Getting to National Gallery of Victoria | Location, directions, travel time

The NGV has two central Melbourne locations. Both are in the CBD, a short walk from Flinders Street Station, and just 15–20 minutes apart on foot.

  • NGV International (180 St Kilda Road), home to international art and major ticketed exhibitions

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  • NGV Australia (The Ian Potter Center) at Federation Square, dedicated to Australian and Indigenous art.

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Closest landmark: Flinders Street Station (7 mins to NGV International, 3 mins to NGV Australia).

Getting to the NGV by public transport

By train

  • Best for: Fast access from suburbs and regional Victoria.
  • Closest stop: Flinders Street Station.
  • Travel time: ~7 mins walk to NGV International, ~3 mins to NGV Australia.
  • Tip: Exit towards Swanston St. NGV Australia is across the road at Fed Square; cross Princes Bridge for NGV International.

By tram

  • Best for: Budget-friendly travel within the CBD.
  • Routes: 1, 3/3a, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67, 72.
  • Closest stop: Stop 14, Arts Precinct / NGV International.
  • Tip: Both NGV sites are inside Melbourne’s Free Tram Zone. No Myki card needed if you start and end within the city.

By bus

  • Best for: Access from nearby suburbs like Richmond and South Yarra.
  • Routes: 216, 219, 220, 605 stop close to NGV International.

By taxi/rideshare

  • Best for: Door-to-door convenience.
  • From CBD: 5–10 minutes.
  • Tip: Ask for “Waterwall entrance, NGV International” or “NGV Café entrance, Fed Square” to avoid confusion.

Getting to the NGV by car

Driving route

  • From Melbourne Airport: About 22 km (30–35 minutes) via the CityLink tollway. If you don’t have an electronic pass, you’ll need to arrange a visitor toll pass online.
  • From Melbourne CBD: A quick 5–10 minute drive south along Swanston Street and across Princes Bridge will take you straight to NGV International. NGV Australia is just around the corner at Federation Square.
  • From popular suburbs: Richmond and South Yarra are within 10 minutes’ drive; St Kilda and Carlton are about 15 minutes away.

Parking

Cycling or walking to the NGV

🚶 Walking

  • From Flinders Street Station: NGV Australia (Fed Square) is just 3 minutes across the road; NGV International is ~7 minutes via Princes Bridge with riverfront views.
  • From Southbank: A scenic 10-minute riverside stroll lined with cafés, bars, and public art installations.
  • Accessibility: Wide, step-free footpaths and crossings make the route suitable for wheelchairs, prams, and mobility aids.

💡 Tip: Arrive a little before opening. The Waterwall entrance is quieter in the morning and makes for great photos.

NGV opening hours

🚴 Cycling

  • Bike parking: Secure racks at NGV International (near Waterwall) and NGV Australia (Fed Square). Bring your own lock.
  • Trails: Both sites sit on the Capital City Trail, linking Melbourne’s parks and arts precinct.
  • Bike share & e-scooters: Lime e-bikes, Neuron scooters, and Melbourne Bike Share are readily docked near Federation Square and St Kilda Rd.

💡 Tip: Stick to the Yarra River bike path for a safer, traffic-free ride straight to NGV International via Southbank.

What is the best way to get to the NGV?

  • Budget-friendly: Take the free CBD tram (routes 1, 3/3a, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67, 72), no ticket required.
  • Fastest: Train to Flinders Street Station, then a short walk.
  • Best for sightseeing: Walk from Federation Square to NGV International across Princes Bridge, great views of the Yarra.
  • For Families: Drive and park at Fed Square or Arts Center car parks for pram/stroller convenience.

👉 Plan your visit to NGV →

The NGV has two venues: NGV International on St Kilda Road and NGV Australia at Federation Square, both in Melbourne’s CBD.

More reads

NGV tickets

Current & upcoming exhibitions

NGV opening hours