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Melbourne transport map

You can find on this page the Melbourne transport map to print and to download in PDF. The Melbourne transportation map presents the transports network and transport zones of the transit of Melbourne in Victoria - Australia.

Melbourne transports map

Map of Melbourne public transports

The Melbourne transport map shows all means of transportation in Melbourne. This transports map of Melbourne will allow you to move easily with public transport of Melbourne in Victoria - Australia. The Melbourne transportation map is downloadable in PDF, printable and free.

Melbourne famed trams and extensive train and bus network make it easy to explore every corner of the city.​​​​​​​​​​​​ Melbourne public transport network extends from the city centre in all directions, with trains, trams and buses offering comprehensive public transport services as its shown in Melbourne transports map. There is also the free City Circle Tram to help you get around to all the city major attractions. The public transport journey planner can help you plan your trip from A to B. Many attractions are listed in the journey planner – simply enter your origin and the name of the attraction in the destination box for a tailored trip plan.

Trains as well as some trams and buses operate through the night on Fridays and Saturdays as you can see in Melbourne transports map. A selection of coach services also run to key regional centres. Metro operates Melbourne metropolitan train network, while V/Line operates Victoria regional public transport. Different companies operate our trams and buses. Although there are various taxi companies, taxis in Melbourne are easily recognisable by the signs that sit atop their roofs and the branding painted on their doors. Taxis (cabs) are readily available in metropolitan and regional areas. All taxis must be registered and the driver must display his/her identification in the car for you to see. 

You will need a myki to travel on most of Melbourne trains, trams and buses. It is a re-usable smart card that stores value to pay your public transport fare as its mentioned in Melbourne transports map. You can buy and top up a myki from: Eleven stores and other retailers where you see the myki signmajor train stations, such as Flinders Street Station and Southern Cross Stationmyki machines at metropolitan train stationsyour Android phone, via Google Payonline at Public Transport Victoriacalling 1800 800 007 (delivered to Australian addresses only). Once you have a valid myki, you are ready to travel. All you need to do is touch on at the myki reader (at entry / exit points at train stations and on board trams and buses) at the start of each trip.

Melbourne zone map

Map of Melbourne zones

The Melbourne zone map shows all transport zones in Melbourne. This zone map of Melbourne will allow you to know the prices of public transport of Melbourne in Victoria - Australia. The Melbourne zones of transports map is downloadable in PDF, printable and free.

Melbourne free tram zone as its shown in Melbourne zone map includes the central city and Docklands, bounded by Spring Street, Flinders Street and La Trobe Street. The zone also includes Victoria Street, William Street and Elizabeth Street, surrounding the Queen Victoria Market. If you are only travelling in this zone, you do not need a myki, but travelling by train or bus still requires a valid ticket. If you are travelling in Zone 1+2, remember to touch on. You do not need to touch off. If you are just travelling in the city Free Tram Zone, do not touch on or off. If you are just travelling in Zone 2, touch on and off for a cheaper fare.

Melbourne regional zones determine the myki fares for regional trains and buses. Regional zones include as you can see in Melbourne zone map: Zone 1+2, but only if you are travelling to or from a regional station or stop. Zones 3 to 13the zone boundary overlap between any two consecutive zones. To find out which zone your station or stop is in, visit Regional myki zones. Fares are based on the number of zones you travel through, whether the travel is to or from Melbourne, and the ticket type. 

The metropolitan area of Melbourne is divided into three zones: Free Tram Zone spans much of the Melbourne CBD. When traveling by TRAM within the zone, you do not need to pay for anything. For tourists, this is very useful because several tourist attractions are located within this zone. The Free Tram Zone is part of Zone 1. Zone 1 covers the city center and some suburbs in the outskirts of the city. Zone 2 covers the suburbs farther away from the city center including Werribee and Frankston. Melbourne zone map below illustrates this better. Stations along yellow lines are within Zone 1, while those in blue are within Zone 2.

GETTING AROUND MELBOURNE: How to Use Myki Card + Tram, Train, Bus

Melbourne is widely regarded as the city with the best transportation system in Australia. With its impressive and expansive network of tram, train, and bus lines, Melbourne should be quite easy to explore. And it was. I found myself enjoying the journey from one attraction to another. However, it wasn’t always like that.

On my first couple of days in Melbourne, I was extremely overwhelmed by its public transportation services. The route network itself is easy to digest. It was the pricing and the whole myki system that I found too confusing. Thankfully, it was only in the beginning. Once I got the hang of it, everything went smoothly.

In this post, I’ll try to explain how the myki card works and how to use Melbourne’s public transportation as simply as I can.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

Melbourne’s Transport Zones

First, it’ll be helpful to understand Melbourne’s transport zones. The metropolitan area of Melbourne is divided into three zones:

• Free Tram Zone spans much of the Melbourne CBD. When traveling by TRAM within the zone, you don’t need to pay for anything. For tourists, this is very useful because several tourist attractions are located within this zone. The Free Tram Zone is part of Zone 1. I’ll discuss it further in the next section.
• Zone 1 covers the city center and some suburbs in the outskirts of the city.
• Zone 2 covers the suburbs farther away from the city center including Werribee and Frankston.

The rail map below illustrates this better. Stations along yellow lines are within Zone 1, while those in blue are within Zone 2.

These zones dictate the fare. A different fare applies when you’re traveling within Zone 1 and traveling within Zone 2. But when you’re traveling BETWEEN Zones 1 and 2, the fare is the same as traveling within Zone 1. Here’s a quick summary of these fares.

I’ll explain these fares further below.

But if you’re traveling within the FREE Tram Zone, you don’t need to pay anything because it’s, well, free.

FREE Tram Zone

For visitors, one of the best things about Melbourne is its iconic FREE TRAM . You don’t need to get any sort of pass or ticket to avail of this; just hop into the tram. It’s FREE as long as you’re traveling WITHIN the FREE TRAM ZONE.

If your starting or ending point is outside the zone, the A$4.40 rate will apply.

Outside the free tram zone, you have plenty of options. But wait, before that, let me introduce to you the myki .

How Does the myki Card Work?

The myki is an electronic stored-value reloadable smart card that is used in all public transportation services in Melbourne — bus, tram, train. With this card, you can easily get around the city and even the surrounding suburbs. Cash isn’t accepted anymore. Even if you’re a tourist staying in Melbourne for a few days, you will need to get a myki card if you want to use the public transportation system. And that’s a problem because the myki system is just so confusing especially for tourists.

So how does it work? Well, it works just like Hong Kong’s Octopus card or Tokyo’s SUICA/PASMO card. You “touch on” the card — hover the card above the reader — before entering the train station or boarding the bus/tram and “touch off” when you reach your destination. But it’s a lot more complicated.

Here are some important points.

• The card costs AUD 6. That’s just for the card itself. You will need to top it up after.
• The standard fare is AUD 4.40, which is good for 2 hours — that is 2 hours from the moment you first use or touch on the card. However, if you touch on after 6pm, the 2-hour fare is valid until 3am the next day.
• The daily fare is AUD 8.80. This is the maximum you can spend per day as long as you’re traveling within Melbourne City (Zone 1) and suburbs (Zone 2). Meaning, if you use the card once, you’re gonna get charged A$4.40 for the first 2 hours. If you use it again after 2 hours, you’ll be charged A$8.80, valid for another 2 hours. But if after 2 hours, you decide to use it again, you will no longer be charged because the A$8.80 daily cap is already reached. Same with succeeding uses on that day. It sort of automatically becomes an unlimited pass.
• On weekends, the daily cap is only AUD 6.40. Same reduced rate applies to public holidays.
• A 7-Day myki Pass is available for only AUD 44. This is a good deal if you’re exploring Melbourne for 7 days. Note that these are consecutive days.
• Passengers 5-18 years old can avail of the 50% concession discount. The card price becomes only A$3, weekday fare A$2.20 for 2 hours, daily rate A$4.40, weekend daily cap A$3.2, and 7-day pass cost A$22. Passengers younger than 5yo can travel for FREE.
• You don’t need a myki when traveling by tram within the FREE Tram Zone. If you have a myki, you DO NOT need to touch on your card if within the Free Tram Zone. But if your starting or ending point is outside the zone, the A$4.40 2-hour rate will apply.

Here’s a quick summary of the fares (as of 2019).

A lower fare applies if you’re traveling within Zone 2 (farther suburbs), but as a tourist, you’re probably gonna be coming from Zone 1 so I decided not to break it down in the table above to avoid making this a lot more complicated.

