Hawthorn Transport Guide 2026: Trains, Trams and the Commute Reality
Hawthorn’s transport scored an A in our latest review, and that’s not grade inflation. Two train stations, two major tram routes, excellent cycling infrastructure, and a 15-20 minute commute to the CBD make this one of Melbourne’s best-connected inner-east suburbs.
Transport Scorecard
| Mode | Available | Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train | Yes | Excellent | Two stations, frequent service, 15-20 min to CBD |
| Tram | Yes | Good | Route 16 (Glenferrie Rd), Route 72 (Burwood Rd) |
| Bus | Yes | Average | Fills gaps, runs less frequently |
| Cycling | Yes | Very Good | Yarra Trail, improving bike lanes |
| Driving | Yes | Decent | Parking competitive near main strips |
Train: The Main Event
Hawthorn has two train stations, which is a genuine advantage over many inner-east suburbs:
Glenferrie station — Right on Glenferrie Road, next to Swinburne University. This is the busier station and the most convenient for anyone living near the main shopping strip. Served by the Glen Waverley line and the Lilydale/Belgrave lines.
Hawthorn station — On the eastern side of the suburb, also served by the same lines. Less crowded than Glenferrie, which means you’re more likely to get a seat during peak hour.
Commute times to key destinations:
- Flinders Street: 15-20 minutes
- Richmond: 5-8 minutes
- Parliament: 12-15 minutes
- Melbourne Central: 18-22 minutes
Services run every 5-10 minutes during peak and every 15-20 minutes off-peak. Friday and Saturday night trains run later, making it viable to go out in the city and get home without a rideshare.
Pro tip: If you board at Hawthorn station instead of Glenferrie, you’ll almost always get a seat during the morning peak. The difference is noticeable.
Tram Routes
Route 16 — Glenferrie Road Runs along Glenferrie Road through the heart of Hawthorn, connecting north to Kew and south through to St Kilda Beach. This is the tram you’ll use for local trips along the main strip and for a scenic (if slower) route to the CBD. Services run regularly during the day but drop off in frequency after 9pm.
Route 72 — Burwood Road Runs east-west along Burwood Road, connecting Hawthorn to Camberwell in one direction and through Richmond towards the CBD in the other. Good for getting to Camberwell Junction shopping or heading west without the train.
Both tram routes are part of the free tram zone within the CBD, so your journey from Hawthorn into the city ends free once you hit the zone boundary.
Cycling
Hawthorn is one of the better inner-east suburbs for cycling:
- The Yarra Trail runs along Hawthorn’s northern boundary, connecting through to Burnley, the Botanic Gardens, and beyond. Flat, well-maintained, and largely separated from traffic. This is the premium commuter cycling route — you can ride from Hawthorn to the CBD in 20-25 minutes.
- Glenferrie Road has some cycling infrastructure but mixing with tram tracks and traffic makes it less pleasant than the river path
- Residential streets between the main roads are generally quiet enough for comfortable cycling
- Helmet law applies in Victoria — no exceptions
Driving and Parking
Driving from Hawthorn to the CBD takes 15-25 minutes depending on traffic (add 10-15 minutes during peak hour). The Eastern Freeway is accessible from Barkers Road to the north.
Parking realities:
- Most residential streets require Boroondara council parking permits
- Glenferrie Road has timed street parking (1-2 hour limits) and a few car parks
- If your rental doesn’t include a car space, check the street parking situation before signing the lease
- CBD parking runs $25-$35/day or $180-$220/month
For many Hawthorn residents, the train is faster and cheaper than driving to the CBD. Cars become more useful for weekend errands, school drop-offs, and trips that don’t align with public transport routes.
Getting Home Late
- Trains run later on Friday and Saturday nights (check PTV for exact times)
- Rideshare from the CBD to Hawthorn runs $15-$25. Surge pricing kicks in after midnight on Saturdays
- Night bus services fill some gaps when trains stop running
- Walking from Richmond is viable — about 25 minutes along well-lit streets
FAQ
What train line is Hawthorn on? Both Glenferrie station and Hawthorn station are served by the Glen Waverley line and the Lilydale/Belgrave lines. You have multiple train options per hour.
Can I live in Hawthorn without a car? Yes, for most people. The two train stations and two tram routes cover daily commuting and CBD access. Cars help for weekend errands, school drop-offs, and trips to places not well-served by public transport, but they’re optional rather than essential.
How does Hawthorn’s transport compare to Kew? Hawthorn wins. Two train stations versus Kew’s one (East Richmond doesn’t count), plus two tram routes. Glenferrie station’s direct CBD access is hard to beat from the inner east.
The Verdict
Hawthorn gets an A for transport because the combination of Glenferrie station, Hawthorn station, tram routes 16 and 72, and the Yarra Trail cycling path gives you genuine multi-modal options. A 15-20 minute train commute to the CBD, reliable tram connections along both main strips, and one of Melbourne’s best cycling routes on your doorstep — transport is one of the top reasons people choose this suburb and stay here.
More on Hawthorn: Hawthorn Suburb Guide | Cost of Living | Renting Guide
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- Hawthorn Rent Guide
- Hawthorn Hawthorn For Retirees
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- Hawthorn Rent Report
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- Hawthorn Young Professionals Guide
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