A bomb scare on a bus brought part of Melbourne's CBD to a halt for a short time but the suspicious item was later declared safe.

The bomb squad was called after an item was found on a bus near Melbourne Magistrates Court on Saturday afternoon.

The bus was evacuated and an area around the intersection of King and Lonsdale streets was cordoned off as the item was inspected.

About two hours later the item was declared safe and the roads were reopened.