How to Use Melbourne’s Trams, Trains & Buses

Having a lot of available transportation modes is both great and confusing. How do you know which is the best option for your desired destination?

If you own a smartphone, you can download the PTV app. PTV stands for Public Transport Victoria, the agency that governs and runs the tram, train, and bus systems in this part of Australia. You can download here: iOS , Android .

On the app, enter your origin and destination. If you’ve allowed the app to use your location, it can show you the station nearest you. It will then present a selection of routes that you may take. Pick one based on your schedule and preferences.

Then follow these:

• Touch on your myki card as you enter the station. You will find myki card readers at the entrance gates.
• Head to the designated platform. You’ll see the platform number on the PTV app. Also look for signs to double check. You’ll find the train timetable at the platform. Check out the signs on the train or at the platform to make sure you’re boarding the right train.
• If you’re making a transfer, no need to touch off the card UNLESS there are barrier gates in between.
• Touch off your myki card as you exit the station.

• Make your way to the bus stop. There usually is a timetable displayed at each stop.
• When your bus arrives, hop in.
• Touch on your card as you enter. You’ll find the myki readers onboard the vehicle.
• When you reach your destination, don’t forget to TOUCH OFF before alighting the bus.

• Make your way to the tram station. There usually are timetables posted at each stop. Often, there’s also a digital screen announcing what trains are coming next and at what time. You can refer to this to make sure you’re boarding the right tram.
• When your tram arrives, hop in. If you’re traveling within the FREE tram zone, NO NEED TO TOUCH ON. If you’re traveling Zone 1+2, you must touch on. but you don’t need to touch off.
• When you reach your destination, NO NEED TO TOUCH OFF if you’re traveling Zone 1+2 or if within FREE Tram Zone. Touch off only if you’re traveling within Zone 2.

IMPORTANT! When traveling outside the free tram zone, don’t forget to touch on your myki. It’s actually easy to game the system and deliberately skip touching on to save dollars, but please DON’T do it . It’s also easy to forget to touch on. But bear in mind that sometimes, ticket officers show up and inspect random passengers’ cards. If you’re caught not paying the right fare, you may be fined around A$250! I’ve seen this first-hand at Werribee Station. Several ticket inspectors checked the myki of alighting bus passengers.

Other Transportation Options

Of course, the public transportation system isn’t perfect. Delays happen and some stations are sometimes temporarily closed for various reasons. One time, the tram that I was on had technical issues and all the passengers were asked to step out and wait for the next tram (which took forever to arrive). They don’t happen all the time, but if you’re in a hurry and you can afford it, you may take the taxi or Uber.

Uber is generally cheaper than taxi. I once tried taking a cab from Southern Cross to Central Station and I was charged A$ 10.60 for the ride. Another day, I used Uber on the same route and paid only A$ 8.60.

If traveling within CBD, I prefer walking. Melbourne is a very pretty city, with a distinct European vibe that other Australian cities don’t possess. You’ll also stumble upon delightful surprises like artful graffiti and food kiosks.

How to Get to Melbourne

From Manila, fly to Melbourne with Philippine Airlines. Travel time is only around 8 hours.

Regular fares can go as low as USD233 one-way, which can still go lower when there’s a promo. All bookings come with FREE 25kg baggage allowance and a hot meal, a snack, and complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

PAL, the country’s four-star flag-carrier, uses a 309-seater Airbus A330-300.

2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣9️⃣ • 6️⃣ • 3️⃣0️⃣

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

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Public transport

Melbourne's famed trams and extensive train and bus network make it easy to explore every corner of the city.​​​​​​​​​​​​

Melbourne's public transport network extends from the city centre in all directions, with trains, trams and buses offering comprehensive public transport services.

There's also the free City Circle Tram to help you get around to all the city's major attractions.

Maps and timetables

For detailed information and timetables for trains, trams and buses, visit Public Transport Victoria or call 1800 800 007.

Plan your journey

The public transport journey planner can help you plan your trip from A to B. Many attractions are listed in the journey planner – simply enter your origin and the name of the attraction in the destination box for a tailored trip plan.

You can also download the PTV app .

Accessibility

Do you use a mobility aid, need priority seating or have a vision or hearing impairment? There are services, support and resources to help you access public transport in Melbourne.

For more information, visit accessing public transport .

All night public transport Friday and Saturday

Trains as well as some trams and buses operate through the night on Fridays and Saturdays. A selection of coach services also run to key regional centres. Find out more about the Night Network .

Free Tram Zone

Melbourne’s free tram zone includes the central city and Docklands, bounded by Spring Street, Flinders Street and La Trobe Street. The zone also includes Victoria Street, William Street and Elizabeth Street, surrounding the Queen Victoria Market.

If you’re only travelling in this zone, you don’t need a myki, but travelling by train or bus still requires a valid ticket.

Free Tram Zone map (PDF 757KB)

You’ll need a myki to travel on most of Melbourne's trains, trams and buses. It is a re-usable smart card that stores value to pay your public transport fare.

You can buy and top up a myki from:

7-Eleven stores and other retailers where you see the myki sign

major train stations, such as Flinders Street Station and Southern Cross Station

myki machines at metropolitan train stations

your Android phone , via Google Pay

online at Public Transport Victoria

calling 1800 800 007 (delivered to Australian addresses only).

How to use myki

Once you have a valid myki, you're ready to travel. All you need to do is touch on at the myki reader (at entry / exit points at train stations and on board trams and buses) at the start of each trip. Then touch off when you exit the train station or vehicle.

Failure to show a valid myki (that is topped up and touched on) to a ticket inspector can lead to a fine.

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Your Guide on Public Transport in Melbourne

Melbourne is known for the convenience of its public transport. 

If you are new to Melbourne or are confused about whether to tap off on trams, look no further! Navigating around the city is not as daunting as it seems. And planning to travel can be a smooth ride. using the  PTV Journey Planner . 

Here is a guide to public transport in Melbourne!

Purchasing a Myki card is the first step to travelling on trams, trains and buses in Melbourne. Myki is a reloadable card used as a ticketing system for public transportation services in Victoria— trams, trains, buses. Myki card is available to purchase at most train stations and convenience stores like 7-11. For just $6 for a Myki card, you now have access to get around and explore Melbourne using its widely accessible public transport.

METROPOLITAN ZONES 

Source: The Age

Different metropolitan zones will determine the travel fares. Metropolitan Melbourne is split into three zones, including

• Free Tram Zone (CBD, only for trams) 

Zone 1 comprises the inner suburbs that are usually within a 10km radius from Central Business District ( CBD), while Zone 2 is made up of suburbs that are further away. 

If you’re in Zone 2, your travel fare per hour is $3.00 with a daily cap of $6.00. For Zone 1 the travel fare is $4.50 with a daily cap of $9.00. If you’re travelling in between, the price will follow Zone 1. 

Key: Yellow: Zone 1, Blue: Zone 2  

So, when do I need to touch on and off? 

For trains and buses, you are required to touch on and off. 

For trams and, myki card isn’t mandatory for travels within the free tram zone. Touching on is required for all travels outside of the free tram zone or on trains and buses. Moving between Zone 1+2, you do not need to touch off. If you are only travelling within either zone, you can touch off to receive a cheaper fare. 

In circumstances where you are unsure, you can touch on and off every time. 

Melbourne is well-known for its extensive tram network. Travelling by trams is a convenient way of getting around the city and its nearby suburbs. Trams are free for everyone in the CBD. The Free Tram Zone is highlighted at most tram stops to guide the rider on the free area. 

Other than that, everyone is required to have a valid ticket by tapping on when getting on trams. Always remember to tap on when travelling outside the free tram zones. Authorised tram officers often situate themselves at tram stops, checking if passengers have a valid ticket. Penalties up to $200 can be given to riders without a valid ticket.

Metro Train is an easily accessible and highly used public transport as it allows people to travel from the city to suburbs in metropolitan Melbourne with ease. While it is a convenient mode of transport, the train network in Melbourne is often met with delays that its commuters have to cope with. Thus, always play safe and factor in more travelling time when taking the trains. 

The V/Line is also a convenient way to travel to regional Victoria, including Geelong and Ballarat. Departing from Southern Cross, the V/Line takes you to Geelong in just under an hour. This is extremely handy when travelling to regional areas that are inaccessible by other public transport. 

It’s possible to pre-book V/Line tickets online or purchase it at the train stations. 

Buses in Melbourne are another major form of public transport. Buses are more commonly used when travelling to outer suburbs or specific areas that are inaccessible by trains or trams. In most cases, buses can bring you to local shopping centres and other attractions around Melbourne. 

