Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel — a whole new way to get around
If you’ve travelled by train in Melbourne over recent decades, you know how full (sometimes too full) the inner-city network can be. With a growing city and rising demand for easier, more reliable transport, the newly opened Metro Tunnel marks a huge leap forward. The Metro Tunnel effectively carves a new underground rail corridor beneath the city, creating new, modern stations and smoothing out travel from the outer suburbs to the city and beyond.
From 30 November 2025, trains began running through the Tunnel — and on 1 February 2026 all services on the formerly overburdened Sunbury line, Cranbourne line and Pakenham line will travel exclusively via the Metro Tunnel. That means more frequent services, fewer delays, and new access to parts of the city not previously served directly by train.
What follows is a station-by-station look at the five brand-new underground stops, plus what commuters and visitors can expect in terms of benefits.
Meet the five new Metro Tunnel stations
Arden Station (North Melbourne)
Arden is centred on a major new employment and innovation precinct, meaning it will be a hub for people working, studying or living nearby.
Travellers will find improved connections to tram and bus routes, as well as options for walking and cycling near the station — which fits well for those who like to get around without always relying on cars or taxis.
Parkville Station (Parkville / Grattan Street precinct)
Parkville Station opens up direct access by train to Melbourne’s major hospital, research and education precinct — including university campuses.
For seniors, students, hospital visitors: this station makes appointments, classes or visits much easier — fewer changes, more comfort.
A new Traveller’s Aid office will open at Parkville, helping visitors who need mobility support from Parkville medical precinct.
State Library Station (CBD — Swanston Street / near La Trobe & RMIT)
The State Library station lies under Swanston Street between La Trobe and Franklin Streets. It shares a concourse with the existing Melbourne Central Station — so switching between Metro Tunnel and the older City Loop services becomes seamless and no need to tap off/on.
Key nearby destinations: RMIT University, the historic State Library of Victoria, and the Queen Victoria Market — perfect for study, shopping or culture without the hassle of driving or parking.
Town Hall Station (CBD — Swanston Street / Collins–Flinders area)
Town Hall Station sits under Swanston Street between Collins and Flinders — right in the heart of the city. It’s connected via the Degraves Street subway to Flinders Street Station, giving easy interchange between the Metro Tunnel and the City Loop.
This means visitors (including those looking for theatre, arts, dining or cultural outings) have a direct door to Melbourne’s arts, laneway culture and city events — without needing trams or buses.
Anzac Station (St Kilda Road / Domain precinct)
Anzac Station provides train access to the St Kilda Road / Domain area — opening up easy travel to new and growing employment, residential and cultural precincts.
It also becomes Melbourne’s first tram/train interchange under the Metro Tunnel project — which is a big deal for those who combine tram and train travel.
Key nearby destinations: Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens, The Shrine os Remembrance, NGV International and Melbourne’s Arts Precinct.
Exploring the Metro Tunnel Line, stop by stop
I took the Metro Tunnel line myself, hopping on at Footscray Station and getting off at each new stop for a look around. I have to say — they’re very schmick! Spacious platforms, clear signage, and that fresh “new station” feeling you only get once.
At the moment, trains are running roughly every 20 minutes, which makes it easy to turn the journey into a little outing.
You can hop off, explore the concourse or surrounding area, then jump back on and continue to the next station. I did this on a weekday at around 10 – 11 am. It’s a relaxed and enjoyable way to get to know the new line at your own pace.
What this all means: benefits for travellers
- More frequent and reliable trains — with new high-capacity signalling, services on the Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham lines will run more often after full integration, making public transport more convenient.
- Direct access to key destinations — hospitals, universities, arts precincts, markets, cultural sites — all reachable more easily. This is especially useful if you value convenience, mobility and accessibility.
- Better interchange and coverage — The new stations link well with existing lines (via the City Loop) and new tram/train interchanges reduce the need for complex transfers.
- Accessibility improvements — All Metro Tunnel stations include lifts, escalators, accessible seating, hearing loops, tactile indicators and customer-help points — making them senior-friendly and suited to people with differing mobility needs.
What to do now — and how to try it out
Since the Metro Tunnel opened on 30 November 2025, you can already hop on and ride through the new stations — and until 1 February 2026, there are extra services running, often outside peak times, to give travellers a chance to explore.
If you travel on the Sunbury, Cranbourne or Pakenham lines (or connect via them), it’s worth checking how your journey may change under the new route and timetable from 1 February onwards — the network is about to get a lot busier but also a lot smoother.
We recommend having a play around with the map on their website to familiarise yourself before you head into the city.
Jump on board this summer
If you’ve been curious about the new Metro Tunnel but haven’t had a reason to try it yet, summer is the perfect time to give it a go.
From 30 November 2025 to 31 January 2026, the whole family can enjoy free travel every Saturday and Sunday statewide. It’s a simple, fuss-free way to explore the new stations, visit friends, or tick off those outings you’ve been meaning to plan — all without touching your Myki balance. (Remember from 1 Jan 2026, Seniors Myki holders receive free weekend travel.)
