Getting Around Southbank
Southbank’s transport story has one notable absence and one major strength. The absence: no dedicated train station. The strength: you can walk to virtually everything, including two major train stations.
Transport Scorecard
| Mode | Available | Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train | No station | N/A | Flinders Street 5 min walk, Southern Cross 7 min |
| Tram | Yes | Good | Route 96 (Southbank Blvd), Route 12 (Clarendon St) |
| Bus | Limited | Average | Some routes along City Road |
| Cycling | Yes | Good | Capital City Trail along the Yarra |
| Walking | Yes | Excellent | CBD 10-15 min, South Melbourne 10 min |
| Driving | Possible | Difficult | Parking scarce and expensive |
Trams
Route 96 along Southbank Boulevard — Connects to St Kilda (south) and the CBD/East Melbourne (north). One of Southbank’s most useful tram routes.
Route 12 along Clarendon Street — Connects to South Melbourne and the CBD. Useful for accessing South Melbourne Market and the residential areas south.
Train Access
Southbank has no dedicated train station. The nearest stations are:
- Flinders Street Station — 5-minute walk across any pedestrian bridge. Access to all metropolitan lines.
- Southern Cross Station — 7-minute walk. Regional services and some metro lines.
This is genuinely convenient — you’re closer to Flinders Street than many suburbs that have their own station.
Walking
Southbank is one of Melbourne’s most walkable suburbs:
- CBD — 10-15 minutes across Princes Bridge or the pedestrian bridges
- South Melbourne — 10 minutes south via Clarendon Street
- Flinders Street Station — 5 minutes
- Arts Precinct — 5-10 minutes along Sturt Street
Cycling
The Capital City Trail runs along the Yarra through Southbank. Dedicated cycling and walking path connecting east to the Botanic Gardens and west to Docklands. Flat terrain, well-maintained. Bike parking is improving in newer buildings but still patchy in older ones.
Driving and Parking
Most residents sell their cars after moving to Southbank. If you keep yours:
- Street parking is virtually non-existent
- Public carparks run $25-45/day
- Apartment parking spaces cost $80-120/week (if separate from the lease)
- Some newer buildings don’t include parking at all
FAQ
Does Southbank have a train station? No. Flinders Street Station is a 5-minute walk across the river. Southern Cross Station is 7 minutes.
What tram routes serve Southbank? Route 96 along Southbank Boulevard and Route 12 along Clarendon Street.
Do I need a car in Southbank? No. Most residents don’t have one. Walking, trams, and cycling cover daily needs. Uber/taxis for everything else.
The Verdict
Southbank earns a solid A- for transport despite having no train station. The 5-minute walk to Flinders Street makes the absence academic. Tram routes 96 and 12 cover the main corridors. Walking is the primary transport mode — you’re closer to the CBD than most inner suburbs. The Capital City Trail adds excellent cycling. The only transport cost that hurts is parking — if you insist on a car, budget $80-120/week for a space. For most Southbank residents, going car-free is the smart financial and practical decision.
Transport data based on PTV timetables and local testing, March 2026. [email protected]
Explore More of Southbank
- Southbank History
- Southbank Late Night Eats
- Southbank Rent Guide
- Southbank Southbank For Retirees
- Southbank New Openings
- Southbank Things To Do
- Southbank Cost of Living
- Southbank Young Professionals Guide
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