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Travel and transport

Tips for seniors for reducing the cost of travel

On this page

  • Find out about the transport benefits you receive as a Seniors Card holder, including discounted and free travel on public transport.
  • Seniors Card members can save on fuel at United Petroleum.
  • Cut your travel costs within and outside Victoria.

Your Victorian Seniors Card means you can enjoy discounted travel in Victoria and Australia-wide.

Free travel vouchers

  • Every Seniors Card holder can register to receive free off-peak travel vouchers to use on public transport in Victoria.
  • Register for your free vouchers at the PTV websiteExternal Link . If you've already registered, you do not need to register again.
  • Each travel voucher can be redeemed for: one Zone 1 + 2 daily ticket (for travel in metropolitan Melbourne); or one Off-Peak return ticket (for travel in regional Victoria).

Travel vouchers are paperless and held electronically. You can choose to redeem vouchers at a staffed station, V/Line agent, or over the phone via the Public Transport Victoria (PTV) call centre. Remember to have your Seniors Card handy when redeeming your vouchers!

Your voucher allocation will automatically refresh on 1 November each year and are valid for 12 months. Unused vouchers will not be carried over to the new period.

You can choose to collect your paper ticket or eTicket from a station or agent prior to travel. Alternatively, you can call 10 business days in advance and have your paper ticket posted to you. For more information, visit the Public Transport Victoria websiteExternal Link or call 1800 800 007.

Metropolitan travel

  • With a Seniors myki you can travel free on the weekend within one or two consecutive zones on all metropolitan trains, trams and buses.
  • During the week, you can access discounted rates at all times on all routes with your Seniors myki.
  • Consider travelling by public transport in off-peak periods. It's less crowded and you still get a great discount with your Seniors Card.
  • Always carry your Seniors Card and Seniors myki when you travel.

Travel in regional Victoria

  • Travel free on the weekends on V/Line commuter rail services when using myki for trips of one or two consecutive zones
  • At other times, V/Line offers concession rates for Seniors Card holders through regional Victoria. Phone 1800 800 007 for more information or to pre-book tickets
  • The V/Line websiteExternal Link lists all its fares and routes.
  • You can also travel free on regional town bus networks over the weekend in major regional cities such as Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Mildura and Warrnambool. On regional town buses where myki is not operating, show your Victorian Seniors Card to travel free on weekends.
  • Always carry your Seniors Card and Seniors myki when you travel.

Using myki

Myki works like an electronic purse for public transport. You have to top up the card’s balance whenever it runs low on funds.

The Seniors myki offers discounted rates at all times on all routes. You pay no more than the Seniors daily cap (zones 1 & 15) when you travel on weekdays.

How do I get a Seniors myki?

New Seniors Card applicants receive a Seniors myki for free (with their Seniors Card if you opt for a physical card) posted with a Welcome pack. Seniors with an Android phone can also use Mobile myki.

Seniors Business Discount Card holders are not eligible to receive a free Seniors myki card upon joining the program.

Once you have your Seniors myki, you should register it. There are many benefits to registering your myki, including a free card replacement card if it's lost or stolen. For more information on how to register your card, visit the Public Transport Victoria websiteExternal Link .

You can top up your myki:

Remember - it's a condition that you carry your Seniors Card at all times when travelling on public transport as proof of your concession entitlement.

Replacement myki

Like many other cards, myki cards do expire, so keep track of your card’s expiry date. If your myki is registered and you have an online account – find your card expiry date online. If your myki is not registered, check the expiry date at a myki machine, myki check, or by calling 1800 800 007.

Even if you're travelling for free on the weekend, on myki-enabled services you must touch on and off as normal - you won't be charged.

