Getting Around Selby: Transport Guide (2026)
Before you fall in love with Selby, make sure you can live with the commute. Here’s the transport reality.
Selby is 36km from Melbourne’s CBD with a population of 1,800. Bus to Belgrave station (10-15 minutes). Belgrave line trains to the CBD in 60 minutes. Car-dependent for daily life. Selby-Aura Road connects to the Monash Freeway corridor.
Let’s break down every transport option so you know exactly what you’re signing up for.
Train
Selby has train access.
Bus to Belgrave station (10-15 minutes). Belgrave line trains to the CBD in 60 minutes. Car-dependent for daily life. Selby-Aura Road connects to the Monash Freeway corridor.
If you’re commuting to the CBD by train, expect 55-80 minutes door-to-door including any connections.
Tips for train commuters:
- Off-peak trains are less crowded and more reliable
- Myki auto-top-up saves the queue
- Consider reverse-commute options if you work outside the CBD
Bus Routes
Bus services in Selby connect to the nearest train station and local amenities.
Key bus information:
- Frequency: Every 30-60 minutes – plan your trips around the timetable
- Reliability: Variable – allow buffer time for connections
- Coverage: Limited to main roads and key destinations
- Night services: Limited or no late-night services
The PTV app is essential for real-time bus tracking in Selby. Don’t rely on the printed timetable – it’s aspirational at best.
Driving and Parking
Driving is the primary transport mode in Selby – there’s no way around it.
CBD commute by car: 45-65 minutes (add 15-30 minutes during peak hour)
Key roads: Bus to Belgrave station (10-15 minutes). Belgrave line trains to the CBD in 60 minutes. Car-dependent for daily life. Selby-Aura Road connects to the Monash Freeway corridor.
Parking:
- Street parking is abundant – you’ll always find a spot
- No paid parking anywhere in the suburb
- Your home will have off-street parking – make sure it fits two cars
Running costs to consider:
- Fuel: $100-150/week for daily commuting
- Registration and insurance: $2,000-3,500/year
- Tolls: $0 – no toll roads needed
- Servicing: Budget $1,000-1,500/year
Cycling
Cycling in Selby is recreational only – the distance and terrain rule out regular commuting.
Local paths exist for recreation, but dedicated cycling infrastructure is limited.
E-bikes have changed the equation for suburbs like Selby. If you’re within 36km of your workplace, an e-bike could replace the second car and save thousands per year.
CBD Commute Reality Check
Here’s the honest commute breakdown for Selby residents:
| Mode | Time to CBD | Cost per trip | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train | 55-80 minutes | $5.30 (full) / $2.65 (concession) | Every 20-40 min peak |
| Car | 45-65 minutes | $12-25 (fuel + tolls) | Any time |
| Cycling | 126-162 min | Free | Your schedule |
Annual commute cost estimate: $4,500-7,500 (public transport) or $7,000-12,000 (car)
Factor these numbers into your housing cost calculations. That “cheap rent” in Selby might not be so cheap once you add the commute.
Key Routes Summary
To CBD: Bus to Belgrave station (10-15 minutes). Belgrave line trains to the CBD in 60 minutes. Car-dependent for daily life. Selby-Aura Road connects to the Monash Freeway corridor.
To neighbouring suburbs (Belgrave, Menzies Creek, Lysterfield): Short drives of 5-20 minutes or bus connections.
To Melbourne Airport: About 26-41 minutes by car.
To major hospitals: Major hospital 20-35 minutes by car – know the route in advance.
The Verdict
Transport in Selby is car-dependent with a long commute – factor this into every housing decision.
If you’re considering Selby, do a test commute during peak hour before signing anything. The experience at 8am on a Tuesday is very different from a Saturday afternoon inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the commute from Selby to Melbourne CBD?
By public transport (Train), expect 55-80 minutes. By car, it’s 45-65 minutes outside peak hour, adding 15-30 minutes during morning and evening rush. The annual cost of commuting from Selby is approximately $4,500-7,500 by public transport or $7,000-12,000 by car. These are realistic estimates, not best-case scenarios.
Does Selby have a train station?
Selby has train access. If you’re commuting to the CBD by train, expect 55-80 minutes door-to-door including any connections. Bus services supplement the train network, running every 30-60 minutes – plan your trips around the timetable. The PTV app is essential for real-time tracking and journey planning from Selby.
Do you need a car in Selby?
Driving is the primary transport mode in Selby – there’s no way around it. Even if you commute by public transport, most residents find a car necessary for local errands, shopping, and social activities. Running costs including fuel ($100-150/week), registration, insurance, and servicing add approximately $4,000-6,000 per year to your living costs.
Transport information compiled April 2026. Timetables and fares change – always check PTV (ptv.vic.gov.au) for current schedules. Fuel costs based on average Melbourne prices.