Free Public Transport for Under 18s in Melbourne and Victoria 2026

Public transport is free for children and young people under 18 across Melbourne and Victoria from 1 January 2026.

Anyone under 18 can travel every day on trains, trams, buses, and coach services using a Youth myki card. The only cost is a one-time $5 fee for the card itself, with no fares to pay after that.

This change is already influencing how families plan school travel, weekend activities, and after-school sports across Melbourne.

This guide answers the exact questions I had myself and the ones other parents are asking right now.

Key takeaways for parents and teens

• Free public transport applies to anyone under 18 in Victoria
• Travel is free every day on trains, trams, buses, and coaches
• A Youth myki card is required and costs $5 once
• Free travel ends on the 18th birthday
• Applies across Melbourne and regional Victoria
• For families like mine, this removes hundreds of dollars in yearly travel costs per child

Is public transport free for under 18s in Melbourne right now?

Yes, public transport is already free for under 18s.

From 1 January 2026, children and young people under 18 can travel free on all Victorian public transport services when using a Youth myki card. From our experience, it works exactly as promised with no hidden catches.

Who is eligible for free public transport in Victoria?

Anyone aged under 18 is eligible for free travel.

Eligibility is based only on age. From a parent’s point of view, this is one of the simplest transport rules Victoria has introduced.

Eligibility rules explained

• Applies until the day before a person turns 18
• Ends automatically on the 18th birthday
• No income, school, or residency checks

What is a Youth myki card?

A Youth myki card is a special myki card that enables free public transport for under 18s across Victoria.

From my experience, the card works just like a normal Myki but without the stress of topping it up or checking balances.

Youth Myki card facts

• One-time purchase cost of $5
• No daily, weekly, or yearly fares
• Must be carried and used for validation

How do under-18s get a Youth myki?

Under 18s can get a Youth myki online or at staffed metropolitan train stations.

I chose to organise ours online, and the process was straightforward.

Ways to obtain a Youth Myki

• Apply online through Transport Victoria
• Purchase in person at staffed metro train stations

When ordered online, a confirmation email allows free travel while waiting for the physical card, which was helpful for us during the school holidays.

How does free travel work day to day?

Free travel works the same way as normal Myki travel, except no fare is charged.

For my kids, nothing changed in how they use transport, except I no longer need to think about refills.

How to use free travel

• Carry a Youth myki card
• Tap on and tap off for every trip
• Travel on trains, trams, buses, and coaches

This covers school runs, sports training, weekend outings, and casual work shifts for older teens.

Does free travel apply outside Melbourne?

Yes, free travel applies across all of Victoria.

We regularly travel outside Melbourne, and the same Youth myki works on regional trains, buses, and coaches.

In areas without myki readers, the Youth myki just needs to be shown to staff.

What happens when someone turns 18?

Youth Myki cards stop providing free travel on the 18th birthday.

As a parent, this is easy to plan for. There is no sudden fine or grace period; free travel simply ends on that birthday.

How much money does free travel save families?

Families can save up to $755 per child per year.

With three kids, this adds up fast. For us, it has removed a major ongoing expense, especially during school terms.

Where savings come from

• No daily school transport costs
• No weekend or holiday fares
• No need for ongoing top-ups

Is the Youth myki different from a child myki?

Yes, the Youth myki replaces the child myki for under-18s.

Before 2026, I had to manage child mykis and concession fares. Now there is just one clear rule and no fare planning at all.

Do under 18s still need to tap on and off?

Yes, tapping on and off is required for every trip.

It is still important to tap on and off when using public transport, as this confirms valid travel during inspections, even though travel is free.

Does free travel apply every day and at all times?

Yes, free travel applies every day, all day.

From early-morning school runs to late-evening events, there are no time-of-day or day-of-the-week restrictions.

Faqs

Can visitors under 18 use free public transport?

Yes. Any person under 18 can use free travel when they have a Youth myki card.

Can siblings share one Youth myki?

No. Each child must have their own Youth myki card.

What if a Youth myki is lost?

If the card is registered, it can be replaced without losing access.

Can under 18s be fined for not carrying a Youth myki?

Yes. The card must be carried and used, even though travel is free.

Does this include regional rail services?

Yes. Regional trains, buses, and coaches are included.

Is free travel automatic without a Youth myki?
No. A Youth Myki card is required.

Is there a daily or yearly travel limit?
No. Travel is unlimited while under 18.

Does this include Melbourne CBD trams?
Yes. All trams are included.

Is proof of age required while travelling?
Usually not, but older teenagers should carry identification.

Free public transport for under-18s has made daily travel simpler for many families across Melbourne.

It removes cost pressure, gives kids more independence, and makes planning school, sport, and social activities much easier across Melbourne and regional Victoria.

To see the real dollar impact of free public transport for under-18s, compare what families used to pay with what they pay now.

Before January 2026, families regularly needed to top up children’s Myki cards for school travel, sports, and weekend trips, which could add up quickly over time.

To put a clear number on those savings, use the Myki Fare Calculator to compare past fares with current zero-fare travel.

This is useful for families planning school commutes, regular sports travel, or weekly trips who want to understand how much this change reduces yearly transport costs.