The Best Free Tram Ride in Melbourne: Route 35 City Circle Guide

Some cities invite you to rush from landmark to landmark. Melbourne does the opposite. It rewards those who slow down, look out the window, and let the city reveal itself naturally. If you’re looking for the best free tram ride in Melbourne, this guide to the iconic City Circle Tram (Route 35) shows you how to ride it, where to stop, and what you’ll see along the way. If you’re flying into the city, here’s how to get from Melbourne Airport to the city centre before hopping on Route 35. And if you’re still deciding where to base yourself, the where to stay in Melbourne guide explains why staying inside or on the edge of the free tram zone makes this route even more useful.

One of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to experience that slower rhythm is by hopping on Tram Route 35, better known as the City Circle Tram. It’s old, a little rattly, unmistakably iconic, and it loops gently around the city centre, passing historic streets, lively precincts, and modern waterfronts, all without costing a cent.

For first-time visitors especially, Route 35 offers a simple way to get a feel for Melbourne without committing to a paid tour, making it one of the most enjoyable ways to see the city for free.

The laneways the tram passes through are also home to some of Melbourne’s best cheap eats – the Melbourne restaurant guide covers the best spots.

What Is the City Circle Tram (Route 35)?

Route 35 is a heritage tram service that runs in a continuous loop around Melbourne’s CBD and Docklands. Unlike regular tram routes, it’s designed as much for visitors as it is for locals.

What makes it special:

• It uses historic W-class trams, a symbol of Melbourne’s transport history
• It runs entirely within the Free Tram Zone
• You can hop on and off as many times as you like
• It connects many of Melbourne’s most interesting central areas

There’s no ticket to buy, no Myki card to tap, and no pressure to follow a schedule. You simply board, take a seat, and watch the city go by.

Is Route 35 Really Free?

Yes. The City Circle Tram is completely free.

Because the entire route runs within Melbourne’s Free Tram Zone, you don’t need a ticket or a Myki card as long as you stay within the zone. You can ride one stop or the full loop without paying anything. For budget travelers, this alone makes Route 35 one of the best free things to do in Melbourne.

On trams outside the free zone, for example to see the St Kilda penguins, you need to pay. If you pay full fare, tap on with a bank card or phone; otherwise use a myki, a reusable smartcard sold at the airport, 7-Eleven stores and train stations. On trams you only tap on. Until 1 January 2027 fares are half price, so a full day of travel costs no more than A$5.70. Route 35 needs none of this: it is free for everyone, with no tap required.

How to Get on the City Circle Tram

Where to Board

You can board Route 35 at any tram stop marked for the City Circle Tram. There’s no single starting point, since the route is a loop.

Some convenient places to hop on include:

• Flinders Street Station
• Federation Square
• Spring Street (near Parliament)
• Docklands / Harbour Esplanade

If you’re staying in or near the CBD, chances are you’ll be within walking distance of a stop.

When It Runs

The City Circle Tram runs daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm, about every 12 minutes, in one direction only (clockwise). There is audio commentary on board about the landmarks you pass. Services can change for events, so check the PTV app on the day.

It doesn’t run late at night, so it’s best enjoyed as a daytime activity, perfect for a relaxed morning or afternoon of sightseeing.

A Relaxed Way to Ride Route 35

You can stay on for the full loop, but Route 35 really shines as a hop-on, hop-off experience. The tram now runs in one direction only, clockwise, so here’s a simple, enjoyable way to ride it in that order.

Start at Flinders Street Station

Begin near Flinders Street Station, Melbourne’s most recognisable transport hub. The energy here is unmistakable: trams gliding past, commuters rushing through, and the Yarra River just nearby.

Hop on the City Circle Tram, find a window seat, and let the journey begin.

Hop Off at Docklands and the Waterfront

From Flinders Street the tram heads west to Docklands. The city slowly opens up into wider streets, modern buildings, and waterfront promenades.

This stretch feels very different from the historic core and offers a calmer, more spacious break before the tram turns back into the city along La Trobe Street.

Hop Off on La Trobe Street for Chinatown and Bourke Street

Next, the tram runs east along La Trobe Street past the State Library Victoria. Hop off near Swanston or Russell Street and walk a couple of blocks south to Chinatown on Little Bourke Street and the shops of Bourke Street, one of the busiest and most vibrant parts of the city.

Here you’ll find:

• Major shopping streets
• Easy access to Chinatown
• Endless food options, from casual eats to classic Melbourne cafés

If you only stop once, this is a great choice: it’s lively, central, and full of character.

Finish at Spring Street (Historic Precinct)

The tram then loops past the Melbourne Museum and runs down Spring Street past Parliament House. Get off here for a last stroll before the tram takes you back along Flinders Street.

This area offers:

• Grand historic buildings
• Wide streets and calmer surroundings
• A more formal, old-world side of Melbourne

It’s a great place for a short stroll before hopping back on the tram.

How Long Should You Plan?

The full Melbourne free tram loop takes about an hour without stopping. If you plan to hop off at Docklands, La Trobe Street and Spring Street, allow 2-3 hours in total to explore each stop comfortably.

There’s no rush: the tram will always come back around.

Best Time of Year to Ride the City Circle Tram

Route 35 runs year-round, but each season offers a slightly different experience.

Spring (September–November) – Best All Round

Mild weather, good light, and comfortable temperatures make spring ideal for riding and hopping on and off.

Summer (December–February)

The city feels lively, but midday heat and crowds can be intense. Ride early or late in the day for a more comfortable experience.

Autumn (March–May)

Cooler air, golden light, and fewer visitors. Excellent for photography and relaxed wandering.

Winter (June–August)

Quieter trams and a moodier atmosphere. Cold, but atmospheric, especially if you enjoy cafés and slower travel.

Best Photography Spots Along Route 35

Even casual photographers will find plenty to love along the City Circle Tram route. Many of the landmarks along this route, including Parliament and the State Library are part of this slow Melbourne photography walk.

From Inside the Tram

• Vintage interiors make great detail shots
• Window reflections add character
• Street scenes are beautifully framed from a window seat

Sitting on the right-hand side often gives the best views of historic buildings.

Flinders Street Station Area

• Iconic façade shots
• Trams crossing in front of the station
• River and bridge views nearby

Spring Street

• Grand architecture
• Symmetry and wide streets
• Softer, more even light

Docklands Waterfront

• Modern skyline contrasts
• Reflections on the water
• Wide compositions, especially near sunset

Practical Tips for Enjoying Route 35

• Ride earlier in the day for fewer crowds
• Use the tram as a connector, not a replacement for walking
• Don’t over-plan: part of the charm is spontaneity
• Remember: as long as you stay within the Free Tram Zone, it’s completely free

City Circle Tram FAQ

Final Thoughts: Is Route 35 the Best Tram Ride in Melbourne?

The City Circle Tram isn’t about speed or efficiency. It’s about slowing down and observing, watching Melbourne move past one street at a time.

For first-time visitors, it’s one of the easiest ways to understand the city’s layout. For returning travelers, it’s a nostalgic reminder of Melbourne’s character. And for anyone traveling on a budget, it’s proof that some of the most memorable experiences really are free.

If you want a gentle, iconic introduction to Melbourne, hop on Tram Route 35 and let the city come to you. For many visitors, Route 35 easily qualifies as the best free tram ride in Melbourne, offering history, landmarks, and atmosphere without costing a cent.

Once you’ve explored the CBD, another memorable experience is the Puffing Billy steam train ride in the Dandenong Ranges. Don’t miss it!

The free tram is the starting point for Day 1 of the 4 days in Melbourne itinerary – the full day-by-day plan is there if you need it.