Myki Explained: Melbourne Transport for New Arrivals

How Myki works in Melbourne

The Myki card is used across all public transport in Victoria: metropolitan trains, trams and buses in Melbourne, plus regional buses and the V/Line train service. Every time you board, you tap your card on the reader. When you exit, tap again. The system works out which zones you've travelled through and charges you accordingly. There is no daily or weekly cap like Opal in Sydney, but the Myki Pass option (if you know you'll be travelling frequently) can be cheaper than pay-as-you-go for regular commuters.

Getting a Myki card

You can buy a Myki card at train stations, convenience stores, newsagents, transport retailers, and major supermarkets, or order one online through the Public Transport Victoria website. The card is free or costs a small one-time fee (check the official site for current prices). Once you have it, you can load either Myki Money or a Myki Pass onto the same card. You don't need to buy a new card if you move suburbs within Victoria—just top it up or renew your pass.

Myki Money vs Myki Pass

You have two ways to pay with your Myki card. Myki Money is the pay-as-you-go option: you load credit onto the card and fares are deducted each time you travel. This works well if your travel is irregular. Myki Pass is for a set period—you pay upfront for a week or month of unlimited travel within your chosen zones. If you commute regularly, a weekly or monthly pass is usually cheaper than pay-as-you-go. Check Public Transport Victoria's website for current pricing on both options, as fares change annually.

The free tram zone in Melbourne's CBD

One of Melbourne's standout features is the free tram zone in the central business district. If you're travelling entirely within this zone on a tram, you don't need to touch on—you can just board and travel for free. This makes it easy to explore the CBD and get between key areas without cost. The zone doesn't apply to trains or buses, so if you're using those, you'll still need to tap and pay.

Touching on and off

When you board any train, tram or bus outside the free tram zone, tap your Myki card (or phone/watch with contactless payment, once the rollout is complete in your area) on the reader. When you get off, tap again. This second tap is essential because it tells the system which zones you've travelled through. If you forget to tap off, you'll usually be charged a maximum fare. Always tap off before leaving the vehicle or station.

Contactless payments and the myki upgrade

Victoria is rolling out contactless bank-card and phone payments as part of the "myki upgrade." As of 7 June 2026, many metropolitan lines and V/Line services accept contactless payments (tap your Visa, Mastercard, Amex, or phone/watch directly on the reader without needing a physical card). However, the rollout is ongoing, so check which lines and services in your area accept contactless before relying on it. Once fully rolled out, contactless will offer the same fare structure as Myki Money.

Topping up your Myki card

You can top up your Myki Money balance or renew your Myki Pass at machines at train stations, online through the Public Transport Victoria website or the Myki app, through the Myki app, or at convenience stores and newsagents. You can also set up automatic top-up linked to your bank card if you use Myki Money. The Myki app shows your balance, helps you plan journeys and lets you check the current fare structure.

Regional V/Line travel

If you're travelling outside Melbourne to regional Victoria, the V/Line train and coach services also use Myki. The same Myki card or contactless payment method works on V/Line services (where contactless has been rolled out), making it simple to travel across the state without needing different cards. Check Public Transport Victoria for V/Line–specific fares and zones, which may differ from the metropolitan zones.

International students and the iUSEpass

Eligible international students can apply for the iUSEpass, which is a student-specific travel pass that provides international-student fares on Myki. Eligibility depends on your visa type and student status. To check if you qualify and apply, visit the Public Transport Victoria website or contact them directly with your visa details and student ID. If you're eligible, the iUSEpass is a significant saving compared to adult fares. If you don't qualify, you'll pay the adult fare on either Myki Money or a Myki Pass.

Zone structure and fares

Melbourne's public transport uses a zone system: the further you travel, the more zones you cross, and the more you pay. Zone 1 covers the metropolitan area; Zone 2 extends further out. Weekend fares are cheaper than weekday fares, and off-peak travel (outside morning and evening rush hours) is also discounted. Always check Public Transport Victoria's website for the current zone map and fare tables, as these can change.

Do I need a Myki card or can I use my bank card?

You can use either. Contactless bank cards and phones are rolling out across Melbourne (extended 7 June 2026), but check which services in your area accept contactless before relying on it. A Myki card is the most reliable option for now.

What happens if I forget to touch off?

You'll usually be charged a maximum fare instead of the actual distance fare. Always tap off before you leave the vehicle or station.

Is the free tram zone really free?

Yes, but only for trams travelling entirely within the CBD free zone. Trains and buses require a tap-on and payment, even in the CBD.

Can I use the same Myki card if I move to another state?

No. The Myki card works only in Victoria. If you move to NSW, you'll need an Opal card; if you move to Queensland, you'll need a go card.

Do international students get cheaper fares in Melbourne?

Eligible international students can apply for the iUSEpass, which offers international-student fares on Myki. Check Public Transport Victoria with your visa type to confirm your eligibility. If you don't qualify, you'll pay the adult fare.

Is a Myki Pass cheaper than Myki Money?

It depends on how often you travel. If you commute daily, a weekly or monthly Myki Pass is usually cheaper than pay-as-you-go (Myki Money). Check Public Transport Victoria's pricing for your zones to work out which option suits you.