So, you’re heading to Melbourne but don’t want to bring a car around?
Great news: getting around Melbourne without a car is surprisingly easy. The Victorian capital not only offers incredible sights and experiences, but also has a great transportation system that’s easy to navigate and will have you ticking off all the Melbourne tourist attractions on your list in no time.
From Metro Rail Melbourne to water cruises and bicycles, here’s everything you need to know about getting around Melbourne.
From the airport to the city
Melbourne awaits your arrival! / Photo credits: Marek Ślusarczyk on Wikimedia Commons
Touchdown, Melbourne!
If you’re flying in from a different country, most international flights land at Melbourne International Airport (or as locals call it, Tullamarine Airport). Some budget airlines use Avalon Airport, but both are well-connected to the city.
Here’s how to travel to and from the airport:
• Skybus Airport Shuttle: The Skybus airport transfer connects Melbourne Tullamarine Airport and Avalon Airport to Southern Cross Railway Station. It runs frequently, with departures every 10 minutes during peak hours and an average journey of 30 minutes. It also provides WiFi and wheelchair access for a comfortable journey.
• Private Airport Transfer: If you prefer a convenient, no-fuss journey that’ll get you from the airport straight to your hotel, a private Melbourne airport transfer service is the way to go. You can choose your vehicle and destination, and it’s especially ideal if you’re traveling with friends, family, or heavy luggage (or all of the above).
Klook Tip: Already traveling within Australia? Essendon Airport and Moorabbin Airport host Melbourne’s domestic flights and are accessible by train, bus, tram, taxi, and airport transfer.
Getting around Melbourne without a car
By public transport
The trick to getting around Melbourne without a car is knowing your way around public transport. Luckily, Melbourne's public transport system is reliable, efficient, and well-connected, with routes that make it easy to get across the city and the surrounding suburbs.
To get started, you’ll need a Myki card, a reloadable smart card that lets you tap on and off all trains, trams, and buses. Cards can be purchased and topped up at ticket booths in train stations, ticket machines, and convenience stores.
Klook Tip: To help you further navigate the city, you can use Transport Victoria’s handy journey planner.
Via tram
Melbourne’s iconic trams! / Photo Credits: @rayofmelbourne
Did you know? Melbourne’s tram network is actually the largest tram system in the world.
So, it only makes sense that getting around Melbourne without a car is easy, especially if you’re staying near or planning to explore the city center. Trams run throughout the city, with many stops located near major attractions. Best of all, there’s a “Free Tram Zone,” which offers free rides to places within the CBD (central business district).
Klook Tip: Trams typically run every 10 minutes during peak hours and 20 - 30 minutes off-peak.
Via train
If visiting the suburbs is on your itinerary, the Melbourne train is ideal for traveling longer distances. The metro system connects central hubs like Flinders Street to coastal areas via the Frankston rail line. Trains are reliable and frequent, typically running from 5 AM to 12 AM daily.
Klook Tip: When traveling to regional cities, you can use your myki card on some lines, but you may need to purchase a paper ticket for specific destinations.
All aboard, the iconic Puffing Billy steam train!
As you explore Metro Trains Melbourne, you might want to check out the Puffing Billy Railway, Australia’s oldest heritage steam railway. Unlike your ordinary train ride, you’ll witness steam coming out of the chimney and sounds from the train’s whistle, almost like a trip back in time. Plus, the view of the vibrant Dandenong Ranges from the window is just as stunning.
Via bus
Ventura bus in Melbourne, Australia / Photo credits: Thomas Hobley on Wikimedia Commons
While Melbourne’s public transport is rail-dominated, buses are the underdogs that cover areas missed by trams and trains, including neighborhoods and further suburbs. In fact, there are more bus routes compared to trams, and they even offer a more direct travel option across the city.
By taxi and ride-hailing apps
Taxis lined up on Collins Street, Melbourne / Photo credits: Andrew Finegan on Flickr
If you’re in a rush or simply want a direct ride to your destination, taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber and DiDi are widely available in Melbourne. Simply download the app and request a ride from wherever you are, or hail a traditional taxi from the street or taxicab rank.
By ferry and water taxi
Hop on and off at any of the drop-off locations at the Yarra & Maribyrnong Rivers
The best part about the Melbourne transport system is the variety of options. Keen on trying something new? Take a Williamstown Ferry Sightseeing Cruise and soak in the sights of the city from the Yarra River.
You can also try the Melbourne water taxis, with multiple stops throughout the river and departures until midnight. It’s a great opportunity if you want to see the city lights at night while avoiding the heat.
By bicycle
With more than 1,900 km worth of bike trails, you can rent a bike to explore the city. Credit: Duy Thanh Nguyen on Unsplash
Looking for an alternative to getting around Melbourne without a car or motorized vehicle? Rent a bike and take advantage of one of the best cycle-friendly cities in the world. With plenty of bike paths scattered across the Victorian capital, you can explore the best of Melbourne on a breezy, scenic, two-wheeled ride.
By hop-on hop-off bus
Need an escape from city life? Take a day trip from Melbourne with a sightseeing bus like the Yarra Valley Hop-on Hop-Off bus! It’s a fun, convenient, and flexible option for those who don’t want to drive but still want to explore Victoria’s gorgeous countryside.
Day trips from Melbourne:
Yarra Valley in Victoria, Australia
Yarra Valley: Wine enthusiasts, don’t miss out on the chance to visit the wineries in the Yarra Valley region in Victoria and taste some of Australia’s best food and homegrown wine.
Cape Schanck in Victoria, Australia
Mornington Peninsula: Discover south of Melbourne with a Mornington Peninsula Hop-on Hop-off bus! As a true one-stop wonder, you’ll enjoy beaches, coastal views, hot springs, and more wine!
FAQs
How do tourists get around Melbourne?
Public transportation, namely trams, trains, and buses, is often used by tourists to get around Melbourne because of its efficiency and extensive network. The Melbourne tram is especially popular thanks to the Free Tram Zone, which offers free rides within the CBD.
How do tourists pay for public transport in Melbourne?
Tourists in Melbourne primarily pay for public transport using a myki card, a reloadable smart card, which can be purchased and topped up at train stations, ticket machines, and select convenience stores.
Are Melbourne trams free for tourists?
To an extent, yes! Trams are cost-free within Melbourne’s Free Tram Zone in the CBD. But you’ll need to tap on/off once you travel out of this area.
Is there Uber or Grab in Melbourne?
While Grab does not operate in Australia, Uber is extensively used by both locals and tourists in Melbourne.
Does Melbourne have a hop-on hop-off tourist bus?
Absolutely! Melbourne offers a variety of sightseeing hop-on hop-off bus options for tourists who want to conveniently explore the city and other regions in Victoria.
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