Fitzroy has no train station — and it doesn’t need one. The suburb is one square kilometre of flat, walkable grid served by two high-frequency tram routes and excellent cycling infrastructure. Most residents don’t own a car, and the ones who do rarely use it within the suburb.
Trams
Trams are Fitzroy’s public transport backbone.
Route 11 runs the full length of Brunswick Street from West Preston through Fitzroy to the CBD (Collins Street). Frequency: every 5–8 minutes during peak, every 10–12 minutes off-peak. Travel time from Brunswick Street/Johnston Street to Flinders Street: approximately 15 minutes.
Route 86 runs along Gertrude Street and High Street, connecting Bundoora to Docklands via the CBD. Frequency: every 6–10 minutes during peak. Travel time from Gertrude Street/Smith Street to Parliament: approximately 8 minutes.
Route 96 runs along Nicholson Street on Fitzroy’s western boundary, connecting East Brunswick to St Kilda Beach. Frequency: every 4–8 minutes — one of Melbourne’s busiest routes. Travel time to Bourke Street: approximately 10 minutes.
| Route | Street | Direction | CBD Time | Frequency (Peak) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Brunswick St | North–South | 15 min | Every 5–8 min |
| 86 | Gertrude St | East–West | 8 min | Every 6–10 min |
| 96 | Nicholson St | North–South | 10 min | Every 4–8 min |
Myki cost: Daily cap $10.60 (Zone 1). Weekly cap $53. Annual pass saves money if you commute daily.
Walking
Fitzroy is one of Melbourne’s most walkable suburbs. The grid between Nicholson Street and Smith Street is compact and flat. You can walk from one end of the suburb to the other in 15 minutes. Most residents walk to groceries (Piedimonte’s on Best Street, IGA on Brunswick Street), cafes, and pubs.
Walking to the CBD: 30–35 minutes from central Fitzroy to Bourke Street via Gertrude Street. A pleasant walk through Carlton Gardens past the Royal Exhibition Building.
Cycling
Fitzroy is flat, central, and well-connected to Melbourne’s cycling network.
Capital City Trail runs along the Merri Creek on Fitzroy’s eastern edge, connecting to the Main Yarra Trail. This takes you to the CBD, Docklands, or up to Coburg and beyond without touching a road.
Canning Street has a separated bike lane running north from Carlton through to Fitzroy North — a popular commuter route.
Brunswick Street and Smith Street don’t have dedicated bike lanes, which makes them less pleasant during peak traffic. Use parallel streets (George Street, Napier Street) instead.
Bike parking is available at most cafes and shops. Bike theft is a reality — use a D-lock and lock through the frame.
Driving and Parking
If you drive, know this:
- Street parking requires a City of Yarra permit ($89/year for the first vehicle). Most residential streets are 2-hour limits without a permit.
- Brunswick Street and Smith Street have metered parking — expensive and hard to find on weekends.
- Off-street parking is rare in older properties. If your rental or purchase doesn’t come with a car space, you’re relying on street parking.
- Driving to the CBD takes 10–15 minutes off-peak, 25–40 minutes during peak. Parking in the CBD costs $15–$30 per day.
Most Fitzroy households are one-car or no-car. The tram and cycling infrastructure makes it genuinely optional.
Nearest Train Stations
Fitzroy itself has no train station. The closest options:
- Parliament Station — 1.5 km south (20-minute walk, or Route 86 tram). All lines except Sandringham.
- Clifton Hill Station — 1.5 km northeast (20-minute walk). Hurstbridge and Mernda lines.
- Rushall Station — 1.8 km north. Mernda line.
For most destinations, the tram to the CBD and then connecting to trains at Flinders Street or Melbourne Central is the fastest option.
The Verdict
Fitzroy’s transport is excellent if you don’t rely on a car. The tram network gets you to the CBD in under 15 minutes, cycling infrastructure is strong, and the suburb is walkable enough that you can do most daily errands on foot. The lack of a train station is the only gap, and the trams more than compensate.
More from Fitzroy: Cost of Living · Rent Guide · Neighbourhood Guide
Commute times based on PTV data and local testing, March 2026.
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