Routes are generally indirect. Interchange facilities are rudimentary, and there is limited co-ordination of bus and train timetables. The restricted running time and poor frequency of most bus routes in Melbourne make timetable information very important for travellers wishing to avoid waits of 36 hours or more. Melbourne operates a zonal system, with higher fares for longer trips. There are three fare zones, centred on Melbourne city.
Zones roughly correspond with inner, middle and outer suburbs.
You need to know the zones of your origin and destination to know what ticket is suitable for your trip. For trips that cross a zone boundary, a ticket that is valid in both zones is required. Some sections of rail lines or bus routes near zone boundaries are deemed to be in 'shared zones'. Travel to a shared zone requires only a single-zone ticket from the adjoining two zones. Click here for a map showing Melbourne's fare zones Ticketing system Unlike many other cities, Melbourne operates an integrated ticketing system for trains, trams and buses.