Want to clock in a retail therapy session at Chadstone Shopping Centre? You might find that bus 903 will take you directly to the shopping haven while a train ride to the nearest Oakleigh station will still leave you some distance away from your shopping spree. 

SkyBus allows travelling to and from Melbourne Airport at a fast and affordable way. While taxis and private-hire cars are commonly used when travelling to the airport, it is also a pricey form of transport for many international students. For about $20 one-way, you can travel to the airport with free wifi inside the bus. With departures every 15 minutes, there’s no need to worry about missing the flight home. 

The downside of using Skybus is that you have to depart from their pickup points (one of which is Southern Cross Station) so if you have lots of luggage, you might be better off using private transport. 

Instead of using a Myki, you can purchase tickets at Southern Cross Station, Melbourne Tullamarine Airport or online . 

Myki Concessions

Concession cardholders are entitled to 50% discount when travelling. For students under 18, you can travel on a children concession fare.

Full-time international students can be entitled to an international Undergraduate Student Education pass (iUSEpass). An iUSEpass gives unlimited travel on trains, trams and buses in Zone 1+2. Check their website to apply here . However, it is only worth it if you constantly travel outside the free tram zone. Check out this Myki fare calculator to find out how much your travels can cost.  

Off Peak Travel 

Starting last February, your myki cost will be reduced when you travel during off peak hour. Public Transport Victoria (PTV) said this encourages commuters to take advantage of quieter public transport periods.

Everyone will get 30% discount for their myki fee between 9.30am and 4pm or after 7pm on weekdays. However this does not include weekends, public holidays, or if you travel only in zone 2.

Losing My Myki: What do I do? 

It is important to first register all of the reader’s Myki to keep and protect the balance inside. This way, PTV can freeze the misplaced Myki and provide a replacement. 

To report lost or stolen Myki: 

• Call PTV on 1800 800 007
• logging into your Myki account
• Visiting a nearby PTV Hub

If your Myki is not registered, PTV cannot retrieve or replace the Myki and a new card has to be purchased. 

Reaching out to PTV

When faced with any public transport-related questions, you can always reach out to the PTV call centre at 1800 800 007 . The call-centre is open from 6 am to midnight daily and all night on Friday and Saturday. 

PTV also provides public transport-related information in other languages that are commonly spoken in Victoria. You can find them here . 

Checkout our other articles on driving , cycling   and more on our website!

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Melbourne's public transport system

Is your head spinning just thinking about exploring Melbourne's public transport system? If so, don't sweat it – you're not alone! The city's complicated web of bus, train, and tram routes can be overwhelming, and staying up-to-date with service changes can be a full-time job.

But fear not – we've got your back! In this in-depth guide, we'll show you how to juggle the ins and outs of Melbourne's public transit system, giving you the confidence and know-how to whip around town with ease. From maps and timetables to top tips to keep you on track, let's dive in and explore Melbourne's public transport system.

Overview of Melbourne's Public Transport System

Melbourne is recognized as one of the most liveable cities in the world and it has a great public transport system to match. It offers plenty of options, covering all regions of metropolitan Melbourne and Victoria, ranging from metro lines and trams to buses, regional trains and even taxis. With many affordable ticketing options available, exploring what Melbourne’s public transport system has to offer is an exciting journey.

The strength of the public transport system lies in its integration and diversity. As seamless travel is a major priority, there are several initiatives being undertaken. These include improved timetables, a wide range of fare types, detailed station maps and other features such as park and ride facilities and Wi-Fi access on some routes. Additionally, efforts have been made to ensure greater accessibility for everyone, with improved services for people with disabilities and special needs.

Having said that, the public transport system does have some drawbacks. Trains can be overcrowded during peak hours and breakdowns are not unheard of. The issue of safety also arises for people who use late night services or walk/cycle to stations in more isolated areas. Additionally, bus services – especially in rural areas – can be unreliable due to traffic congestion or other factors.

Overall, Melbourne's public transport system is comprehensive and generally reliable. If used wisely, it can provide convenient journeys that are affordable too – helping you get where you need to go without worrying about parking headaches or expensive car maintenance costs. In the next section we will dive into greater depth by looking at specific metro lines and train rides around Melbourne city and further afield.

Metro lines and Trams & The Train Rides

Once you have an overall understanding of the public transport system in Melbourne, you can start exploring the individual components which help make this extensive network possible. Metro lines and trams represent two of the key elements of Melbourne's public transport system and provide something to look out for when discovering this dazzling city.

The metro lines are great for travelling within the city, as they stop at all major locations and points of interest. Whether it's a trip to the iconic Queen Victoria Market or a quick ride over to Luna Park, a metro line will often be the most convenient option. It is also important to note that Melbourne takes pride in having the largest urban tramway network in the world and taking a ride on one of these trams is always an interesting experience. The trams travel all around Melbourne’s centre and suburbs, and journeys are usually quite fast and comfortable - although there tends to be a risk of overcrowding during peak times.

The train rides can also give insight into wonderful places and friendly spots outside of Melbourne’s main central business district. Regional train rides offer passengers breathtaking views ranging from striking coastal sites to valley vistas set against rolling hills. Furthermore, if you are looking for more distant adventures, interstate trains depart daily from Southern Cross Station to destinations all around Australia’s eastern coast, such as Sydney and Brisbane.

Riding around with these various methods of transport provides good opportunities to find hidden gems scattered throughout the Greater Melbourne area, while giving yourself some much needed breathing room after a day in one of the busiest cities in Australia. So whether you choose to opt for metro lines, trams or trains, be sure to take an adventure and explore what diverse wonders await! With this kind of knowledge under your belt it may be time move onto evaluating different fare payment options and planning your next journey through Melbourne's public transport system!

Different Options for Using Public Transport in Melbourne

When deciding which mode of transport to use when exploring Melbourne, there are several different options available. Metro lines are an efficient way to travel around the city with quick and direct routes, while trams and trains provide a scenic journey through Melbourne. Some may debate which is better or more cost-effective, but both offer viable solutions for commuters.

Metros can often be quicker and direct routes, hopping from one popular destination to another without unnecessary stops making them ideal for busy commuters who have somewhere specific to go in a timely manner. Trains however, provide a picturesque journey around the city, letting passengers observe the diverse sights that Melbourne has to offer. Often cheaper than metros and involving fewer transfers, they provide an enjoyable experience as well as transportation.

In order to get the most out of exploring Melbourne's public transport system, its important to research all the different modes of transport available so that commuters can make an informed decision on which is the best option for travelling throughout the city. From accessing further destinations by bus and purchasing tickets, paying attention to details like these can help visitors discover all that Melbourne’s public transport infrastructure has to offer.

Buses and Destinations & Tickets

Buses are often the most convenient way to get around Melbourne for short distances, especially in suburban areas. Some bus routes have express services that run during peak hours and travel to popular destinations such as the airport or shopping centers quickly.

When it comes to buying tickets for buses, or any public transport in Melbourne, there are 2 main options. The first is Myki cards, a prepaid card that has to be charged with funds before travelling. Myki cards can be bought from newsagents, 7-Eleven stores and selected train stations. Alternatively, customers can purchase single-use paper tickets which are valid for up to 2 hours of travel and cost more than a Myki fare for the same journey.

Deciding which option is better depends on an individual's needs. Myki cards might offer cheaper fares but require a setup fee and payments topped up every now and then. Paper tickets might require more money but also allow people who don't usually use public transport to access buses without committing to a prepaid card.

Having explored the different options available when using buses in Melbourne, it is now important to know how to find which routes are accessible and how they should be used effectively.

Directions to Accessible Routes and Services

Now that we have discussed buses and destinations, as well as ticket types, let’s turn to directions on how to access the accessible routes and services. Navigating Melbourne’s public transportation system can be especially challenging for those with mobility issues, so it is important to spotlight directions to accessible routes below. There are several options available:

1) Online Trip Planner- Melbourne has an online trip planner. You can use the planner to choose the most accessible route for your trip, including those that offer wheelchair access or audio descriptions. The website also provides detailed information about points of interest along the way, popular destinations, and fare costs for each route.

2) Accessibility Focused Apps- The “MyAccess Victoria” app provides easy-to-follow guidance for users with disabilities as they plan out their trips around the city. It features comprehensive accessibility maps of bus stops and train stations, making it easier to find the best route tailored to each user's specific needs.

3) Scheduled Tours- For those who require further assistance in navigating public transport, organized tours may be a good alternative. Organizations such as Melbourne Accessible Tourism provide scheduled tours that guide visitors through gentle explorations of Melbourne’s top attractions while helping them learn efficient ways to use public transit. This can be a great way for travelers with disabilities or mobility issues to take full advantage of all that Melbourne has to offer!

