Flinders Street Station, Melbourne - white and brown concrete building during night time
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Flinders Street Station Melbourne

4.4
·3k reviews·Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne's historic, domed railway hub, an iconic landmark with stunning architecture and a vibrant city center.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Fewer crowds, safer feel

CrowdLow
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Flinders Street Station, Melbourne - white and brown concrete building during night time

Flinders Street Station Melbourne

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Fewer crowds, safer feel

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Melbourne's historic, domed railway hub, an iconic landmark with stunning architecture and a vibrant city center.

4.4
(3k reviews)

"An absolute icon of Melbourne, known for its spectacular architecture and central hub status."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Navigate the Entrance

The Elizabeth Street entrance can be confusing. Head to the main entrance at Flinders and Swanston for clearer signage.

📸 Vintage Photo Fun

Capture a unique memory at the 50-year-old photo booth inside the station for $8.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Clock Tower

The Iconic Clock Tower

Main Entrance

The grand facade and distinctive clock tower are instantly recognizable symbols of Melbourne's heritage.

Degraves Street Laneway

Degraves Street Laneway

Adjacent to the station

A vibrant laneway bursting with cafes, street art, and unique shops, just steps from the station.

Flinders Street Photo Booth

Flinders Street Photo Booth

Inside the station

Step back in time with this vintage, 50-year-old photo booth for a unique souvenir.

Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Hub

Flinders Street Station is a bustling transport hub. Arriving at night? Reddit users advise staying on the main concourse near shops and police presence for safety, especially on weekdays. Weekends can get busier with the party crowd. Reddit

Beyond the Platforms

While a major transit point, Flinders Street Station is also a historical landmark. Explore its iconic architecture and nearby attractions like Degraves Street for food or the Immigration Museum. TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday evenings
Why
Fewer crowds, safer feel
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend mornings
Why
Explore before the rush
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Only in Melbourne 😎 How cool is this?🔥😀 The legendary voice behind this audio: @voiceofflindersstation 📸Shots: @myvividmelbourne #myvividmelbourne #flindersstreetstation #melbourne #myvividvictoria
@myvividmelbourne
80.2K likes • 1.2M views

🎯 Navigate the Entrance

The Elizabeth Street entrance can be confusing. Head to the main entrance at Flinders and Swanston for clearer signage. Reddit

📸 Vintage Photo Fun

Capture a unique memory at the 50-year-old photo booth inside the station for $8. TikTok

📍Melbourne! We’re here to cure those cookie cravings 🍪 #melbournecookies #cookiesinmelbourne #degravesstreet #cookiescbd
@theconfectionistbakery
40.2K likes • 575.4K views
4 Things you MUST do in Melbourne @auxdz #melbourne #studentlife #melbournetodo #australia #internationalstudent #RMITtraining
@rmitup
35.5K likes • 670.1K views

☕️ Coffee & Treats Nearby

Discover Degraves Street for great coffee and loaded cookies just a short walk away. TikTok

🌃 Nighttime Safety

Stay on the main concourse at night; it's well-lit and usually has police presence. Reddit

#sunflowerlanyard #australia #melbourne #travellersaide #travel #flindersstreetstation #hiddendisabilities #disabilitytiktok
@sienna.stims
30.1K likes • 312.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Navigate the Entrance

The Elizabeth Street entrance can be confusing. Head to the main entrance at Flinders and Swanston for clearer signage. Reddit

📸 Vintage Photo Fun

Capture a unique memory at the 50-year-old photo booth inside the station for $8. TikTok

☕️ Coffee & Treats Nearby

Discover Degraves Street for great coffee and loaded cookies just a short walk away. TikTok

🌃 Nighttime Safety

Stay on the main concourse at night; it's well-lit and usually has police presence. Reddit

🗺️ Sunflower Lanyards

You can pick up a sunflower lanyard at the information center inside the station. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.4
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Flinders Street Station is widely praised as an iconic Melbourne landmark with spectacular architecture and a convenient central location. Visitors appreciate the improvements in signage and its role as a vital transport hub. However, some reviews mention cleanliness issues and a lack of seating in eateries, suggesting room for improvement in customer comfort.

"Play mini golf here in the ballroom during Rising Festival. Such a great space, rarely used. Was a good time."

Benjamin Clay

"Flinders Street station.
Over the years I've seen a few impressive improvement changes. The organisation of signs is super helpful. Within seconds you can figure out where to catch the right train, making your travel experience enjoyable."

