How to save money on public transport as a student in Australia is one of those topics that every student cares about. Transport costs add up, and saving money matters. I’ve learned various ways to save money on transport, and I’ve watched friends save money. Some strategies work well. Others don’t. The difference was understanding what actually saves money.
Three years later, I’m finishing my Master’s at the University of Melbourne. I’ve saved money on transport using various strategies, and I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t. Some strategies are straightforward. Others are less obvious. The difference was understanding what actually saves money.
So here’s everything I know about how to save money on public transport as a student in Australia, based on what actually works.
Get a Concession Card: The Biggest Savings
Let me start with this, because it’s the biggest way to save money.
Concession cards offer: discounted fares, usually 50% off or more. This is the biggest savings.
You need: to prove you’re a student, usually with a student ID or concession card.
But here’s what I’ve learned: concession cards offer the biggest savings. Get one if you’re eligible. It can save you hundreds of dollars per year.
I’ve written about concession cards for international students if you want more detail.
Use Daily Caps: Travel More, Pay Less
This is important, because daily caps save money if you travel a lot.
Daily caps mean: you don’t pay more than a certain amount per day, no matter how many trips you take.
This saves: money if you travel multiple times per day.
But here’s what I’ve learned: daily caps save money if you travel a lot. Once you hit the cap, further travel is free for that day. Plan your trips to maximize daily caps.
Walk or Cycle: Free Transport
This is obvious, but it works.
Walking or cycling: is free and healthy. Use it for short trips.
This saves: money on transport and improves your health.
But here’s what I’ve learned: walking or cycling saves money and is healthy. Use it for short trips. It’s free and good for you.
Plan Your Trips: Avoid Peak Times
This is important, because peak times cost more.
Peak times: usually cost more than off peak times.
Planning: your trips to avoid peak times can save money.
But here’s what I’ve learned: avoiding peak times can save money. Plan your trips to travel during off peak times if possible. It can save you money.
Use Weekly or Monthly Passes: If Available
This is if your city offers them, and here’s what they do.
Weekly or monthly passes: offer unlimited travel for a fixed price.
They save: money if you travel a lot.
But here’s what I’ve learned: weekly or monthly passes can save money if you travel a lot. Check if your city offers them, and see if they’re worth it for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I save with a concession card?
Usually 50% off or more. It’s the biggest savings. Get one if you’re eligible.
Do daily caps really save money?
Yes, if you travel a lot. Once you hit the cap, further travel is free for that day. Plan your trips to maximize daily caps.
Should I walk or cycle?
Yes, for short trips. It’s free and healthy. Use it for short trips, and save money on transport.
How do I avoid peak times?
Plan your trips. Travel during off peak times if possible. It can save you money.
Are weekly or monthly passes worth it?
It depends. If you travel a lot, they can save money. Check if your city offers them, and see if they’re worth it for you.
What’s the best way to save money?
Get a concession card. It’s the biggest savings. Then use daily caps, walk or cycle for short trips, and avoid peak times if possible.
Final Thoughts
How to save money on public transport as a student in Australia: get a concession card (biggest savings), use daily caps, walk or cycle for short trips, avoid peak times, and consider weekly or monthly passes if available. These strategies can save you significant money.
Don’t ignore savings. Transport costs add up, and saving money matters. Get a concession card, use daily caps, and walk or cycle for short trips. These strategies can save you significant money.
I’ve made plenty of mistakes since landing in Melbourne, but each one taught me something. The biggest lesson? Get a concession card. It’s the biggest savings. Then use daily caps, walk or cycle for short trips, and avoid peak times if possible. These strategies can save you significant money.
If you’re still trying to save money, get a concession card first. It’s the biggest savings. Then use daily caps, walk or cycle for short trips, and avoid peak times if possible. These strategies can save you significant money.
