The Melbourne Airport Rail project is progressing towards a direct rail connection to Melbourne Airport, following a new government announcement outlining the next construction phase. On September 30, 2026, the Australian and Victorian governments confirmed plans to advance Stage 2, including a 7.4-kilometre railway towards the airport precinct. The A$12 billion joint commitment equals approximately $8.37 billion.
The latest milestone introduces a new Keilor East station and elevated railway infrastructure. However, major construction on Stage 2 will not begin until 2028, with completion targeted for 2031. Early site investigations, procurement and development works are scheduled to begin first.
Melbourne Airport Rail Project advances with 7.4km railway
Stage 2 will extend the railway from Albion towards Keilor East, running alongside the existing Jacana freight corridor. The route includes approximately 1.1 kilometres of elevated rail and a bridge crossing the Maribyrnong River.
The new Keilor East station will provide connections to the Metro Tunnel and Melbourne’s central business district. The government estimates that approximately 5,200 passengers will use the station daily once the railway opens. The new line is also expected to serve airport workers and passengers travelling through Melbourne’s western suburbs.
Meanwhile, the project team will undertake site investigations, procurement and development activities before progressing detailed designs. Community engagement will follow, with major construction scheduled to start in 2028.
The announcement does not establish a confirmed opening date for the complete airport rail connection. Stage 3, which will extend the railway into the airport precinct, remains under consideration by the Melbourne Airport Rail Steering Committee.
Melbourne Airport Rail Project upgrades Sunshine rail infrastructure
Stage 2 will run alongside Stage 1, which focuses on the Sunshine Superhub and rail corridor upgrades. The A$4.1 billion programme will transform Sunshine Station into a six-platform interchange and upgrade approximately six kilometres of track between West Footscray and Albion.
These improvements will create capacity for up to 1,000 trains daily. They will also support additional services on the Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo lines and prepare the network for future Melton Line electrification.
The programme also includes new Tottenham and Albion stations. Together, these improvements aim to increase rail capacity, improve accessibility and prepare Melbourne’s western network for future airport services. Stage 1 is scheduled for completion in 2030.
Melbourne Airport Rail Project faces staged delivery timeline
The revised timeline highlights the complexity of delivering a major railway across existing passenger and freight corridors. Although early works are approaching, the airport station’s construction schedule remains unresolved.
The project has also faced disagreements over the airport station’s location and whether the final connection should run underground or above ground. The airport has since supported an elevated option, while planning continues for the final stage.
Once delivered, the railway will provide a public transport alternative to road travel and connect airport passengers with Melbourne’s wider metropolitan and regional network. However, the full benefits depend on completing Stage 3 and establishing the final airport connection.
The Melbourne Airport Rail project is part of Australia’s wider investment in airport infrastructure and passenger connectivity. Similarly, the Western Sydney Airport Project is preparing to launch operations with an initial commitment of 15 based aircraft while building capacity for future aviation growth.
Construction Commences at Sunshine Station
Construction activity has concentrated on upgrading Sunshine Station. The station will become a key interchange for regional, suburban, and airport services. Contractors are modifying track layouts and preparing structural foundations.
In addition, crews are relocating underground utilities and establishing work compounds. The redesign introduces new dedicated platforms for airport services. Consequently, the station will manage higher passenger volumes efficiently.
Designs released under Victoria’s Big Build show expanded concourses and improved accessibility. Moreover, the layout protects space for future electrification toward Melton.
New Tottenham Station Included in Stage 1
As part of Stage 1 delivery, a completely new Tottenham Station will be constructed. The station will sit along a realigned section of the Sunbury Line. It will replace the existing Tottenham facility. The new station will feature step-free access throughout. In addition, designers have incorporated a pedestrian underpass. The underpass will connect both sides of the rail corridor and the northern car park.
Authorities state that relocation will reduce passenger disruption during construction. Therefore, services can transition more efficiently once the new station opens. Detailed designs are expected later this year. Building work is currently scheduled to begin in 2027.
Corridor Works and Network Preparation
Beyond station upgrades, enabling works are progressing along the corridor. Contractors have begun service relocations and early site investigations. Meanwhile, engineers are refining detailed rail alignment designs. The line will connect the Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD) to the airport via Sunshine. Therefore, airport-bound trains will integrate with Melbourne’s metropolitan network.
Project updates confirm that signalling and track modifications form part of Stage 1. These upgrades will prepare the network for dedicated airport operations.
Travel Benefits and Operational Impact
The Melbourne Airport Rail link will significantly reduce reliance on road access. Currently, private vehicles and buses dominate airport trips. However, the rail service will offer predictable travel times of approximately 30 minutes.
Frequent services will operate across the day. Additionally, regional passengers will connect at Sunshine. The project will also increase overall rail capacity in Melbourne’s west. Consequently, suburban and regional services will operate more reliably.
Melbourne Airport Rail construction commences with substantial station and corridor works now visible. The inclusion of a new Tottenham Station strengthens the early delivery package. Ultimately, the project will reshape airport access across metropolitan and regional Victoria.
The Melbourne Airport Rail project forms part of a broader wave of rail and transport infrastructure investment across Victoria. Similarly, construction of the $1.62 billion Beveridge Intermodal Precinct in Melbourne’s north, designed to handle double‑stacked freight trains and improve national rail freight efficiency demonstrates the state’s focus on expanding rail capacity, reducing road congestion, and supporting long‑term economic growth.
Project Fact Sheet : Melbourne Airport Rail Construction
- Project Name: Melbourne Airport Rail
- Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Total Cost: Approximately $8.5 billion
Stage 1 Scope:
- Major redevelopment of Sunshine Station
- Construction of a new Tottenham Station
- Track realignment on the Sunbury Line
- Dedicated airport rail platforms
- Signaling and corridor upgrades
- Utility relocations and enabling works
Future Scope:
- Rail extension from Sunshine to Melbourne Airport
- Integration with metropolitan and regional rail services
- Estimated Travel Time: Around 30 minutes from CBD to airport
Delivery Program: Part of Victoria’s Big Build
Funding Partners:
- Victorian Government
- Australian Government
Project Team: Melbourne Airport Rail Construction
- Project Owner: Victorian Government
- Federal Funding Contributor: Australian Government
- Delivery Authority: Victoria’s Big Build
- Airport Stakeholder: Melbourne Airport
- Transport Authority: Department of Transport and Planning Victoria
Main Contractors (Sunshine & Early Works Package):
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