These resources provide invaluable assistance when planning trips throughout the city and make it easier than ever for all passengers—regardless of ability—to explore Melbourne’s vibrant neighborhoods with ease. From here, we will delve into journey planning and gain an understanding of some of the differences between routes, so stay tuned and ready to investigate further!

Journey Planning & Route Differences

Journey planning and route differences are essential components to consider when exploring Melbourne’s public transport system. Through comprehensive journey planning, travelers can track the fastest route using various modes of transport and save time. For users with limited mobility, understanding available routes and services is especially important when planning a journey.

When it comes to planning a trip, there are several services that can help travelers determine their best route. The Public Transport Victoria website provides timetables, service updates, interactive maps and access to the Journey Planner tool which can help travelers create custom routes based on origin, destination and departure times. In addition, the TripView App allows users to plan trips by train, tram and buses from any location in the city.

Another factor to consider when navigating Melbourne’s public transport system is understanding different routes and how they may affect traveling times. Generally speaking, travelling via express trains or premium trams may reduce commuting times however they can be expensive if not qualified for a concession fare. On the other hand, alternative routes may be slower yet more cost effective for travelers on a budget.

Ultimately, journey planning and route differences need to be carefully considered depending on individual preferences and needs. It’s important to compare all options before deciding on a particular route as this can often make a huge difference in terms of economy or speed. Taking into account available services will also help ensure an easier journey for those with special requirements such as those with restricted mobility or specific access requirements.

How reliable is Melbourne's public transportation system?

Melbourne's public transportation system is generally considered quite reliable. Schedules are regularly updated, and buses and trains typically arrive on time. Furthermore, Melbourne has invested significant capital into their public transportation infrastructure over time, as well as high levels of service such as increased frequency during peak hours and timely maintenance management to ensure a safe and reliable experience. All in all, Melbourne's public transportation system operates efficiently and allows for a comfortable commute around the city. Whether to or from a hotel in Melbourne or to  the airport to catch a flight, the system has you covered.

How much does it cost to use Melbourne's public transportation?

Using Melbourne's public transportation typically costs between $4.20-$7.30 for an adult one-way ticket, depending on the zone one is travelling in and the type of ticket purchased. For regular commuters, a myki card can be used to get around Melbourne at discounted rates. myki cards are available from many outlets across Melbourne, including railway stations, authorized retailers and self-service machines. Additionally, concession fares can be paid by students or seniors with valid ID cards. These fares cost $2.60-$3.90, depending on the zones and again, the type of ticket purchased.

What form of transportation is available in Melbourne?

Melbourne boasts an extensive and reliable public transport system. The public transport options available in Melbourne include trams, buses, trains, ferries, and regional V/Line services.

Trams are considered to be the iconic form of Melbourne's transport system, with more than 500 kilometres of track running through the city. They are a popular way of getting around, connecting many of the inner suburbs and city centre.

Buses cover a wider area than trams, servicing more suburbs as well as providing easier access for those living in outer suburbs or visiting more remote places throughout Melbourne. They generally operate on longer routes and at higher frequencies during peak times.

The metropolitan train network consists of 16 lines that span across 274 stations throughout Melbourne. The suburban railway is divided into two zones – zone 1 covers the CBD and most inner-city suburbs while zone 2 covers parts of the outer suburbs.

In addition to these primary forms of public transport, Melbourne also has ferries operating along the Yarra River. There are also long-distance services operated by V/Line Regional Railways which take people out of Melbourne to places such as Geelong or Bairnsdale.

Overall, there is no shortage of options when looking for transport in Melbourne; whatever your journey is you are sure to find the right form for it.

Free Tram Zone Melbourne

Updated March 3, 2024

Table of Contents

What is the Melbourne Free Tram Zone?

In Melbourne, the Free Tram Zone is an area where you can ride trams for free. It covers the central part of Melbourne’s CBD (Central Business District) and some surrounding areas.

You don’t need to pay a fare if you travel within this zone on a tram. It’s handy for getting around and exploring the city without worrying about tram fares. However, if you travel outside this zone, you’ll need to pay for your tram ride.

Where Does The Free Tram Zone Start and End?

The Free Tram Zone in Melbourne starts at the intersection of Flinders Street and Spring Street, which is near Flinders Street Station.

From there, it extends throughout the central area of the CBD, including popular stops such as Melbourne Central Station, Queen Victoria Market, and Docklands.

The zone ends at the intersection of Spring Street and La Trobe Street, near Parliament Station.

Myki Cards in Free Tram Zone

In the Free Tram Zone in Melbourne, you don’t need to touch your myki card when boarding or exiting trams. Since travel within the Free Tram Zone is free, there’s no need to touch on or off with your myki card.

However, if you’re traveling outside of the Free Tram Zone, such as when leaving the CBD, you’ll need to touch on and off as usual to pay for your journey.

So, while riding within the Free Tram Zone, you can simply hop on and enjoy the ride without worrying about touching your myki card.

Free Tram Zone Routes

Several tram routes travel within the Free Tram Zone in Melbourne. Some of the main tram routes that operate within this zone include:

• Route 35 – City Circle Tram: This tram route loops around the central area of Melbourne’s CBD, passing by major landmarks and attractions.
• Route 30 – City Circle Tram: Similar to Route 35, this tram also operates as a free tourist tram, providing access to key destinations in the city center.
• Routes 11, 12, 48, and 109: These tram routes traverse through the Free Tram Zone, offering convenient transport options for commuters and visitors alike.

These are just a few examples of tram routes that operate within the Free Tram Zone. There may be additional routes or variations depending on specific timetables and service changes.

Free Tram Zone Map

Below is the image of the Free Tram Zone taken from ptv.vic.gov.au. The full pdf version of the map can be downloaded here .

Free Tram Zone Attractions

In Melbourne’s Free Tram Zone, there are numerous attractions accessible without any transport cost. The area includes cultural, historical, and modern sites, allowing for diverse experiences as you move around the city.

Each tram stop offers access to different aspects of Melbourne’s vibrant life, making exploration straightforward and cost-effective. Check out my post on Free Tram Zone Attractions to learn more.

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Melbourne Trams with Route Maps

Trams are a major form of public transport in Melbourne, the capital city of the state of Victoria, Australia. As of May 2017, the Melbourne tramway network consists of 250 kilometres (160 miles) of double track, 493 trams, 24 routes, and 1,763 tram stops. The operator Yarra Trams claims the system is the largest operational urban tram network in the world.

Ticketing, public information and patronage promotion are undertaken by Victoria’s public transport body, Public Transport Victoria. The multi-modal integrated ticketing system, myki, currently operates across the tram network.

Using Melbourne Trams

In the CBD there is a free tram zone and no ticket or card is required, see the map further below.

For paid services, you have three options which are

• use a ‘myki’ card which you can use to ‘tap on’ and ‘tap off’ with fares deducted from the card.
• use a mobile ‘myki’ available for Andriod devices via the Google Pay TM app.
• myki Explorer pack which is a one-day unlimited use card perfect for travelers.

Melbourne Tram Maps

Melbourne’s Free Tram Zone

Click for full size

Melbourne Tram Network

Tram Routes

24 numbered routes operate with a regular schedule on Melbourne’s tram network.  

More? Visit: ptv.vic.gov.au

The 5km travel limit is back in Victoria. This map shows how far that gets you

It's lockdown 5.0 and that means the travel limit is back.

Under the latest lockdown, Victorian residents cannot travel further than 5 kilometres from their home.

There are some exceptions to that. They are:

• To return home
• To access necessary goods and services where they aren't within 5km of you
• To visit an intimate partner
• To visit a person in your "single bubble"
• For authorised work and permitted education 
• Work at an interstate location (where permitted by another state)
• Care and compassionate reasons (specific exemptions apply)

Use the tool below to find out what's within your radius.

• X (formerly Twitter)

Transit Maps

Official map: melbourne tram network, 2021.

• Australia , Melbourne , night tram , PTV , tram , Victoria , Yarra Trams

Here’s a review that’s definitely very overdue: the official Melbourne tram network diagram.

Overall, it’s a very pleasantly stylised depiction of the network using 30-degree angles, though it probably takes diagrammatic expansion of the downtown area to extremes. The distance from Harbour Esplanade to Spring Street is just 2.5km (or 1.5 miles), but it takes up a huge portion of the map, shrinking Melbourne’s expansive suburbs substantially. I will say that the extra room for the CBD is used well, however – I particularly like the inclusion of the physical footprints of the city railway stations and how they interact with major downtown tram stops.

