Transport in Preston 2026: Trains, Trams & the Commute Reality

Preston’s transport options are one of the suburb’s genuine strengths. Three train stations, a major tram route, and cycling infrastructure that’s improving. Here’s the full breakdown.

Transport Scorecard

Train — The Main Option

Preston has three train stations on the South Morang/Mernda line:

• Preston station — The main station, on High Street. 25 minutes to Flinders Street.
• Bell station — Near Bell Street. Useful for the northern part of the suburb.
• Regent station — Southern edge of Preston. Quieter, less crowded.

Trains run every 10-15 minutes during peak, every 20 minutes off-peak. Last services around 12:30am on Friday and Saturday nights. The Mernda line is one of Melbourne’s more reliable lines, though Metro Trains delays still happen.

Tram — Route 86

The 86 tram runs along Plenty Road connecting Preston to the CBD via Reservoir (north), Northcote, Clifton Hill, and Fitzroy. It’s one of Melbourne’s longest tram routes and one of its most unpredictable — treat the timetable as a suggestion. Runs until about 12:30-1am on weekends.

Bus

The 553 bus and other routes loop through Preston’s residential streets, connecting to the main stations and neighbouring suburbs. The 11 tram along Bell Street connects to the western suburbs. Bus frequency is lower than train or tram — useful for specific trips rather than daily commuting.

Cycling

Preston benefits from flat terrain and improving cycling infrastructure. The standout route is the Merri Creek trail, accessible from the suburb’s western edge — a dedicated cycling and walking path that runs through to Clifton Hill, the CBD, and beyond. Plenty Road and Gilbert Road have some cycling infrastructure, though shared with traffic in sections.

Driving & Parking

Driving in Preston is manageable. Street parking requires City of Darebin permits in most residential areas ($50-150/year). High Street has metered parking (2-4 hour limits). Preston Market carparks are free on weekends. Side streets generally have available parking but read the signs. Compared to anything south of Royal Park, parking is genuinely easier.

Getting to the CBD

FAQ

How far is Preston from the CBD by train? 25 minutes from Preston station to Flinders Street on the Mernda line. 30 minutes on a bad day.

Does Preston have a tram? Yes. Route 86 runs along Plenty Road connecting to the CBD via Northcote and Fitzroy.

How many train stations does Preston have? Three: Preston station, Bell station, and Regent station, all on the South Morang/Mernda line.

Is cycling from Preston to the CBD realistic? Yes. The Merri Creek trail provides a mostly off-road route. About 40-50 minutes depending on fitness and destination. Flat terrain helps.

The Verdict

Preston earns a solid B+ for transport. Three train stations on the Mernda line is a genuine advantage that most inner-north suburbs don’t have (Thornbury and Northcote each have one). The 86 tram along Plenty Road adds coverage. Cycling via the Merri Creek trail is a realistic commuting option. The main limitation is off-peak frequency on trains and buses, and the 86 tram’s creative approach to timetabling. But for a suburb 10km from the CBD, the transport infrastructure is strong.

For the full picture of living here, check our Preston Honest Guide.

Commute times based on PTV data and local testing, March 2026. [email protected]

Explore More of Preston

• Preston History
• Preston Things To Do This Weekend
• Preston Cheap Eats
• Preston Rent Guide
• Preston Date Night Guide
• Preston New Openings
• Preston Things To Do
• Preston Cost of Living

Nearby Suburbs Worth Checking

• Reservoir Suburb Guide
• Thornbury Suburb Guide
• Coburg Suburb Guide
• Pascoe Vale Suburb Guide