How to Get to South Melbourne

Taking a taxi or rideshare is the easiest option because it drops you off directly at your South Melbourne destination.

Taxis are lined up directly outside all terminals, while rideshares have dedicated, signed pickup zones.

Travel Time: 25 to 40 minutes (depending heavily on traffic via the Tullamarine Freeway and West Gate Freeway).

Estimated Cost: $55 to $80 for regular standard rides. Some specialized taxi providers offer fixed-rate trips starting at around $69.

Step 1: Board the SkyBus Melbourne City Express outside Terminal 1, 3, or 4. It runs every 15 minutes and takes about 30 minutes to reach Southern Cross Station in the CBD. An adult one-way ticket is $25.90.

Step 2: From the tram stop directly outside Southern Cross Station (on Spencer Street), catch the Route 96 Tram heading towards St Kilda Beach.

Step 3: The tram crosses the river and stops at multiple points in South Melbourne, including South Melbourne Station/Light Rail (right next to the South Melbourne Market). This tram portion requires a myki card and costs $2.85 due to current half-price public transport initiatives.

Total Time: About 50 to 60 minutes.

Total Cost: $28.75 per person.

If you are on a strict budget and traveling light, you can bypass the premium SkyBus ticket entirely by using standard public transport.

Step 1: Take the 901 Public Bus from the airport terminal to Broadmeadows Station.

Step 2: Catch a Craigieburn Line Train from Broadmeadows into Flinders Street Station or Melbourne Central.

Step 3: Hop on a south-bound tram (like the Route 1 or Route 12) from the CBD directly into South Melbourne.

Total Time: 1.5 hours.

Total Cost: $2.85 total

Just like Tullamarine, Avalon Airport does not have its own train station. However, the SkyBus Avalon City Express is explicitly timed to meet every major arriving flight.

Step 1: Hop on the SkyBus right outside the Avalon terminal. It drives straight down the Princes Freeway into Southern Cross Station in the Melbourne CBD. This leg takes roughly 50 to 70 minutes depending on traffic. An adult ticket is $29.00 one-way.

Step 2: Step out of Southern Cross Station onto Spencer Street and board the Route 96 Tram (heading south toward St Kilda).

Step 3: Ride the tram for roughly 10 minutes directly into South Melbourne. This costs $2.85 with a myki card.

Total Time: 1 to 1.5 hours.

Total Cost: $31.85 per person.

If you want to completely avoid the premium SkyBus price and use regional trains instead, you can take a short local bus ride first:

Step 1: Catch the local Route 18 public bus from Avalon Airport to Lara Railway Station (approx. 15 minutes).

Step 2: At Lara Station, tap on with a myki card and catch a Melbourne-bound Geelong V/Line Train directly to Southern Cross Station.

Step 3: Transfer to the Route 96 Tram straight into South Melbourne.

Total Time: Roughly 1.5 hours (requires matching the bus and train timetables carefully).

Total Cost: Only $5.30 total for the entire journey, as it is fully capped under the regional daily myki fare cap.

Because Avalon is quite far from Melbourne, private vehicles are fast but much more expensive.

Travel Time: 45 to 55 minutes via the West Gate Freeway.

Estimated Cost: $75 to $95 for an Uber/DiDi, and $130 to $170 for a traditional taxi.

Route 12 travels from the CBD via Collins Street and Clarendon Street, making it a convenient option for the heart of South Melbourne.

Route 96 travels through the CBD and South Melbourne towards St Kilda and the bayside.

Route 1 travels from the CBD through South Melbourne towards South Melbourne Beach.

Which tram stop is best depends on where you’re heading, so check your destination before you travel.

Route 96 travels from Acland Street and Fitzroy Street along the dedicated light rail corridor, offering a direct, high-frequency trip straight to the South Melbourne Market.

Route 12 travels from Fitzroy Street up Cowderoy Street and onto Clarendon Street, taking you directly into the main South Melbourne shopping and business precinct.

Route 1 travels from South Melbourne Beach through the local streets of Albert Park, providing an alternative connection if you are starting on the boundary of West St Kilda.

Route 109 travels from Port Melbourne along the light rail corridor into the CBD, requiring you to hop off at Port Junction (Whiteman Street) to catch a connecting tram to South Melbourne.

Route 96 can be boarded at Port Junction after exiting Route 109, taking you directly into the heart of South Melbourne and dropping you right at the South Melbourne Market.

Route 12 can also be boarded near Port Junction on Clarendon Street after exiting Route 109, carrying you straight down the main South Melbourne shopping strip.

Route 96 travels from the Middle Park and Albert Park light rail stations directly into South Melbourne, offering a fast and seamless trip that drops you right next to the South Melbourne Market.

Route 1 travels from South Melbourne Beach through the local streets of Middle Park and Albert Park, carrying you straight up into the eastern shopping precinct of South Melbourne.

Route 96 travels directly from Fitzroy down Brunswick Street, through the CBD, and straight into South Melbourne towards St Kilda Beach. This is your fastest, no-transfer option that drops you right at the South Melbourne Market.

