Melbourne commuters, it's almost time! It’s been a lot of digging, training and a fair bit of disruption in the making, but an official launch date has been announced for the brand new Metro Tunnel. And we can't wait to check it out – here's everything you need to know ahead of this game-changing addition to the city's public transport network.
What is the Metro Tunnel?
Essentially, Melbourne's Metro Tunnel is the biggest overhaul of the city's public transport system in 40 years. Early planning began in 2015, and it now features twin nine-kilometre rail tunnels that run below the CBD and connect the Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham lines. Five new underground stations (Anzac, Arden, Parkville, State Library and Town Hall) have been built as part of the project, along with underground pedestrian links to Flinders Street and Melbourne Central Stations for easy access to the City Loop. At Anzac Station, you'll also find Melbourne's very first train/tram interchange.
Various tests and intensive training has been completed, and state-of-the-art technology like a high capacity signalling system and platform screen doors have been installed. Phew! And now, it's just about ready for the public to see it for themselves.
When does Melbourne's Metro Tunnel open?
The Metro Tunnel is finally opening to passengers on Sunday, November 30 – ushering in a speedy new era of getting from A to B in Melbourne. After teasing us for the past few weeks (initially we were told it would open in early December), the date has been confirmed – and it's a whole year ahead of schedule.
Where will Melbourne's Metro Tunnel go once it opens in 2025?
From November 30, the Metro Tunnel will act like a secret express lane beneath the city – shooting passengers from Sunbury through brand-new underground stations Arden, Parkville, State Library, Town Hall and Anzac, before rejoining the existing Cranbourne and Pakenham lines. In short: faster trips across the CBD, fewer choke points and no more City Loop gridlock.
But don't expect to be cruising from Sunbury to Pakenham at all hours of the day. The Metro Tunnel will open with a special Summer Start period to iron out any bugs, avoid unexpected disruptions and ensure everything runs safely and smoothly. On weekdays, that means services every 20 minutes from 10am to 3pm between Westall and West Footscray; while on the weekends, you can travel every 20 minutes from 10am until 7pm between Westall and West Footscray, every 40 minutes from East Pakenham and every 60 minutes from Sunbury.
The soft launch will include 240 new services along the Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham lines, with trains stopping at all five new stations: Anzac, Arden, Parkville, Town Hall and State Library. The timetable will remain unchanged on every other line, with trains travelling through the City Loop as normal.
Then, on Sunday, February 1, 2026, comes the Big Switch. The Metro Tunnel will be fully integrated into Melbourne's existing public transport network, with a brand new timetable in place (including for buses, trams and regional trains) to accommodate the more than 1,000 new weekly services. This is when the Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham lines will travel exclusively through the new tunnel, and the Frankston line will return to the City Loop.
What are the stations along Melbourne's Metro Tunnel?
The shiny new stations read like a love letter to Melbourne’s inner city hotspots: Arden, Parkville, State Library, Town Hall and Anzac. They are all linked by a brand-new tunnel that plugs straight into the existing Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham lines.
How fast do trains go in Melbourne's Metro Tunnel?
The new network is designed for high-frequency, modern commutes. Once the new stretch is open, trains will run every few minutes, reaching up to 80 kilometres per hour and slicing precious time off cross-city trips.
Where will Melbourne's Metro Tunnel go once the whole project is complete?
Once the full vision is realised, Melbourne’s Metro network will become a proper city-shaping powerhouse – linking the west (including the airport via the future Airport Rail connection) straight through the CBD and out to the southeast growth corridors with smooth, high-frequency services.
When will the full Metro Tunnel project be finished?
You’ll be riding the main tunnel by summer 2025, but the broader vision – including the Airport Rail link that slots neatly into the new system – is set to roll out by the end of the decade.
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