StayAreasWhere to stay near Rod Laver Arena
Southbank is the closest area we cover, about 20 minutes' walk from Rod Laver Arena. If you'd rather stay in town, Melbourne CBD is 27 minutes home at 22:45 on foot. For less, Richmond is 33 minutes away with mid-range doubles around $130, against $200.
- What it is
- Tennis, about 15,000 people
- What's on
- The Australian Open in January and concerts the rest of the year
- Nearest stations
- Richmond and Flinders Street (trains), and tram 70 along Olympic Boulevard
Where to stay for a day's play at Rod Laver Arena
Door to door by public transport or on foot, planned on the published timetables for a weekday: there at 18:00, home at 22:45. Quickest home first. Event nights add queues.
| Area | There, 18:00 | Home, 22:45 | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|---|
| SouthbankRiver views, arts precinct & big hotels | 26walk | 26walk | $200 |
| Melbourne CBDLaneways, cafés & free trams | 27walk | 27walk | $170 |
| South YarraChapel Street, shopping & the Botanic Gardens | 41walk | 29tram 70, metro Frankston | $170 |
| RichmondThe MCG, Swan Street and Victoria Street, minutes from the CBD | 33walk | 33walk | $130 |
| CarltonItalian cafés, museum & gardens | 43walk | 43walk | $145 |
| Fitzroy & CollingwoodVintage shops, bars & street art | 46walk | 46walk | $160 |
| St KildaBeach, pier & penguins | 46bus 246, tram 70 | 48tram 70, bus 246 | $150 |
| DocklandsWaterfront towers next to Marvel Stadium and Southern Cross | 60walk | 60walk | $145 |
Minutes, door to door. Typical mid-range double outside peak events, updated Oct 2026; on big event nights hotels near Rod Laver Arena cost more.
Getting away afterwards
Free trams run to the CBD during the Open; Flinders Street is a 15-minute walk.
Before you book
- CBD and Southbank hotels are walkable.
Hotels near Rod Laver Arena
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Rod Laver Arena and the areas on the map
Staying near Rod Laver Arena: questions
What is the best area to stay near Rod Laver Arena?
Southbank is the closest area we cover, about 20 minutes' walk from Rod Laver Arena. If you'd rather stay in town, Melbourne CBD is 27 minutes home at 22:45 on foot. For less, Richmond is 33 minutes away with mid-range doubles around $130, against $200.
How long does it take to get back after a day's play at Rod Laver Arena?
Planned at 22:45 on a weekday: Southbank 26 minutes, Melbourne CBD 27 minutes, South Yarra 29 minutes, Richmond 33 minutes. On event nights add time for queues: Free trams run to the CBD during the Open; Flinders Street is a 15-minute walk.
How much do hotels near Rod Laver Arena cost?
In Southbank, typical doubles are about $120 budget, $200 mid-range and $460 luxury on a normal night. On big event nights nearby hotels sell out and prices rise, so book early.
What is the nearest station to Rod Laver Arena?
Richmond and Flinders Street (trains), and tram 70 along Olympic Boulevard.