Public transport services in Melbourne include trams, buses, and trains. You can check the lines and routes in the PTV (Public Transport Victoria) website.
To use the public transport, you need to obtain a Myki card. Fares depend on the zones you travel in. Our conference venue, University College, is in Zone 1. You can travel between the conference venue and Melbourne CBD on tram Route 19 (conference venue is 220m away from the #13 Gatehouse St/Royal Pde stop).
Obtain a Myki card
You can purchase a Myki card from Myki machines at Melbourne Airport, train stations, major tram stops, or from retailers such as 7-Eleven. Use the PTV website to find out the closest retailer near you. The card itself costs a small fee. If you are using an Android mobile phone, you may be able to use the digital Myki, which is accessible via the Google Wallet app.
Top up the Myki
There are two ways to top up the Myki card: Myki money and Myki pass, using Myki machines, online via the Myki website, or through the PTV app.
- Myki money: if you travel occasionally, pay as you go with myki Money. Load money onto your myki, and it will calculate the lowest fare based on where you travel. There is a two-hour fare cap of $5.3, and a daily fare cap of $10.6 assuming you are travelling in zone 1 or zone 1 + 2.
- Myki pass: if you travel often, buy consecutive days with a myki Pass, which offers unlimited travel for a set period. Choose where you’ll be travelling and how many days you need. The minimum length for a Pass is 7 days, and it costs $53 if you are travelling in zone 1 or zone 1 + 2.
The card can hold Myki money and Myki pass at the same time. Myki pass will apply first when you touch on the card.
You may be eligible for a concession Myki if you meet the requirements outlined here.
Travel with Myki
There is a free tram zone in Melbourne CBD. A sign is presented in the tram stop if it is in the free tram zone. You do not need the Myki card to travel on tram within this zone. However, if your trip starts or ends outside the free tram zone, touch on your Myki card at the readers inside the tram when you board; you do not need to touch off.
When using trains, touch on your Myki card at the readers located at the station entrance before boarding. Ensure you check the destination and stop details on the display boards. After your journey, touch off your Myki card at the readers when you exit the station.
When taking buses, touch on your Myki card at the reader near the driver when you board, and touch off at the reader near the exit when you leave the bus.
To check your Myki card balance, use Myki machines at train stations or view it online or through the PTV app. For a lost or damaged Myki card, check this website.