Getting around Melbourne
Melbourne is a joy to get around — home to the world's largest tram network, a free tram zone in the city centre, and an easy, flat, walkable grid. Here's how to get in from the airport and around the city on trams, trains and the new Metro Tunnel, mostly without a car.
SkyBus & getting into the city
A key thing to know: Melbourne Airport has no train (the long-promised rail link is years away). The reliable option is the SkyBus, running frequently to Southern Cross Station in about 30 minutes (~$25.90 one-way), with onward hotel-transfer services; taxis and rideshare take a similar time. From Southern Cross you're plugged straight into the tram and train network. If you'd rather be met, we can arrange a private airport transfer as part of your trip.
Trams, the Free Tram Zone & Myki
Melbourne's trams are both transport and icon — the world's largest network, and free within the CBD's Free Tram Zone (covering the city centre, Docklands and Queen Victoria Market). For the sightseeing loop, hop the free heritage City Circle tram. Beyond the free zone, tap on with a Myki card on trams, trains and buses (contactless payment is rolling out through 2026 but isn't fully live yet). The compact, flat CBD is also very walkable.
The Metro Tunnel & suburban rail
Melbourne's big transport news is the Metro Tunnel, which opened for full service in early 2026, adding five underground stations — Arden, Parkville, State Library, Town Hall and Anzac — and a new cross-city line. It makes the university and arts precincts even easier to reach. The wider suburban train network radiates from the City Loop and Southern Cross to the beaches, suburbs and day-trip gateways. For getting around town, though, trams and your own two feet are usually all you need.
Getting around: your questions
Not yet — there's still no airport train in 2026 (the Melbourne Airport Rail is delayed to around the early 2030s). The main link is the SkyBus, which runs frequently from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to Southern Cross Station in about 30 minutes, for roughly $25.90 one-way. Taxis and rideshare are the alternatives. From Southern Cross, trams and trains connect you across the city.
It's wonderfully simple: travel on any tram within the CBD's Free Tram Zone is completely free — no ticket needed. The zone covers the city centre, Docklands and the Queen Victoria Market area. You only need a Myki card once you travel beyond it (on trams, trains or buses). There's also a free City Circle tram (Route 35) in heritage burgundy carriages that loops the CBD's edges for sightseeing.
For travel beyond the Free Tram Zone, yes — the Myki smartcard is Melbourne's ticketing system for trams, trains and buses (buy and top up at stations, 7-Elevens and machines). Contactless bank-card and phone payment is being rolled out across the network through 2026 (trains first), but it isn't fully live everywhere yet, so a Myki is still the reliable option. Within the CBD, remember, trams are free.
Yes — the Metro Tunnel opened in stages, with full services running from early 2026. It added five new underground stations — Arden, Parkville, State Library, Town Hall and Anzac — and routed the Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham lines through the city in a new cross-city tunnel, freeing up the City Loop. For visitors it means easier access to the University/Parkville precinct and, via Anzac station, the arts precinct and the 'G.
No — Melbourne is one of Australia's easiest cities to get around without a car. The tram network (the world's largest) plus trains and buses cover the city and suburbs, the CBD is flat and very walkable, and the Free Tram Zone makes the centre free to get around. A car is only really useful for day trips beyond the city (the Great Ocean Road, wine regions) — and even then, guided tours are often the more relaxing choice.