Melbourne city center with Federation Square, Flinders Street, Queen Victoria Market, and the famous laneways.

About Melbourne CBD (Southern Cross Station)

Melbourne's CBD (Central Business District) centers on Southern Cross Station, the city's main rail hub housed in a striking undulating roofline building that has won architectural awards. The station connects metropolitan trains, regional V/Line services, interstate coaches, and the SkyBus, making it the natural arrival point for travelers heading into the city.

From Southern Cross, Melbourne's famous laneways begin just blocks east — a network of narrow alleys that have made the city a global capital of street art, specialty coffee, and hidden bars. Hosier Lane (ever-changing graffiti murals), Degraves Street (café culture), and Hardware Lane (al fresco dining) epitomize Melbourne's creative spirit. The Bourke Street Mall and the Block Arcade offer shopping, while Federation Square houses the Ian Potter Centre (NGV Australia) and ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image).

The free City Circle Tram (Route 35) loops through the CBD past major attractions including Flinders Street Station (Melbourne's most photographed building), the Arts Centre Melbourne spire, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), and the Royal Botanic Gardens. The Yarra River, spanned by pedestrian bridges connecting the arts precinct of Southbank to the CBD, completes the picture of Australia's cultural capital.

Nearby Landmarks

Flinders Street Station Federation Square Hosier Lane Southbank Promenade

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost AUD 55-75
Time 25-40 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost AUD 45-65
Time 25-40 minutes

Arrivals forecourt, designated rideshare zone

Step-by-Step Directions

Board SkyBus from outside any terminal. Direct express to Southern Cross Station in CBD.

SkyBus

Cost AUD 22
Time 30 minutes
Frequency Every 10 minutes

Ground floor outside terminals

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi AUD 55-75 25-40 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare AUD 45-65 25-40 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Bus/Shuttle AUD 22 30 minutes Cheapest option

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

SkyBus operates 24 hours, with services running every 15-30 minutes overnight. This makes Melbourne one of the few cities with around-the-clock airport-to-city service. Uber and taxis are also available 24 hours at the airport. Taxi fare to the CBD is approximately AUD 60-80. Melbourne's nightlife in the CBD laneways, Fitzroy, and South Yarra runs until late, especially on weekends. Night Network trains and trams run all night on weekends.

Luggage Tips

The SkyBus has dedicated luggage compartments underneath the bus. Southern Cross Station has luggage storage lockers and a staffed service near the main concourse. Melbourne's flat CBD and wide sidewalks are easy to navigate with rolling luggage. The free tram zone covers most of the CBD, and trams have low-floor sections for bags. Hotels in the CBD are densely clustered and mostly accessible from Southern Cross within a 10-minute walk.

Accessibility

Melbourne Airport is fully accessible. The SkyBus is wheelchair accessible with a ramp and designated space. Southern Cross Station has full accessibility with elevators, tactile indicators, and accessible restrooms. Melbourne's low-floor trams (C, D, and E class) are wheelchair accessible on most routes, though some older W-class trams are not. The CBD is flat and wheelchair-friendly with audio-tactile signals at crossings.