MELBOURNE: GETTING THERE AND AROUND
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The centre of Melbourne is a one mile square grid system. Melbourne is serviced by trams, trains and buses. The easiest way to get around in the city is either on foot or by the tram. Melbourne's public transport system is operated by several companies and is collectively known as The Met. It is comprised of buses, trams and trains.

-AIR: TO/FROM THE AIRPORT
-BUS
-TRAIN
- TRAM
-CAR AND MOTORCYCLE
- BICYCLES AND OTHER MEANS
-TAXI
-TICKETS
-HITCHING

TO / FROM THE AIRPORT
Buses leave regularly from outside the Airports or from Spencer Street Station to transport air travellers. Buses depart every 15-20 minutes and the journey takes about half an hour (more if it's heavy traffic). From Spencer Street Station you can access other buses, trams or trains to get around the city.

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BUS
Spencer Street Station is the major train and bus station. The bus station is located next to the train station on the left as you exit the station. Many city hostels have shuttle services that leave form the bus station. Buses usually depart from points outside of train stations and near to tram stops and allow access to areas not serviced by trams or trains.

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TRAINS
Spencer Street Station is the major train and bus station. All regional and interstate trains depart and terminate here. Flinders Street Station is the central metropolitan train station. The city is serviced by a short underground loop comprising of five stops. Trains from Flinders street also service the metropolitan area. Go to http://www.vline.vic.gov.au for details of regional trains, city trains http://www.connexmelbourne.com.au

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TRAM
Trams provide easy yet usually slower transport to areas within the city and also the metropolitan area. A large number of trams depart from outside of the main train station at Flinders Street. For access to the East and West take a train along Swanston Street. For access to the North and South, take a tram along Flinders, Collins or Burke Streets. The best deal is the free City Circle tram, which runs a circular route around the city centre along Flinders, La Trobe, Spencer and Spring Streets.

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CAR / MOTORCYCLE
Melbourne is a challenge to drive in because of the trams on the road. If a tram stops you must also stop until it moves again. In the city it is not usually necessary as there are safety barriers around the stop. Tram tracks can also be slippery in the rain. Also beware of the hook turn in Melbourne. These are right hand turns from the left lane. Instead of turning from the right lane, you move into the left and wait in the middle of the intersection. Wait until the lights change to green in the direction you are turning and then go.

Citylink is the major toll way that runs from Tullamarine Freeway at Bell Street to the Westgate Freeway and from the city centre to the Monash Freeway at Toorak Road. For residents it is convenient with an electronic device in their car. If you are visiting you must buy an eTag. It's better to get a 24-hour or weekend Citylink pass for $9 that allows you to use Citylink for either a 24-hour period during weekdays or all weekend. You can get them from Citylink offices, Post Offices and some Shell service stations. You have until the following morning to pay for your Citylink pass. Passes can also be ordered by calling 13 26 29 or online at www.transurban.com.au. There are fines if you do not pay.

To avoid tolls try some of the following routes. To get to the airport go on the West Gate Freeway at Power Street or Kings Way, head west, then take the Western Ring Road north to the Tullamarine Freeway. To get to Gippsland, Philip Island or southeastern suburbs get to the Monash Freeway via Toorak Road.

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BICYCLES AND OTHER MEANS
Due to the traffic and congestion Melbourne roads are probably best avoided. However there are plenty of cycle lanes and parklands for moving around.

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TAXIS
Melbourne is well serviced by different taxis.

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TICKETS
Daypass or travelcards are available for unlimited travel on all forms of public transport. An adult ticket costs around five dollars for Zone One travel. Two hour and short trip tickets are available for short or one way travel. If you decide to use public transport as a means of transport then the travelcard is the best option. All of the metropolitan area is in Zone One, indicated in yellow on route maps. Zone Two is blue, and Zone Three red. If you need to pass through zones then a suitable ticket for both zones needs to be purchased. Tickets can be purchased at ticket desks at the major stations. Automatic machines at stations and tram termini also dispense tickets and take cash and cards. Tickets can be bought aboard trams from ticketing machines. These machines will onyl accept coins. Tickets can also be pre purchased from recognised agencies. Stores- usally newsagents, milkbars or 7/11's, which display the Metropolitan transport logo will sell public transport tickets. As there are no conductors aboard the trains, trams and buses, tickets except those purchsed on board trams, need to be validated at the self service machines on trams and buses.

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HITCHING
Hitching is best done out of the city centre. Get the train out of the city to the roads leading out of Melbourne.

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Thanks to traveller and Melbourne resident Rohan Chiu for compiling this information. If you would like to compile/edit/improve a city guide write to us at oceania@backpackglobe.com