A City Defined by Its Trams
While most cities tore up their tram tracks in the mid-20th century in favour of cars and buses, Melbourne held firm. Today, the city operates over 250 kilometres of track across more than 1,700 tram stops — making it the largest tram network in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the most extensive in the world. Trams here aren't just heritage nostalgia; they're a central pillar of everyday urban transport.
Who Runs It?
The network is operated by Yarra Trams under a franchise agreement with the Victorian state government. The Public Transport Victoria (PTV) authority oversees integrated ticketing and network planning. All tram routes use the myki smart card, the same system used on Melbourne's trains and buses.
Key Routes to Know
Melbourne's tram network fans out from the CBD in all directions. Some of the most significant routes include:
- Route 96: Running from East Brunswick to St Kilda via the CBD, this is one of Melbourne's busiest and most scenic routes, passing through Fitzroy and along St Kilda Road.
- Route 109: Connecting Box Hill in the east to Port Melbourne, cutting through the heart of the city.
- Route 86: Serving the inner-north corridor from Bundoora to Docklands.
- Route 35 (City Circle): A free tourist loop running through the CBD, ideal for visitors wanting an overview of the city centre.
- Route 70/75: Heading east toward Glen Waverley and Vermont South respectively, serving the eastern suburbs.
The Free Tram Zone
One of Melbourne's most visitor-friendly features is the Free Tram Zone — a defined area in the CBD and Docklands where all tram travel is completely free. No myki card needed. Simply board and ride. This zone covers most of the major CBD attractions and is marked clearly on tram maps. Outside this zone, standard myki fares apply.
The Rolling Stock Mix
Melbourne runs a diverse fleet of trams. The workhorse of the modern fleet is the Citadis X05 (built by Alstom), a low-floor, air-conditioned vehicle introduced in recent years. The distinctive W-class trams — iconic green wooden-bodied vehicles from the 1930s–50s — still run on the City Circle tourist route, and occasional heritage services keep them in public view. Older Comeng and Z-class trams are still in service but are gradually being retired.
Ticketing and Fares
Outside the Free Tram Zone, you need a myki card loaded with credit (myki Money) or a daily/weekly pass (myki Pass). Fares are zone-based — most of the inner network falls in Zone 1, with outer routes extending into Zone 2. Importantly, a daily fare cap means you pay for at most two trips in a day, even if you travel more.
| Ticket Type | Notes |
|---|---|
| myki Money (Zone 1) | Capped at a daily maximum |
| myki Money (Zone 1+2) | Higher cap, covers outer routes |
| myki Pass | Weekly/monthly flat rate |
| Free Tram Zone | No ticket required in CBD |
Challenges and Future Plans
Melbourne's tram network faces real growing pains. Mixed traffic — trams sharing road space with cars — leads to delays, particularly on key corridors like Swanston Street. There are ongoing debates about dedicated tram lanes, stop upgrades, and extending routes into growing suburbs. The state government has also committed to acquiring more low-floor Citadis trams to improve accessibility across the network.
Why Melbourne's Trams Matter
Beyond utility, Melbourne's trams are part of the city's identity. They appear on postcards, in travel guides, and in the memories of generations of Melburnians. They represent a successful counter-argument to the idea that trams are inherently outdated — in the right city, with the right investment, they remain one of the most practical and pleasant forms of urban transport available.