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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, safer feel
Flinders Street Station Melbourne
Best Time
Fewer crowds, safer feel

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Melbourne's historic, domed railway hub, an iconic landmark with stunning architecture and a vibrant city center.
"An absolute icon of Melbourne, known for its spectacular architecture and central hub status."
🎯 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Clock Tower
Main Entrance
The grand facade and distinctive clock tower are instantly recognizable symbols of Melbourne's heritage.

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
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
Beyond the Platforms
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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.
☕️ Coffee & Treats Nearby
Discover Degraves Street for great coffee and loaded cookies just a short walk away.
🌃 Nighttime Safety
Stay on the main concourse at night; it's well-lit and usually has police presence.
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.
📸 Vintage Photo Fun
Capture a unique memory at the 50-year-old photo booth inside the station for $8.
☕️ Coffee & Treats Nearby
Discover Degraves Street for great coffee and loaded cookies just a short walk away.
🌃 Nighttime Safety
Stay on the main concourse at night; it's well-lit and usually has police presence.
🗺️ Sunflower Lanyards
You can pick up a sunflower lanyard at the information center inside the station.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, Federation Square is located directly opposite Flinders Street Station, making it a very short and easy walk across the road.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, you can obtain a sunflower lanyard at the information center inside Flinders Street Station. This is helpful for individuals with hidden disabilities.
🎫 📍 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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, public restrooms are available within Flinders Street Station. They are typically located along the main concourse.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
Yes, you are generally allowed to take photos inside Flinders Street Station for personal use. However, professional photography or filming may require permits.
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.
Yes, across Flinders Street offers a classic view. For a different perspective, consider viewpoints from nearby buildings or Federation Square.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🚶 Day-Trippers
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.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss the chance to photograph the vintage photo booth for a quirky, historical shot. Explore the nearby laneways like Degraves Street for colorful street art and dynamic urban scenes. 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
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.
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
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.
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.
The Flinders Street Photo Booth Experience
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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit