Transport in Melbourne To use public transport outside of the free tram zone, you need to purchase a myki card. You can purchase a myki card from retail outlets displaying the myki sign, visitor centres and at train stations.

Yes, you generally have to pay for buses in Melbourne using the high-fidelity myki card or mobile app system. As of 2026, a standard 2-hour fare costs approximately $5.70, with a daily cap of $11.40. However, there is a major "High-Fidelity" exception: the Free Tram Zone in the Central Business District (CBD) allows you to ride any tram for free within the designated area. This free zone does not apply to buses or trains, even if they are traveling within the same geographic area. You must "touch on" with your myki when boarding a bus, even in the city center, or you risk a high-fidelity fine from transit inspectors. For regional travelers, the Regional Fare Cap remains in place in 2026, ensuring that a long-distance bus or train trip across Victoria costs no more than a daily metropolitan fare. This high-fidelity equity in pricing makes Melbourne and its surrounding regions some of the most accessible areas in Australia for public transit users, provided you have a topped-up myki ready to tap.