Getting to the Australian GP: An F1 Race Transportation Guide

Step 1: Get to the Central Business District

Many fans travel to Melbourne several days before the race weekend, using that time to reach their accommodations and get familiar with the city. Staying close to the circuit isn't always realistic, with the most convenient options filling up quickly (or costing an arm and leg). It’s therefore common to stay in hotels, hostels, or rental homes up to ~60-90 minutes from the circuit and commute each day alongside the locals.

That’s thanks in large part to the Central Business District, Melbourne’s commercial heart, which serves as the city’s main hub for business, retail, and entertainment. The CBD is readily accessible from all directions and ready for the influx of people, with the train system, Metro Trains, regularly moving over 420,000 passengers around the city per day.

The closest parts of Albert Park circuit are just under 2 miles (3 km) from the CBD, and there are plenty of options to reach the circuit from one of the primary CBD stations such as Flinders Street or Southern Cross. Best of all, many options are free on race day with your ticket.

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Step 2: Go from the CBD to Albert Park with Your Preferred Method of Travel

The Australian Grand Prix regularly attracts record-breaking crowds across all four days, and come race weekend you immediately feel that scale as soon as you find yourself in the CBD, with hoards of people naturally funneling toward transit lines bound for the circuit. Thankfully, there are many options, although some better serve your seats at the track.

While we recommend checking official Australian GP and local transportation websites for updated routes and schedules, here’s a breakdown of all the ways you could get to the circuit and approximately how long it takes:

Trams

Street trams run with increased frequency and quantity throughout the race weekend (as often as every 3-4 minutes during peak hours), and are free with your race ticket. Catch them at Flinders Street Station, Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff Station and, of course, Albert Park.

Tram-to-Gate Service:

• Gates 1 & 2: Catch trams from Southern Cross Station
• Gate 3: From Flagstaff Station 
• Gates 5, 8, 9, & 10: Trams run from Melbourne Central (via Swanston St) or Flinders Street (via St. Kilda Road)

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Buses

Shuttle buses are another option for getting to and from the track:

• A temporary bus stop on Spencer Street near Collins Street will bring fans to Gates 1 and 2
• The Crown Express Shuttle bus operates in the evenings, leaving Gate 1 and moving passengers to the Crown Metropol Melbourne on Clarendon Street
• Check official Australian GP and local transportation websites for additional routes and schedules

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Biking and E-scooters

Melbourne is also a bike-friendly city, and cycling to the circuit can be an enjoyable alternative. Using E-scooters like Neuron and Lime are another option, with designated drop-off points in the vicinity. However, as the day goes on, bike docks and scooter parking areas can fill up quickly, making it impossible to find a convenient parking place close to the track.

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Walking

Walking is always a great option, especially if you have the time to enjoy exploring the city. From the CBD, the journey usually takes 30–60 minutes depending on your gate. If you take the tram to Anzac Station, you can shorten the trip to around 10–40 minutes.

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Driving

While public transportation is the primary way most fans reach the circuit, you can drive, although driving directly to Albert Park is not recommended due to road closures and limited access.

However, if you do find yourself needing to drive, consider using a park-and-ride facility and then completing the journey via one of the other options above. 

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Editor's Note: Get a Myki Card

We recommend picking up a Myki card if you plan to explore the city beyond race weekend. While public transport is free during the Grand Prix, a Myki card is the easiest way to get around Melbourne on trains, trams, and buses at other times.

You can purchase one online, at staffed train stations, selected Myki machines, or authorized retail outlets (including all 7-Elevens within the Myki boundary—just look for the official Myki signage). You can also visit the Public Transport Victoria (PTV) Hub at Southern Cross Station, or order one by phone (allow up to 7 days for delivery).

If you’re an Android user, you can add your Myki to your Google Wallet (note: this isn’t available on Apple Wallet). Once you’ve got your card, make sure to top it up before traveling and allow 90 minutes to process, as you can’t buy or add credit on trams or buses.

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Heading Home from the Track

Leaving the circuit requires a bit more strategy thanks to the crowds. You have two options:

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Leave Immediately 

As soon as the final session ends, tens of thousands of fans begin moving at once. Following the crowd will naturally lead you toward transit hubs that fill up quickly, so don’t expect any personal space. That said, Bianca, a seasoned Australian GP attendee, noted that while it’s definitely busy getting out of there early, the system is controlled, with marshals and police officers around to manage traffic flow. Despite how chaotic it looks, the system does move.

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Wait It Out

Your second option is to wait it out, and this has two forms. The first is to stay late in the evening. Because the circuit remains open until 9pm Friday through Sunday (7pm on Thursday), fans who choose to stay have the option to explore the track as crowds thin out. Staying back not only means shorter lines, it also gives you the chance to explore the track and collect small souvenirs like tire marbles, something Tesh, a fan who has attended this race the last three years in a row, recommends.

If you decide you don’t want to wait all the way until 9pm but still want to avoid crowds, then we recommend leaving the circuit at your leisure and exploring nearby bars, cafes, and restaurants. They will be crowded, but you can join the party and meet other fans.

Overall, when it comes to exiting the circuit, the Australian GP is committed to bettering the experience year after year, with Tesh mentioning that there were even volunteers nearby asking people how long they had been waiting with hopes of collecting accurate data in order to better the experience in future years.

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Overall Tips for a Smooth Experience

So, what are the overall need-to-knows when it comes to traveling to and from Albert Park circuit from the CBD in Melbourne?

1. Plan your route in advance—know your train, tram, or shuttle
2. Watch for official updates—monitor the circuit’s app and social channels, as well as the Public Transport Victoria website
3. Allow extra time—crowds, delays, and lines are inevitable
4. Embrace the experience—chat with fans, explore the track, and enjoy the atmosphere

Want to know more about the Australian Grand Prix? Read our other guides, articles, and get tickets here! Want to know more about the other F1 races that you can attend? Check out everything you need to know here!