Michael Ramirez

"Could have been more cleaner.
Could have more seating for the eateries
People literally sit on the stairs and sit near the toilets to eat food. So hard to watch that.
Passengers are paying lot of money it’s not like they have a choice.
Instead of just putting money on the restorations spend tiny portion on customers needs as well
But I must say such a beautiful view from outside"

Mounica Kondepati

What People Like

Iconic architecture
Central transport hub
Helpful signage improvements

What People Dislike

Cleanliness concerns
Limited seating

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common way to get from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to Flinders Street Station is by taking the SkyBus. It's a direct service that runs frequently and drops you off at Southern Cross Station, from where you can easily catch a train or tram to Flinders Street Station. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or rideshare service, which will be more expensive but offer door-to-door convenience. TikTok

Flinders Street Station is a major tram hub. Numerous tram routes stop here, including routes 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 16, 64, 67, 72, and more, connecting you to various parts of the city and its suburbs. TikTok

Yes, Flinders Street Station is a central railway station and a major hub for metropolitan train lines across Melbourne. It serves as a key interchange point for many V/Line and Metro services. TikTok

To get to Melbourne Zoo from Flinders Street Station, you can take a tram. Tram route 58 (towards West Coburg) stops near the zoo. The journey typically takes around 20-30 minutes. TikTok

Yes, Federation Square is located directly opposite Flinders Street Station, making it a very short and easy walk across the road. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Flinders Street Station is a public transport hub, and you do not need a ticket to enter the station itself or to walk through it. Tickets are only required for train travel. TikTok

Flinders Street Station is a 24-hour operational transport hub, meaning trains run throughout the night, though frequencies are reduced. Station facilities like shops and information centers may have specific operating hours. TikTok

You can purchase train tickets from the ticket offices located within the station, or use the Myki card system by tapping on at the readers located on the platforms before boarding your train. TikTok

Yes, there is an information desk located within Flinders Street Station, typically near platforms 3 and 4. It's a good place to ask for directions or assistance. TikTok

Yes, you can obtain a sunflower lanyard at the information center inside Flinders Street Station. This is helpful for individuals with hidden disabilities. TikTok

🎫 📍 Onsite Experience

Inside Flinders Street Station, you can find a vintage photo booth for a unique souvenir, various eateries and cafes, and it serves as a central point for catching trains. It's also an architectural marvel to admire. TikTok

Yes, Flinders Street Station is generally considered safe at night due to its high foot traffic, presence of police and transport staff, and proximity to busy city areas. It's advised to stay on the main concourse and be aware of your surroundings. Reddit

Absolutely! Just outside the station, you'll find Degraves Street, a vibrant laneway packed with cafes and eateries. There are also numerous dining options within the station itself and along Flinders Street. TikTok

The most iconic photo spot is the grand facade with its clock tower. You can also capture the bustling interior, the vintage photo booth, and the surrounding city views from the station's exterior. TikTok

Yes, public restrooms are available within Flinders Street Station. They are typically located along the main concourse. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Within Flinders Street Station and its immediate vicinity, you can find a variety of food options, from quick bites like baguettes and coffee to more substantial meals in nearby cafes and restaurants. Degraves Street is particularly known for its diverse culinary offerings. TikTok

Yes, Degraves Street, located just off Flinders Street Station, is famous for its excellent coffee shops and cafes, offering a great spot to relax and enjoy a brew. TikTok

Degraves Street offers a range of cafes with varying price points, and you can often find good value lunch specials. The station itself also has some quicker, more affordable food outlets. TikTok

Yes, the laneways adjacent to Flinders Street Station, such as Degraves Street, are renowned for their vibrant outdoor dining experiences, allowing you to soak in the city atmosphere. TikTok

Pidapipó, a popular gelato shop, is located just across Flinders Street Station on Flinders Lane and is known for its delicious gelato, though it often has a queue. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The best times for photography are during the golden hours – sunrise and sunset – for beautiful lighting on the iconic facade. Weekday evenings can also offer interesting shots with fewer crowds. TikTok

Definitely! The vintage photo booth inside the station offers a quirky and memorable photo opportunity. The surrounding laneways like Degraves Street also provide colorful backdrops with street art. TikTok+1

Yes, you are generally allowed to take photos inside Flinders Street Station for personal use. However, professional photography or filming may require permits. TikTok

