Southern Cross Station Melbourne
Melbourne's iconic transport hub, connecting regional Victoria, interstate rail, and the airport with its striking modern architecture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Catch your train with fewer crowds.
Southern Cross Station Melbourne
Best Time
Catch your train with fewer crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Melbourne's iconic transport hub, connecting regional Victoria, interstate rail, and the airport with its striking modern architecture.
"It is not a station for joy or reunions. It is a station for moving on, in all meanings of the phrase."
🎯 Check Platform Screens
Platform numbers change! Always verify on the large screens before heading to your platform. :information_desk:
📱 V/Line App is Key
Use the V/Line app for real-time platform info and journey planning. Essential for regional travel! :iphone:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
V/Line Regional Departures
Platforms 1-8 & 15-16
Connect to Victoria's diverse regions via V/Line trains, from coastal towns to wine country.
SkyBus to Melbourne Airport
SkyBus Terminal
Your direct link to Tullamarine Airport, running frequently for stress-free travel.
Interstate Rail Services
Specific Platforms
Experience the romance of rail travel with services like The Overland to Adelaide.
Dining Options
Station Concourse
Grab a quick bite or a sit-down meal with various cafes and eateries available.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Platform Changes
Airport Transfers Made Easy
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Platform Screens
Platform numbers change! Always verify on the large screens before heading to your platform. :information_desk:
📱 V/Line App is Key
Use the V/Line app for real-time platform info and journey planning. Essential for regional travel! :iphone:
✈️ Airport Bus Convenience
SkyBus is the fastest way to Melbourne Airport. Book ahead or on arrival. :bus:
🧳 Luggage Storage Available
Need to store bags? Lockers are available for short or long-term use. :luggage:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Platform Screens
Platform numbers change! Always verify on the large screens before heading to your platform. :information_desk:
📱 V/Line App is Key
Use the V/Line app for real-time platform info and journey planning. Essential for regional travel! :iphone:
✈️ Airport Bus Convenience
SkyBus is the fastest way to Melbourne Airport. Book ahead or on arrival. :bus:
🧳 Luggage Storage Available
Need to store bags? Lockers are available for short or long-term use. :luggage:
🚶♂️ City Shortcuts
Explore city shortcuts through buildings to save time walking uphill. :walking:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Southern Cross Station is a vital transport hub with impressive architecture and convenient connections to regional Victoria and Melbourne Airport. While praised for its scale and accessibility, some visitors note concerns regarding cleanliness and the frequent, sometimes confusing, platform changes for V/Line services.
"What an experience. I boarded the xpt here are the staff were extremely friendly. The guy at the platform 1 ticketing gate was super chill. What else? The staff on the train that catered from southern cross to Albury were goated fr they fire 🔥"
YTG
"Southern Cross is a great station! Choose your destination and away you go! Both domestic via Metro and regional via VLine travel is available and there are plenty of buses and stores available for choice, such as coffee and cake, to grab a meal or do a quick fly by to get a few groceries during transit. Right in the heart of Melbourne between the CBD and Docklands, Southern Cross Station (formerly known as Spencer Street Station), is a true icon of Melbourne."
Christian Bannard
"Southern Cross Station is one of Melbourne's transport hubs, connecting metro, tram, bus, airport bus, and even interstate train and coach services.
The public facilities are quite complete, although there are still some things to add, such as trash bins on the train platforms. The cleaners also need to clean the public areas more often, including the toilets. What I found was trash strewn all over the platforms, toilets, etc. Some of the toilets were also quite dirty and smelly."
Taufik WIDJAJA
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most direct and convenient way is the SkyBus. It runs frequently from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) directly to Southern Cross Station. You can purchase tickets at the airport or online.
Southern Cross Station is a major hub connecting Metro trains, trams, V/Line regional trains, interstate trains, and buses.
Yes, you can catch trams from Southern Cross Station to various parts of the city, including Docklands and routes that can take you towards St Kilda. Check tram maps for specific routes.
Yes, numerous tram routes stop directly at or very near Southern Cross Station, making it easily accessible from across the Melbourne CBD.
Platform numbers for V/Line trains can change daily. Always check the large departure screens within the station or use the V/Line app for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
V/Line tickets can be purchased at the V/Line ticket desks within Southern Cross Station, online through the V/Line website, or via the V/Line app.
While you can buy SkyBus tickets on the day of travel at the station or airport, booking online in advance can sometimes offer slight discounts and guarantees your seat.
Yes, there are ticket machines available for purchasing V/Line tickets, in addition to the staffed ticket desks.
Southern Cross Station is generally open 24/7 for passenger access, though specific retail outlets and ticket offices will have their own operating hours. Train and bus services run on scheduled timetables.
Your Myki card is used for travel on Melbourne's metropolitan train, tram, and bus network. For V/Line regional trains and interstate services, separate tickets are typically required.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Yes, Southern Cross Station offers luggage storage facilities with lockers available for rent. These are convenient for travelers with time to kill before a train or flight.
The station offers a range of amenities including cafes, eateries, retail shops, restrooms, and waiting areas.
While it's a busy transport hub, some reviews mention that cleanliness can be an issue, particularly on platforms and in restrooms. Regular checks and reporting any issues are advised.
Absolutely! You'll find a variety of food options, from quick coffee and snacks at places like Cotti Coffee to more substantial meals.
Yes, the station and surrounding buildings offer internal shortcuts that can save time, especially if you're navigating between different parts of the city.
📸 📸 Photography
The station's modern architecture, especially the distinctive roof, offers great photographic opportunities. Capturing trains arriving and departing, particularly the V/Line services, can also make for dynamic shots.
Generally, personal photography for non-commercial purposes is allowed. However, be mindful of other passengers and avoid obstructing pathways or staff.
You can capture the sleek lines of modern trains, the historic charm of services like The Overland, or the bustling activity of daily commuters. Experiment with different angles and times of day.
The iconic undulating roof structure is a standout feature. The interplay of light and shadow on the roof and the station's interior provides many interesting photographic compositions.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light. During peak hours, you can capture the energy and movement of the station.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
✈️ Day-Trippers & Commuters
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating V/Line Regional Travel
When traveling to popular destinations like Bendigo, it's advisable to check the V/Line website's network service plan or use the app's 'Next 5' feature to see your specific platform well in advance. This proactive approach can save you from the stress of last-minute platform changes.
Seamless Melbourne Airport Transfers
Travelers often praise the efficiency of the SkyBus, noting that it's a stress-free alternative to taxis or ride-sharing, especially during peak hours. You can purchase tickets directly at the SkyBus terminal located at Southern Cross Station or at the airport. Some TikTok creators even share airport hacks, like avoiding the initial passport machine queues, which speaks to the general desire for efficiency when traveling through Melbourne.
For those looking to save time, especially after a long flight, knowing that the SkyBus is readily available and runs consistently can be a significant relief. It's a vital link that connects international and domestic travelers directly to the heart of Melbourne's transport network.
The Station Experience: Beyond Travel
However, the experience can be mixed. Some visitors find the station's scale impressive, appreciating the energy and the cityscape views.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit