Your guide to travelling on the Metro Tunnel this summer

The Metro Tunnel will more than double the size of Melbourne’s underground rail network.

The Metro Tunnel opens on 30 November as part of the project’s Summer Start.

The Metro Tunnel will open on 30 November with hundreds of extra services. Trains will stop at all of the five new underground stations - Arden, Parkville, State Library, Town Hall and Anzac.

Services will run every 20 minutes between Westall and West Footscray from 10am until 3pm on weekdays and 10am until 7pm on weekends. Some weekend services will extend to East Pakenham and Sunbury.

Learn more and plan your journey before you travel, visit bigbuild.vic.gov.au/metrotunnel

Summer rail changes for Metro network

When the Metro Tunnel opens, jump on board and travel to the  5 new stations with extra services running between peak periods on the Cranbourne, Pakenham and Sunbury lines.

Weekdays: Services will run between Westall and West Footscray through the tunnel every 20 minutes from 10am to 3pm.

Weekends: Services will run between Westall and West Footscray from 10am to 7pm. Some weekend services will extend to East Pakenham and Sunbury.

Until 1 February 2026, existing Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham line services will run through the City Loop on the current timetable.

New connections will open between the Metro Tunnel and the City Loop.

Change between Melbourne Central and State Library stations using the concourse or change between Flinders Street and Town Hall stations using the Degraves Street Subway.

Metro Tunnel stations are located underground Allow extra time to move from station entrances to platforms, and when changing between Town Hall and Flinders Street and State Library and Melbourne Central stations.

Summer Start

30 November - 31 January

The Summer Start means we can open the Metro Tunnel before more of the rail network changes next year.

Until 1 February 2026, existing Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham line services will continue to run through the City Loop on the current timetable.

There is no change in service if you use these lines unless you choose to connect to Metro Tunnel services.

The timetable will also stay the same on every other line during the Summer Start.

Free travel

When the Metro Tunnel opens on 30 November, public transport in Victoria will be free for everyone, everywhere, every weekend until 1 February 2026.

The Big Switch

From 1 February

From 1 February, all Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham trains will travel exclusively through the new Metro Tunnel.

The Big Switch will introduce more than 1000 new weekly services and a turn-up-and-go service for these lines.

The Frankston Line returns to the City Loop, running between Parliament and Flinders Street all day. Werribee and Williamstown trains will no longer cross the city via the Frankston Line. These services will run direct to and from Flinders Street Station.

Metro Tunnel station locations

Arden Station

In the heart of a growing North Melbourne precinct, soon to be a vibrant hub where people can live, work and play.

Parkville Station

On Grattan Street, next to the University of Melbourne and in the centre of the Parkville medical precinct.

State Library Station

At the north end of Swanston Street, with a connection to Melbourne Central Station via a shared concourse.

Town Hall Station

In Melbourne’s CBD with a main entrance in City Square, and a connection to Flinders Street Station via the Degraves Street Subway.

Anzac Station

On St Kilda Road, close to the Shrine of Remembrance and not far from Albert Park, with direct access to trams.

Technology

Platform screen doors

All 5 Metro Tunnel stations will have Victorian-first platform screen doors. These doors align with train doors to create a barrier between the track and platform, making boarding safer, improving climate control and reducing noise.

Entry markings on the floor show where to wait for your train. You do not need to press a button to open or close the doors as lights and sounds indicate when doors are opening or closing.

A red light above the door means it is not in use. Doors close quickly. Do not try to hold the doors open, as this can cause injury or separate you from your group. Be ready to board and keep children close.

New trains for a new tunnel

Only High Capacity Metro Trains will run through the tunnel. These trains offer more space, improved seating, extra handholds, better accessibility, real-time information and heating and cooling for Melbourne’s climate.

Smart surveillance

Stations prioritise safety with advanced CCTV, including cameras above every platform screen door. A central control room allows staff to monitor and manage lighting and escalators, ensuring operations run smoothly and safely. The stations have extra-wide platforms and Customer Help Points on each platform, which will put passengers in immediate contact with a customer service officer at the touch of a red button.

Improved signalling

Next-generation High Capacity Signalling in the tunnel and on parts of the Cranbourne, Pakenham and Sunbury Line. This system automatically adjusts train speeds to keep a safe distance, enabling more services.

Building new stations for everyone

• The new Metro Tunnel stations are among the most accessible on our network.
• Step-free access, with lifts and escalators, makes travel easier for everyone.
• Tactile ground surface indicators help guide people safely.
• Customer help points let you speak to staff at the touch of a button.
• Braille and tactile signs, audible announcements and hearing loops support accessibility.
• Real-time passenger information screens keep you informed.
• Changing Places toilets at all five stations, outside ticket gates, offer extra features and space for people with disability and their carers. Each concourse also has standard accessible toilets.
• Passengers with wheelchairs and mobility devices should board at the first carriage. Station staff can assist if needed.

Interchanging and moving through stations safely

• Allow extra time when moving around Metro Tunnel stations. Each station is multiple levels and features 240m long platforms.
• Changing between services may take several minutes. Follow signs for the quickest route.
• Station escalators can be steep. Hold onto the handrail to ensure you don’t fall.
• Do not run in the station. Be aware of the risks of trips and falls.
• Platform screen doors can close quickly. Stand clear of closing doors and do not try to hold them open.
• Always hold your child’s hand when getting on and off the train so you don’t become separated.