Melbourne City is very proud of their public transport system. Largely because they are the only Australian city that still uses trams as a primary form of transportation within the city. Relatively easy to negotiate, the trams, in conjuction with buses and trains make public transportation in Melbourne a very cheap way to navigate the highlights of the city.


Within the city, the trams are the most visible and the easiest way to jump on and zoom up the street. Best of all there is a free City Circle Tourist Tram which visits many of the cities tourist highlights including Etihad Stadium, Bourke Street and the Melbourne Aquarium. This tram runs every 6 minutes from 10am until 6pm (Sunday – Thursday) or as late as 9pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays. Tram is also the easiest way to access the cruise terminal via public transport and only a 15 minute ride from the city centre. Route 109 starts at Port Melbourne and stops at several highlights including Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, Southern Cross Train Station, Melbourne Aquarium and the major streets of Melbourne including Elizabeth Street and Swanston Street. A stop at Batman Park will allow you an easy transfer over to the free City Circle Tourist Route or to Route 96 for St Kilda.


Buses and trains are also available for trips further afield. The two major train stations within the Melbourne CBD are Flinders Street Station and Southern Cross Station, both of them are starting points if heading to Richmond, or sites including the famed Flemington Race Course and Melbourne Zoo.


Pricing for tram, train and bus transport within Melbourne is based on a two zone system with many of the highlights being within zone 1. Tickets can be purchased on your tram, there are automated machines on each, on your bus or at train stations. An individual ticket for two hours travel is $3.80 per person for zone one or for two zones $6.00. Alternatively, a great option is to purchase an all day ticket that allows for unlimited travel on buses, trains and trams. At $7.00 for one zone or $11.00 for two it is a great way to travel as much as you like in one day without the concern of cost and worrying about change each time you board a tram.


Metlink is your guide to more detailed timetables and schedules.