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What is the Melbourne Free Tram Zone?
The Melbourne Free Tram Zone is a designated area within the CBD where tram travel is free when the entire journey stays inside the zone.
No fare is charged for tram trips that both start and end within the Free Tram Zone.
When tram travel is free
Tram travel is free if:
- You board within the Free Tram Zone
- You exit within the Free Tram Zone
- The entire journey stays inside the zone
You do not need to touch on or touch off with a Myki card when travelling entirely within the zone.
When you must pay a fare
A standard tram fare applies if:
- Your trip starts outside the Free Tram Zone
- Your trip ends outside the Free Tram Zone
- You touch on while travelling within the zone
If you accidentally touch on, you may be charged a Zone 1 fare.
Free Tram Zone boundaries
The Free Tram Zone covers central Melbourne CBD and Docklands.
The zone boundaries are defined by:
- Flinders Street (south)
- La Trobe Street (north)
- Spring Street (east)
- Docklands area (west)
Only tram stops located entirely within these boundaries are included.
How to identify Free Tram Zone stops
Tram stops within the Free Tram Zone are clearly marked with signage.
Onboard announcements also alert passengers when a tram is approaching the zone boundary.
Official Free Tram Zone map
The official Free Tram Zone map is published by Public Transport Victoria.
For the most up-to-date boundaries and stop locations, refer to the official map available on the PTV website.
City Circle Tram
The City Circle Tram (Route 35) operates entirely within the Free Tram Zone and is free to use.
This service runs through the CBD and Docklands and does not require a myki card when used within the zone.
FAQs
Do I need a myki card in the Free Tram Zone?
No. A myki card is not required when travelling entirely within the Free Tram Zone.
What happens if I travel outside the Free Tram Zone?
You must touch on with a valid myki card and pay the standard fare if any part of your journey is outside the zone.
Is the Free Tram Zone available on all trams?
Yes. Free travel applies on all tram services when both boarding and exiting stops are within the Free Tram Zone.
Does free travel apply to trains or buses?
No. The Free Tram Zone applies to trams only.
Important notes
- Free travel applies only to tram journeys fully within the zone
- Touching on inside the zone may result in a fare charge
- Rules are set by Public Transport Victoria and may change
Hi Michelle, Hope you are well. I use a foldable walker for walking. So will the free tram be ok for me? Any hotels that are just a min away from the free tram, pl advise. Thanks very much. Shilpa
Hi Shilpa,
You should be fine with a foldable walker. There are hotels close to the free tram. You may use Google maps to look for some.
Hello, what is close for others, is not close for me. Pl suggest reasonable hotels closest to teh tram stops in CBD. Thanks very much.