Getting to and around Melbourne
Melbourne is known for having a fantastic public transportation network, but unfortunately it doesn’t have a train that runs to and from the airport like in Sydney and Brisbane. Luckily, there are a few other options to get you to Melbourne’s CBD and Melbourne Uni:
1. SkyBus
SkyBus provides an economical and direct service to Southern Cross Station in the CBD. SkyBus operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week every 10–15 minutes throughout the day and every 30–60 minutes overnight. To catch the tram to Melbourne Uni, please see 4.
Cost: $18 one-way, $30 return (Tickets are available at the Airport arrivals curb or online)
2. Starbus
Starbus is a door-to-door shuttle bus that operates between 5am and 7pm every day. Unlike SkyBus, Starbus will drop you off directly at University College or your hotel, but you will have to drop off other passengers along the way. A cheap and convenient option if you don’t mind the extra travelling time.
Cost: $20 one-way, $34 return (must book tickets in advance)
3. Taxi
Taxis are available at the ground floor level of Melbourne Airport outside all three terminals. Only catch a taxi from the available taxi ranks.
Cost: Approx. $50-60 to University College
4. Melbourne’s Public Transport
Melbourne is known as “Tram City” for a reason, and there is an abundance of public transportation in and around the city. You will need to pick up a myki card at Southern Cross Station (near the SkyBus terminal) if you would like to use the city’s train and tram network. Click HERE for information about the Visitor Value Pack.
DIRECTIONS FROM SOUTHERN CROSS STATION:
To get to University College, take the 86 tram (towards Bundoora RMIT) or 96 tram (towards East Brunswick) from the corner of Spencer St. and Bourke St. (just outside the SkyBus terminal). Get off at Stop 5-Elizabeth St/Bourke St (approximately 5 minutes). Then walk across the street to Stop 3-Bourke Street Mall/Elizabeth St. Get on the 19 tram (towards North Coburg). Get off at Stop 13-Gatehouse St/Royal Pde (approximately 10 minutes). Walk along College Crescent to University College (on left).
To get to Sidney Myer Asia Centre, take the 86 tram (towards Bundoora RMIT) or 96 tram (towards East Brunswick) from the corner of Spencer St. and Bourke St. (just outside the SkyBus terminal). Get off at Stop 6-Swanston St/Bourke St (approximately 6 minutes). Then walk across the street to Stop 10-Bourke Street Mall/Swanston St (Melbourne City). Catch ANY tram up Swanston St. towards Melbourne Uni. Get off at Stop 1-Melbourne University/Swanston St (approximately 10 minutes). The Sidney Myer Asia Centre is directly adjacent to the tram stop.
The Journey Planner can help you plan your trips around the city.
Cost: On weekdays, $3.76 for a two-hour fare or $7.52 for a daily fare. On weekdays, $6 daily cap. NOTE: post-grads not eligible for concession fares. See HERE for all fares.
