How To Get Around Melbourne? Your Guide to Trains, Transfers, and the Top Things to See

Heading to Melbourne?

The city doesn’t just boast incredible sights and experiences, it also has a great transportation system that’s easy to navigate. Thanks to trains, trams, buses, and more, you’ll get to tick off all the attractions you want to visit in no time.

From the extensive Melbourne transport system to car rentals and things to see, here’s everything you need to know about getting around the Victorian capital.

As a testament to its size, the city has four different airports. If you’re coming from a different country, you’ll likely land at Melbourne International Airport (locals call it the Tullamarine Airport); but if your flight is with Jetstar or Air Asia, you’ll likely land at Avalon Airport. There are two ways to travel to and from both airports: by car or by bus.

You can take the SkyBus to Melbourne Airport and Avalon Airport from Southern Cross Railway Station. The average trip takes around 22 minutes so make sure to plan accordingly. There are regular trips every day, with departures every 10 minutes during peak hours. The Melbourne Skybus has WiFi and wheelchair access for a comfortable journey.

Another option is to hire a convenient airport transfer service that will pick you up from the airport to your hotel. This is best for people with plenty of heavy luggage, so you don’t have to carry them around the city. With Klook, you can pick the type and size of the car you want at a fixed price for a hassle-free start and end to your Melbourne trip.

The city also has two smaller airports that are connected to the Melbourne transport system and host domestic flights: Essendon Airport and Moorabbin Airport. To reach Essendon Airport, you can take the tram service 59 to Stop 56, bus route 477 to the English Street stop, or the train to Essendon station.

As for Moorabbin Airport, you can hop on the train to Cheltenham railway station and get a taxi or book an airport transfer service.

Melbourne's public transport system is one of the world’s fastest and most efficient thanks to its well-connected network of trains, trams, and buses. You can reach the CBD and the surrounding suburbs in minutes. To help you navigate, you can use Public Transport Victoria’s very handy journey planner. The best part of it all: you can access everything using only one card, the myki.

To get a myki card, you can buy and top up at ticket booths in train stations, ticket machines, and convenient stores. A digital card is also available for Android users who can use the Mobile myki app to use and top up the travel pass.

If public transport isn’t for you, you also have the option to rent a car. It’s great if you’re planning to go on day trips to different parts of the state and you want to see the city at your own pace. The downside is that finding parking spots can be quite challenging and pricey. There are also important road rules to remember because of the presence of trams. 

One of the best parts about the Melbourne transport system is the variety of options. Keen on trying something new? Instead of taking a train, take a sightseeing cruise to Williamstown and soak in the sights of the city from the Yarra River.

Another option is to take a water taxi which has different 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 Melbourne heat.

Looking for an alternative to the typical Melbourne transport options? Rent a bike and take advantage of one of the best cycle-friendly cities in the world. With plenty of trains throughout the CBD and its surroundings, you can explore the best of Melbourne easily on two wheels. It helps that a lot of bike paths are surrounded by shades or alongside the river, so it’s a breezy ride even during the hot Aussie summer.

Now that you know how to get around Melbourne. It’s time to decide where to go. With heaps of unique experiences and amazing sights, it can be hard to choose. We’ve picked three of our favourites to give you some ideas for your holiday.

After getting to know Melbourne from the ground, why not discover the city from the very top? At Melbourne Skydeck, the highest observation deck in the Southern Hemisphere, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the stunning skyline. With plenty of viewfinders and binoculars, you can spot the city’s landmarks like the National Gallery of Victoria, the University of Melbourne, and more.

This isn’t your ordinary train ride. Built in 1900, a ride on the Puffing Billy Railway train is like taking a trip back in time. With steam coming out of the chimney and sounds from the train’s whistle, you’ll get a glimpse of how people from generations ago used to travel. Besides the train itself, the view outside is just as stunning. Look out the window to take in the vibrant Dandenong Ranges during the trip.

Ever wondered what the bottom of the ocean looks like? Spend the day at SEA LIFE Aquarium and discover all kinds of aquatic animals, ranging from stunning jellyfish and penguins to terrifying sharks and crocodiles. Make sure to catch the daily talks and feedings! Plus, the aquarium is well-connected to the Melbourne transport system. Just take a tram or train to the Flinders Street stop.