The main axis of routes along Swanson Street/St. Kilda Road is the major compositional device of the map, and it’s a strong design element. I’d probably like to see the single routes that cut across this road be brought to the top of the layer stack to make them a little easier to follow: the 6 and 58 in particular could benefit from this, but the east-west routes in the downtown zone would also look better if they were in front, I think.

I believe that the labels for the roads that the trams run along are new to this version of the diagram, and they certainly help with navigation and general orientation, especially as not all the interchanges are named. The inclusion of major landmarks and points of interest is also very welcome, though not quite so much when they get shifted out of their proper location by other labels. For example, the Docklands Observation Wheel (yet another giant Ferris Wheel, branded as the Melbourne Star ) is just 200 metres north of the Waterfront City Docklands stop, but that very label pushes the marker for the Wheel much further east, looking like a lengthy trek to reach.

Aside: It tickles me pink that in a city renowned for sports that need oval playing fields – cricket and Australian Rules Football – the venue used for the rugby codes and soccer is simply labelled as the “Rectangular Sports Stadium”.

The striped blue water is a pleasant design feature, although it does clash a bit with the similarly striped Zone 1/2 area to the top right of the map. As the zone area has to be striped to convey the idea that it’s “between zones”, I’d probably have looked for a different texture for the water (subtle waves, perhaps?), or just used a flat blue instead.

A clean, no-nonsense legend and neat integration of the night tram network and weekend route deviations are other highlights of the map.

Our final word: Once you get over the initial shock of the massive enlargement of the downtown area, this is actually a very competent diagram with a very consistent design language. More care could perhaps be taken with the order that the routes cross each other, but that’s not a deal breaker by any means. The addition of labels for the roads is a great evolution over the previous version.

Source: Yarra Trams website

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• May 26, 2021

Wait, but it doesn’t show the actual stops except for interchanges? That makes it a lot less useful, I feel

Most bus maps don’t show all stops either and they work well enough. I would think that it’s safe to assume a tram has fairly regular, tightly-spaced stops for the most part.

• October 21, 2021

There are also over 1700 tram stops on the network so showing them is going to make the map less legible rather than more.

• February 5, 2023

The “rectangular sports stadium” is called Aami park, but they’re not allowed to use company names. However, they could have come up with something a *little* more creative.

• July 13, 2023

The scale is surmountable, by noting the distance of the each terminal. It is a good general reference

• February 3, 2024

Thank you for providing the traveling public with this map. Melbourne’s Trains Trams and Buses are a terrific service, that if neglected would leave Melbourne as a backwards car centric town with no future. Too all the personnel that provide this service a big thankyou, without your commitment Melbourne would be a backwards place with no future. To the TTBU keep holding the administrators and manages to account without your dogeared determination for OH and S and conditions our public transport would be absolute rubbish. Remember You are ALL valued thanks. Monterey

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The new map has arrived

• Post date Sat 31 December 2016
• 19 Comments on The new map has arrived

As flagged earlier in the month , the long-awaited new rail map, in the works since at least 2014, has finally been officially launched.

It’ll show up around the network in 2017.

There seem to be at least two versions: the plain one above, and a version with a grid and station index .

It’s over two years since we saw the drafts — in fact this was a process started under the previous government. What took them so long to get it out? I really don’t know.

But it’s great to see it launched at last.

Thanks to Tim H for the tip-off : it is “in the wild” on the concourse at North Melbourne.

At one stage there were also plans to start using the colours on major interchange station platforms and concourses, to help people navigate more easily to their platform. It remains to be seen whether this will still eventuate — in some cases operations are still too inconsistent for it.

The colours are intended to match the rainbow status boards and the PTV Live Updates web site . (At the time of writing, V/Line is still appearing there in grey… hopefully it will go purple soon.)

Some comments I’ve seen around the place:

Skybus shouldn’t be on the map. It isn’t a train!

True… but I look at it this way: it’s going to be a constant reminder that Melbourne should have a train to the airport.

You can’t actually walk from Belgrave to Bairnsdale!

Well of course you can’t. It’s not to scale. Melbourne/Victorian rail maps haven’t been to scale for decades.

Where’s the line to (proposed destination) ?

There have been so many fantasy rail maps over the years that it’s important to remember this is a new map for the current network, though it includes stations about to open (Caroline Springs) and opening in the next 12 months (Southland).

Of course it doesn’t show rail to Doncaster or Rowville, or even the Metro rail tunnel or Mernda. That’d just be confusing for people trying to navigate their way somewhere. The map can be updated when (and if!) these are built.

What happened to the zones?

Zones aren’t as important as they used to be. Firstly, for trips covered by Myki (which is the majority of them), the smartcard automatically calculates the fare. (There are sometimes problems with this on buses and trams, thanks to on-vehicle readers and poor GPS and other factors , but train calculations have never had major issues.)

Secondly, changes to Melbourne fares in 2015 mean we basically have a flat-fare system. A trip in zone 1 costs the same as a trip across zones 1 and 2. (There is an exception: trips entirely and only in Zone 2 are charged at a cheaper rate.)

You could add zones to the map, perhaps in the style of some of the London Tube maps (above), but it’s messy, so I can understand why they left them off.

It would be especially difficult to show it for the V/Line area in a way that didn’t make the map unreadable — once you leave zone 2, practically each station is in its own zone.

Note they have indicated where you can use Myki and where you need a V/Line paper ticket.

What happened to the bus/tram interchange icons?

It’s true, they’ve gone. But in many ways they weren’t very useful. Most stations have bus and/or tram connections, but the icons alone didn’t tell you anything about where those routes go, or how often.

For instance, the old map showed tram and bus connections at Hawthorn. The tram is route 75, with almost 100 services each weekday (slightly fewer on weekends)… the bus is route 609 , which serves the station just once per weekday.

Interchange information is better conveyed via the Journey Planner (or Google Maps) in such a way that includes the information travelling passengers actually need to make that connection.

What about the interstate trains?

There’s probably an argument for including them, though the XPT to Sydney follows the line to Albury, so effectively its route already on there.

The Overland follows quite a different route (via North Shore, Ararat, Stawell, Horsham, Dimboola, Nhill). But it only runs twice a week (every other train service on the map runs multiple times per day), and its long-term future is far from certain. That said, you can book a V/Line ticket on it for trips within Victoria, and it is shown on the V/Line timetable .

Some staffed stations don’t have the (i) info icon

All the interchange stations are staffed fulltime. There are some exceptions on the V/Line network; here they have the interchange bubble and the part-time info icon.

But I’m inclined to agree; it would have been clearer, and more consistent, to give the fully-staffed interchange stations an info icon.

I’m not sure why Essendon is marked one way, and Berwick is marked differently. Both get a handful of V/Line services stopping there each day.

Oh yeah, I’m not fond of the term “Customer service hub”, especially as there are numerous over-the-counter services available at Metro full-time staffed stations and V/Line part-time staffed stations which are not available at Metro part-time staffed stations.

So, what are the benefits of the new map?

Maps have to be replaced from time to time anyway, as new stations open.

This design is a huge improvement on the old one — and it’s about time we had a map that shows where the trains actually run , not just where there are tracks.

In other words, it’s going to be far more useful for passengers.

• Vic govt: New, Simpler Coloured Map For Victoria’s Train Network
• PTV: New coloured map makes using our train network simpler
• Age: Rainbow revamp for Melbourne’s train network map

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By Daniel Bowen

Transport blogger / campaigner and spokesperson for the Public Transport Users Association / professional geek. Bunurong land, Melbourne, Australia. Opinions on this blog are all mine.

19 replies on “The new map has arrived”

As I mentioned via Twitter, I do think it’s a mistake not including the interstate trains.

Particularly the Overland – even though it only runs twice-weekly, you can buy V/Line tickets to its Victorian destinations. If this map is supposed to be a planning guide, the prospective traveller would have no idea by glancing at it that you can catch a train to Horsham, for example. Or that it’s possible from Ararat to catch trains in three directions: to Ballarat, Geelong (North Shore) and Adelaide. The lower frequency could be indicated by a dotted line, perhaps, and a note in the key.

The same applies to the XPT; though it follows the Albury line, it’s effectively an express service to the Victorian destinations it serves. I’d have it on there as well, in a different colour.

It’s good that they decided to include the Bay in the end.

I don’t agree with some people who are saying the interstate trains should be shown.

