The Australian Open isn’t just a tennis tournament; it’s a city-wide summer festival. Every January, Melbourne transforms into a global hub of sport and culture. 

Cafés buzz from early morning, trams fill with fans wearing tennis merch, and the area around Melbourne Park feels like a global village.

But before you book flights or grab tickets, there’s one big question every fan asks:

How expensive is the Australian Open 2026, really?

The honest answer:
It depends on how you experience it.

You can attend on a tight budget, enjoy a comfortable mid-range trip, or go all-out luxury. This guide breaks down every major cost, plus real, first-hand insight on whether you should buy a ground pass or arena ticket.

1. Ticket Prices: Ground Pass vs Arena Tickets (What’s Actually Better?)

Australian Open tickets are flexible, which is what makes the event accessible to many types of fans.

Having attended every single year and experienced both options, here’s the honest breakdown.

Ground Passes (Best Value for Most Fans)

A ground pass is by far the cheapest way to attend the Australian Open—and arguably the most fun.

Typical pricing:

• Night sessions: from around $19
• Day sessions: slightly higher, but still very affordable

A ground pass gives access to:

• All outside courts
• Practice courts (you can watch players train)
• Fan zones, activations, and live entertainment
• Food courts and big screens across Melbourne Park

Why fans love ground passes:

• You can watch multiple matches in one day
• You get an incredible atmosphere on the outside courts
• Some of the best sporting memories happen here
• Many long-time fans will tell you that the energy on the outside courts is unmatched.

 Being packed in with passionate fans, close to the players, creates moments you simply don’t get in the main arenas.

Things to be prepared for:

• You’re fully exposed to the elements. January heat can be intense
• You may need to line up early for popular matches
• Seats are not guaranteed

In some cases, fans arrive as soon as gates open to secure seats on outside courts—sometimes waiting hours for a specific match.

 It’s all part of the experience, but it does require planning and patience.

Arena Tickets (Comfort, Certainty & Star Power)

Arena tickets are more expensive, but they offer comfort and guaranteed viewing.

For Rod Laver Arena, prices typically:

• Start from around $149
• Often rise to several hundred dollars, especially for popular sessions

With an arena ticket:

• You have a reserved seat; it’s yours for the session
• The biggest players in the world compete here
• You have easy access to food, toilets, and amenities

If you want to see global superstars like Carlos Alcaraz or major finals-level tennis, this is where they’ll be playing.

For slightly cheaper options, fans also choose:

• Margaret Court Arena
• John Cain Arena

These offer a great balance between price and comfort.

Big advantage:
If the weather turns bad, Rod Laver Arena’s retractable roof can be closed—meaning your match continues uninterrupted, protected from extreme heat or rain.

The Smart Fan Strategy

Many experienced fans do this:

• Ground passes on most days
• One arena session to see top players

This approach gives you the best of both worlds: maximum value and at least one premium tennis experience.

2. Flights to Melbourne: Planning Makes the Difference

Flights are usually the largest expense for international fans.

What affects flight prices?

• Distance from Australia
• Time of booking
• January demand (peak summer season)

General reality:

• Booking early saves a lot
• Flexible dates help significantly

If you’re flying long-haul, flights can easily cost more than tickets and accommodation combined, so timing matters.

For international travelers, staying connected after landing is another cost worth planning ahead.

Many fans now choose travel eSIMs like eTravelsim, which allow you to activate mobile data before arriving in Australia, avoiding airport SIM queues and expensive roaming charges during the Australian Open.

3. Accommodation: Where You Stay Changes Everything

January is peak season in Melbourne.

Budget Options

• Hostels
• Shared Airbnbs
• Hotels outside the CBD
• Perfect if you’re spending most of your time at matches.

Mid-Range Hotels (Most Common Choice)

• Central locations
• Easy tram access to Melbourne Park
• Comfortable without being extravagant

Luxury & Finals Week

• Prices rise sharply
• Walking-distance hotels sell out early

Tip:
Melbourne’s transport system is excellent; staying slightly farther away often saves money without hurting the experience.

4. Food & Drinks: Small Costs That Add Up

Inside Melbourne Park:

• Great variety
• Good quality
• Higher prices

Outside the venue:

• World-class coffee
• Affordable Asian food
• Casual dining everywhere

Best approach:
Eat one meal outside the venue each day to keep costs in check.

5. Extra Spending Most Fans Forget

These aren’t mandatory but they add up:

• Merchandise
• Coffee breaks
• Entertainment around the city

Mobile roaming charges are another expense international fans often overlook.

Using a travel eSIM Australian Open, such as eTravelsim, helps keep connectivity costs predictable throughout your stay.

6. Transport Costs: Surprisingly Affordable

• Free trams in the city centre
• Reliable trains and services
• Easy access to Melbourne Park

Most fans rely on:

• Trams
• Trains
• Walking

Having reliable mobile data makes navigating Melbourne easier—for live schedules, maps, and transport apps.

A prepaid travel eSIM like eTravelsim is a convenient option for visitors who want instant connectivity throughout the tournament.

7. Sample Budgets: What Fans Actually Spend

Budget Fan

• Ground passes
• Budget accommodation
• Public transport
• Simple meals

Mid-Range Fan (Most Popular)

• Ground passes + one arena session
• Comfortable hotel
• Eating out occasionally

Premium Fan

• Arena or hospitality packages
• Central luxury hotel
• Flexible dining and transport

Final Verdict: Ground Pass or Arena Ticket?

Ground pass if you want:

• Maximum value
• Atmosphere
• Variety of matches

Arena ticket if you want:

• Guaranteed seating
• Top-ranked players
• Comfort and weather protection

The Australian Open lets you choose your own experience, and that flexibility is what makes it special.

Smart planning from tickets and accommodation to essentials like mobile connectivity with eTravelsim is what allows fans to enjoy the Australian Open without overspending.

The key isn’t spending more.
It’s spending smart.