Melbourne 2017: Myki Card

Before my trip to Melbourne a few weeks ago, I did a lot of research about their transport system and how to use the Myki card. Aside from checking their official site (https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/myki), I've checked out a lot of blog posts too as it can get really confusing on how to use the card.

I spent 3 days in Melbourne and below are some of the basic things you need to know about using the Myki card:

Where to buy?

I bought mine at the PTV Hub area as soon as I arrived at the Southern Cross station. Once you get off the Skybus & enter the station, you will see a ticket office on your right. Note that this is only for Myki top ups & they don't sell the card itself. You'd have to walk to the far end of the station until you see the PTV Hub kiosk to buy & top up your Myki card.

Update as of November 2018: You can now buy your Myki Card at the ticket office on your right, after you enter the Southern Cross Station from the SkyBus arrival area. They accept cash and card for payment.

Aside from the PTV hub station, you can also purchase the card from other premium train/tram stations & 711 stores.

How much is the card?

The card cost $6 AUD after which you can top up with either Myki money or Myki pass. 

For tourists, they recommend the Myki Explorer package ($15 AUD) which includes the following:

• Myki Card
• Myki Money $9 AUD
• Maps 
• Souvenir Wallet

I bought the Myki Explorer as I only have a day to spend outside the free tram zone, and the $9 AUD is just enough for a days travel using the Myki card.

Topping up your Myki Card

A Myki card can be topped up with either Myki Money or Myki Pass (see which one is for you in detail here). For travelers, Myki Money is the choice here and the amount of how much 'money' to load will depend on your itinerary. 

You can top up you card on Myki machines located in tram/train stations & 711 stores.

How much Myki money should I top up?

They have a 2-hour fare ($4.10 AUD) & a daily cap fare ($8.20 AUD). Maximize your Myki money by planning your itinerary wisely - identify which Zones the places you want to visit are located at & place them on the same day. This way, you can travel all day anywhere within Zones 1 and 2 for a fixed amount. Take advantage of the free trams around the area, and should you need to use your Myki, it would be more economical & convenient to use the daily cap instead of the 2-hour fare.

When to tap on and off?

If you are only traveling within the free tram zone area, no need to use your Myki and tap on or off. However, when your journey includes any station from Zones 1 & 2, you need to tap on & off.

Sample Scenario: 

From CBD area -coming from D2 Central Pier station, you'd like to go to St Kilda Beach and the nearest tram station is Stop 136 The Esplanade (St Kilda).

1. From D2 Central Pier station, take Tram 35 (City Circle) and get off at Stop 1 Spencer St/Flinders St. As this is still within the Free Tram Zone area, NO NEED to tap on or off.
2. From Stop 1, walk towards Stop 124 Batman Park/Spencer St.
3. Take Tram 96 (St Kilda Beach) and tap ON your Myki Card. 
4. Tap OFF your Myki card before getting off at Stop 136 Esplanade.

Note though that even if you forgot to tap on or off on stations you should have, the maximum amount it will deduct your Myki card is almost the same as the daily cap fare. So for me, as a traveler, it would be less confusing if you just take the daily fare & visit the places outside the free tram area on the same day.