Melbourne does not have a conventional metro network, but it is very well replaced by a dense network of urban trains.

Officially, this network is referred to as the "Metro" and even many locals use the term "subway" rather than "train".

For tourists, however, these trains make sense virtually only when travelling out of the centre to more distant beaches. To get around the centre, the extremely dense tram network is much better suited.

In addition, the sights within the centre are close together and can be conveniently circumnavigated on foot.

Top 10 hotels in Melbourne

Train fares

The same fares apply to all means of transport - train/metro, trams and buses - for the entire metropolitan area. You can change between means of transport at will.

Ticket prices

Public transport tickets in Melbourne are relatively cheap and the fare system is very clear.

• 5,50 aud - 2 hours (any number of transfers), for journeys in zone 1 or 1+2
• 11 aud - weekday daily cap, calculated by calendar day, not 24 hours after the first journey
• 7,60 aud - maximum daily fare at weekends and on public holidays, calculated according to the calendar day, not 24 hours after the first journey
• 55 aud - 7-day pass

The zone system is described in more detail in the Transport chapter.

How do I pay the metro fare?

To pay your tickets you need a myki card for 6 aud or pay via Google Pay. Mobile payment is currently only available for Android mobiles and not for iPhones.

When you buy a myki card, you have to choose between two options:

• myki Money - you load any amount of money onto the card, which is gradually charged according to the tariffs listed above
• myki Pass - you can load a 7-day or annual pass onto the card

Detailed information is available on this page: ptv.vic.gov.au/travel-with-myki.

Attach your card or phone with myki open in Google Wallet to the turnstile when you enter the station or the validator on the platform.

You must also swipe your card when you exit - always at the validator on the platform or turnstile.

Where can I buy and top up my myki card?

Myki can be purchased in many places:

• Vending machines at some tram stops and at all train/metro stations - you can pay with your card and cash.
• All 7-Eleven stores
• At the PTV Information Centre at Southern Cross station

In contrast, you cannot buy a physical myki card at Melbourne Airport.

You can top up your physical card at the locations mentioned above, plus via the PTV mobile app.

Map and train routes in Melbourne

Melbourne has a total of 6 metropolitan train lines distinguished by colour. However, the individual lines always branch off at the ends and for easy differentiation, the name of the terminus is used for the name of the entire route in addition to the colour.

All lines meet at the central Flinders Street station.

The red, yellow, light blue and dark blue lines in the centre form the so-called 'red line'. City Loop - circular route under the centre.

Which direction do the trains run on City Loop?

If you are heading downtown to one of the stations in the "City Loop", pay attention to which direction the circle line travels.

The directions often change during the day, but can be identified by the departure signs at a glance.

If a particular train is indicated via City Loop, the service is first on the northern (underground) part of the circuit, which means:

• Trains from the north and west run as follows: North Melbourne -> Flagstaff -> Melbourne Central -> Parliament -> Flinders Street -> Southern Cross -> North Melbourne
• Trains from the south and east run as follows: Richmond -> Parliament -> Melbourne Central -> Flagstaff -> Southern Cross -> Flinders Street -> Richmond

If a specific train is indicated Flinders Street, the train takes the fastest route to that station, which means:

• Trains from the north and west run as follows: North Melbourne -> Southern Cross -> Flinders Street -> Parliament -> Melbourne Central -> Flagstaff -> North Melbourne
• Trains from the south and east run as follows: Richmond -> Flinders Street -> Flagstaff -> Melbourne Central -> Parliament -> Richmond

Which are useful for tourists?

These routes lead to tourist attractions:

• Sandringham Line (pink) - use to get to Brighton Bathing Boxes
• Craigieburn Line (yellow) - a cheap alternative for getting to Melbourne Airport (transfer to bus 901 at Broadmeadows station required)
• Williamstown Line (green) - use to get to Williamstown
• Lilydale + Belgrave Line (dark blue) - use for travel to Dandenong Ranges National Park

Operating hours - do trains run 24/7?

Individual services generally run from 5:30am to 12:30am on weekdays and Saturdays, or from 7:30am on Sundays.

In the centre, where all the branches of a given line meet, the interval between trains is usually 5-8 minutes, while on the end branches it is usually 15-20 minutes.

On Friday to Saturday and Saturday to Sunday nights the service is extended until about 2:00 am.

Full timetable information can be found at ptv.vic.gov.au/timetables.

What do the trains and stations look like?

Metro trains are very spacious, clean and travelling on Melbourne's trains is safe.

Major stations in the city centre have toilets - all are free to use.

All stations have vending machines with drinks, sweets and sandwiches on the platforms, and you'll often find various newsagents and mini-markets around the stations.