Melbourne

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Ticketing

All public transport uses an integrated ticketing system via the myki smart card, which is essential for travel on buses, trains, and trams.

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Comprehensive Guide to Public Transport Ticketing in Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne has an efficient and well-connected public transport system that includes trains, trams, and buses. The ticketing system is managed through a smart card called myki. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate Melbourneโ€™s public transport ticketing system.

1. Overview of the myki System

  • myki is a reusable, contactless smart card used to pay for travel on Melbourneโ€™s public transport network.
  • It is required for all forms of public transport: trains, trams, and buses.
  • The system operates on a zone-based fare structure, with most of Melbourne falling into Zone 1 or Zone 2.

2. Types of myki Cards

There are several types of myki cards available, depending on your needs:

  • myki Money: Pay-as-you-go option where you load credit onto the card and the fare is deducted per trip.
  • myki Pass: A prepaid option for unlimited travel for a set number of consecutive days (e.g., 7 days or 28โ€“365 days).
  • myki Explorer: A special pack for visitors that includes a preloaded myki card, travel credit, and discounts to popular attractions.
  • Concession myki: Discounted fares for eligible groups, such as students, seniors, and pensioners.
  • Free Tram Zone: No myki is required when traveling exclusively within Melbourneโ€™s Free Tram Zone (see Section 6 for details).

3. Costs and Fares

Melbourneโ€™s public transport fares are based on zones and the duration of travel:

  • Zone 1: Covers the central city and most inner suburbs.
  • Zone 2: Covers outer suburbs.
  • Daily Cap: The maximum amount youโ€™ll pay for unlimited travel in a day is AUD 10.00 (full fare) or AUD 5.00 (concession).
  • 2-Hour Fare: AUD 5.00 (full fare) or AUD 2.50 (concession) for unlimited travel within a 2-hour period.
  • myki Explorer Pack: Costs AUD 16.00 (includes AUD 10.00 travel credit).

For up-to-date fare information, visit the official Public Transport Victoria (PTV) website: ptv.vic.gov.au.

4. Where to Purchase myki Cards

You can purchase and top up your myki card at the following locations:

  • Online: Through the PTV website or the myki app (available for iOS and Android).
  • Retail Outlets: At 7-Eleven stores and other participating retailers across Melbourne.
  • Train Stations: myki machines are available at all train stations.
  • Tram Stops: Some major tram stops have myki machines.
  • PTV Hubs: Located at Southern Cross Station and other key locations for in-person assistance.

5. How to Use myki

Using myki is simple and straightforward:

  1. Touch On: Tap your myki card on the reader at the start of your journey. Readers are located at train station gates, on buses, and on trams.
  2. Touch Off: Tap your myki card on the reader at the end of your journey (except on trams within Zone 1, where touching off is not required).
  3. Check Balance: You can check your balance at myki machines, online, or via the myki app.

6. Free Tram Zone

Melbourneโ€™s Free Tram Zone is a designated area in the central business district (CBD) where travel on trams is free. Key points to note:

  • No myki card is required when traveling entirely within the Free Tram Zone.
  • The zone includes major landmarks such as Flinders Street Station, Federation Square, and the Docklands.
  • Signs on trams and at stops indicate whether you are in the Free Tram Zone.

7. Special Considerations for Visitors

  • myki Explorer Pack: This is highly recommended for tourists. It includes a preloaded myki card, a map, and discounts to attractions like the Melbourne Zoo and SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium.
  • Airport Travel: The SkyBus service connects Melbourne Airport to the city but does not accept myki. Tickets for SkyBus must be purchased separately online or at the airport.
  • Regional Travel: If you plan to travel outside Melbourne (e.g., to Geelong, Ballarat, or the Great Ocean Road), you can still use myki on V/Line regional trains and buses, but fares and zones may differ.

8. Tips for Using Public Transport in Melbourne

  • Plan Your Journey: Use the PTV app or website to plan your trip and check real-time updates.
  • Avoid Fines: Always ensure your myki card has sufficient credit and is touched on correctly. Inspectors conduct random checks, and fines for traveling without a valid ticket can be steep (up to AUD 277).
  • Accessibility: Melbourneโ€™s public transport is generally accessible, with low-floor trams and buses, as well as lifts and ramps at most train stations.
  • Peak Hours: Public transport can be crowded during peak hours (7:00โ€“9:00 AM and 4:30โ€“6:30 PM). Plan accordingly.

9. Key Local Sites and Public Transport Access

  • Flinders Street Station: A central hub for trains and trams, located in the heart of the city.
  • Federation Square: Easily accessible via the Free Tram Zone.
  • St Kilda Beach: Take tram routes 3a or 16 from the city.
  • Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG): Accessible via Jolimont Station (train) or tram routes 48 and 75.
  • Royal Botanic Gardens: Take tram route 3, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67, or 72 to Domain Road.

10. Contact Information for Assistance

  • Public Transport Victoria (PTV):
    Website: ptv.vic.gov.au
    Phone: 1800 800 007 (available 6:00 AMโ€“midnight daily)
    PTV Hubs: Visit for in-person assistance.

By understanding and following this guide, youโ€™ll be well-prepared to navigate Melbourneโ€™s public transport system with ease. Enjoy your time in this vibrant city!