Metro Tunnel Melbourne Guide: New Stations, Travel Tips and Faster CBD Access

The Metro Tunnel improves Melbourne rail travel by linking Sunbury to Cranbourne and Pakenham through five new underground stations with faster access to hospitals, universities, and the CBD.

Key Takeaways

• Five new stations are open across the underground corridor.
• The Sunbury line now runs through the CBD without using the City Loop.
• Parkville Station improves access to hospitals and universities.
• Stations include step-free travel and wide concourses.
• Travel times are shorter for many west-to-east and east-to-west trips.

Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel has opened with a calm, bright design that instantly makes travel feel easier. I visited with my kids on the weekend and the first impression was how smooth the experience felt, especially at Parkville and State Library.

The platforms are wide, the escalators move quickly, and the signage is simple enough for my youngest to follow. If your family regularly visits the CBD, hospitals, events, sports, or uni campuses, this upgrade removes the most common travel frustrations.

What is the Metro Tunnel

The Metro Tunnel is a new underground rail link that moves trains between Sunbury and the south east through five modern stations.

It removes pressure from the City Loop and provides a clearer flow across the network. The project supports more frequent services and simpler transfers, which helps students, workers, families, and tourists.

Which Metro Tunnel stations are now open

The Metro Tunnel includes Arden, Parkville, State Library, Town Hall, and Anzac stations.

Each station features wide platforms, clear signage, lifts, safer pedestrian flow, natural light features, and modern architecture.

• Arden supports the renewed North Melbourne precinct.
• Parkville provides direct access to hospitals and universities.
• State Library supports RMIT students and Swanston Street shopping.
• Town Hall links to the Flinders Street precinct.
• Anzac provides a smooth interchange for St Kilda Road trams.

How the Metro Tunnel changes travel times

The Metro Tunnel shortens many CBD trips by removing City Loop transfers and using a direct underground corridor.

Families travelling from the west reach Parkville or the CBD faster. Workers from the south east reach the hospital district without switching trains. Freeways and trams often slow down during peak periods, so the rail alternative becomes more reliable.

What line travels through the Metro Tunnel

The Sunbury line now uses the Metro Tunnel before continuing to Cranbourne and Pakenham.

This creates a single cross-city route that avoids the older loop platforms. The improvement gives more space to other lines and balances the overall rail network.

Is the Metro Tunnel faster

The Metro Tunnel is faster for most Sunbury to CBD and south east trips due to fewer bottlenecks and a more direct track layout.

The tunnel provides quicker boarding, faster platform movement, and shorter interchange paths.

What you will find at each new station

Every Metro Tunnel station includes step-free access, lifts, escalators, tactile paths, platform screen doors, improved lighting, and integrated public art.

These upgrades improve travel for families, older adults, disability support workers, children with sensory needs, and anyone who prefers easier navigation.

How the Metro Tunnel improves access to hospitals and universities

Parkville Station delivers direct access to the University of Melbourne, RMIT (via interchange), Royal Melbourne Hospital, Royal Women’s Hospital, and Peter Mac.

This reduces commute time for medical staff, students, visiting families, and parents attending appointments with children.

Does the Metro Tunnel improve accessibility

All Metro Tunnel stations include full accessibility through lifts, wide gates, platform screen doors, and step-free routes.

The new designs remove the pinch points that cause delays at older stations. Families with prams and mobility aids move through the network more comfortably.

Metro Tunnel Map

The Metro Tunnel map shows a straight connection from Sunbury to Cranbourne and Pakenham through five new CBD stations.

Tips for families using the Metro Tunnel

Families benefit from simpler access points, less crowding, and shorter walking distances at the new stations.

Listed below are practical tips you can use on your next trip.

• Use Parkville Station for hospital visits and university open days.
• Use State Library Station for RMIT events and city shopping.
• Use Town Hall Station for Southbank, Fed Square, and events near the river.
• Use Anzac Station for the Shrine, Royal Botanic Gardens, and Domain walks.

FAQs

Is the Metro Tunnel open
Yes. The Metro Tunnel is open and running daily across the CBD.

Which stations are part of the Metro Tunnel
Arden, Parkville, State Library, Town Hall, and Anzac are the five stations now operating.

Does the Metro Tunnel replace the City Loop
No. The City Loop still operates. The Metro Tunnel carries the Sunbury line directly across the city.

Is it quicker to travel through the Metro Tunnel
Yes. Most Sunbury to CBD and south east trips are quicker because there are fewer stops and no transfers.

Is Parkville Station suitable for hospital visits
Yes. The station sits directly under the main hospital precinct.

Does the Metro Tunnel support step-free travel
Yes. All stations include lifts and step-free paths.

Can prams and wheelchairs access every platform
Yes. Every platform is designed for full accessibility.

Does the Metro Tunnel help reduce crowding
Yes. The design moves people faster and spreads demand across more platforms.

Melbourne Journey Planner

The Metro Tunnel makes cross-city travel faster, and the next step is planning your route with clear timings.

Our Journey Planner tool on Discover Melbourne helps you compare travel options, check station access, and choose the quickest way to reach events, hospitals, shops, or family activities.

You can enter your starting point, destination, and preferred travel time to see the best path across the new network, including Metro Tunnel routes.

A digital planner works well for parents managing school visits, hospital appointments, and weekend outings. You can try the MelbourneJourney Planner and build a smoother trip across the updated rail system.