There’ll also be extra services running through the Metro Tunnel, so trains will be frequent and easy to board, even during the busy holiday period. If you’re heading into the city for a show, a long lunch or a relaxed wander around the gardens, you’ll find the trip noticeably smoother.
It’s a great chance to test out the new connections, especially Parkville for hospital appointments or Town Hall for shopping and theatres. And if it’s been a while since you last caught the train, you might be pleasantly surprised by how calm, modern and accessible the new stations feel.
When the Metro Tunnel trains are running
Weekdays
Trains run between Westall and West Footscray every 20 minutes from 10am to 3pm — perfect for a late-morning or early-afternoon outing.
Weekends
Services run between Westall and West Footscray from 10am to 7pm, with some trains also extending to East Pakenham and Sunbury to make travel even easier.
To check exact times, it’s worth using the PTV app or website, especially if you’re lining up a theatre session, lunch booking or hospital appointment.
All other Cranbourne, Pakenham and Sunbury line trains will continue running through the City Loop to their usual timetable during this period.
Visit the Metro Tunnel HQ
We also stop in at Metro Tunnel HQ on 125-133 Swanston Street — a bright, hands-on information centre that brings Victoria’s big public transport projects to life. It’s free to visit all year, and well worth popping into if you’re already in the city.
Inside, you’ll find VR experiences, clear educational displays, and a few fun activities for the grandchildren if you’re bringing them along. It’s a relaxed way to understand how the Metro Tunnel was built and what it means for travel across Melbourne.
If you’re part of a club, U3A group or community organisation, you can even book a group presentation. These sessions offer a deeper look at how the project was planned, built and how it will continue to benefit local communities for decades to come.
It’s an easy and informative stop — and a great add-on to a day out exploring the new stations.
Why it matters — and what I’m keeping an eye on
For a city that’s growing fast, the Metro Tunnel marks a turning point. It doesn’t just add stations — it reshapes the way people move, how accessible the city is, and how connected we are to where we want to go.
As someone writing for the Seniors in Melbourne audience, I see this as a real win: improved accessibility, less waiting around, more comfort, and better links to what matters most — appointments, friends, family, and enjoying Melbourne.
I’ll be watching how the new timetable works out in early 2026, and how well the extra capacity improves reliability.
Metro Tunnel Accessibility Tips
Travelling on the new Metro Tunnel is wonderfully straightforward, but a few small tweaks can make the journey even smoother — especially if you prefer quieter spaces, easier transfers and clear wayfinding.
Accessibility tips for an easier trip
1. Use the lifts — they’re fast and plentiful
Every new station has multiple high-capacity lifts connecting street level, concourse and platforms. If you’re heading to appointments or carrying shopping, they save a lot of strain. Signs are clear, and staff are nearby if you need pointing in the right direction.
2. Look for the “priority boarding” areas
Platforms include marked seating and easy-access boarding zones. These spots line up with wheelchair spaces and seats near the doors.
3. Helpful staff at every station
The Metro Tunnel stations are staffed from first train to last. If you’re unsure about where to exit for a hospital, theatre or tram stop, it’s worth asking — they’re used to helping visitors. There will be a Traveller’s Aid office opening soon at Parkville Station.
4. Clear signage and wide concourses
The new stations were designed with long, uncluttered corridors and excellent lighting. If your eyesight isn’t what it used to be (mine certainly isn’t), you’ll appreciate the strong colour contrasts and simple navigation.
5. Hearing loops and visual displays
Arrival screens, platform indicators, and overhead signage make it easy to double-check you’re on the right train. Audible and visual announcements are consistent throughout the system.
6. Tap-on/tap-off is more forgiving
Transfer between Town Hall ↔ Flinders Street and State Library ↔ Melbourne Central without tapping off. It’s all counted as one continuous journey.
Best times to travel on the Metro Tunnel
If you prefer a quieter carriage or a calmer platform, the good news is that the Metro Tunnel spreads passengers more evenly across the network. Even so, there are clear times when travel is noticeably more relaxed.
Quietest times (ideal for appointments, shopping and outings):
- 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (weekdays)
These late-morning and midday windows are consistently comfortable. Perfect for hospital visits via Parkville or lunch dates near Town Hall. - After 7:30 pm (weekdays and weekends)
Stations stay busy around theatre times, but trains themselves are usually calm.
Times to avoid if you prefer fewer crowds:
- 7:30 – 9:00 am (weekday mornings)
- 4:30 – 6:30 pm (weekday evenings)
Even with the Metro Tunnel, these periods still fill quickly as commuters head in and out of the CBD.
If you must travel during peak, aim for the first or last carriage, which are often quieter.
Head here for some simple go-to directions for places our readers visit often — hospitals, arts venues, gardens and shopping areas.
Heading off on your own Melbourne adventures? Join our Facebook Group and share your stories, ask questions and connect with others for further inspiration.
