What is the most popular transport in Melbourne – trying to find your way through?

Traversing through the sporting capital of the world brings with it heaps of options and facilities to avail of that will surely cater to all your whims and fancies. From accessing the CBD, and finding that comfy restaurant or café to enjoying the cultural marvels that encompass Melbourne, here is a detailed take on how to get about.

Tram

Trams on Mebourne City Roads | Image via unsplash

By far the most sought-after means of public transportation that will get you from Point A to Point B in little next to no time, the local tram service sure does steal the show. First up is the City Circle Tram which is free to ride and covers the breadth and width of the Central Business District. 

The said service is made available from Thursday to Saturday beginning from 10 am to 9 pm and from Sunday through Wednesday from 10 am to 6 pm respectively. On the flip side, the regular tram can be enjoyed within the following timelines: Monday to Thursday from 5 am to midnight, 24 hours a day on Friday and Saturday & Sunday from 7 am to 11 pm. With the latter, travellers like you can journey to all corners of the city coupled with suburbs in the likes of St Kilda, Richmond and South Yarra Prahran. However, you will need to purchase a Myki pass online or at retail outlets to be able to board the tram.

Bus
To cut a long story short, Melbourne’s bus zones are divided into 2 with fares influenced by the distance covered.

 With the public bus, you will have the best seat in the house to travel along more than 300 routes in central Melbourne and its suburbs. Schedules vary on the route and standard fares remain at AUD 2.70 with 2-hour journeys incurring AUD 3.90. Although, know that a major number of buses operate daily between 5 am and midnight that will tell you that riding the bus will be one of the more hassle-free modes of transportation in the city. Bus tickets can be purchased from the driver while myki passes are accepted.

Train

On the topic of train travel, the main hub for same is the Flinders Street Railway Station with the Southern Cross Station playing second fiddle with respect to those commuters who desire travelling interstate and across regions in Australia. 

In terms of convenience, look no further than the City Loop which is a 5-station rail route nestled in central Melbourne. For tickets, you can make use of your Myki pass or buy a ticket for AUD 2.70 or AUD 3.90 but keep in mind that fares differ with respect to which zone you intend on travelling to.

Taxi
Hailing a Yellow taxicab is easy and can be done so right off the street or when you land and clear immigration at Melbourne Airport. Reaching the CBD from Melbourne Airport will have you pocketing out between AUD 43 – AUD 77. Also, understand that an initial rate of AUD 4.20 will be charged while for every mile covered, travellers will be expected to pay AUD 6.

 While not being the most cost-effective for budget-savvy vacationers and visitors, you may also access the ride-sharing services of Uber to get about Melbourne.

Car

Car rentals are also a possibility when in Melbourne in the event you are more inclined to do things on your own time. While at first, you will need to get your head around the road rules, driving in Melbourne can come off as one of the better experiences of your time in the city. Further, vehicles can be rented from Melbourne Airport or the numerous rental agencies strewn throughout the city. 

If you find yourself accommodated at PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport which is one of the most luxurious hotels near Tullamarine Airport, then you will be able to reach out to Hertz Car Rental found a mere minute away.

Walking

Arguably, the most sought-after means of “doing it my way” in Melbourne is to head out onto the streets with a passion to explore every nook and cranny there is by foot. 

Though, you will still have to rely on a chosen form of public transportation to get to your desired locations and that too on time, nothing quite would beat the thrill of moving through crowds and snaking your way to charming cafes and historic museums.