The most photographed part is undoubtedly the grand, yellow-facaded main building with its distinctive dome and clock tower, especially from across the road on Flinders Street. TikTok

Yes, across Flinders Street offers a classic view. For a different perspective, consider viewpoints from nearby buildings or Federation Square. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Flinders Street Station is a great starting point for family adventures in Melbourne. Its central location makes it easy to access attractions like the Melbourne Aquarium or the Melbourne Zoo via public transport. TikTok The station itself offers a bit of excitement with its grand architecture and the unique vintage photo booth, which kids often find fascinating. TikTok

When navigating the station with children, stick to the main Flinders and Swanston Street entrance for clarity. Consider purchasing a Myki card for easy tram and train travel. Nearby Degraves Street offers a lively atmosphere with plenty of kid-friendly food options, from gelato to casual cafes. Reddit

🚶 Day-Trippers

For day-trippers, Flinders Street Station is your gateway to exploring Melbourne. Its central location means many key attractions are within walking distance or a short tram ride away. Use it as your base to explore the laneways, Federation Square, or hop on a tram to further afield destinations. TikTok

Plan your onward journey before arriving if possible, as the station can be busy. Utilize the information desk or apps for real-time train and tram information. Don't forget to grab a coffee or a quick bite in the adjacent Degraves Street before you head out. TikTok

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Flinders Street Station is a photographer's dream, offering iconic architecture and vibrant street life. Capture the grand facade with its clock tower, especially during the golden hours for dramatic lighting. TikTok The interior, with its bustling platforms and unique details, also provides excellent photographic opportunities. TikTok

Don't miss the chance to photograph the vintage photo booth for a quirky, historical shot. TikTok Explore the nearby laneways like Degraves Street for colorful street art and dynamic urban scenes. TikTok Be mindful of crowds, especially during peak hours, and consider visiting during off-peak times for clearer shots.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History

Flinders Street Station, opened in 1909, is not just a transport hub but a significant historical landmark and an icon of Melbourne. Its distinctive Edwardian Baroque architecture, with its grand dome and yellow facade, makes it instantly recognizable. It was Australia's first railway station and has been a central meeting point and symbol of the city for over a century. TikTok

Beyond its architectural grandeur, the station is steeped in local lore. Some believe it to be haunted, adding a layer of mystique to its already captivating presence. The station's role as a central nexus for train services across Melbourne underscores its importance in the city's daily life and development. TikTok

Today, Flinders Street Station continues to serve millions of passengers annually, seamlessly blending its historical significance with its modern function as a vital transportation artery. It remains a beloved landmark and a must-see for anyone visiting Melbourne.

Navigating the Station's Entrances

Flinders Street Station has multiple entrances, and navigating them can sometimes be confusing, especially for first-time visitors. The main entrance, located at the corner of Flinders Street and Swanston Street, is the most prominent and offers clear access to the station's main concourse and ticket facilities. This entrance is often the easiest to find and navigate. Reddit

Another significant entrance is from Elizabeth Street. However, this entrance can be more challenging to use, particularly for those unfamiliar with the station's layout. Some travelers report difficulties finding platform information from this entry point, with signage sometimes being unclear or screens being small. It's often recommended to use the main Flinders and Swanston Street entrance if you're unsure of your platform. Reddit

For those needing specific services, like the information desk or the vintage photo booth, it's helpful to know their general locations within the station. The information desk is typically found between platforms 3 and 4, while the photo booth is a unique attraction within the station's main thoroughfares. TikTok+1

The Flinders Street Photo Booth Experience

A truly unique attraction within Flinders Street Station is its vintage photo booth, a piece of Melbourne's cultural history maintained for decades. This 50-year-old booth offers a nostalgic way to capture memories, providing three different poses for a small fee. It's a charming throwback to a simpler era of photography. TikTok

This iconic photo booth is lovingly maintained by 90-year-old Alan Adler, who has been its caretaker for nearly half a century. Due to the age of the equipment, Alan often has to source parts from other machines, highlighting the dedication involved in preserving this piece of history. The cost is typically around $8 for a strip of three photos. TikTok

Visiting the photo booth is more than just getting a picture; it's an experience that connects you to Melbourne's past. It's a small, personal way to take a tangible piece of the city's history home with you, offering a delightful contrast to the station's bustling transit environment.

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