Transportation in Melbourne

Melbourne's transport is built around a single, rechargeable card, myki, which you tap on trams, trains, and buses across the entire network. Trams are the city's signature: the free City Circle (route 35) loops the CBD every 12 minutes and is good for orientation, while numbered routes spider out to inner suburbs. Trains are faster for longer hops; Southern Cross and Flinders Street are the two main hubs where lines converge. Buses fill the gaps. But locals only use them when the rail or tram map doesn't reach. For airport access, the SkyBus runs direct to Southern Cross Station with departures every 10, 15 minutes; it's cheaper than a taxi and avoids CBD traffic. Taxis and rideshares are a splurge if you land late-hours or have heavy luggage. One rookie mistake: buying separate paper tickets, myki works everywhere, so top up once and ride all day.