1- I doubt they’re highly patronised 2- if V/line always used to be shown seperate despite it SERVING VICTORIA and hasn’t been an issue, why do we all of a sudden worry that interstate isn’t shown? 3- I think some people are having “bracket creep” wishes where they’re wanting more and more shown on the map which only works to clutter it more 4-most people fly or drive interstate. If I wanted to travel on a train interstate (which has long been a desire) I would know to google it and plan the journey seperate.

This map should be limited to the metropolitan area, personally I’m not a fan of V/Line being shown on there especially in a purple colour (prefer it have stayed grey) however they have made V/line not clutter it too much so it’s ok.

I wonder if they’ll include letters to designate lines at some point in the future, in addition to colours. I have found the combination of letter and colour very handy for navigating the Tokyo subway.

Although it has some imperfections (i.e. showing stations like Tarneit as not having customer service hubs when in actual fact it was staffed on the two or three weekend days I’ve gone in that direction). I do like it overall and it is a massive improvement on the previous map because as I’ve pointed out previously, I think its about time that they clearly show where rail lines go and where Zones 1 & 2 cut out, which this map does.

Previously the old maps created potential misconceptions such as leading one to believe that Zone 1/2 fare coverage cuts out at Wyndham Vale when in actual fact it covers up to Lara and suggested it cut out at Melton when it also covers Bacchus Marsh. I still wonder why they didn’t show said V/Line stations on the Metropolitan Train Maps at the start of 2013 as the old Metcard boundaries effectively became redundant on 29/12/2012.

On person on this page: facebook.com/PeninsulaRailLink/ pointed out that “Werribee isn’t further north than Williamstown” to which my response was “Although it has imperfections (i.e. yes, a bit misleading geography wise), it does say ‘Not to scale’ in all fairness”.

So the highlights for me are clearly indicating where Z1/2 fare coverage cuts out and clearly showing where trains go. Although it’s not the first time a Melbourne train map has shown where trains go, here’s one from 1987 or slightly earlier (can’t have been newer than 87 as the St Kilda and Port Melbourne lines are shown):

http://railgallery.wongm.com/albums/melbourne-stations/D181_8122.jpg

It’s very hard to be objective about something you know well but I suppose the map is tested by strangers to the system. I agree with the comment about line name. Either number or letter them, or give them permanent names.

I would include more info about loop direction, or just leave it out entirely. Why does Frankston get a green dotted line, but Sandringham doesn’t get a pink dotted line? It seems to imply that loop services terminate at Southern Cross. “All other services are direct” – direct to where?

If Berwick and Essendon can have V/line status mentioned for a handful of services, surely MATH can for the not insignificant number of early morning / late night Dandenong trains that stop there.

Don’t see much point in including the XPT, since express/stopper patterns aren’t shown for the other V/Line express services. The Overland is different, since V/Line paper tickets apply to (IIRC) Nhill, and there’s the stop at North Geelong as well. There’s a few options – for example, a text entry in the legend under V/Line noting that it exists, or a purple outline for the route indicating that it both a) requires paper tickets and b) does not run daily.

As for the customer service hubs, perhaps the black (i) logo should’ve been used for part-time, and all full-time locations could have had the full circle system?

Having the whole map with no angled text is very impressive. I wouldn’t have thought it possible; though I also hadn’t considered a landscape option in lieu of portrait.

I wonder whether there should be a note in the legend that V/line trains can’t be used between metropolitan stations.

Otherwise, most of the issues are very minor. As mentioned above, Essendon v Berwick (and does V/line still stop at Ginifer occasionally?); implying Flemington trains stop at Newmarket and Kensington, though that can be mostly solved with announcements at those two stations (or actually stopping at them, which might allow closer headways? I need to check the circuits…) Newport South junction looks slightly off to me, but it’s just shy of being irritating so I’ll live with it. Mangalore (Seymour) junction and North Ballarat junction are also a bit strange. No note about East Richmond, or shuttles on Cranbourne and Alamein is a shame, but if that’s what the market research indicated was the best option then I’ll live with it. One of the few good things in the old map was that the Craigieburn, Upfield and South Morang line stations were marked with the correct latitude relative to the street grid. This is cleaner, and reasonably accurate so it passes. I would have suggested removing the green dashed line around the loop and adding a note like with Sandringham; possibly add green dash S-bends between South Yarra and Richmond, and between South Kensington and North Melbourne?

I still think there’s an argument for showing Stony Point in solid purple – the trains are marked V/Line, the service frequency better matches that, and nobody really needs to know that it’s operated by Metro since all communication is supposed to be fielded by PTV anyway.

The legend references Heyington as the only non-step-free station; on the plain map that’s fine, but on the grid map I’d have called it Heyington H6. Also, the word “Heyington” might’ve been better in dark blue text?

Overall, excellent job Adrian & team.

As someone who is partially colourblind, I find it very difficult to read the map. It’s a real shame to see that no efforts were made to distinguish lines with letters/numbers.

The purple line should appear to bypass North MEL station – by going over the green line twice.

Otherwise a lot of people will think the Geelong line will stop at North Melbourne.

I can’t understand why the V/Line purple line is split at Southern Cross.

I mean, yeah the eastern lines are separate from the northern lines and all, but then why is the Seymour-bound lines bound to the Western lines?

#10 #11 there are 2 purple lines through North Melbourne, with the white bubble indicating only Seymour trains stop there.

There are some inconsistencies with the i icon on vline stations:

-Sunbury, Watergardens, Sunshine have no i icon, even though they are staffed from first-last train. The note says these are interchange stations and are staffed first-last. OK, then: -Traralgon has a solid black i indicating staffed from first – last train, even though it is already marked as an interchange station. Hmm… -Bendigo, Ballarat, Geelong have a outline i, even though they are staffed from first-last train and are marked as interchange stations! They should either have no icon, or have a solid black one. -Seymour presents a problem: it’s an interchange station that *isn’t* staffed from first-last train (and is probably the reason why they put incorrect i icons on the other stations above).

They should just show the i icons on all interchange stations as well, don’t treat them separately.

Why couldn’t they have done two maps – one regional, one metro? What other rail network in the world puts both on one map?

Depending on your attitude, it’s either a lie or a work of aspiration.

A quick look at this week’s timetable shows that the Green line waits at Flinders St. for up to 7 minutes in the morning peak. This is not what one normally expects when reading a conventional Beck-style map like this.

Caulfield is marked as an interchange between the Frankston and Dandenong lines, but in fact it is necessary to touch out your Myki, exit onto the public footpath, re-enter the station via a different entrance and touch in with Myki again. Although it is possible to change trains, it is not an interchange as normally implied by this notation on a Beck-style map. (Nor is it undercover, and sometimes I’ve missed my change due to Myki delays.)

I’ll add my voice to the many wanting to see a version without the intercity/rural trains. Why not produce different variants using layers in Adobe Ilustrator? That’s how London does it. I’d be happy with a PDF; there needn’t be any extra printing costs.

RE the customer service at V/Line stations, I don’t think V/Line is giving PTV the right information. There’s quite a few stops there there that should have their staffing listed differently, and most also have either no or the wrong information on the PTV website. I think Customer Service information would be better suited in the Station Index (which should also list the station zone). Just make sure every version of the map has the index attached.

The Werribee line turning back North kind of irks me, but it’s to make it closer to Wyndham Vale. Of course, if the Geelong line turned 45 degrees after Sunshine and the Werribee Line directly south at Footscray, it might fit, but then where would you put the big box? There’s so many things to consider. Ultimately, it would look much better leaving V/Line off all together, but then you miss out on so much of the state’s (especially the west’s) public transport.

“Leaving V/Line off” is a pretty arbitrary decision. South Geelong station currently gets a V/Line train every 20 minutes off-peak on weekdays, the same frequency as metro trains to Upfield. Ardeer station is closer to the CBD than the ‘suburban’ lines through Dandenong and Ringwood. The only difference between them is that some of the trains are diesels powered, and others are electric – does that distinction really need to appear on a network map?

One thing I’ve just noticed that bothers me with this map is that on the Werribee – Frankston green line, there’s a dashed line going around the City Loop from Frankston, but not from Werribee. I believe in most cases (unless there are works), the city-bound services from Werribee go through the City Loop towards Flinders Street.

@Arfman, no Werribee line trains use the Loop on weekdays.

[…] The line map showing all the stations on the line/s is severely broken. These are presumably inspired by the new(ish) network map: […]

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• Solar Eclipse 2024

See How the Solar Eclipse Will Look Anywhere in America

Today's total solar eclipse will cut a 2,000-mile path across the United States in just over an hour, casting near darkness over a region of more than 200,000 square miles from Texas to Maine. The rest of the continental United States — plus Hawaii and a spot of southern Alaska — will enjoy a consolation prize of partial occlusion. The following interactive simulates what this will look like from any location in the U.S., no special glasses needed .

