Thousands of extra public transport services will be available for tennis enthusiasts heading to the Australian Open.
Public and Active Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams announced that almost 5000 extra trams, around 400 extra trains and 150 special bus services will run across the three-week tournament, making it easier for fans to get to and from the event.
“With a record 1.2 million spectators attending last year’s Australian Open, we’re running thousands of extra services and making public transport the easiest way to get to Melbourne Park, including free travel on shuttle trams along Flinders Street for all ticket holders,” Ms Williams said.
“By putting on extra services across the network, we’re making sure our major events like the Australian Open can cater for record crowds and give fans a smooth, world-class experience getting to and from Melbourne Park.”
The main draw of the Australian Open starts on Sunday, 18 January, with trams running every two to three minutes during busy periods throughout the day, and spectators able to catch a Route 70 or 70a tram directly to the Garden Square or Grand Slam Oval entrances of Melbourne Park.
Australian Open ticket holders can travel to Melbourne Park for free on shuttle trams on the day of their tournament ticket, with free public transport continuing for everyone on weekends until 1 February to celebrate the opening of the Metro Tunnel and under 18s travelling free every day of the week with their new youth myki.
For Metro Tunnel travellers, Town Hall Station is connected to Flinders Street Station, a short walk or tram ride to Melbourne Park. Travellers Aid will also be available at the Rod Laver Arena and Olympic Boulevard Tram stops, providing connecting services and assistance for passengers with mobility needs.
Trains on all Metro lines will run 30 minutes later than usual on Sunday to Thursday nights, including early on Monday 26 January, with an additional service departing on all lines at approximately 1.30am.
Extra Metro Trains will also operate on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings when the network is busier than usual, with additional Sunday morning services supporting Australian Open workers and day pass holders.
Night buses will depart from Federation Square around 40 minutes after play concludes on a range of popular routes, with services running until no later than 4:00am Sunday to Thursday, and regular night network services operating over the weekend.
Tennis fans taking the train to Flinders Street Station can connect with a tram to Melbourne Park or walk across the Tanderrum Bridge through Birrarung Marr to the Garden Square Entrance, while Richmond and Jolimont stations are both a short walk via Olympic Boulevard and Yarra Park.
Tennis fans can also catch the Route 246 bus running between Elsternwick and Clifton Hill, stopping at Swan Street on Punt Road.
Last year, more than 500,000 trips were taken to the tennis by tram, accounting for almost half of the record 1.2 million spectators across the two-week tournament.
The main draw of the 2026 Australian Open runs between 18 January and 1 February. For more information about services to the Australian Open, visit transport.vic.gov.au/ao
