Melbourne Airport Rail & Sunshine Superhub Explained: What the West Footscray to Albion Upgrade Means for Melbourne’s Inner West
Quick Summary: The West Footscray to Albion Rail Upgrade is the first stage of the Melbourne Airport Rail project. Construction is underway and scheduled for completion in 2030. The upgrade will transform Sunshine Station into a major transport hub connecting metropolitan, regional and future airport rail services.
Sunshine is entering an important new phase of long-term growth. The West Footscray to Albion Rail Upgrade, which forms the first stage of the Melbourne Airport Rail project, is now underway as part of a major investment in Melbourne’s transport network.
This initial stage will upgrade around 6 kilometres of rail corridor between West Footscray and Albion, untangling one of Victoria’s most complex rail junctions and preparing the network for future trains to Melbourne Airport.
According to Victoria’s Big Build, the West Footscray to Albion Rail Upgrade is scheduled for completion in 2030 and will transform Sunshine Station into a major transport superhub – one of the most significant upgrades to Melbourne’s rail network, designed to support more than 1,000 train services a day and connect metropolitan, regional and future airport rail in one location.
Once the full airport rail connection is delivered, passengers are expected to be able to travel between Melbourne Airport and the CBD in around 30 minutes, connecting via Sunshine and the Metro Tunnel.
For businesses operating in Melbourne’s inner west, this represents more than just a transport upgrade. It reflects long-term confidence in Sunshine as a strategic business location.
Artist impressions via bigbuild.vic.gov.au
At a Glance: West Footscray to Albion Rail Upgrade
The first stage of the Melbourne Airport Rail project
Upgrading 6 km of rail corridor from West Footscray to Albion
Early works and preparatory construction are now underway
Scheduled for completion in 2030
Transforming Sunshine Station into a transport superhub
Includes new rail bridges, upgraded tracks and modern signalling
Will support future trains to Melbourne Airport
Expected airport–CBD travel time of around 30 minutes
What Is the West Footscray to Albion Rail Upgrade?
The railway network around Sunshine already carries a mix of metro, regional and freight services, making it one of the busiest rail sections in Victoria. The current project upgrades this complex junction to create capacity for future airport rail services while improving reliability across the broader network.
Key elements of the project include:
Turning Sunshine Station into a transport Superhub
Building two new rail bridges
Constructing a new rail underpass
Installing new signalling technology
Adding new and upgraded tracks
Realigning passenger and freight lines
Delivering a new modern Tottenham Station
Rebuilding Albion Station as a modern accessible station.
These upgrades will untangle conflicting rail movements and allow more trains to move through the network efficiently.
The Transformation of Sunshine Station into a Transport Superhub
At the centre of the project is a major redevelopment of Sunshine Station, which is set to become the most important suburban transport hub in Victoria once the upgrade is complete.
When the West Footscray to Albion Rail Upgrade is finished in 2030, Sunshine Station will have significantly expanded to support increased rail capacity across Melbourne and regional Victoria. Official projections state the upgraded station will have capacity for more than 1,000 train services a day – more than 40 trains per hour.
But it’s not just the volume of services that sets Sunshine apart – it’s the range of rail lines that will converge in a single location. Once fully complete, the Sunshine Superhub will bring together:
The Metro Tunnel Sunbury line, connecting Melbourne’s west through the CBD and onto the Cranbourne/Pakenham corridor
The Melbourne Airport Rail line
The Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo V/Lines, linking key regional centres directly through Sunshine
A future electrified Melton line, supporting growth in Melbourne’s outer westand a significantly upgraded bus interchange with more than 15 routes
This level of integration is what positions Sunshine as a key interchange between metropolitan Melbourne, regional Victoria and the airport, making it one of the most strategically important transport hubs in the country.
To support this transformation, the station upgrade will include two new regional platforms, an extended station concourse, improved accessibility with lifts and stairs, upgraded bus interchange facilities, new pedestrian and cycling connections, and new station forecourts and open public space.
Why Does Sunshine Station’s Superhub Role Matter?
This project isn’t just about trains – it’s about supporting Sunshine’s continued growth as a place to live and do business.
Better rail connections mean:
A simpler commute for staff
Easier access for clients and visitors
More direct links to the airport and regional Victoria
Greater confidence for businesses choosing to base themselves in the area
When transport improves, the entire precinct becomes more attractive. For startups, growing teams and established businesses alike, being located in a well-connected area simply makes sense.
Perfectly Positioned in Melbourne’s Inner West Hub
Located just moments from Sunshine Station, The Work Studio is proud to be part of this evolving business landscape. Our premium workspace solutions – including coworking desks, private offices and virtual offices – are designed to provide reliable, stress-free and flexible workplace options for businesses of all sizes.
With high-speed internet, modern furnishings, meeting rooms, private phone booths and breakout areas ideal for networking, our members benefit from an environment built for productivity and connection. As transport infrastructure strengthens across Sunshine, so too does the appeal of operating within Melbourne’s Inner West hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. The corridor already exists and carries metro, regional and freight services. The current project upgrades and expands the existing network to support future airport rail services.
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Construction on the West Footscray to Albion Rail Upgrade began in early 2026 and is the first stage of the Melbourne Airport Rail project.
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The works are scheduled to be completed in 2030.
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Improved rail connectivity makes commuting easier, enhances access for clients and strengthens Sunshine’s appeal as a destination business location in Melbourne’s Inner West.
Be Part of Sunshine’s Next Phase
Sunshine is not just growing – it is being positioned as one of the most connected transport precincts in Australia. The Sunshine rail upgrade and Melbourne Airport Rail project represent significant long-term investment in Sunshine’s accessibility and economic potential. For businesses considering their next move, location matters more than ever. If you’re exploring professional workspaces in Melbourne’s Inner West, we’d love to welcome you to our growing community. Book a free coworking trial day or tour The Work Studio’s private offices and experience the benefit of being based in one of Melbourne’s most connected business precincts.