2007-01-10 13:36:55 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ Australia ➔ Victoria (Melbourne)
G'day,
Melbourne has one of the best public transport system in Australia, if not in the world. With one ticket you can hop from buses to trams to trains (not taxis), so you definitely save on parking fees & petrol. However of course there are disadvantages as well, since they do not always run on-time. Also it may take awhile to reach your destinations, since they tend to stop and go all the time, not to mention if there's a strike.
I am providing you with Metlink's website so you can have a look the public transport system.
This is my suggestions:
1. Take public transport if you live/stay in the city/CBD area and visiting the tourist sites around the city as well (eg. Botanical Garden, Melbourne Aquarium, Crown Casino, Victoria Market etc), but rent a car if you stay away from the city/CBD area. You also need to be aware that accommodations in the city/CBD area seldom have their own parking lot, and you will need to pay for parking space, or use valet. Suburban accommodations usually have ample of parking spaces. Therefore it may be a good idea to manage the time of visiting the city destinations and outer Melbourne destinations.
2. Calculate the number of your travelling companions. If it is more than 3 people, then it may be cheaper to rent a car and share the cost.
I also include the weblink of some car rentals in Melbourne.
Hope this helps. Good luck and welcome to Melbourne. Hope you enjoy your visit.
2007-01-11 22:46:56 · answer #1 · answered by Batako 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depends on which places you're visiting. If you're planning on staying within the city or surrounding suburbs a car would indeed be a hindrance, because of tight traffic n parking costs(esp in the day). If you're looking at attractions out of the city, then a car is a must!
How good is the public transport?I think it depends on what you're used to.The trains get u to main areas/suburbs spread out from the city centre, the trams mostly near the city and i would say the buses are sporadic at best. Night travel also becomes a bit tricky. So if you're talking abt going to a restaurant on a particular street out of the city..I know many instances where it would be close to impossible without the car.
Last advice.Remember that even if u do get a car, it probably will be easier and a lot more cost effective to not take the car, if you're travelling around the city for a day.cheers
2007-01-12 05:59:49 · answer #2 · answered by cameow 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Melbourne has all the public transports available for anyone to travel anywhere around the city and suburbs. It has trains, trams, buses and taxis to take you anywhere around Melbourne and even to suburban area. You can get a train and bus timetable at any railway station. You can also hire a car from Budget Rental etc. Have a pleasant travel.
2007-01-10 22:23:22 · answer #3 · answered by Meike 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Melbourne has a very good public transport system. Like all big cities it becomes very congested at times.The trams run out to the fringes of the suburbs, as well as a very good train service. If u want to venture further afield there is also the greyhound long distance bus services connecting all the major cities, but we r a very big country and that is time consuming
2007-01-10 22:41:35 · answer #4 · answered by old dick withers 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you are exploring the inner city a car would be more of a hindrance than a help, due to traffic congestion and the cost and difficulty of finding parking, not to mention negotiating trams and the navigational challenges of being new in town - much more convenient to use public transport or, if you are reasonably competent on one, a bicycle. If you need to get around in the outer suburbs a car is pretty much essential. If you want to do some trips to natural attractions out of town you can either drive yourself or take bus tours.
2007-01-11 05:31:24 · answer #5 · answered by moblet 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
melbournes public transport system is great in and around the city....however if you want to get out further then i would recommend you hire a car.....this way you can have a look at our coastal regions and also our wine regions...they are fantastic and should not be missed...
2007-01-11 23:34:02 · answer #6 · answered by askaway 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Too right, mate. the trams are always crowded, the trains sometimes run on time, and buses turn up at same stage.Get a car and a GPS, you will be lost without a GPS.
2007-01-16 21:06:35 · answer #7 · answered by grasshopper 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are staying in the CBD, then public transport is a very good way to go.
But, if you are going to venture further afield, then I suggest a hire car.
2007-01-15 00:40:39 · answer #8 · answered by Fuzzy Wuzzy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