the line, and all run through Flinders Street Station, the city's famous suburban railway hub. Trains to the suburbs generally operate at 10-20 minute frequencies, with higher frequencies (but more overcrowding) in peak times. Be aware that some trains run express to and from the city.Flinders Street Station, the city's famous suburban railway hub. Trains to the suburbs generally operate at 10-20 minute frequencies, with higher frequencies (but more overcrowding) in peak times. Be aware that some trains run express to and from the city.

Trams

Trams are a prominent feature in Melbourne's urban landscape. The city has the largest network in the world. The network is operated by Yarra Trams with green branding. Most tram lines branch out from the city centre like spokes. In the city, they often become crowded, and you are unlikely to get a seat. The network is operated by a mix of newer, low-floor trams with stop announcements and older models with step-entry. Most stops in the inner city have platforms, although most require hailing the tram from the side of the road; take care at these stops and look for distracted cars which may illegally speed past.centre like spokes. In the city, they often become crowded, and you are unlikely to get a seat. The network is operated by a mix of newer, low-floor trams with stop announcements and older models with step-entry. Most stops in the inner city have platforms, although most require hailing the tram from the side of the road; take care at these stops and look for distracted cars which may illegally speed past.centre like spokes. In the city, they often become crowded, and you are unlikely to get a seat. The network is operated by a mix of newer, low-floor trams with stop announcements and older models with step-entry. Most stops in the inner city have platforms, although most require hailing the tram from the side of the road; take care at these stops and look for distracted cars which may illegally speed past.centre like spokes. In the city, they often become crowded, and you are unlikely to get a seat. The network is operated by a mix of newer, low-floor trams with stop announcements and older models with step-entry. Most stops in the inner city have platforms, although most require hailing the tram from the side of the road; take care at these stops and look for distracted cars which may illegally speed past.

Yarra Trams' official iOS and Android app, tramTRACKER, is very useful for tracking real-time tram arrivals and following the tram's progress onboard. Most tram routes will have 8-12 minute service during the day, with higher frequencies in the peak, but lower frequencies of 20-30 minutes in the evenings.tramTRACKER, is very useful for tracking real-time tram arrivals and following the tram's progress onboard. Most tram routes will have 8-12 minute service during the day, with higher frequencies in the peak, but lower frequencies of 20-30 minutes in the evenings.

Travel on all trams in the city centre is free. The boundary of the Free Tram Zone is marked with plenty of signage, but remember to touch on if you leave the FTZ. This is in addition to the City Circle, a free tourist tram in the city centre, which runs past many major sights in historical trams.centre is free. The boundary of the Free Tram Zone is marked with plenty of signage, but remember to touch on if you leave the FTZ. This is in addition to the City Circle, a free tourist tram in the city centre, which runs past many major sights in historical trams.centre is free. The boundary of the Free Tram Zone is marked with plenty of signage, but remember to touch on if you leave the FTZ. This is in addition to the City Circle, a free tourist tram in the city centre, which runs past many major sights in historical trams.centre is free. The boundary of the Free Tram Zone is marked with plenty of signage, but remember to touch on if you leave the FTZ. This is in addition to the City Circle, a free tourist tram in the city centre, which runs past many major sights in historical trams.

Buses

Buses serve as connections to places without rail transport, often connecting to major shopping centres and train stations. Denoted by orange branding and stops, most buses are low-floor and air-conditioned. A few major trunk routes (including ones such as the 200/207 in the inner north, the 900 to Chadstone, 907 to Doncaster, etc) operate at 10-15 minute frequencies, although for most buses, it is necessary to use the journey planner or check timetables, as service tends to be far less frequent than trains and trams.Chadstone, 907 to Doncaster, etc) operate at 10-15 minute frequencies, although for most buses, it is necessary to use the journey planner or check timetables, as service tends to be far less frequent than trains and trams.Doncaster, etc) operate at 10-15 minute frequencies, although for most buses, it is necessary to use the journey planner or check timetables, as service tends to be far less frequent than trains and trams.centres and train stations. Denoted by orange branding and stops, most buses are low-floor and air-conditioned. A few major trunk routes (including ones such as the 200/207 in the inner north, the 900 to Chadstone, 907 to Doncaster, etc) operate at 10-15 minute frequencies, although for most buses, it is necessary to use the journey planner or check timetables, as service tends to be far less frequent than trains and trams.Chadstone, 907 to Doncaster, etc) operate at 10-15 minute frequencies, although for most buses, it is necessary to use the journey planner or check timetables, as service tends to be far less frequent than trains and trams.Doncaster, etc) operate at 10-15 minute frequencies, although for most buses, it is necessary to use the journey planner or check timetables, as service tends to be far less frequent than trains and trams.

