Carlton is a short walk or tram ride north of the Melbourne CBD. From Flinders Street Station, take any tram on the 1, 3, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67 or 72 routes north up Swanston Street — get off at the University of Melbourne stop for the western side of Carlton, or stay on for Carlton North. The 86 and 96 trams run north up Nicholson Street along the eastern edge of the suburb, useful for the Carlton Gardens and the museum.
There is no direct train station in Carlton itself; the nearest are Melbourne Central and Parliament on the City Loop, both about ten to fifteen minutes' walk away. Driving in is easy, parking is hard — most of Lygon Street and the side streets are residents-permit or short-term meter parking.