Melbourne's train system may not be the greatest and the best in the whole world, but it is unique, especially some of the stations such as Flinders Street Station, and Southern Cross station.
Step 1
Have a ticket ready or have money to buy a ticket.
Step 2
Get to the station. Most railway stations in Melbourne have at least 1 bus route going to the station - some major ones will have bus interchanges. If you're taking the bus, remember you can buy your train ticket and your bus ticket on the bus as one ticket. If you're taking the car, all stations in Melbourne have some sort of free commuter car park. But remember, most stations car park's will be full after 9 am on a weekday.
Step 3
Once you are at the station, if you do not have a ticket, buy one. You can buy tickets at the station from the machine (all stations have a small machine which takes coins only, and all stations will have at least 1 large machine which takes notes, coins and EFTPOS), or if you are at a premium station, you can buy from the window.
Step 4
Once you have your ticket, you must validate it. All stations will have a validator. By law, you are required to have a valid ticket on board public transport, and inside valid ticket areas (generally platforms).
Step 5
Once you have validated your ticket, wait at the platform in a calm, orderly manner. Some stations will have vending machines, and some popular stations will have a small kiosk which sells hot drinks and newspapers during peak hour. All City stations, and several large metropolitan stations will have a MX (newspaper) stand which will be filled from around 4pm.
Step 6
Most stations will have a PRIDE system. There will be a box with a green and a red button. Pressing the green button will provide the next train information. Press the red button only in an emergency - it will connect you with an operator.
Step 7
1 minute before the trains arrival, the stations PA system will announce the trains arrival.
Step 8
Wait for the train to arrive. For your own safety, stand behind the yellow line. When the train arrives and has fully stopped, open the door. Older trains have to be opened manually by hand. However, newer trains will have a button which when pushed, will open the doors automatically.
Step 9
Board the train in a calm, orderly manner. Watch the gap. If you have a pram or a wheelchair, stand in the front of the platform, which is marked with a yellow or white triangle. When the train arrives, the driver will place a ramp for you. Write your destination on a piece of paper and the driver will assist you in getting off the train too.
Tips
- Note that on Eastern and South Eastern lines, particularly Belgrave, Lilydale, Pakenham and Cranbourne lines, the train will be very crowded during peak hours.
- During night, for your own safety, travel in the 1st carriage.
