How to get to Melbourne

Melbourne is a dynamic metropolis and the cultural capital of Australia, attracting tourists from across the globe with its parks, architecture, and unique atmosphere. If you are deciding how to get to Melbourne, a developed transport network is available to you: the international airport receives flights from everywhere, and from other regions of the continent, you can arrive by train, bus, or car. Before you travel to Melbourne, it is worth exploring the available routes to choose the most convenient option to start your journey.

The main air hub serving the metropolis is Melbourne International Airport (also known as Tullamarine), which receives direct and connecting flights from all corners of the globe. This is one of the key transport hubs of Australia, so travellers can easily find a convenient flight route.

The airport is located approximately 23 kilometres northwest of the centre of Melbourne. The most popular way to get to the city is considered to be the SkyBus express bus, operating around the clock. Additionally, passengers can use taxi services, car rentals, or ride-hailing services, with ranks located in the immediate vicinity of the terminals.

Travelling by rail to Melbourne is a wonderful opportunity to witness the continent's changing landscapes, from green hills to endless plains. The city's main railway gateway is Southern Cross station, located in the western part of the Central Business District. It is a modern transport hub where trains arrive from both suburbs and other states.

For those planning a trip across Australia by train, there are regular services from other major cities. For example, the XPT train runs from Sydney (the journey takes about 11 hours), and from Adelaide, you can arrive on the legendary The Overland express. Train travel is often chosen by tourists for the comfort and panoramic views unavailable during a flight.

Intercity bus services offer a budget-friendly alternative to air travel, connecting Melbourne with the largest cities of Australia. Travellers often choose direct routes from Sydney, Canberra, or Adelaide: despite the significant travel time, modern coaches ensure a high level of comfort, allowing you to save on tickets and enjoy views of the continent.

Furthermore, excellent connections are established with regional centres of the state of Victoria. Regular services run from Geelong, historic Ballarat, and Bendigo, making the trip convenient for those exploring the surroundings before visiting the state capital. Most buses arrive at the city's main transport hub — the Southern Cross station terminal, located in the very centre of the metropolis, from where it is easy to continue your journey on urban transport.

Travelling by car to Melbourne is an excellent way to see the diversity of Australian landscapes. The main route from Sydney lies via the Hume Highway (M31) expressway; a journey of about 880 kilometres will take approximately 9–10 hours. If you are heading from the direction of Adelaide, the fastest path is via the Western Highway, however, many travellers choose the longer, but incredibly picturesque route along the coast via the famous Princes Highway.

When planning a trip, it is critically important to remember that in Australia, driving is on the left. Road infrastructure is at a high level, and a clear signage system helps to navigate easily even on unfamiliar highways. It is worth noting that some urban motorways (for example, CityLink) are toll roads requiring electronic payment, and parking in the Central Business District can be costly.

Preparing for a trip to Melbourne requires attention to detail: from the specific climate to the nuances of city navigation. To ensure your stay in the cultural capital of Australia is comfortable and safe, we have compiled a list of key practical recommendations.

1. The layering principle in clothing. The city is known for its unpredictable weather, which locals describe as "four seasons in one day". It may be sunny in the morning, but by lunchtime, a cold wind with rain may pick up. It is recommended to dress in layers and always carry a light jacket or umbrella, regardless of the forecast.
2. Myki transport card. Cash and bank cards are not accepted inside public transport vehicles. To pay for the fare, you will need a rechargeable Myki card. Please note: within the Central Business District (CBD), a Free Tram Zone operates — an area for free tram travel where you do not need to validate the card. Outside this zone, tapping the card on the reader is mandatory.
3. Sun protection. Due to the thin ozone layer, UV activity here is extremely high. The use of sunscreen with SPF 50+, wearing headgear and sunglasses is mandatory even in cloudy weather to avoid rapid burns.
4. Water safety. Ocean currents can be treacherous. Swim only at beaches where lifeguards are on duty, and strictly within the zone between the red and yellow flags. The absence of flags means the beach is not patrolled or is closed due to dangerous conditions.
5. Electrical network and sockets. The mains voltage is 230 V, and Type I sockets are used (three flat pins at an angle). International visitors will need a special adapter to charge gadgets.
6. Payment nuances. Melbourne is a city where cards are accepted almost everywhere (from large restaurants to small market stalls). Cash is required extremely rarely. Tipping is not mandatory, but rounding up the bill or a small addition for excellent service is welcomed.

Considering these nuances, you will be able to avoid common difficulties and focus on exploring the sights and the unique atmosphere of the city.