Melbourne's public transport network is one of Australia's finest. The rechargeable myki card (available at stations, 7-Eleven supermarkets) covers tram, train (Metro Trains), bus. Fare: AUD 5.40 for zone 1 (CBD), daily cap AUD 10.80. Important: the CBD is free in tram (Free Tram Zone) — practical for visitors in the centre.
Trams are Melbourne's icon — the world's largest tram network (250 km, 24 lines, 1,700 stops). Particularly useful is the City Circle 35 line (free historic tram around the CBD). Metropolitan trains (Metro Trains) cover the suburbs, departing from Flinders Street Station or Southern Cross. For Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL), the SkyBus (24/7, departures every 10 min from Southern Cross, AUD 24 return, 30 min) is the recommended option — no direct train to CBD (planned for 2030).
Taxis and Uber are plentiful. Typical airport-CBD fare: AUD 60-70 by taxi, AUD 40-50 by Uber.
For the Great Ocean Road, car essential. Melbourne rental AUD 50-80/day, left-hand driving. 2-3 day recommended itinerary (see FAQ). Alternative: day excursion AUD 120-180/person (but very long day 14-15h and limited stops).
For Phillip Island, car (1h30) or guided excursion AUD 100-150/person including Penguin Parade.
For the Yarra Valley, guided shuttle recommended for tastings (AUD 130-180 with lunch) — car alternative if designated sober driver.
Car rental (Sixt, Hertz, Europcar) costs AUD 50-80/day. Melbourne CBD parking expensive (AUD 40-60/day). Left-hand driving, reversed roundabouts — caution first hours.
Sydney-Melbourne flight: 1h30, AUD 80-200 return (one of the world's busiest air routes, 700+ weekly Qantas/Virgin/Jetstar flights). Sydney-Melbourne XPT train: 11h, AUD 90-140 (slow nostalgic option). Greyhound bus: 12-13h, AUD 70-100.
Read also
- Melbourne — Australia's cultural capital: cafés, street art, gastronomy in 3-4 nights.
- Great Ocean Road — 243 km of panoramic road: 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Cape Otway koalas.
- Sydney and the east coast — To combine with Melbourne for the signature big city duo.
- Australia — Complete guide: world's 6th country, eVisitor formalities, budget, best time.