Buses in Melbourne

Melbourne’s bus network is reasonably good, servicing the same routes as trams, as well as destinations overlooked by trains or trams. The only downside with buses is that they tend to take longer, often getting bunched up in traffic during peak periods.

While it's best to pre-purchase your ticket before travelling, a limited range of tickets may also be purchased onboard from the driver. For bus information, timetables and fares, visit Metlink.

Probably the most useful service for travellers is the NightRider. The after midnight bus service travels from the city to the suburbs, departing Swanston Street (between Collins and Flinders streets) hourly from 12.30am to 4.30am on Saturday and Sunday mornings, with connecting services to Crown Casino. Onboard public phones are available so you can call a taxi or a friend to collect you from the bus stop.

NightRider operate low-floor wheelchair accessible buses with stepless entry, making it easier for people using wheelchairs or with limited mobility to board and move around the vehicles with ease. You should call ahead to confirm low-floor buses.

Special services also operate during the year to support major Melbourne events like the Australian Grand Prix and New Year's Eve.

Melbourne City Tourist Shuttle
The free Melbourne City Tourist Shuttle stops at key destinations around the city, including the Melbourne Museum, Queen Victoria Market, Lygon Street, the Melbourne Aquarium, Docklands and the Southern Star Observation Wheel, Chinatown and the Royal Botanic Gardens. The shuttle runs between 10am and 4pm daily, with the complete trip taking around 50 minutes.

Suburban bus routes and contact information:

Bayswater, Croydon and Dandenong (including Lilydale, Olinda and Rowville extensions): Ph 03 9723 3529
Craigieburn: Ph 03 9338 6466 or visit Tullamarine Bus Lines.
Eltham and Epping: Ph 03 9470 3355 or visit Reservoir Bus Company
Frankston/Mornington/Rosebud: Ph 03 9786 7088
St Albans (including Melton and Sunbury extensions): Ph 03 9306 3166 or visit Northern Bus and Road Runner.
Werribee: Ph 03 9463 3999

Accessibility

Buses are not always a viable option for wheelchair users. All vehicles and bus stops must eventually become accessible, but this will be a slow process.

Grendas Bus Company
Grenda currently has 40 wheelchair accessible buses on suburban routes. Customers should telephone ahead to ensure that an accessible bus will pick them up, and that the bus stop is wheelchair accessible.
Ph 03 9791 2988
www.grenda.com.au

Melbourne Bus Link
Melbourne Bus Link manages nine major inner city bus routes. The company endeavours to assist customers who call ahead requesting wheelchair accessible buses.
Ph 03 9689 8555
www.melbbuslink.com.au

National Bus Company
The National Bus Company currently has 84 low floor wheelchair accessible buses, and runs about 90 per cent of services in the CBD. Customers can call to request a wheelchair accessible bus (you must call 24 hours in advance), or check the website bus timetable for information on low floor accessible buses. Buses marked with a W on bus stop timetables indicate that they are wheelchair accessible.
Ph 03 9481 8222 (general enquiries)
Ph 131 638 (accessibility enquiries – within Australia)
www.nationalbus.com.au

Demand Response Bus
The service operates in the St Kilda and Port Melbourne areas for people who are unable to travel on trams or buses. Two buses, both hoist equipped, are capable of carrying up to three wheelchairs and four companions.
The buses must be booked 24 hours in advance. The service operates Mon - Fri between 7.30am and 10pm. There is no service on weekends or public holidays.
Ph 0412 525 376
Ph 1800 012 061 (within Australia)
Normal Met charges apply

Further Links

Melbourne City Tourist Shuttle