How to Buy, Top Up and Get a Refund on a myki Card in Melbourne?
Buying and topping up a myki in Melbourne is straightforward: purchase it from an authorised retailer or station, add enough credit for your journey, and tap on when travelling. If you finish your visit with unused credit, check the official refund rules and submit a request if eligible.
Melbourne Sphere editors · Editorial team
3 min read
In this article
If you're visiting Melbourne, Australia, a myki card lets you travel on trains, trams, buses and many regional public transport services. You can buy a physical card, add money when needed, and request a refund for eligible unused balances.
Here is a practical guide to buying, topping up and getting your money back. The prices below are based on Transport Victoria's published information available in October 2026.
1. How to buy a myki card
A physical myki card can be purchased in several places:
7-Eleven stores: Look for an authorised myki outlet.
Train stations: Buy one at selected myki machines or staffed stations.
Southern Cross Station: Visit the PTV Hub on the station concourse.
Online: Order through the official Transport Victoria website.
How much does a myki card cost?
Card type | Published card cost |
|---|---|
Full-fare myki | A$6 |
Concession myki | A$3 |
Youth myki | A$5 |
These are card purchase costs; you need to add travel credit separately. Eligibility rules apply to concession and youth cards. Children aged four and under generally travel free and do not need a myki.
You can also set up Mobile myki in Google Wallet on a compatible Android phone for free, so you don't need to buy a physical card.
2. How to top up your myki card
You can add travel credit to a physical myki using several methods.
At a myki machine: Find one at a metropolitan train station, selected tram stops, or bus interchanges. Follow the screen instructions and pay with cash, EFTPOS, or a credit card.
At a 7-Eleven or authorised retailer: Ask to top up your myki at the counter.
Online: Top up through the official Transport Victoria website or PTV app. Standard online top-ups can take around 45 minutes to reach the card.
Instantly through the PTV app: If your phone supports NFC, scan your physical myki by holding it against the back of your phone and follow the app's instructions.
The minimum top-up at a myki machine is A$1. Make sure your card has enough credit for your next journey before travelling. You cannot buy or top up a myki onboard a tram or bus.
Useful links:
Top up myki online
Find a myki top-up location
3. How to get a refund on your myki card
If your trip is over and you have unused credit, you may be able to request a refund. Refunds depend on the type of ticket, the remaining balance, and the eligibility rules.
Steps to request a refund
Check your balance: Use a myki machine, the PTV app, or your online myki account.
Open the official refund page: Visit Transport Victoria — Refund a myki or ticket.
Choose the relevant refund option: Follow the instructions for myki Money, myki Pass, or your ticket type.
Submit your request: Provide the details requested. If you need help or don't have an Australian bank account, you can make a public transport enquiry for assistance.
Important things to know
A refund is not automatic just because you stop using your card.
Unused myki Money and unused or partly used passes have different refund rules.
The amount refunded may depend on when you submit the request.
Keep your card and any relevant account details until your request is resolved.
4. Should tourists buy a myki card?
Your situation | Suggested option |
|---|---|
Short visit, travelling only within the Free Tram Zone | You may not need a myki for those tram journeys |
Several trips outside the Free Tram Zone | Consider a myki or eligible contactless payment |
Using public transport over multiple days | Compare myki Money with a myki Pass |
Have a compatible Android phone | Consider free Mobile myki |
Want a physical card as a souvenir or backup | Buy a physical myki, but remember the card fee is separate from travel credit |
For occasional travel, myki Money is generally the simpler option because you add credit as needed. A myki Pass may suit people travelling on consecutive days, depending on their itinerary.
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