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Getting around Melbourne

Public transport: 

Trams are a unique feature of Melbourne. They stop at numbered tram-stop signs throughout the city, often in the centre of the road.

Metlink (tel: 131 638, in Australia only; www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au), Melbourne’s public transport system, operates trams, trains and buses. A MetCard or myki pass (tel: 136 954 in Australia only, www.myki.com.au), offers travel on any combination of Metlink operated trams, trains and buses. Buy myki passes online, from The MetShop (at Melbourne Town Hall, corner Flinders and Little Collins Streets) or from Spencer Street Station or Flinders Street Station. Metcards can be purchased on trams, at train stations and convenience stores.

Melbourne’s public transport system generally ceases operation between midnight and 0500 (weekdays) or 0700 (weekends) but operates a limited night bus service on weekends.

Taxis: 

Yellow taxis can be hired if the rooftop light is illuminated. Book by telephone, or hail one on the street or at train and bus stations. Recommended taxi firms include Silver Top (tel: 131 008), Embassy (tel: 131 755) and Black Cabs (tel: 132 227).

Fare meters should be easily visible and additional charges apply for phone bookings, airport pick-ups or late night fares. Expect to pre-pay part of your estimated fare between 1000-1700. Tipping is not expected.

Driving: 

Driving around Melbourne is fairly straightforward, as many roads are wide, with two or three lanes. Note that trams will often share the road and special road rules exist to accommodate them.

The peak hours are generally weekdays 0700-0930 and 1630-1900, although expect notorious traffic jams around the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on weekends during the AFL season between April and September.

Car hire: 

The minimum age for car hire is 21 years. Generally, credit cards must be used. Compulsory third party insurance is required in Victoria and this is often included in the hire price.

Major car hire companies include Avis (tel: 136 333, in Australia only or (03) 8855 5333; www.avis.com.au), Budget (tel: 1300 362 848, in Australia only or (03) 9241 6366; www.budget.com.au) and Hertz (tel: 133 039, in Australia only or (03) 9698 2555; www.hertz.com.au).

Bicycle hire: 

Melbourne’s terrain is relatively flat and bicycle paths wind through the city and suburbs. For maps of rides and trails, contact Bicycle Victoria (tel: (03) 8636 8888; www.bv.com.au).

Bike and helmet rental operators include Rentabike @ Federation Square (tel: (03) 9654 2762; www.rentabike.net.au); BikeNow in South Melbourne (tel: (03) 9696 8588; www.bikenow.com.au/hire); or BikeFun in St Kilda (tel: 1300 BIKEFUN, in Australia only; http://bikefun.stkildacycles.com.au).

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