There are plenty of ways to get to Melbourne Park for the 2014 Australian Open. Read on for details about all the transportation options.
Melbourne Park is easy to get to from central Melbourne. You can walk from the city (a pleasant walk along the river it is too!), catch a tram or train or take a taxi.
Please read the article on Getting Around Melbourne for more information about each form of transport. Also read about the myki ticketing system.
Getting there by foot
When trams are busy or if you’d like to enjoy the view from the path that runs along the edge of the Yarra River between Federation Square and Melbourne Park, walking is a good option. You can also walk directly to Flinders Street station along Flinders Street in around 15 to 20 minutes.
Getting there by tram
The Number 70 tram stops at Rod Laver Arena and Hisense Arena. While the Australian Open is on, special Australian Open trams are added which run to the city and back.
Valid Australian Open ticket holders can travel for free on Number 70 and Australian Open special trams in both directions between the city and Melbourne Park.
If you’re staying in the CBD, in our opinion getting a tram is the most efficient way to get to the Australian Open. Be aware though that if you’re leaving Melbourne Park at the end of a match played in one of the main arenas, a lot of people will be trying to get trams at the same time so it might be faster to walk.
Night matches often finish after public transport has stopped running. Trams continue to run to the city after the last night match finishes but if you need to connect to another tram or train, check what time the last one leaves or plan to travel another way.
If you’re getting a tram from Rod Laver Arena, walk all the way to the end of the platform because this is where the tram will stop. You’ll be one of the first people to get on so you’re more likely to get a seat.
Getting there by train
If you’re travelling to the city via train, you can walk to Melbourne Park from Richmond or Jolimont stations. If you arrive at Flinders Street you can walk or get a tram (as detailed above).
Getting there by taxi
Taxis are a good option if you’re in a rush to get to the Australian Open. You’ll be dropped off at the taxi rank located between Rod Laver and Hisense Arenas.
If you’re leaving the grounds soon after a match finishes in one of the main arenas, expect to wait in a queue for taxis. Fortunately there are people to manage the queue efficiently and in my experience it moves pretty fast.
Getting there by bike
There is a Melbourne bike share drop off point outside Rod Laver Arena, which is handy if you want to hire a bike and ride there. If you take this option, you’ll have to keep your bike helmet with you while you’re at the tennis though.
Bike rack outside Rod Laver Arena
There is also information about getting to the Australian Open on the Australian Open website.
Until next time
Grand Slam Gal