Tourist services

As mentioned above, the free City Circle (Route 35) tram runs around the CBD perimeter, operated by vintage-style maroon trams. Audio commentary provides information about attractions that are passed. These trams are geared to visitors and provide access to sites of interest to the tourist. More information is provided in the City Centre guide.

The Melbourne City Tourist Shuttle is another option that also extends to key tourist destinations just outside of the city centre, including the MCG, Lygon Street and the Royal Botanic Gardens. The buses run at 30 minute intervals between 9:30AM and 4:Lygon Street and the Royal Botanic Gardens. The buses run at 30 minute intervals between 9:30AM and 4:30AM and 4:centre, including the MCG, Lygon Street and the Royal Botanic Gardens. The buses run at 30 minute intervals between 9:30AM and 4:Lygon Street and the Royal Botanic Gardens. The buses run at 30 minute intervals between 9:30AM and 4:30AM and 4:centre, including the MCG, Lygon Street and the Royal Botanic Gardens. The buses run at 30 minute intervals between 9:30AM and 4:Lygon Street and the Royal Botanic Gardens. The buses run at 30 minute intervals between 9:30AM and 4:30AM and 4:centre, including the MCG, Lygon Street and the Royal Botanic Gardens. The buses run at 30 minute intervals between 9:30AM and 4:Lygon Street and the Royal Botanic Gardens. The buses run at 30 minute intervals between 9:30AM and 4:30AM and 4:30PM daily. A complete circuit takes 90 minutes, with on-board commentary. It costs $10 for two consecutive days, allowing visitors to hop on and off as many times as they desire within that timeframe. Tickets may be purchased online, at the Melbourne Visitor Centre or with a credit card or coins at ticket machines at each stop.

By bike

The inner suburbs of Melbourne have a good network of bike paths by the standards of English-speaking countries, plus a generally flat terrain, making pedal-power a great way to take in the city. Most paths are "shared footways" under the law, although the majority of users in most places are cyclists. This means cyclists should expect to share the path with pedestrians, dog-walkers, rollerbladers, joggers, prams and tricycles. Some trails contain on-road sections (in marked bike lanes). It is legal to cycle on footpaths only when supervising cycling children or when the path is marked or signposted as allowing bikes. Helmets are required by law, and care should be taken when cycling near slippery tram tracks, where many have been injured in the past. Reflective clothing is essential for safe night rides and it is now illegal to ride at night without lighting.rollerbladers, joggers, prams and tricycles. Some trails contain on-road sections (in marked bike lanes). It is legal to cycle on footpaths only when supervising cycling children or when the path is marked or signposted as allowing bikes. Helmets are required by law, and care should be taken when cycling near slippery tram tracks, where many have been injured in the past. Reflective clothing is essential for safe night rides and it is now illegal to ride at night without lighting.

Trails

• Yarra River Trail. Runs from the mouth of Melbourne's iconic Yarra River, through the city and onwards to Westerfolds Park in the outer suburbs.

• Capital City Trail. Runs a circuit through Melbourne's inner suburbs, the Docklands precinct and the city. It's a good way to see a slice of day-to-day life.

• Bay Trail. A pleasant trek around Port Phillip Bay, running from Port Melbourne, through the bustling beach-side precinct of St Kilda, past the famous bathing sheds of Brighton, all the way to Carrum. A punt operates under the West Gate Bridge on weekends and public holidays allowing a start at Altona Meadows along the Williamstown Trail, across the punt, and joining with the Bay Trail. Cyclists can't use the West Gate Bridge.

Detailed maps of the bike path network can be found online .

Bicycles on public transport

Bicycles may be taken on Metro trains at no extra charge. Due to crowding, it is often impractical to take a bicycle on a peak hour train, and it won't win you any friends with your fellow passengers trying to squeeze into the same carriage. Conventional bicycles are not permitted on trams or buses, even when replacing a train service. Only folding bicycles may be taken on trams and buses when folded. Bicycles may be carried in taxis at the drivers discretion.

Bike rental

• Melbourne Bike Share. Bikes cost $2.90 per day, as long as you return the bike every 30 minutes (note if you don't check the bike in 3 hours rental will cost upwards of $40). $5 bike helmets can be bought at some 7-Eleven stores throughout the city centre and can be refunded for $3 at any store that sells them. If you are lucky you can find one attached to the front of the bike.centre and can be refunded for $3 at any store that sells them. If you are lucky you can find one attached to the front of the bike.centre and can be refunded for $3 at any store that sells them. If you are lucky you can find one attached to the front of the bike.centre and can be refunded for $3 at any store that sells them. If you are lucky you can find one attached to the front of the bike.

