Free Weekend Travel for Seniors in Victoria: Your Handy Guide
From 1 January 2026, Victorian Seniors Card holders received a very welcome perk: free public transport every weekend across Victoria. That means trains, trams, buses and V/Line services are all free from midnight Friday to midnight Sunday.
For many people, this small change has opened up a big new sense of freedom. A trip into the city. A day by the coast. Lunch with family or friends in another town. All without worrying about the cost of fares.
This guide explains how the system works, who is eligible, and how to make the most of it.
What is Free Weekend Travel for Seniors?
The Victorian Government introduced free weekend public transport for Seniors Card holders as part of the 2025–26 State Budget to help ease cost-of-living pressures.
The benefit applies across all fare zones in Victoria, which means you can travel long distances at no cost on weekends. Think Melbourne to Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Gippsland or anywhere else in the network.
The savings can add up quickly. The government estimates regular travellers could save over $360 a year on public transport costs.
Need a hand getting around Melbourne? Travellers Aid offers a range of services.
Half-price travel from 1 June 2026 until 1 January 2027
Right now, the Victorian Government is offering free travel on public transport available for everyone across the state (during April and May 2026). When the free travel period ends on 31 May 2026, public transport in Victoria will be half price for all passengers until 1 January 2027.
During this time the 50% discount will apply to full fare as well as concession passengers. This makes the midweek daily cap for Seniors Myki holders $2.85 (normally $5.70), and free every weekend.
From January 1 2027
Once the discounted travel period is over, we’re back to the normal deal for Seniors Myki holders.
While weekends are free with your Seniors Myki, with the daily cap, you won’t pay more than $5.70 midweek when travelling anywhere in Victoria. That’s for a whole day using your Seniors Myki card.
When is travel free for Seniors?
Free travel applies during the following times:
- From midnight Friday
- Until midnight Sunday
This covers the entire weekend, every weekend. Year round!
Read our guide: Victorian Seniors Card explained: how to apply and make the most of it
Important: you still need to tap on
During the current government initiatives, such as the temporary free travel period during the fuel crisis, barriers are open, and passengers do not need to tap on.
However, ongoing weekend free travel for Seniors Myki holders (only) works differently.
From 1 June 2026, you must still tap on and off throughout your trip to ensure you have a validated ticket.
Your Seniors Myki card will register the trip, but no fare will be deducted.
We have tested this ourselves and can confirm it works exactly as promised!
A real weekend test: Portarlington to Melbourne
One of our contributors, Angie, recently decided to test the system for herself.
She lives in Portarlington near Geelong and wondered if she could spend a full day in Melbourne without paying a cent for transport.
Here’s what she discovered.
She left home at 7.15 am and caught a McHarry’s bus into Geelong Station. The bus was spotlessly clean and had plenty of seats.
From there she boarded the 8.09 am train to Melbourne, arriving at 9.15 am.
“The journey was comfortable enough to enjoy a read and even a short snooze.”
Total travel time was around two hours, which she noted is not far off the time it takes to drive.
Her day in the city included:
- A morning coffee stop
- A visit to the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia to see the Top Arts VCE exhibition
- Lunch with a friend at Brunetti Oro Flinders Lane
- A quick browse at DFO South Wharf
She arrived home at 5.26pm, even managing to stop for groceries on the way.
Total transport cost: $0.
Her main takeaway? The system works beautifully, as long as you have the correct myki card.
Seniors Myki vs. Pensioner Myki: what’s the difference?
This is where some confusion can arise. We’ve asked around and can clarify that there are two similar Myki concession cards, and they are not the same.
Seniors Myki (State Government initiative)
This is the card that gives Victorians the extra benefits:
- Free public transport on weekends
- 50% discount on fares Monday to Friday
The Seniors Myki is linked to the Victorian Seniors Card, which is a state government initiative available to eligible Victorian residents aged 60 and over. As locals we get the extra perks!
Pensioner Concession Myki (Federal Government initiative)
This card is designed primarily for Age Pension recipients and benefits interstate visitors who hold pension concession cards.
It provides:
- Discounted concession fares
- But no free weekend travel
Note: Visitors can get free travel on the weekend only if they hold a Pensioner Concession Card printed with code DSP (disability support pension).
In short:
- Victorian residents should use a Seniors Myki to access the additional perk of free weekend travel.
- Pensioner Myki cards work best for interstate visitors to receive discounted fares.
How to get a Seniors Myki
To access free weekend travel you must have a Seniors Myki card.
If you didn’t receive one along with your Victorian Seniors Card, the process is simple:
- Bring your Victorian Seniors Card
- Visit a myki card retailer or staffed station
- Ask for a Seniors Myki
The card will usually be marked with an “S” on the back so transport staff can easily identify it.
Read more here: Using Your Seniors Myki and Navigating Public Transport in Melbourne
Exploring Regional Victoria by Public Transport
Contributor Siew lives in Melbourne’s inner west and often heads into the city for a day out. But when she’s in the mood for something different, she and her husband — sometimes joined by a group of friends — like to use public transport to explore regional Victoria.
“It’s easy, convenient, and very affordable,” she says.
One Saturday, they hopped on the Sunbury line and travelled straight through to Springvale — no changes needed.
“It was such a lovely surprise. We spent the morning wandering through the markets, had a relaxed lunch and coffee, and then made our way home.”
More recently, Siew ventured further afield, combining train and coach travel to reach the Grampians region. She took a V/Line train to Ballarat, then continued by coach through Stawell and on to Halls Gap.
“We’re staying three nights at Breeze Holiday Park, which is just across from the bus stop,” she says. “Everything is within walking distance — cafés, restaurants, and plenty to see.”
With time on their side, they settled straight into the rhythm of the region.
“We did our first hike that afternoon and absolutely loved it here.”
The following day brought something new — an e-bike ride out to Lake Bellfield.
“It was our first time on e-bikes. A gentle one-hour return ride, and such a great way to see the area.”
Siew notes that the V/Line coach connections were also included in the free travel for Seniors Myki holders, making the journey even more affordable.
Her experience highlights just how flexible public transport can be for regional travel. With a bit of planning — and perhaps an overnight bag — a weekend trip can easily turn into a short getaway.
And the best part? You can leave the car at home and simply enjoy the journey.
Getting around Melbourne
While Siew enjoys heading off to regional Victoria, she’s just as quick to point out how easy it is to get around Melbourne itself using public transport — especially on a relaxed weekend.
“Getting around is very straightforward,” she says. “The tram stops along St Kilda Road make it simple to return to the city, and with the new Anzac Station open as part of the Metro Tunnel, it is even more convenient.”
On a fine day, she often skips transport altogether and walks back into the city.
“If the weather is nice, I like to walk. You notice different plants and colours through the seasons — it’s part of the experience.”
She also highlights how helpful the network can be for those who may not use it every day.
“Signage is clear and easy to follow, but if you’re unsure, the public transport staff at Flinders Street Station are always happy to point you in the right direction.”
And there’s another small detail that makes a big difference.
“If a tram or train is busy, younger travellers will often offer their seat. Melbournians are very considerate.”
For Siew and her husband Tony, public transport isn’t just a way to get from A to B — it’s part of the outing itself.
“We always enjoy our trips into the city. It’s easy, comfortable, and a lovely way to spend the day.”
Related reading: A Practical Guide to Melbourne’s New Metro Tunnel Stations
Heading off on your own Melbourne adventures? Join our Facebook Group and share your stories, ask questions and connect with others for further inspiration.
