seniors myki card benefits at Flinders Street station
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Using Your Seniors Myki and Navigating Public Transport in Melbourne (2026)

Once you’ve come of age (and of legendary status), a Seniors Myki card is your key to seamless travel across Melbourne’s extensive public transport network.

With free weekend travel and a 50% discount on midweek trains, trams, and buses, including V/Line services, this seniors travel card ensures that you can explore the city at a fraction of the cost. 

Let’s dive into how the Seniors Myki card can enhance your travel experience and help you make the most of your time in Melbourne and Victoria.

Get a printable PDF version of this article to stick on your fridge.

Need a hand getting around Melbourne? Travellers Aid offers a range of services, read more here.

Related reading: 15 Best Discounts Using Your Seniors Card at Melbourne Attractions

inside southern cross station using seniors travel card
Southern Cross Station, Melbourne

Note: While we’re not affiliated with the Victorian Government or the Seniors Card program, we’re keen to share practical advice and help make sense of how the system works.

Unlock Your Seniors Myki Card Benefits

For easy and convenient navigation across Melbourne’s bustling streets and vibrant neighbourhoods, explore the sights via train, tram, or bus using your trusty seniors travel card.

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 (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 (ongoing).

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 for a whole day using your Seniors Myki card! 

Is that a roundtrip across town and country for less than it costs for a good coffee nowadays?? 

Yes! While specific charges vary according to different zones and travel times, your Seniors Myki will cap out at just $5.70 for a daily fare during the week. This includes travel to and from regional Victoria, as well as within all of Metropolitan Melbourne. 

Is weekend travel free for seniors in Victoria?

Yes! Seniors Card holders across Victoria now have ongoing free weekend public transport. It began on January 1, 2026, and is no longer just a two-zone limit.

You must continue to touch on and off as you travel, though no additional charges will be made (don’t worry, we’ve check this!). Find more information from Transport Victoria here.

Traveling on a tram using seniors myki card
Here’s Terrie travelling on a tram through the Docklands

Five More Seniors Myki Card Benefits

  1. Free weekend travel for Seniors Myki holders, anywhere in Victoria. (This started on 1 Jan, 2026).
  1. Free travel vouchers are available for off-peak travel on public transport anywhere in Victoria, which can be redeemed electronically here or by calling Transport Victoria on 1800 800 007 (allow 10 business days for postage of your ticket, or collect your ticket from a station at least 30 minutes before travel). Also read our guide How to Apply for and Use Your Free Travel Vouchers in Victoria.
  1. Additionally, during the annual Victorian Seniors Festival, you can revel in a whole week’s worth of complimentary public transport travel, further enhancing your festival experience. (Read our Guide to Free Public Transport for Seniors Week.)
  1. Travel in comfort! Keep an eye out for priority seat signs if you require a comfortable spot, as these are available on all modes of public transport within Victoria. 
  1. Victorian Seniors Card holders can access discounted travel not only in Victoria, but Australia-wide too. 
Train moving through the city using seniors myki card

Seniors Myki FAQs Answered

What is a Myki card?

A Myki card is a reloadable public transport ticket or travel card used for all modes of travel on public transport in Victoria. This includes trains, trams and buses.

When am I eligible for a Seniors Myki card?

You need a Victorian Seniors Card, which is available to permanent residents of Victoria aged 60 or above and who work less than 35 hours a week. It’s issued by the State Govt. Department of Health and Human Services. Apply via Seniors Online here. 

How do I get a Seniors Myki card?

When applying for your Victorian Seniors Card, you’ll automatically receive a Seniors Myki as well. Apply via Seniors Online here. 

If you didn’t get one with your Victorian Seniors Card, you can get one in person at any staffed train station using your Seniors Card.

How much does a Seniors Myki cost?

For Victorians, the card and application are free.

Read our guide: Victorian Seniors Card explained: how to apply and make the most of it

Victorian Seniors Card application form and Seniors Myki
Victorian Seniors Card application form

How can a tourist get a Seniors Myki card (non-Victorian resident)?

Only Victorian residents can have a Seniors Myki. However, eligible visitors or tourists with a valid concession card (Australian Pensioner, Healthcare, or Seniors card) can purchase a Concession Myki ($3) for 50% off fares, with daily caps of $5.70 or $4.00 on weekends/holidays, effective 2026. Purchase at stations, 7-Eleven stores, or via Android Mobile Myki.

Tip: Always carry proof of eligibility to avoid fines.

How do I use my Seniors Myki?

  1. Register your card online. Instructions are provided when you receive the card;
  2. Load money onto your card, either online or at any Myki top-up point;
  3. Touch on and touch off each time you travel.

Do I need to carry more than my Seniors Myki on me to travel?

Yes. When travelling, always remember to carry your Seniors Card and Seniors Myki for hassle-free access to public transport. For those with an Android phone, the convenience of Mobile Myki can add an extra layer of ease to your travel experience.

Where can I top up my Seniors Myki?

  • Online via the Transport Victoria website here;
  • In person at a staffed station, see locations here;
  • In person at any 7-Eleven store, as well as various other shops in the city (see shop signage);
  • Over the phone, by calling PTV on 1800 800 007;
  • At any Myki machine, located at many stations and stops;
  • Via the Mobile Myki app (Androids), more information here;
  • Another option is to set up an auto top-up online.

Where can I pay in CASH to top up my Seniors Myki?

  • In person at a staffed station, see locations here;
  • In person at any 7-Eleven store:
  • In person at various other shops in the city (see shop signage);
  • At any Myki machine, located at many stations and stops.
tram stop in Bourke St Mall
Tram stop in Bourke St Mall

Should I register my Seniors Myki card online?

