The Melbourne Cup – fondly known as ‘the race that stops a nation’ – is galloping up on Tuesday, November 3, 2026!
Don’t miss this year’s thrilling race. It’s the premier event of the Victorian Spring Racing Carnival, which features top international and local talent, high fashion, and of course, much merriment and social frivolity.
Highlights
Did you know that the Melbourne Cup has been a premier, historic horse racing event since 1861? The race is famous for halting activity across Australia, with many people participating in office sweepstakes and taking the afternoon off to watch the race.
Race details
Where: Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne
When: Tuesday, 3rd November 2026, 3pm
Tickets
In the mood to horse around? Tickets for this year’s big race are not yet available, but you can register your interest now for the Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026!
Getting there
Travel from the city to the racetrack in minutes via regular trains, trams, and buses. Public transport makes getting to Flemington easy on Melbourne Cup Day, which gets very crowded!
Train: If you’re getting there by train, you can travel to Flemington Racecourse Station and enter via the Train Gate Entry. Metro trains run directly between Southern Cross Station and Flemington Racecourse Station on all race days.
Tram: You can catch the No. 57 West Maribyrnong tram from the corner of Elizabeth Street and Flinders Street*. Simply hop off at Flemington Drive (Stop 30), located right outside the main gate to the racecourse.
*Please note that Route 57 does not operate low-floor trams. This means that passengers requiring mobility aids are advised to take the train to Flemington Racecourse for easier access.
Bus: Catch the bus Route 472 from Williamstown, Footscray, or Moonee Ponds to Fisher Parade. You can then enter Flemington Racecourse via The Elms Gate entrance.
You can also take bus Route 404 from Footscray or Moonee Ponds to Smithfield Road and enter the racecourse through the Stables Drive entrance. We recommend planning your journey well in advance with Transport Victoria.
Where to stay
Choose Airport Tourist Village Melbourne (ATVM) as your accommodation partner this Melbourne Cup Day 2026. Book your stay with ATVM for comfort, cosiness, and easy access to all the racing glory.
At ATVM, our 2 Bedroom Deluxe Cabins are perfect for racing enthusiasts, couples, and groups travelling together for the Melbourne Cup. Located just minutes from Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport, the 2 Bedroom Deluxe Cabins feature 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, offering a practical yet private space for everyone. The cabins can accommodate up to 4 people. There is a fully equipped kitchen and lounge area for your downtime off the racetrack.
Airport Tourist Village Melbourne (ATVM) is the ideal accommodation for Melbourne event stays. Affordable, accessible, and super comfortable, ATVM offers a range of cabins and facilities to suit the needs of individuals, families, and groups. Located just minutes from Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport, ATVM really is the top choice for travellers and city-goers wanting to combine convenience with modern comfort.