Trains in Melbourne
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Victoria has a fast, efficient and user-friendly train system, with coverage to most destinations and frequent services. Flinders Street Station, on the corner of Flinders and Swanston streets, is the hub of Melbourne’s train system, and all trains begin or end their journey there.
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Melbourne also enjoys an underground train system, known as the City Loop, with five stations servicing the CBD: Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff, Melbourne Central, Parliament and Flinders Street (these stations feature accessible toilets and lifts. Note Flagstaff does not operate on weekends). As well, there are 16 different train lines servicing the outer suburbs – these lines are all linked to bus and tram services and stations are between one and two kilometres apart.
Timetables
In Melbourne, services run from 5am until midnight. You can pick up train route maps at any City Loop station. Video monitors display arrival and departure times in CBD stations (you’ll also be notified of departures via a public address announcement), while similar information is available at suburban stations from train announcement systems.
Bikes and boards
Bicycles can be carried free on board trains, except during peak periods (Monday to Friday 7–9.30am and 4–6pm), when you’ll need to buy an extra adult concession fare. You’ll also have to purchase a concession fare if you carry a surfboard on a train.
Tickets
Tickets, called Metcards, can be pre-purchased from premium train stations and stores displaying a Metcard sign, via the Metcard Helpline (1800 652 313)or from the online MetShop and are interchangeable for use on all metropolitan public transport.
Fares are based on duration and distance, with metropolitan Melbourne divided into three zones. When travelling on all public transport, make sure you have a valid ticket as roving ticket inspectors will fine passengers caught not carrying a valid ticket.
Links for Further Information
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Accessibility Information |
While all trains are accessible, there may be a vertical and/or horizontal gap to negotiate so caution should be exercised. The safest way to travel on the train system is to seek assistance from the driver to board the first carriage. A well developed system is in place to facilitate boarding.
The most forward and mid-way points on the platform are marked with a white or yellow line. During peak periods position yourself at the forward mark and during off peak times position yourself at the mid-way point. This signals to the driver that assistance with a portable ramp is required. The ramp is carried in the drivers compartment.
One tip is to provide a written note/sticky label identifying the station you would like to disembark. Stickers are available from Metlink or take your own posted notes. This will help train drivers to remember when they need to assist you.
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