Fares and Zones
Myki is the ticketing system used on most public transport services in Victoria.
Myki is a durable, plastic smart card which stores value and can be used over and over again. Keep your myki topped up and you'll always be ready for travel.
- You can purchase your myki at many shops such as post offices (including at our Melbourne campus post office), 7-elevens and major train stations
- Or purchase a digital myki on android phones
Each time you travel on a train, tram or bus you must 'touch on' and 'touch off' at the myki reader. The exception to this is when travelling on a tram around Melbourne - you will only need to touch off if your whole trip is within Zone 2 (see maps).
You can apply for a refund of any unused myki money, unused myki pass or part used myki pass at any time, more information can be found on the PTV website
Public transport zoning (Melbourne)
Melbourne public transport zones changed from January 1 2015, the whole network is now classed as Zone 1.
This means you pay one price to travel to/from La Trobe University and beyond.
If all your travel is still within the old Zone 2, then it will be even cheaper to travel.
Student concessions
Eligible students for the Victorian Public Transport (VPT) concession card will automatically be emailed a pre-filled application form to their La Trobe student email account.
More information can be found in StudentOnLine.
International & New Zealand undergraduate students can purchase an International Student Travel pass (IST Pass) by using an IST code for either 90 days, 180 days, or 365 days at 50% of the full fare price of the travel pass for the zone/s in which they study.
As a La Trobe international or New Zealand undergraduate student studying at the Melbourne or Bendigo campuses, you may be eligible to purchase below passes for use:
Bundoora | Zone 1-15 (state-wide) or Zone 2 only pass |
Bendigo | Zone 1-15 (state-wide) or Zone 13 only pass |
This includes discounted travel on trains, buses and trams (if available) within your purchased zone and it lasts for the duration of the pass from the day you first activate your Myki card.
You are eligible for IST Pass if you are an international or New Zealand student enrolled in and currently studying one of the following Australian qualifications on a full-time basis on campus at La Trobe University:
- Diploma; Advanced diploma; Associate degree; or Bachelor degree (including Bachelor degree Honours)
- Have a valid La Trobe Student Identification (ID) card
- Are enrolled on campus
Further information on zones (including regional zones) is on the Public Transport Victoria website.
Cost saving
An IST Pass reduces the cost of a full fare annual pass by 50% (conditions apply). The IST Pass allows you to save money and travel as much as you want throughout the day.
Purchasing a yearly International Student Travel Pass in 2023 saves the student over $975.00 on a 365-day myki pass and far more if a student is travelling daily using myki money or a full fare pass.
Upfront payment is required when purchasing the IST pass. The cost is half price of the usual yearly pass.
Please refer to Fares - Public Transport Victoria (ptv.vic.gov.au) for information about the PTV fares.
For more information, please visit: internationalstudent.ptv.vic.gov.au