You don’t have to. By registering your Seniors Myki card, you can enjoy added benefits such as free card replacement in case of loss or theft.

What are the discounted rates and Myki Seniors fares 2026?

Seniors Myki card holders get free weekend travel and pay 50% of the standard adult fares on all travel across public transport throughout Victoria. The daily adult fare is capped at $11.40 on weekdays, so the Seniors Myki caps out at just $5.70 for a weekday.

What do I do if I have lost my Seniors Myki card?

There are a few ways to replace lost or stolen Myki cards:

  1. In person at a Transport Vic hub, or a premium metropolitan station or staffed V/Line station inside the myki boundary.
  2. Online at the Transport Victoria website.
  3. By phoning 1800 800 007.
Metro Tunnel

Related reading: A Practical Guide to Melbourne’s New Metro Tunnel Stations

How can I access my Free Travel Vouchers?

Seniors card holders are eligible for up to 4 x free travel passes per year, available for off-peak travel on public transport anywhere in Victoria. To access your free travel vouchers, register electronically here or call PTV on 1800 800 007.

Note that previously seniors card holders were automatically sent travel vouchers, but now you need to opt in for them. Find more information from Transport Victoria here. Read our guide here.

What is the Melbourne Free Tram Zone?

All tram travel is free within Melbourne’s CBD and Docklands. Look for the coloured signage at tram stops to identify the boundary. You only need to touch on your Myki if you are getting off the tram outside of the free tram zone. This applies to any tram within the zone, not just the free City Circle Tram (which is a fun experience in itself, read our review here).

Note: if you touch on and off within the free tram zone, you won’t be charged.

What’s the best time to travel on public transport in Melbourne?

Peak hours in Melbourne typically occur during the morning and evening rush hours. Avoid travelling roughly between 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on weekdays.

Where should I travel to using my Seniors Myki?

I’m glad you asked! The answer is anywhere in Melbourne and Victoria! If you’re looking for Melbourne outing inspiration, you’ve come to the right place. Explore our blog for inspiration on exploring Melbourne’s best attractions, restaurants, events, tours, and more. Have a look here.

Related reading: How to Apply for and Use Your Free Travel Vouchers in Victoria.

What accessible travel services are available on public transport in Victoria?

Transport Victoria offers several accessible travel services on its public transport network to accommodate passengers with disabilities or mobility challenges. Some of these services include:

  1. Accessible Trams: Many tram services in Melbourne are accessible to passengers with disabilities, featuring low-floor tram designs with ramps for easy boarding and dedicated spaces for passengers using mobility aids like wheelchairs or scooters.
  2. Accessible Buses: Most buses in Victoria are equipped with features such as low-floor designs, ramps, and priority seating areas for passengers with disabilities. Some buses also have audio and visual announcements to assist passengers with vision or hearing impairments.
  3. Accessible Train Stations: Many train stations in Victoria have been upgraded to improve accessibility, including the installation of ramps, elevators, tactile paving, and platform edge markers. These features aim to facilitate easy access for passengers with mobility impairments.
  4. Mobility Aid Access: Passengers using wheelchairs, scooters, or other mobility aids can access public transport services in Victoria. Most trains, trams, and buses are designed to accommodate such aids, with designated spaces and boarding ramps available.
  5. Companion Card Program: The Companion Card program allows people with significant and permanent disabilities to access public transport with a companion at no extra cost. 
  6. Travel Assistance Scheme: The Travel Assistance Scheme provides eligible individuals with subsidised travel on public transport. This scheme assists people with significant and permanent disabilities who face financial barriers to accessing public transport services.

These are just a few examples of the accessible travel services available on public transport in Victoria. Find out more here.

Other useful resources for travelling throughout Melbourne and Victoria include the Transport Victoria website and the Travellers Aid website.

Related reading: Travellers Aid Melbourne: Wheelchair Hire and so Much More

 using seniors myki card
Friendly City of Melbourne volunteers are at hand throughout the city – we highly recommend having a chat!

Heading off on your own Melbourne adventures? Join our ​Facebook Group ​and share your stories, ask questions and connect with others for further inspiration.

Seniors in Melbourne is an independent website and is not affiliated with the Victorian Government or the Victorian Seniors Card program. We share information and practical guidance to help you understand your options and feel more confident using public transport. For official, up-to-date information — or if you need help with your personal details — please contact the Victorian Government Seniors Card team directly via seniorsonline@dffh.vic.gov.au or 1300 797 210.


Read more:

Victorian Seniors Card Explained: How to Apply and Make the Most of It

15 Best Discounts Using Your Seniors Card: Melbourne Attractions

How to Find and Use a Melbourne CBD Map for Stress-Free Exploring

Victorian Seniors Festival – Everything You Need To Know

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7 Comments

  1. I recently got approved , my card is in the mail.
    Digitally I have it.
    Now how do I get my Myki Card..
    Prefer to do it in person 🙏
    I’m not that THE NO…
    Thanks 👍

    1. Hi Brendan,
      That’s great to hear! Your Seniors Myki should arrive in the post alongside your Seniors Card. From there, you can register it online or take it to a station to top up in person and start using it. Happy exploring!
      Amy

  2. Hi, this article says you can redeem your free travel vouchers online but I don’t think you can? It will only let me check whether my vouchers have been used or not.

  3. Great tips on using the Seniors Myki! I never knew some of these details, like the extra discounts available on certain days. This will definitely make my travels around Melbourne more enjoyable and affordable. Thanks for sharing!

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