This eclipse is the second time in seven years that such an astronomical rarity has favored a large part of the nation. The August 2017 total solar eclipse — for which TIME rented a private four-seat plane to document the phenomenon — cut a mirroring path from Oregon to South Carolina.

This means there is 9,286 square-mile quadrangle centered on southern Illinois that the cosmos has favored with two complete solar eclipses in less than a decade. As astrophysical odds go, one envies the residents of this anointed parallelogram.

How the simulation works

TIME's solar eclipse simulation uses coordinates for the sun, Earth, and moon from NASA's industrial-grade SPICE toolkit , which we calculated in the J2000 reference frame centered on the Earth. (Many modern calculations use this pre-Copernican view of the cosmos as a matter of convenience.)

Rather than calculating the exact moment that the eclipse begins and ends for thousands of locations, our simulation uses these coordinates to create a realtime 3D simulation with the same type of computer programming that is common in video games. This includes rotating the viewer's camera in accordance with the Earth's rotation over the course of the eclipse, which accounts for why the moon appears to cut a curved path across the sky.

We took a few small artistic liberties in moderately exaggerating the degree of darkness one witnesses in a partial eclipse by adding a faint ambient light to see the surface of the moon in better detail.

Where the times you see in this simulation differ from other sources of eclipse data by a minute or two, the discrepancy is most likely a small difference in the precise location of the calculation or a slightly different way of accounting for the time it takes the speed of light to travel from the sun to the Earth.

More Must-Reads From TIME

• Jane Fonda Champions Climate Action for Every Generation
• Passengers Are Flying up to 30 Hours to See Four Minutes of the Eclipse
• Biden’s Campaign Is In Trouble. Will the Turnaround Plan Work?
• Essay: The Complicated Dread of Early Spring
• Why Walking Isn’t Enough When It Comes to Exercise
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• Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time

Write to Chris Wilson at [email protected]

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Science News

Explore a map of the next 15 total solar eclipses.

In case you miss this year’s solar eclipse, there are 14 more in the next 20 years

This map of eclipse paths from 2024 to 2044 reveals that Australia hit the jackpot: Over just 11 years, the continent (lower right) will see four total solar eclipses — in 2028, 2030, 2037 and 2038.

Alley Interactive, A. Buki

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By Christopher Crockett

April 4, 2024 at 12:00 pm

It’s never too soon to start thinking about the next solar eclipse.

On April 8, the moon’s shadow will sweep across North America , bringing a total solar eclipse over the homes of more than 30 million people ( SN: 1/4/24 ). But even as the shadow departs the continent in eastern Canada, the stage will be getting set for the next total eclipse. And the one after that. And the one after that.

That’s because there’s an order underpinning the mechanics that lead to any eclipse. The breathtaking celestial event is driven by the relentless, repeating rhythms of the Earth’s and moon’s motions. And that means that eclipses of all kinds — not just total solar ones — are predictable across millennia.

Thanks to that predictability, it’s possible to precisely map upcoming solar eclipses. To make this interactive map, Science News relied on NASA’s “Five millennium canon of solar eclipses”  database, a detailed accounting of every solar eclipse from 2000 B.C. to A.D. 3000.

That time span encompasses nearly 12,000 solar eclipses, roughly 3,200 of which are total eclipses. Showing them all would be a bit much. Instead, we show the tracks of the next 15 total solar eclipses, from 2024 to 2044.

In the map, the path for nearly every eclipse (differentiated by color) is marked with three lines: the northern- and southernmost edges of the band in which people will see a total eclipse and the centerline of that band. Along that line, totality lasts longer than near the edges. People in a wide swath to either side of each outer band will be able to see a partial eclipse.

Clicking on a path will offer up some details about that eclipse: The date, the time (in Universal Time ) at which the sun will be eclipsed the longest, the duration of that maximum extent and the width of the eclipse path. And typing a city, landmark or address into the map’s search bar will zoom to that spot, so you can see if any eclipses are due to visit any of your favorite haunts.

And for this year’s eclipse, clicking on any of the white flags along the path will reveal the exact time (also in Universal Time) and duration of totality at that spot.

There is one eclipse here that is a bit unusual. That one will pass through eastern Siberia on April 9, 2043 . On the map, only one line appears — the southernmost limit of totality — because the centerline doesn’t intersect with Earth’s surface. In this “noncentral eclipse,” the centerline and the whole northern half of the shadow will miss Earth entirely, cast off into the depths of space.

Hardcore eclipse fans, intent on seeing every kind imaginable, might want to plan for that one. The next noncentral total eclipse won’t happen until 2459 .

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Total solar eclipse April 8, 2024 facts: Path, time and the best places to view

In the U.S., 31 million people already live inside the path of totality.

Scroll down to see the list of U.S. cities where the April 8 total solar eclipse will be visible, the duration of the eclipse in those locations and what time totality will begin, according to GreatAmericanEclipse.com .

"Eclipse Across America," will air live Monday, April 8, beginning at 2 p.m. ET on ABC, ABC News Live, National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Disney+ and Hulu as well as network social media platforms.

On April 8, 2024, a historic total solar eclipse will cast a shadow over parts of the United States, prompting a mass travel event to the path of totality -- from Texas to Maine and several states and cities in between.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth and, for a short time, completely blocks the face of the sun, according to NASA .

The track of the moon's shadow across Earth's surface is called the path of totality, and to witness the April 8 total solar eclipse, viewers must be within the 115-mile-wide path. To discover when to see the solar eclipse in totality or the partial eclipse in locations across the U.S. outside of the path, check out NASA's Eclipse Explorer tool .

Eclipse travel

In the U.S., 31 million people already live inside the path of totality, bringing the celestial phenomenon to their doorsteps, Michael Zeiler, expert solar eclipse cartographer at GreatAmericanEclipse.com told ABC News.

MORE: Eclipse glasses: What to know to keep your eyes safe

But for individuals outside of the path, investing time and money are needed to experience the event in totality.

Eclipse chasers, or umbraphiles, are individuals who will do almost anything, and travel almost anywhere, to see totality, according to the American Astronomical Society .

"There's a very active community of solar eclipse chasers and we will go to any reasonable lengths to see solar eclipses anywhere in the world," Zeiler said. "All of us are united in pursuing the unimaginable beauty of a total solar eclipse."

MORE: The surprising reason why a Texas county issued a disaster declaration ahead of April total solar eclipse

Bringing together both eclipse experts and novice sky watchers, the total solar eclipse on April 8 is projected to be the U.S.'s largest mass travel event in 2024, according to Zeiler, who likened it to "50 simultaneous Super Bowls across the nation."

"When you look at the number of people expected to come to the path of totality for the solar eclipse, we estimate those numbers are roughly the equivalent of 50 simultaneous Super Bowls across the nation, from Texas to Maine," he said.

Eclipse map, path of totality

In the U.S., the path of totality begins in Texas and will travel through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total solar eclipse, according to NASA.

Best times, places to view eclipse

Below is a list of some American cities where the April 8 total solar eclipse will be most visible -- pending weather forecasts -- the duration of the eclipse in those locations and what time totality will begin, according to GreatAmericanEclipse.com.

• Eagle Pass, Texas, 1:27 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 23 seconds
• Uvalde, Texas, 1:29 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 16 seconds
• Kerrville, Texas, 1:32 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 23 seconds
• Austin, Texas, 1:36 p.m. CDT: 1 minute, 53 seconds
• Killeen, Texas, 1:36 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 17 seconds
• Fort Worth, Texas, 1:40 p.m. CDT: 2 minutes, 34 seconds
• Dallas 1:40 p.m. CDT: 3 minutes, 47 seconds
• Little Rock, Arkansas, 1:51 p.m. CDT: 2 minutes, 33 seconds
• Jonesboro, Arkansas, 1:55 p.m. CDT: 2 minutes, 24 seconds
• Poplar Bluff, Arkansas, 1:56 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 8 seconds
• Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 1:58 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 6 seconds
• Carbondale, Illinois, 1:59 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 8 seconds
• Mount Vernon, Illinois, 2:00 p.m. CDT: 3 minutes, 40 seconds
• Evansville, Indiana, 2:02 p.m. CDT: 3 minutes, 2 seconds
• Terre Haute, Indiana, 3:04 p.m. EDT: 2 minutes, 57 seconds
• Indianapolis 3:06 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 46 seconds
• Dayton, Ohio, 3:09 p.m. EDT: 2 minutes, 46 seconds
• Wapakoneta, Ohio, 3:09 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 55 seconds
• Toledo, Ohio, 3:12 p.m. EDT: 1 minute, 54 seconds
• Cleveland 3:13 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 50 seconds

Pennsylvania

• Erie, Pennsylvania, 3:16 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 43 seconds
• Buffalo, New York, 3:18 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 45 seconds
• Rochester, New York, 3:20 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 40 seconds
• Syracuse, New York, 3:23 p.m. EDT: 1 minute, 26 seconds
• Burlington, Vermont, 3:26 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 14 seconds
• Island Falls, Maine, 3:31 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 20 seconds
• Presque Island, Maine, 3:32 p.m. EDT: 2 minutes, 47 seconds

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When is the next total solar eclipse in the U.S.? See the paths for the 2044 and 2045 events

By Cara Tabachnick

Updated on: April 9, 2024 / 2:31 AM EDT / CBS News

Eclipse-watchers waited more than six years since the last time a total solar eclipse charted its way across the United States,  in 2017 . After the  April 8 event , prepare to wait a lot longer — the next chance won't be coming around any time soon.

