Getting started

Getting around Melbourne and Victoria using public transport is easy. Just follow these simple guidelines...

1. Planning your trip

Options to help you plan your trip:

Journey Planner - Use the Journey Planner to help you plan your trip from A to B using various modes of transport (metropolitan train, tram, bus, V/Line and other regional services).

Timetables - If you know the train, tram, bus, V/Line or regional bus route you want to travel on, use this page to select the mode of transport, and then use the 'Timetables Search' to find the timetable you need.

Maps stations stops - This section shows you all the public transport routes and services available to you when travelling on public transport in Melbourne and Victoria. There are various types of network and route maps, local area profiles, and station and stop facilities information.

Service updates - Before you travel, check the latest service updates which may affect your journey.

2. Purchasing your ticket

Travelling within metropolitan Melbourne

Metropolitan fares & tickets - A variety of fares are available, from single trip fares, to better value fares, such as daily, weekly, monthly and yearly fares.

Metropolitan zones - Melbourne’s public transport network is divided into two zones. Find out which zone(s) you will be travelling in.

Metcard - Melbourne's automated ticketing system operates on all train, tram and bus services in the metropolitan area (including NightRider, Melbourne's after midnight bus service) with electronically-encoded tickets called Metcards. One Metcard can give you flexible travel between trains, trams and buses. Please note: Airport bus services are not part of the Metcard system.

Where to buy tickets - Metcards can be purchased from customer service centres at Premium Stations, from Metcard ticket machines at train stations and trams, on buses, and from retail outlets displaying blue Metcard signs. Metcards can also be purchased from the Metcard Helpline (TTY 1800 652 313) - $10 minimum purchase, free delivery.

Buy Metcards online - You can also purchase your Metcard at our online store.

A typical Metcard will look like this.

Remember to look after your ticket and ensure it is valid for your trip. Fines exist for those who are not carrying a valid ticket.

Travelling in regional Victoria

V/Line fares & tickets - V/Line is the leading provider of rail and road coach services in regional Victoria. V/Line train services operate to the regional cities of Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Seymour and Traralgon and serve other regional centres including Ararat, Echuca, Swan Hill, Albury/Wodonga, Sale, Bairnsdale, Warrnambool and Shepparton. V/Line road coaches connect with many rail services at major stations to provide an integrated and coordinated public transport service across Victoria.

V/Line’s ticketing system operates on regional train and coach services as well as giving access to metropolitan trains, trams and buses and bus services in some regional cities.

Regional city fares & tickets - This section covers tickets and student passes that are valid for travel on local bus and some trains services in Victorian regional towns and cities.

3. Starting your trip

A few tips when you are starting your trip:

Allow plenty of time to get to the train station, tram or bus stop. We recommend getting to the station or stop at least five minutes before the scheduled departure.
Validate your Metcard - You are required by law to always validate your Metcard before entering a train platform and each time you board a tram or bus. Validation involves inserting your Metcard into a validator machine. However, when purchasing your Metcard from a ticket machine on a tram, it is automatically validated for that journey only. Remember to always check the expiry details printed on the back of your Metcard after validation. Tip: The arrow on your Metcard shows which way to insert it into the validator.

If you have special needs and require assistance while using public transport, refer to the section on Accessible transport.

4. Travelling

Whilst waiting at stations and stops or onboard trains, trams and buses, there are some important things to remember:

See the section on Safe travel for tips on how to make your journey on public transport as safe as possible, including tips on how to board, travel and get off public transport safely.
Always vacate priority seating for disabled, elderly or less mobile passengers.
If there are no seats available, hold on to a grab rail at all times.
Passengers with special needs should also see Safe travel for further information.

5. Ending your journey

Remember to take all your belongings with you. If you do misplace something you will need to contact the relevant public transport operator for assistance.