Your Complete Transportation Guide to the Australian Open 2026

Everything You Need to Know: Taxis, Trams, Boats, and Premium Chauffeur Services

From budget public transport to VIP experiences — choose the right option for your AO journey.

The Australian Open draws over 900,000 tennis fans to Melbourne Park each January, making it one of the world’s most attended sporting events. With massive crowds comes transportation chaos — surge pricing, packed trams, traffic gridlock, and frantic scrambles for taxis.

Whether you’re a corporate guest entertaining clients, an international visitor experiencing your first Grand Slam, or a tennis enthusiast planning multiple days at the tournament, choosing the right Australian Open transport can make or break your experience.

This guide breaks down every transportation option — from free shuttle trams to luxury boat transfers to premium chauffeur services — so you can make an informed decision based on your budget, schedule, and service expectations.

NEW FOR 2026: The Melbourne Metro Tunnel is now open, completely changing how you get to the tennis. Plus, public transport is FREE on weekends throughout the tournament!

Option 1: Free Shuttle Trams (Budget-Friendly)

How It Works:

The Australian Open provides free shuttle trams (Route 70a) exclusively for ticket holders during the tournament.

• Departure: Stop D6 Flinders Street West (outside Flinders Street Station)
• Destination: John Cain Arena at Melbourne Park
• Frequency: Every 6–10 minutes during play
• Cost: FREE with valid AO ticket

Pros:

✓ Completely free with your tennis ticket

✓ Direct service to Melbourne Park

✓ No Myki card required

Cons:

✗ Extremely crowded during popular sessions (Nadal/Djokovic matches)

✗ Long queues after evening sessions (30–60 minute waits)

✗ Standing room only during peak periods

Best For: Budget-conscious fans attending day sessions who don’t mind crowds.

Option 2: Trains & The New Metro Tunnel (Updated for 2026)

NEW FOR 2026: The Metro Tunnel is officially open, changing how you get to the tennis.

Major Updates:

• Town Hall Station: Now connected underground to Flinders Street Station, making access from the northern CBD seamless. This is the biggest upgrade to Melbourne transport in decades.
• FREE Weekend Travel: To celebrate the tunnel opening, public transport is FREE on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the tournament (January 12 — February 1, 2026). You do not need a Myki card for weekend travel.

Train Stations Serving Melbourne Park:

1. Jolimont Station: 5-minute walk to Garden Square Entrance. (Best for Rod Laver Arena).
2. Richmond Station: 10-minute walk. (Best for John Cain Arena).
3. Flinders Street / Town Hall Station: 10–15 minute walk along the Yarra River to Birrarung Marr entrance.

Cost:

• Weekdays: Requires Myki Card (~$10 daily cap)
• Weekends: FREE (No Myki required for 2026)

2026 Pro Tip: If you’re attending weekend sessions, take full advantage of the FREE public transport. However, for weekday evening sessions when you are tired and rush hour hits, consider a premium transfer.

Option 3: Taxis (The Surge Pricing Nightmare)

Here’s where we need to talk about reality, not theory.

The Problem with Taxis During the Australian Open:

Every year, the same story repeats: tennis fans caught off guard by taxi surge pricing and availability issues.

• Real Examples: In 2024, CBD to Melbourne Park taxis surged to $80–120 for what’s normally a $25–35 trip.
• The Rideshare Reality: Don’t count on Uber or Ola being better. Cancellations are common as drivers chase higher fares, and wait times can exceed 30 minutes after evening matches.

Bottom Line: If you’re relying on taxis or rideshare for tennis transfers, expect surge pricing, long waits, and frustration. This is why many tennis fans choose pre-booked Australian Open chauffeur services with fixed pricing.

Option 4: Boat Transfers (The Scenic Alternative)

Several operators offer boat transfers along the Yarra River to Melbourne Park.

• Departure Points: Southbank, Crown Casino, South Wharf
• Pricing: $80–120 Return per person
• Best For: First-time international visitors or special occasions.

Pros: Unique and scenic.

Cons: Expensive and weather-dependent (services cancelled in thunderstorms).

Option 5: Premium Chauffeur Service (The Professional Choice)

For corporate guests, international VIPs, groups, and anyone who values reliability over cost savings, a premium chauffeur service eliminates all the uncertainty.

How Premium Tennis Transfers Work:

1. Book Instantly: Use our app or website, even just hours before the match.
2. Fixed Pricing: No surge, no surprises. The rate quoted is the rate charged.
3. Real-Time Tracking: Track your chauffeur’s location via the app.
4. Traffic Expertise: Our drivers know the shortcuts to the designated drop-off zones.

Instant Pricing:

Get your exact quote in 3 seconds online at carsondemand.link/register — simply enter your pickup location, destination (Melbourne Park), and the number of passengers.

When Premium Chauffeur Service Makes Sense:

✓ Corporate Entertainment: Impress clients with seamless transport.

✓ Evening Sessions: Guaranteed return transport when taxis are impossible to find.

✓ Groups of 4–7: Cost per person becomes comparable to surge-priced taxis.

✓ Last-Minute Decisions: Decided to attend today? We have same-day availability.

Popular Routes:

• Melbourne Airport to Australian Open
• Melbourne CBD to Melbourne Park
• St Kilda to Melbourne Park

The Real Cost Comparison: Budget vs. Premium

Let’s be honest about what each option actually costs for a couple attending an evening session:

The Math: For couples or small groups, professional tennis transfers cost the same or less than surge-priced taxis while delivering infinitely better service.

Special Considerations: Corporate & VIP Transport

Don’t Risk It with Taxis.

Imagine this: You’ve invested thousands in premium AO hospitality tickets for your top clients. The match runs long. You’re standing outside Melbourne Park with six executives trying to hail taxis that don’t come.

The Corporate Solution:

Cars on Demand offers:

• Pre-Allocated Vehicles: Book your entire group’s transport in advance.
• Corporate Invoicing: Consolidated monthly billing.
• Flexible Scheduling: Matches run long? Vehicles wait.

Contact Corporate Team: admin@carsondemand.com.au | 1300 638 258

Insider Tips: Maximizing Your AO Transport Experience

1. Use the Metro Tunnel: The new Town Hall Station connection makes northern CBD access much faster in 2026.

2. Arrive Early: Sessions start at 11am and 7pm. Arrive 90 minutes early to beat the rush.

3. Monitor Live Scores: If you aren’t pre-booked, watch the score. If the match is ending, book your ride 15 minutes before the final point.

4. Weather Considerations: In extreme heat or rain, premium transport eliminates the long walk from the train station.

Making Your Decision: Which Transport is Right for You?

• Choose FREE SHUTTLE / TRAINS if: You are on a budget or attending weekend sessions (Free in 2026!).
• Choose BOAT TRANSFERS if: You want a scenic experience and are staying at Southbank.
• Choose PREMIUM CHAUFFEUR if: You are entertaining clients, attending evening sessions, hate waiting, or want a guaranteed trip home without surge pricing.

Don’t Let Transport Ruin Match Point

Availability is limited for Finals Weekend and Night Sessions. Whether you’re catching the Final or celebrating with clients, the last thing you need is transport uncertainty.

Get your instant quote now:

Check Price & Book Instantly

Or call 24/7: 1300 638 258

About Cars on Demand: Australia’s leading corporate chauffeur service, trusted by Fortune 500 companies for 35 years. We provide premium event transport for the Australian Open, Melbourne Cup, and F1 Grand Prix.