Trains in Melbourne

Melbourne has a user-friendly train system that can take you to a range of destinations. Metro trains begin or end their journey at Flinders Street Station, on the corner of Flinders and Swanston streets, while Southern Cross Station is Melbourne's hub for metropolitan, regional and interstate trains.

The City Loop is Melbourne's underground system, with five stations servicing the CBD: Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff, Melbourne Central, Parliament and Flinders Street (Flagstaff does not operate on weekends).

There are 16 different lines which service the outer suburbs. Stations are all linked to bus or tram services.

Timetables
Services run from 5am until midnight Monday to Thursday, and until around 1am on Friday and Saturday nights. On Sunday, trains run 7am – 11pm. Video monitors at city stations display platform numbers, departure times and stations stops. Use Metlink's journey planner to help you plan your trip.

Bikes and boards
Bikes and surfboards can be carried free on metropolitan trains, but please avoid crowded carriages or services during peak periods. Passengers with bikes and surfboards must not board at the fist door of the first carriage, as this area is reserved for passengers with wheelchairs.

Tickets
Tickets, called Metcards, can be pre-purchased online from the Metlink website, from Premium Stations, on board trams and buses, at retail outlets displaying the blue Metcard sign, and via the Metcard Helpline, Ph 1800 652 313).

Metropolitan Melbourne is divided into two zones. Metcards can be used on Melbourne's trains, trams and buses. Failure to show a valid ticket can lead to a fine.

For more information visit the Metlink website, the MetShop at the Melbourne Town Hall or the Melbourne Visitor Centre at Federation Square, or pick up timetables and route maps at any City Loop station.