Support for people with a disability or health issues

  • All metropolitan trains are wheelchair accessible and low-floor trams and buses are available on some routes. Most V/Line trains and coaches can be accessed by wheelchairs. More information on accessible transport is available from PTV on 1800 800 007 or www.ptv.vic.gov.auExternal Link .
  • Travellers Aid Australia provides simple, practical travel-related support and aid that helps people travel independently and confidently. This support includes buggy and personal guidance services at Southern Cross Station, help getting to medical appointments in central Melbourne and mobility equipment hire. Centres are available at Flinders Street station (9610 2030) and Southern Cross station (9670 2072) or visit www.travellersaid.org.auExternal Link .
  • Most V/Line trains and coaches can be accessed by wheelchair. Reservations are required for wheelchairs on V/Line coach services. Phone 1800 800 007 at least 24 hours before you travel to reserve a place.
  • Victorians with severe and permanent disabilities who cannot access public transport independently may be eligible to join the Multi Purpose Taxi Program – a Victorian Government program that offers its members a 50 per cent subsidy on taxi fares of up to $60 per trip. For more information, visit the Safe Transport Victoria websiteExternal Link or call 1800 638 802.

United fuel discount

United Petroleum is an independent, 100% Australian-owned fuel and convenience company with around 500 sites Australia-wide.

Victorian Seniors Card, Seniors Business Discount Card and Victorian Carer Card holders can now save 4c per litre at participating United service stations using the free United fuel app.

Find out more on the United fuel discount page.

Purchase fuel with discounted WISH Gift Cards

Victorian Seniors Card, Seniors Business Discount Card and Carer Card holders can purchase WISH Gift Cards at a 5% discount.

WISH Gift Cards can be used to pay for everyday expenses like groceries and household items at participating Woolworths Supermarkets, BIG W, Caltex Woolworths and EG branded fuel sites and more. Choose a value from $5 to a maximum value of $500.

Learn more on the WISH Gift Cards page.

Other ways to cut your travel costs

  • Car pool with a neighbour or friend when driving to the shops or running errands.
  • The Free Tram Zone in Melbourne’s CBD is a great way to get around town. The Free Tram Zone extends from Queen Victoria Market to Docklands, Spring Street, Flinders Street Station and Federation Square.
  • The free historic City Circle tram service in the CBD takes in major tourist attractions, and links with other tram, train and bus routes in and around Melbourne. Trams run in clockwise directions every 12 minutes between 9:30am and 5pm daily (excludes Christmas Day and Good Friday). Contact PTV on 1800 800 007 or visit the Yarra Trams websiteExternal Link to find out more.
  • Cars can be expensive to maintain and keep on the road. If you’ve got easy access to public transport, why not sell your car?
  • Many councils offer free or heavily discounted travel services (such as bus or shuttle services) to older residents. Contact your local council to find out what you are entitled to access.

Car not running well? Ask your local servo what discounts they offer before you purchase. Or visit Seniors Online to find discount auto services in your area. Visit the Discount Directory and scroll down to the 'Automotive Care' category.

You can even get a Seniors Card discount when washing your car.
- Bill

Travelling outside of Victoria

We have used our Seniors Card when travelling at motels and other accommodation. We have always received a great discount.
- Bill

Other money-saving travel tips

  • Check if your travel company offers discounts to Seniors Card holders.
  • Travelling outside school holidays is always cheaper and travelling late at night or taking a longer route can be cheaper too – especially with flights. Consider going during the week instead of on the weekend or taking flights with stopovers.
  • ‘Shoulder season’ – the time just before or after the peak holiday season – is a cheaper time to travel. The weather is still generally good in destination cities and there are fewer tourists.
  • On most budget airlines you can avoid a baggage fee by only travelling with carry-on luggage.
  • Cruise and tour companies often offer discounted rates close to the departure date. Try searching online for ‘cruises’ and ‘last-minute’ or ‘discount’.

Take a low-cost holiday with family or friends in regional Victoria or Melbourne by using your free travel vouchers and staying somewhere that offers a Seniors Card Discount. If you're on Seniors Online, choose the 'Accommodation' category in the Discount Directory.

Reviewed 07 January 2025