Viewers in what's called " the path of totality " saw the moon completely block the sun  — an opportunity those in North America won't have again for 20-plus years. The next total solar eclipses in North America are not anticipated until 2044 and 2045.

"A total solar eclipse is one of the most spectacular things anyone can see in their lifetime," Virginia Tech astrophysicist Nahum Arav told CBS News. The eclipse "looks like a black hole in the sky," said Arav, who watched the paths of totality of eclipses in 1991 and 2017.

Monday's eclipse started around 11:07 a.m. PDT on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, and then moved into Texas . The eclipse's visibility tracked  through 15 states  — Oklahoma, Illinois , Ohio,  Pennsylvania , New York , Vermont ,  New Hampshire  and Maine , among them — before heading northward into Canada and then exiting North America.

Even with spotty weather in some states, millions of people from coast to coast saw a partial solar eclipse, in which the moon partially covers the sun. However, only those within the path of totality experienced the darkness of the total solar eclipse. 

When is the next total solar eclipse in the U.S. after the 2024 eclipse?

Solar eclipses happen about twice a year, said Arav. "Eclipses happen all over the Earth evenly," he told CBS News — but noted the timings when they occur are not regular. That means  eclipses can occur within just a few years, or every few decades, in North America.

Before the eclipse in 2017, the last total solar eclipse to cross North America was in 1979 . That was the first eclipse whose path of totality crossed the entire continent in 99 years. 

Even though eclipses may seem to occur randomly, scientists can pinpoint exactly when and where they will happen.

"There is no ambiguity, as we know exactly where it will land," said Arav. 

There will be eight total solar eclipses visible from North America in the 21st century, Arav said, with one occurring about every 12 years, on average.   

The next total solar eclipse to cross North America is predicted to occur on Aug. 23, 2044 , NASA said. However, the path of totality from this eclipse will only touch three states, according to  The Planetary Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to public interest in space.  

This next eclipse will mainly be observed in Canada, Arav said. 

Path of totality for the 2044 total solar eclipse

The 2044 eclipse will start in Greenland on Aug. 23, 2044, and will continue its path through Canada. 

The 2044 total solar eclipse will be short, mostly appearing in Canada. It will be visible from three states in the U.S.: Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.  

The path of totality will cross Williston and Dickinson, North Dakota, and Great Falls, Montana.

Path of totality for the 2045 total solar eclipse

The next solar eclipse that crosses a significant portion of the continental U.S. will be in 2045, said Arav. That year, a solar eclipse will darken skies in parts of the U.S., Haiti, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Guyana, French Guiana, Suriname and Brazil. 

In North America, the 2045 total eclipse will be visible in many states as it moves from coast to coast. The eclipse will start in California and move east to end in Florida, similar to 2017, Arav said. 

There will be numerous U.S. cities where eclipse watchers can view the total eclipse, including Reno, Nevada; Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Orlando, Florida.

Future solar eclipses in North America after 2045

Scientists have predicted eight total solar eclipses will appear in North America in the 21st century.

"Natural phenomena are like a Swiss clock," Arav said. "We know exactly when and where they will appear."

After the 2044 and 2045 total solar eclipses, the next total eclipses in North America will occur in 2078 and 2099.

May 11, 2078

This total solar eclipse on May 11, 2078 , will pass over the southern United States.

Cities include:

Atlanta, Georgia

New Orleans, Louisiana

Charlotte, North Carolina

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Sept. 14, 2099

This total solar eclipse on Sept. 14, 2099 , will cross a wide swath of the United States.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Chicago, Illinois

Columbus, Ohio

Fargo, North Dakota

Cara Tabachnick is a news editor and journalist at CBSNews.com. Cara began her career on the crime beat at Newsday. She has written for Marie Claire, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal. She reports on justice and human rights issues. Contact her at [email protected]

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Why do total solar eclipses happen? Learn what causes the celestial show

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2024 solar eclipse map: Where to see the eclipse on April 8

These 2024 solar eclipse maps will help you make the best decision about where and how to watch the total solar eclipse on Monday (April 8).

It's finally here: Today, (April 8) a total solar eclipse will pass across the skies North America, giving more than 33 million people living in 15 U.S. states a rare view of the totally-obstructed sun, and — weather permitting — a taste of some seriously strange eclipse phenomena .

If you’re wondering where the total and partial phases of the eclipse will be visible, the good news is that almost everyone in the contiguous U.S. will be able to see the celestial spectacle to some extent. But for a more detailed view of the eclipse’s path, take a look at these handy eclipse maps, courtesy of GreatAmericanEclipse.com. 

Solar eclipse 2024 path of totality map

Totality is the moment that every eclipse-chaser lives for: The moment when the moon completely covers the sun’s face, resulting in a brief but eerie darkness in the daytime. The path of totality , shown in the map above, is the path of the moon’s shadow across Earth’s surface. 

On Monday (April 8), totality will begin in Sinaloa, Mexico, then move northeast up to Texas, ultimately crossing 15 states before moving on to Canada. The states where totality will be visible are: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine — although Tennessee and Michigan will only be glanced by the moon's shadow.

Related: April 8 solar eclipse: What time does totality start in every state?

Viewers MUST be within the path of totality to witness the total phase of the eclipse; if you are off the path by even a mile, you will only see a partial eclipse, and miss out on the spooky daytime darkness. Furthermore, the closer you are to the center of the path of totality, the longer totality will last for you — up to a maximum duration of 4 minutes, 27 seconds in Torreón, Mexico.

Note: Totality is the ONLY TIME when it is safe to view the sun without protective eyewear like certified solar eclipse glasses . You must protect your eyes during the entire partial phase of the eclipse, no matter where you are.

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Solar eclipse 2024 partial eclipse map

If you live in the U.S. and can’t make it to the path of totality, a partial eclipse still awaits you on April 8. The entire contiguous U.S. will have some view of the partial eclipse, ranging from 99% coverage of the sun just off the path of totality to about 15% coverage far to the northwest of the path.

The map above shows how much of the sun’s disk will be blocked from your location. Watching the partial phases of the eclipse — which last about an hour and 20 minutes before and after totality — means wearing protective eyewear at all times. Failure to do so could result in permanent eye damage, according to NASA .

If you want to experience the celestial spectacle but don’t have a pair of eclipse glasses handy, there are many other ways to safely enjoy the partial eclipse . These include making a homemade pinhole projector , using a pasta strainer to project the shadow of the moon onto the ground or watching one of the various eclipse live streams available.

2024 eclipse travel maps

If you want to see totality but don’t live within the path, driving or taking public transit to a city within the path may be possible. The map above shows how far the drive is to the path of totality, based on where you’re coming from. Meanwhile, the map below shows the most populated cities within the path of totality — many of which are expected to be flooded with millions of eclipse tourists on April 8.

The biggest cities within the path of totality include: San Antonio, Dallas, Austin and Fort Worth in Texas; Indianapolis, Indiana; Hamilton and Montreal in Canada; and Torreón and Mazatlan in Mexico.

Wherever you are on April 8, we wish you clear skies and protected eyes during this rare, wondrous eclipse over North America.

Brandon is the space/physics editor at Live Science. His writing has appeared in The Washington Post, Reader's Digest, CBS.com, the Richard Dawkins Foundation website and other outlets. He holds a bachelor's degree in creative writing from the University of Arizona, with minors in journalism and media arts. He enjoys writing most about space, geoscience and the mysteries of the universe.

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