Melbourne Transportation
Best Ways to Get Around the City

What are the Melbourne transport options to get around the city without the stress?

Melbourne is a big city if you include the great Melbourne area.

If you plan a trip in Melbourne, here is my guide to find the most suitable way to get around Melbourne.

Make sure you also check out my own Melbourne Maps and Itineraries.

Melbourne Public Transport

Melbourne has a great system of public transport. It is a privatised public transport system comprises Train, Tram and Buses.

It is efficient, at a reasonable price, safe and extensive.

Melbourne has an integrated public transport ticketing system called Myki.

Public Transport Victoria is the authority responsible for promoting and coordinating public transport train, tram and bus in Victoria. It also assumed responsibility for the marketing of public transport in Melbourne from Metlink and responsibility for the myki ticketing system.

You can find plenty of maps as well as a lot of useful information on their website.

The best options for you to get around Melbourne depend on how far you need to travel.

	Tram Melbourne Trams are probably what you will use the most if you stay in the CBD or the inner suburbs. Yarra trams are the operator of the Melbourne tram/light rail network. Melbourne has one of the world's most extensive tram network and Melbourne tram network is third largest tram network in the world. * Photo courtesy of avlxyz
	Train Melbourne rail network has more than 15 train lines and is probably your best option if you need to head out to outer suburbs. Notes sometime train is faster than tram, so you may want to catch a train unless you only stay close to the CBD. Melbourne also has a great regional train network which allows you to visit the regional Victoria. * Photo courtesy of AdamSelwood
	Bus I would take a bus if I need to go to somewhere between 2 train station and bus would be my only option. Melbourne's public transport buses are operated by a number of private bus companies. Melbourne buses serve suburbs distant from rail lines, services to and from the city and provide inter-suburb services. * Photo courtesy of avlxyz

Free Melbourne Transport Options

2 great free Melbourne transport options for your visit of the CBD are:

• City Circle Tram

The City Circle Tram service provides a free and convenient way to get around central Melbourne.

The City Circle is a heritage W class tram decorated in special maroon and green with yellow and gold trimming.

It does a loop around the CBD and takes you to the main attractions such as shopping arcades, Victoria market, and parliament house. This tram does also the link with other trams and train stations.

• Melbourne Visitor Shuttle

The Visitor Shuttle is another great way to explore the inner city Melbourne. It used to be a free service but they charge $5 all day for an adult now.

It is still a very cheap option to get around Melbourne. An explanation about the city's colourful past and current quirks is included in the price.

The shuttle has a similar circus than the City circle but it takes you to some places a little bit outside of the CBD such as the Botanic garden, MCG and Lygon Street in Carlton.

Tickets can be purchased at the visit center at Federation Square. Departure every 30 minutes from 9.30am to 4.30pm.

Please see the shuttle brochure if you want to know where are the stops.

Melbourne Airport Shuttle

The sky bus is your best option to get to the airport without your own transportation. It is fast. SkyBus trip takes 20 minutes from Southern Cross Station to Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine). It is reliable. SkyBus runs 24/7 with day departures every 10 minutes. It is easy to find. You can take the Skybus at the southern cross station. There is even a free mini-bus service that transports you between selected hotels in central Melbourne. Personally, I think the price is a little bit expensive. However it is the easiest way to go to the airport.

Drive in and around Melbourne

Prefer use your own transportation. I have to say this may be a good idea if you want to go explore around Melbourne or go to the regional Victoria.

If you do not have a car you can always rent a car or hire a campervan. Here is more information regarding car rental in Melbourne.

There is such a good public transport system, that I would not drive in the inner Melbourne. Parking is way too expensive!

However if you really do not like the other Melbourne transport options, you may need to learn some basic driving tips first.

For instance, what is a Hook turn? Where should I park in Melbourne city?

Melbourne Taxi

Photo courtesy of mugley

The yellow Taxis are numerous in Melbourne. There is more than 4000 taxis in the Melbourne Metropolitan area. You can book a Wheelchair accessible taxis, there are 500 of them in Melbourne. If you travel with a baby, it is not mandatory to have a baby seat in a taxi. However, you may still want to find a taxi who can provide one. Taxi fares will vary based on the type of vehicle you travel in and your time of travel. Additional charges apply if you travel on some public holidays, late at night, pay with a credit or debit card or travel with five or more people. There are also Melbourne Airport, Citylink and Eastlink tollway fees. It is not too expensive if you travel within the inner city. It can be a good Melbourne transport option if you want to get to the airport without stress. Especially if you travel with a lot luggage or/and with young children.