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Is the free tram zone in Melbourne CBD still available, and where does it cover?
Short answer: Yes. The Free Tram Zone runs from Queen Victoria Market to Docklands, Spring Street, Flinders Street Station and Federation Square. (checked Oct 12, 2026) Ride within it and you pay nothing. Cross the boundary and normal fares apply.
The details
- Where it covers. The zone takes in the central city and Docklands, bounded by Spring Street, Flinders Street and La Trobe Street. It also includes Victoria, William and Elizabeth Streets around the Queen Victoria Market. (checked Oct 12, 2026) The City of Melbourne page also lists Federation Square as inside the zone. (checked Oct 12, 2026)
- No myki needed inside it. You don't need a myki if you're only travelling in the Free Tram Zone or on the City Circle Tram. (checked Oct 12, 2026)
- Trams only. Travelling by train or bus still needs a valid ticket. (checked Oct 12, 2026)
- Crossing the boundary. If you start or finish a journey outside the Free Tram Zone, a valid myki card is required. (checked Oct 12, 2026) In general, places south of the Yarra, such as the NGV, the Arts Centre and the Botanic Gardens, are outside the zone. Check the official zone map PDF, linked from the What's On Melbourne page, before you rely on that.
- City Circle tram. The historic W-class City Circle trams offer free travel with audio commentary on points of interest along a circular CBD route. (checked Oct 12, 2026) Visit Melbourne lists daytime service roughly every 12 minutes, and says the City Circle Tram is not wheelchair accessible. Hours and frequency vary, so check the PTV timetable on the day.
- Half-price fares outside the zone. Public transport across Victoria is half price for everyone, every day, from Monday 1 June 2026 until 1 January 2027. (checked Oct 12, 2026) It excludes SkyBus, ferries, and non-subsidised regional bus services. The Free Tram Zone is separate from this discount and is not tied to that end date. Check whether the discount has been extended or has ended if you travel in 2027.
Tips
- Don't tap on inside the zone. A touch-on can trigger a fare. If you tap by mistake, ask PTV about a reimbursement rather than assuming it will sort itself out.
- Tap on before you leave the zone. If you're heading to Southbank or St Kilda, touch on at your first stop. Do it before the tram crosses the boundary.
- Look for the zone signs. Visit Melbourne notes that tram stops in this zone are clearly marked. (checked Oct 12, 2026)
- Plan CBD sightseeing around the zone. Parliament, Federation Square, Queen Victoria Market and Docklands fit inside it.
- Check the day's tram disruptions. Works and events can reroute trams. Look at the PTV site or the Transport Victoria app before you go.
FAQ
Do I need a myki to ride trams in the CBD?
Not if your whole tram trip stays inside the Free Tram Zone. PTV says you don't need a myki when you travel only within the zone or on the City Circle Tram. If your trip starts or ends outside it, you need a valid myki or other accepted payment.
Is the City Circle tram free?
Yes. Travel on the City Circle Tram is free, and you can hop on and off as often as you like. (checked Oct 12, 2026) It runs in daytime hours, so check the current timetable on PTV.
Are trains and buses free in the CBD too?
No. The free zone applies to trams only. Trains and buses need a valid ticket even when you're travelling within the central city. Half-price fares are running until 1 January 2027, but they are a discount, not free travel.
Is Docklands inside the free zone?
Yes. Both the What's On Melbourne and PTV pages list Docklands as part of the Free Tram Zone. A tram trip between Docklands and the CBD grid needs no ticket as long as you stay inside the boundary.
Is the National Gallery of Victoria in the free zone?
Generally no. The NGV is on St Kilda Road, south of the river and the zone's Flinders Street edge. Touch on with a myki or contactless payment before you cross the river. Confirm against the official zone map PDF.
Want the whole trip planned? The PerkJolt Melbourne + Great Ocean Road guide puts the routes, timing and points strategy in one place. Get the Melbourne + Great Ocean Road guide
More questions about Melbourne + Great Ocean Road
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- How do I get from Melbourne airport to the city?
- How much does a Great Ocean Road day trip cost?
- How many days should I spend in Melbourne?
- What is the best time of year to visit Melbourne?
See every question about Melbourne + Great Ocean Road → /answers/melbourne/
Last verified: 2026-10-12. The most likely changes are the half-price fare period ending on 1 January 2027 and any change to the zone boundary or City Circle hours. Check the PTV visitor page at https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/more/travelling-on-the-network/visiting-melbourne-and-victoria/.
Good to know before you go
. Confirm hours, fees, schedules and road or trail status on the official page before you book or go.
Sources
- https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/more/travelling-on-the-network/visiting-melbourne-and-victoria/
- https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/visitor-info/getting-around/public-transport
- https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/public-transport
- https://www.visitmelbourne.com/practical-information/getting-here-and-around/public-transport
- https://transport.vic.gov.au/news-and-resources/news/public-transport-now-half-price-for-everyone