• Rentabike, Vault 14 Princes Walk (Near Federation Square, Federation Wharf, on the north side of the Yarra.), ☎ +61 4 1733-9203. 10am - 5pm. $35 per day.

• Freddys Bike Tours & Rentals, 32 Rebecca Walk (Batman Park on the Yarra River near to the Melbourne Aquarium.), ☎ +61 431 61 0431, e-mail: james@FreddysBikeTours.com.au. 9am - 7pm. Bicycle hire and bike rentals. Also offers a range of guided bicycle tours through various Melbourne precincts. $25 per day.

A folding bike with 20 inch wheels or smaller is very convenient when travelling in the city. When folded, it can be carried on bus, tram, train, V/Line and CountryLink without any additional charges. Inform the driver that it will be folded and hand carried as baggage. It is advisable to avoid peak times (7AM-9AM and 5PM-7PM). If the wheelchair area is not occupied then the bike can be parked in this area safely without folding, except the area in the first carriage, which is reserved for disabled passengers.travelling in the city. When folded, it can be carried on bus, tram, train, V/Line and CountryLink without any additional charges. Inform the driver that it will be folded and hand carried as baggage. It is advisable to avoid peak times (7AM-9AM and 5PM-7PM). If the wheelchair area is not occupied then the bike can be parked in this area safely without folding, except the area in the first carriage, which is reserved for disabled passengers.travelling in the city. When folded, it can be carried on bus, tram, train, V/Line and CountryLink without any additional charges. Inform the driver that it will be folded and hand carried as baggage. It is advisable to avoid peak times (7AM-9AM and 5PM-7PM). If the wheelchair area is not occupied then the bike can be parked in this area safely without folding, except the area in the first carriage, which is reserved for disabled passengers.

By car

Driving in Melbourne's city centre is generally inadvisable. Congestion tends to be bad, streetside parking difficult to find, and parking in multi-storey carparks tends to be rather expensive. In addition, you will have to learn how to execute a hook turn (described in a later paragraph) due to the large number of trams in the city. That being said, driving is generally the best way of getting around Melbourne's suburbs, as the public transportation network tends to be less reliable and more thinly spread out than in the CBD, particularly in the outer suburbs. If you plan on living in one of Melbourne's suburbs and wish to rent a car, a common alternative to driving into the CBD that many locals do is to drive to and park at the nearest railway station, and take the train down to the city from there.centre is generally inadvisable. Congestion tends to be bad, streetside parking difficult to find, and parking in multi-storey carparks tends to be rather expensive. In addition, you will have to learn how to execute a hook turn (described in a later paragraph) due to the large number of trams in the city. That being said, driving is generally the best way of getting around Melbourne's suburbs, as the public transportation network tends to be less reliable and more thinly spread out than in the CBD, particularly in the outer suburbs. If you plan on living in one of Melbourne's suburbs and wish to rent a car, a common alternative to driving into the CBD that many locals do is to drive to and park at the nearest railway station, and take the train down to the city from there.centre is generally inadvisable. Congestion tends to be bad, streetside parking difficult to find, and parking in multi-storey carparks tends to be rather expensive. In addition, you will have to learn how to execute a hook turn (described in a later paragraph) due to the large number of trams in the city. That being said, driving is generally the best way of getting around Melbourne's suburbs, as the public transportation network tends to be less reliable and more thinly spread out than in the CBD, particularly in the outer suburbs. If you plan on living in one of Melbourne's suburbs and wish to rent a car, a common alternative to driving into the CBD that many locals do is to drive to and park at the nearest railway station, and take the train down to the city from there.centre is generally inadvisable. Congestion tends to be bad, streetside parking difficult to find, and parking in multi-storey carparks tends to be rather expensive. In addition, you will have to learn how to execute a hook turn (described in a later paragraph) due to the large number of trams in the city. That being said, driving is generally the best way of getting around Melbourne's suburbs, as the public transportation network tends to be less reliable and more thinly spread out than in the CBD, particularly in the outer suburbs. If you plan on living in one of Melbourne's suburbs and wish to rent a car, a common alternative to driving into the CBD that many locals do is to drive to and park at the nearest railway station, and take the train down to the city from there.

The major car rental chains are well-represented and include Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz & Thrifty. Independent car rental companies are also plentiful and can offer good value for money. If you are looking to cover a long distance by car, ensure your rental policy includes unlimited mileage – most economy to standard sized car rental include this already.

Melbourne's rules of the road have one notable quirk: there are a handful of intersections in the city centre where you must do a centre where you must do a centre where you must do a centre where you must do a hook turn to turn right due to tram tracks running down the centre of the road. Follow the signs, pull to the centre of the road. Follow the signs, pull to the centre of the road. Follow the signs, pull to the centre of the road. Follow the signs, pull to the left of the intersection if you are turning right, as far forward as possible, wait, and when the light for the street you are turning into turns green (the traffic on the street you are on stops) make the turn.

