Puffing Billy Location | Directions from Melbourne CBD & Travel Tips

Where is Puffing Billy Railway located?

Address: 1 Old Monbulk Rd, Belgrave VIC 3160, Australia

Puffing Billy Railway is located in the Dandenong Ranges, about 40 km southeast of Melbourne’s city centre. The steam train starts at Belgrave Station and winds through lush forests to Lakeside and Gembrook. Belgrave is a charming, leafy suburb known for its bushwalking trails.

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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour with Transfers

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Getting to Puffing Billy by public transport

Person enjoying the view from Puffing Billy Railway train window.

By train

Best for: Budget-friendly and reliable travel from Melbourne
Travel time: 75 minutes from Flinders Street Station
Closest stop: Belgrave Station (130 m walk to Puffing Billy Station)
Timings: Trains run from around 5am to midnight.
Frequencies: ~7 mins (peak), 20–30 mins (off-peak), 60 mins (overnight/weekend).

Take the Belgrave Line from Flinders Street Station in Melbourne CBD. The journey is scenic and takes approximately one hour. Belgrave Station is the final stop—once there, Puffing Billy’s historic Belgrave Station is a 2-minute walk away.

Getting here from Melbourne?

Skip the drive with these all-in-one tours that include round-trip transfers and your Puffing Billy tickets:

From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Steam Train Half-Day Tour with Transfers
From Melbourne: Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour
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Getting to Puffing Billy by car

Penguins walking along the beach at Phillip Island Nature Parks, Australia.

Driving route

Best for: Families, groups, flexible travel
Travel time: ~1 hour from Melbourne CBD (via M1 and Burwood Hwy)
Distance: ~40 km
Route: Head east on M1 (Monash Freeway), take the Ferntree Gully Road exit, follow signs to Burwood Highway, and continue to Belgrave. Signage is clear once you near the Dandenong Ranges. View route

Secure car parking area with multiple parked vehicles in a city setting.

Parking facilities

Belgrave Station car park: Free and paid spots available. Arrive early on weekends as spaces fill quickly.
Disabled parking: Available directly outside the station (look for signage).
Nearby parking lots:
Woolworths Belgrave Car Park: 2 min walk
Hayes Car Park (Belgrave): 3 min walk
Mater Christi College Parking (event days only): 5 min walk

Walking or cycling to the Puffing Billy railway

Public e-bike sharing station with parked bicycles in Madrid, Spain.

Best for: Local adventurers and nearby accommodation guests

Travel time:

From Belgrave Station: 2-minute walk (130 m)
From Tecoma Station: 20-minute walk (1.4 km)

If you're staying nearby or want a short nature stroll, walking to Puffing Billy from local accommodations or nearby train stations is easy. Cycling is also possible, with racks available at the station, though the surrounding hills can be steep.

What is the best way to get to the Puffing Billy railway?

Budget-friendly: Take the train from Melbourne

Taking the Belgrave Line from Flinders Street Station is the most affordable and reliable way to reach Puffing Billy. The ride is scenic and drops you just 2 minutes from the railway platform.

Fastest route: Self-drive from Melbourne CBD

Driving is the fastest and most flexible way to reach Puffing Billy, especially for families or groups. You can tailor your day, avoid waiting times, and explore more of the Dandenong Ranges.

For sightseeing: Combine train with walking trails

Train plus a bit of walking gives you a scenic, stress-free journey—and lets you enjoy the bushland beauty around Belgrave. You can even stop by a café or hike before boarding your train.

Click here to plan your visit to Puffing Billy Melbourne.

Frequently asked questions about getting to Puffing Billy railway

Where is Puffing Billy located?

Puffing Billy Railway starts from Belgrave Station in Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges, about an hour southeast of Melbourne.

How do I get to Puffing Billy?

You can reach Puffing Billy by train (Belgrave Line), by car via the M1 and Burwood Hwy, or via local buses. It’s 2 minutes on foot from Belgrave Metro Station.

Which is the best way to get to Puffing Billy?

If you're on a budget or don’t want to drive, the train is ideal. If you're travelling with family or kids, self-driving offers more flexibility.

Which is the fastest way to get to Puffing Billy?

Driving is the fastest way, taking about 1 hour from Melbourne CBD, depending on traffic.

Which is the cheapest way to get to Puffing Billy?

The cheapest option to reach Puffing Billy is by train from Flinders Street Station.

Which is the closest bus stop to Puffing Billy?

Belgrave Bus Interchange is 150 m from the station. Routes 693, 695, and 732 stop here.

Which is the closest train station to Puffing Billy?

Belgrave Station is the closest, just 130 m from Puffing Billy’s main platform.

Which is the closest subway station to Puffing Billy?

Melbourne does not have a subway. Use Metro Trains via the Belgrave Line.