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

Find on maps >

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

Find on maps >

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.

🚴 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 →

Where is the NGV located?

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

How far apart are NGV International and NGV Australia?

They are ~1.2 km apart, about a 15–20 minute walk or a short tram ride.

Is NGV in the Free Tram Zone?

Yes, both sites are within Melbourne’s Free Tram Zone. No Myki card needed if your journey begins and ends in the city.

Can I get to NGV from Melbourne Airport?

Yes. Take the SkyBus to Southern Cross Station, then a quick train or tram to Flinders Street. From there it’s a short walk. Total time ~1 hour.

Can I park at NGV?

Yes. NGV International has parking at Arts Centre Melbourne, and NGV Australia uses the Fed Square car park. Both have accessible bays.

What’s the easiest way to get to NGV?

Flinders Street Station is the best hub. From there, it’s a 3-minute walk to NGV Australia (Fed Square) and a 7-minute walk or quick tram ride to NGV International on St Kilda Rd.

What’s the best entrance at NGV International?

The Waterwall entrance on St Kilda Road is iconic but can get busy on weekends. For faster entry, try the side entrance near the NGV Garden.

Information

All screenshots of maps found on this page are sourced from Google in accordance with fair use. All rights to such screenshots lie with the specific platform, and their use is solely for informational or guidance purposes.

Tickets Melbourne
Scan code
Download the Headout app

Get Help 24/7

We Accept
VISA
MASTERCARD
AMEX
PAYPAL
MAESTROCARD
APPLEPAY
GPAY
DISCOVER
DINERS
IDEAL
FPX