Easter Sunday Alert: Free Public Transport and Daylight Saving Adjustments for Melbourne Commuters

Easter Sunday Travel: Extra Sleep and Free Transit

Melburnians waking up this morning, Sunday, 5 April 2026, should note that Daylight Saving has officially ended. Clocks were turned back one hour at 3:00 AM, providing an extra hour of sleep but also shifting daylight hours earlier for those heading out for Easter Sunday services and family gatherings. Commuters are also reminded of the unprecedented state-wide initiative where all public transport across Victoria is free for the entire month of April 2026. This includes all metropolitan trains, trams, and buses, as well as V/Line services.

Public Transport Timetables and Disruptions

As today is Easter Sunday, public transport services are operating on a standard Sunday timetable. Commuters should be aware of the following specifics:

• Free Travel: Passengers do not need to touch on or off with their myki cards. For those with yearly passes, the system has automatically paused the balance for the duration of April.
• Night Network: Unlike typical weekends, Night Network services will not operate tonight, meaning those attending late-night Easter events or concerts, such as the ZHU performance at 170 Russell, should arrange alternative transport after midnight.
• V/Line Coaches: While travel is free, passengers using regional V/Line coaches are still required to book their seats in advance via the PTV website or app due to limited capacity.
• Metro Tunnel: Following its full opening earlier this year, the Metro Tunnel is fully operational, providing a seamless connection through the CBD for those on the Sunbury, Cranbourne, and Pakenham lines.

Road Conditions and Major Projects

Road users should prepare for heavy traffic volumes on major regional arteries as the Easter long weekend continues. Victoria Police has launched 'Operation Nexus,' a high-visibility enforcement blitz targeting speed, fatigue, and distraction across the state.

• Eastern Freeway: Ongoing works for the North East Link project continue to impact the Eastern Freeway. Drivers will encounter split lanes and speed reductions between Bulleen Road and Doncaster Road. These conditions are expected to remain in place through the end of the year.
• Holiday Congestion: Significant delays are expected on the Princes Highway (Gippsland bound), the Great Ocean Road, and the Western Highway. Authorities recommend taking regular breaks at Driver Reviver sites located at Marong and Balmattum.
• Local Impacts: Traffic around the Melbourne Museum in Carlton may be heavier than usual following the recent opening of the 'Rome: Empire, Power, People' exhibition.

For those driving, patience is urged as heavy holiday traffic coincides with local Easter Sunday events. Always check live traffic conditions before beginning long-distance journeys.