Guide to Free Public Transport for Seniors Week
From Sunday, 6th October, to Sunday, 13th October 2024, Victorian Seniors Card holders can enjoy eight days of free travel across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.
This special offer is part of the Victorian Seniors Festival and is a fantastic opportunity to explore new destinations or revisit your favourite spots.
How to Travel During the Free Travel Period
To make the most of the free travel period, make sure you have both your Seniors myki card and Victorian Seniors Card with you at all times when using public transport.
Here’s what you need to do:
- On Metro Services (Trains, Trams, and Buses): Touch on and off as usual with your Seniors myki card, but don’t worry—you won’t be charged for your trip.
- On Regional Services (Trains, Coaches, and Buses): Simply show your Victorian Seniors Card to the conductor or bus driver if you’re travelling on services that don’t use myki. Note that reservations are required for long-distance V/Line trains or certain coach services.
Related reading: Using Your Seniors Myki and Navigating Public Transport in Melbourne
Where You Can Go
During the free travel period, you can travel for free on all public transport across Victoria. This includes:
- Melbourne’s Trains, Trams, and Buses: Explore the vibrant city and its suburbs without any travel costs.
- Regional Trains, Coaches, and Buses: Discover the beautiful landscapes and towns throughout regional Victoria, including local town bus services.
To make your journey more comfortable, especially on popular routes, it’s recommended to travel during off-peak hours when there are usually more seats available.
Useful Information for Booking Travel in Regional Victoria
For those planning to travel on long-distance V/Line trains or certain coach services, reservations are required. Here’s how to book your seat:
- Reservations Open: From 10 am on Tuesday, 10th September, from then onwards you can reserve seats for services requiring bookings.
- Booking Options: Visit your nearest V/Line station or authorised agent, or call V/Line on 1800 800 007 to reserve your seat.
- Ticket Collection: Once you book, remember to collect your tickets within 48 hours to confirm your reservation.
- Travel Class: Free travel is only available in economy class.
Group Travel Bookings
For travelling with a group, here’s what you need to know:
- Small Groups: For groups of up to 19 passengers on a V/Line train or 12 or more on a V/Line coach, you can make a group booking at your nearest station or authorised agent.
- Large Groups: For larger groups, a booking request form is available online. You can submit this form starting at 10 am on Tuesday, 10th September, at www.vline.com.au/grouptravel.
If You Can’t Travel
If you book a seat and later find you can’t make the trip, please inform V/Line as soon as possible. This allows the seats to be reallocated to other seniors who may wish to travel.
Plan Your Journey
For more information about free travel during Seniors Week, visit www.ptv.vic.gov.au/seniorsfestival.
Make the most of this great opportunity to explore Victoria, connect with friends, and enjoy the freedom of travelling without the cost.
Travellers Aid Melbourne
Need a hand getting around Melbourne? Travellers Aid is here to make sure nothing stands in your way. From rest areas to mobility equipment, they’ve thought of everything so you can focus on the adventure! Read more here.
Be Inspired With Our City Outing Ideas
Looking for inspiration on where to go during your free travel week? Here are our top picks for city day trips:
- Royal Botanic Gardens – Hop on The Explorer minibus tour for a guided journey through Melbourne’s beautiful gardens. Book your tour.
- City Art & Heritage Collection at Town Hall – Discover the rich history and art housed in Melbourne’s Town Hall. Read more here.
- Immigration Museum – Learn about the stories of those who have made Victoria their home at this fascinating museum. Free entry for pension card holders! Read more here.
- Royal Exhibition Building Dome Promenade Tour – Take a guided tour of one of Melbourne’s most iconic landmarks and enjoy stunning views from the dome promenade. Find details here.
- MCG Guided Tour & Australian Sports Museum – Explore the Melbourne Cricket Ground with a guided tour and visit the Australian Sports Museum. Book your tickets here.
- NGV International Pharaoh Exhibition Highlights Tour – Dive into ancient history with a tour of the Pharaoh collection at the National Gallery of Victoria. Read more here.
- Koorie Heritage Trust – Experience Aboriginal culture and heritage through exhibitions, workshops, and cultural programs. Open daily with free entry. Find out more here.
- Melbourne Museum – Explore the natural and cultural history of Victoria, including the stunning Forest Gallery and the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Pension card holders can enter for free! Find more here.
- State Library Victoria – Wander through this historic library and explore its exhibitions, including the iconic La Trobe Reading Room. Find a free guided tour.
- Shrine of Remembrance – Pay your respects and learn about Australia’s military history at this iconic Melbourne landmark. Read about our recent visit here.
- Fitzroy Gardens – Stroll through these historic gardens and visit Captain Cook’s Cottage for a touch of history. Plan your visit.
- Queen Victoria Market – Enjoy fresh produce, unique gifts, and delicious food at this bustling iconic market. Read it all here.
- Old Treasury Building – Explore Melbourne’s history with a visit to this grand building that once stored gold bullion. Free entry, more details here.
- Athenaeum Library – Step back in time at one of Melbourne’s oldest subscription libraries, with its rich collection of books and periodicals. Free for visitors, read more here.
- NGV Australia – Collection Highlights Tour – Discover the rich collection of Australian art, from colonial to contemporary, at the NGV Australia in Federation Square. Read about the tour here.
Find more city outing inspiration here.
- For our list of Festival events happening in Metropolitan Melbourne head here.
- For our list of Festival events happening in Regional Victoria head here.
- Details on Celebration Day at Fed Square on Sunday 6 Oct 2024, can be found here.
- The full list of 2000+ events as part of the Victorian Seniors Festival official program is here.
Enjoy your adventure and make the most of your free travel during Seniors Week!
Heading off on your own Melbourne adventures? Join our Facebook Group and share your stories, ask questions and connect with others for further inspiration.