Route 11 travels from Fitzroy down Victoria Parade into the CBD, where you can easily transfer to Route 12 or Route 96 to complete your journey to South Melbourne.

Route 86 travels from Fitzroy down Gertrude Street into the CBD, offering another quick connection point to swap onto a South Melbourne-bound tram.Which tram stop is best depends on where you’re heading, so check your destination before you travel.

Route 58 travels from Toorak Road and Park Street along the edge of the Royal Botanic Gardens into the CBD, where you can easily transfer at Flinders Street or Collins Street to a South Melbourne-bound tram.

Route 72 travels along Commercial Road and Malvern Road to St Kilda Road, allowing you to get off at the Domain Interchange and take a short walk or transfer to a tram heading west into South Melbourne.

Routes 3/3a, 5, 6, 16, 64, and 67 can be boarded along St Kilda Road (on South Yarra’s western border), taking you up to Park Street or the CBD where you can connect directly with Route 1 or Route 12.

While trams are the primary way to travel between South Melbourne and the CBD, an efficient network of local bus routes connects the area seamlessly to its neighboring beachside and inner-south suburbs.Key routes servicing the area include:

Route 606 (Elsternwick to Fishermans Bend): Perfect for traveling horizontally across the inner-south, connecting South Melbourne directly with Albert Park, Middle Park, and St Kilda.

Route 235 & Route 237: Ideal for accessing the nearby Port Melbourne and Fishermans Bend precincts from the edge of the city.

Public transport routes and timetables can change, so always check the official Public Transport Victoria (PTV) app or website to plan your journey.

South Melbourne does not currently have its own metropolitan train station.

The closest major train connections are in Melbourne’s CBD and surrounding suburbs, from where you can continue to South Melbourne by tram or bus.

Southern Cross Station is particularly useful for visitors arriving by regional or interstate train, as well as passengers arriving from Melbourne Airport by SkyBus.

If you’re arriving by train from regional Victoria or interstate, check your connection through Transport Victoria’s Journey Planner.

South Melbourne is well connected to Melbourne’s cycling network and is an easy destination to reach by bike from the CBD, Southbank, Port Melbourne, Albert Park and St Kilda.

Key cycling routes run through and around South Melbourne, including connections along Cecil Street, Moray Street and Ferrars Street.

Cycling is a great way to explore the area, particularly if you’re planning to combine South Melbourne with nearby Port Melbourne, Albert Park, Southbank or St Kilda.

Bike parking is available at destinations throughout South Melbourne, including South Melbourne Market.

For current cycling routes and bike facilities, check the City of Port Phillip’s cycling information before you set off.

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outh Melbourne is close enough to Melbourne’s CBD and Southbank to make walking a practical option for many visitors.

From Southbank, cross the Yarra River and continue south towards South Melbourne via City Road and surrounding streets.

From the CBD, the walk takes you through Southbank before reaching South Melbourne. Depending on your starting point and destination, allow around 20–40 minutes.

Walking is also a great way to explore South Melbourne once you arrive. Clarendon Street, Coventry Street, Cecil Street, Park Street and the surrounding residential streets are all within easy walking distance of many local cafés, restaurants, shops, galleries and attractions.

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South Melbourne is easily accessible by car from Melbourne’s CBD, Southbank, Port Melbourne, Albert Park, St Kilda and the wider Melbourne road network.

Major roads providing access to the area include:

• City Road
• Clarendon Street
• Kings Way
• Park Street
• Ferrars Street
• Albert Road

Parking is available throughout South Melbourne in a combination of on-street spaces and off-street car parks.

Parking restrictions, time limits and fees vary between streets and locations. Always check the signs where you park and allow extra time during busy periods, weekends, South Melbourne Market days and major events.

For current parking information, including parking restrictions and payment options, check the City of Port Phillip before travelling.

South Melbourne can be reached using accessible public transport, including accessible buses and selected low-floor tram services.

Accessibility varies between individual tram stops, routes and vehicles, so visitors who require step-free access should check their specific journey before travelling.

The City of Port Phillip’s Community Bus service provides an accessible option for visitors who may experience barriers using regular public transport.

For the most up-to-date accessibility information, use the Transport Victoria Journey Planner and check the accessibility of your specific route and stop.

The City of Port Phillip operates a free Hop-on Hop-off Community Bus service connecting South Melbourne with surrounding neighbourhoods and local destinations.

The service can be particularly useful for visitors travelling between South Melbourne and nearby areas, and all Community Buses are wheelchair accessible.

Routes and operating times can change, so check the current timetable before travelling.

Melbourne’s public transport services, routes and timetables can change, particularly during major events, roadworks and service disruptions.

For the most up-to-date information, use the Transport Victoria Journey Planner to check your route, departure times, service changes and accessibility information.

For airport transfers, check SkyBus for current services, stops, fares and ticket information.

Once you’re here, South Melbourne is best explored at a leisurely pace. Leave the car behind where possible, hop on a tram, grab a coffee and discover the neighbourhood on foot.