Check out CityLink's site for details of Melbourne's T-shaped tollway which links the Westgate, Tullamarine and Monash (formerly South-Eastern) freeways. It is a fully electronic road with no manual tollgates. You can buy a day pass in advance, or within 3 days of having driven down it, giving your registration and car details. You can do this by phone, Internet, or at some Shell petrol stations. The registered owner of the car will get a fine in the mail if you do not buy a pass within 3 days. The tolled sections are indicated with blue and yellow signs, rather than the standard green and white. CityLink can cut a worthwhile amount of time from your journey, especially if you are driving from, say, the south-eastern suburbs to Melbourne Airport. Motorcycles are free, cars are around $11/day. Larger vehicles are more.

The EastLink tollway has recently been completed. Formerly called the Scoresby, then the Mitcham-Frankston freeway, it links the Eastern, Monash, Frankston and Mornington Peninsula freeways. Like the CityLink, it is a fully electronic road with no toll gates. If you have a tag or account, tolls range from 28c for short trips on some segments, to a toll cap of $5.15. Weekends are 20% off, and motorcycles are half price. If you don't have a tag or account, passes are available for the cost of the trip cap (e.g. travelling one way will cost you $5.15 in a car). Passes are available online at and can be purchased before or up to 3 days after the trip.travelling one way will cost you $5.15 in a car). Passes are available online at 1 and can be purchased before or up to 3 days after the trip.travelling one way will cost you $5.15 in a car). Passes are available online at 1 and can be purchased before or up to 3 days after the trip.

Tags from other Australian cities work on CityLink and the EastLink tollway, but passes do not.

One option for travel on both CityLink and EastLink is the Melbourne Pass. It costs $5.50 to start up an account, and tolls are debited from your credit card automatically once the accumulated tolls and fees reach $10, or when the pass expires (after 30 days, but can be extended once for another 30 days). No tag is required. 

In the centre, parking at meters and ticket machines can be as much as $3.50 per hour.centre, parking at meters and ticket machines can be as much as $3.50 per hour.centre, parking at meters and ticket machines can be as much as $3.50 per hour.centre, parking at meters and ticket machines can be as much as $3.50 per hour.

Motorcycles and scooters are well catered for as footpath parking is both free and legal (providing the footpath is not obstructed). Scooters are becoming very common, however for all size scooters a motorcycle license must be held.

By foot

Melbourne is an excellent city for walking and you should have no problems navigating the CBD grid. A brisk walk may even see you keeping up with the trams, as they crawl through the city centre.centre.centre.centre.

By taxi

Yellow Melbourne taxis are ubiquitous in the centre but less often spotted in the suburbs. The largest companies are centre but less often spotted in the suburbs. The largest companies are centre but less often spotted in the suburbs. The largest companies are centre but less often spotted in the suburbs. The largest companies are 13CABS (☎ 13-CABS/132227) and Silver Top (☎ 131008), both of which — despite the names — are also yellow in colour. Fares are standardised so that the meter starts ticking at $3.20 and clocks up $1.617/km, meaning that short hops within the centre can go for under $10, but longer hauls get pretty expensive pretty fast. Midnight-5AM is 20% more, booking by phone or taking a taxi from the airport costs $2 extra and sitting in traffic is $0.56/min. Between 10PM and 5AM, taxi fares are centre can go for under $10, but longer hauls get pretty expensive pretty fast. Midnight-5AM is 20% more, booking by phone or taking a taxi from the airport costs $2 extra and sitting in traffic is $0.56/min. Between 10PM and 5AM, taxi fares are centre can go for under $10, but longer hauls get pretty expensive pretty fast. Midnight-5AM is 20% more, booking by phone or taking a taxi from the airport costs $2 extra and sitting in traffic is $0.56/min. Between 10PM and 5AM, taxi fares are centre can go for under $10, but longer hauls get pretty expensive pretty fast. Midnight-5AM is 20% more, booking by phone or taking a taxi from the airport costs $2 extra and sitting in traffic is $0.56/min. Between 10PM and 5AM, taxi fares are prepaid: you pay an estimated sum to the driver in advance and the fare is corrected on arrival.

Some taxi companies do not provide a lost property service. Lost items by law must be forwarded to the police if they are not claimed. Melbourne's taxi network is fairly safe, although taxi ranks can sometimes be rowdy places, due to the lack of taxis compared to demand (particularly outside Flinders Street Station, but there is a police box next to the rank which generally operates at night).Flinders Street Station, but there is a police box next to the rank which generally operates at night).