How to get from Richmond to St Kilda like a local?

From Richmond to St Kilda is about 6 km, but the journey between these two icons is an adventure in itself. Richmond offers an urban energy with its bustling city scene, while St Kilda is all about a laid-back coastal charm. If you are a backpacker, day tripper, or just someone chasing a beach vibe, knowing cheap Melbourne travel options between these suburbs is worth it. Therefore, here is our complete guide to getting to St Kilda from Richmond like a local-using the tram, train, bus, rideshare, or even walking.

Overview of the best ways to travel from Richmond to St Kilda

Melbourne offers numerous Richmond to St Kilda transport options to suit different budgets and travel styles. Here is a breakdown of the most convenient choices:

• Bus (Route 246): A direct connection running from Richmond to St Kilda in about 20 minutes for around AUD 5.
• Tram (Route 78): Runs from Richmond toward Balaclava, where you can take a short walk to St Kilda. The ride is approximately 24 minutes long and costs around AUD 5, making it perfect for those who enjoy Melbourne tram routes.
• Taxi or Ride-share: The fastest option, taking roughly 8 minutes and costing between AUD 17-21. This is ideal for those in a hurry or travelling with luggage.
• Walking: Covers about 6 to 6.8 km in roughly 1 hour 20 minutes. It is great for active travellers who want to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.



 If you are travelling from Melbourne’s CBD instead of Richmond, see our full guide to getting to St Kilda from Melbourne CBD for tram routes, timings, and extra travel tips.

Trams are a classic choice if you want to experience public transport Melbourne in style. Popular Melbourne tram routes include:

• Route 78: The simplest tram running directly from Richmond to Balaclava. From there, you can walk for about 10 minutes to the heart of St Kilda. The route is approximately 24 minutes, costs about AUD 5.30 (Zone 1 Myki fare), and comes every 10-15 minutes during the day.
• Route 12: Runs from Victoria Gardens in Richmond through the CBD to St Kilda. While it is not the fastest route, it’s great for exploring the city.
• Route 96: For the most scenic tram ride, hop on Route 96, which starts in Brunswick East and passes the CBD to St Kilda Beach.

You will need a Myki card or Mobile Myki (available for Android users) to ride the tram. You can buy the card at 7-Eleven stores, train stations, and some convenience shops. You only need to touch on before boarding, and there is no need to touch off within Zone 1 trams.

Getting to St Kilda by train

The train offers one of the most efficient Richmond to St Kilda transport  options. St Kilda does not have its train station. However, you can still get close using:

• Melbourne's Sandringham train line from Richmond Station to Balaclava Station.
• From Balaclava Station, you can walk for about 20 minutes to the beach.
• You can also take tram 16 or 3a for a quick ride, which is usually under 10 minutes.

The whole journey falls under a Zone 1 Myki fare, which is currently around AUD 5.30.

Getting to St Kilda by bus

Catching the bus route 246 Melbourne is among the straightforward and budget-friendly ways to travel from the inner-city of Richmond to St Kilda. It is a good option if you want to avoid tram changes and train connections. It also lets you enjoy the stunning views of St Kilda’s vibrant streets.



You can board the bus at Swan St/Punt Rd in Richmond and ride to Carlisle St/Barkly St in St Kilda. The journey takes around 17-20 minutes, depending on the traffic and time of day, and costs about AUD 5.30 (standard Zone 1 Myki fare).

Getting to St Kilda by taxi or ride-share

If you want a fast or door-to-door way to explore the two suburbs, taxi or ride-share Melbourne services are your best bet. These allow you to enjoy the flexibility of leaving exactly when you want without worrying about train, tram, or bus schedules. They are also best for late-night travelling or when carrying heavy luggage.

A typical trip will take around 15-20 minutes, depending on the traffic. You can also expect to pay AUD 20-30 for the taxi fares Melbourne, which fluctuate depending on demand and route taken. Always check fare estimates on multiple apps before booking.

Getting to St Kilda by walking or cycling

If you’ve got the time and energy, cycling or walking from Richmond to St Kilda can be one of the rewarding ways to experience Melbourne.



• Walking: Covering roughly 5.5 km, the walk will take you about 1- 1.7 hours. This allows you to explore peaceful escapes like the Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park along the route.
• Cycling: This lets you cut down on travel time while still enjoying the outdoors. Melbourne’s extensive cycling routes and parkland trails also make the journey both scenic and relatively safe for riders.
• Costs: Both options cost nothing, though they give you a front-row seat to Melbourne’s urban charm.

Handy travel tips for budget-friendly St Kilda trips

The key to travelling on a budget is understanding how the St Kilda beach transport system works and using the Myki. This is a reusable smart card that ensures smooth, hassle-free trips without constantly buying single tickets. Here is how to use the cards and Melbourne backpacker transport trips for first-timers.



• Where to buy: The card is available at several convenient locations. They include 7-Eleven stores, staffed train stations, PTV Hubs, Myki machines, and digitally via Google Wallet (Android).
• Topping up: Topping up is quick and flexible, especially via online, at Myki machines, or retail outlets.
• Fares: If you are travelling within Zone 1 + 2 (which covers Richmond, the city, and St Kilda), you’ll pay no more than AUD 11 for a full fare or AUD 5.50 for a concession card in a single day.
• Using it: Touch on at the start of your journey and touch off when you leave. There is no need to touch off on trams in Zone 1.
• Tips for new visitors: Always keep your Myki topped up with enough balance to avoid last-minute delays. Downloading the PTV app is also highly recommended, as it gives you real-time departure information, service updates, and route planning.

Where to stay in St Kilda for a worthy price?

If you are looking to make the most out of your time with a budget stay Melbourne, Pint on Punt Backpackers is a top pick. This budget-friendly hostel combines value with community spirit. It offers free breakfast, unlimited Wi-Fi, a cosy common room, a fully equipped shared kitchen, and lively weekly trivia nights and open-mic evenings.

The hostel is located just a few minutes from St Kilda beach, where you can soak up the sun, watch the sunset, or take a peaceful stroll along the pier. When the sun goes down, you can explore the vibrant bars and clubs or take the nearby tram to Melbourne CBD.

So, are you ready to experience St Kilda without breaking the bank? Book your dorm or a private room at Pint On Punt Backpackers and enjoy the perfect mix of affordability, comfort, and fun.