The A-League Fan’s Guide to AAMI Park: Transport for Victory & City Matches
For soccer fans in Victoria, there is no venue quite like AAMI Park. Unlike the cavernous MCG or the wind-tunnel of Docklands, this stadium on Olympic Boulevard is built specifically for the “World Game.” The sightlines are perfect, the noise stays in, and the atmosphere during a Melbourne Derby is world-class.
However, whether you are chanting in the North Terrace for Melbourne Victory or cheering on Melbourne City FC, getting to the ground on match day has its own set of challenges.
The precinct becomes a gridlock of cars, and public parking is often pre-booked days in advance.
Here is why savvy A-League supporter groups and regional fans are booking Emu Coach Hire for the 2025/26 season.
The Melbourne Derby
When Victory plays City, it is the biggest calendar event in Melbourne soccer. The stadium hits capacity (30,000+), and the rivalry is fierce.
The Transport Challenge:
Segregation & Safety: For active support groups, travelling together ensures safety and cohesion.
The “March” Protocol: Many fans meet at pubs in Richmond (like The Swan or The Precinct) before marching to the ground.
The Emu Solution: We can drop your supporter group at a designated point in Richmond, allowing you to complete your traditional pre-match march without the hassle of finding 50 individual car parks in a crowded suburb.
AAMI Park Parking vs. Coach Hire
Let’s be honest: parking at AAMI Park (Eastern Plaza) is stressful.
The Cost: Drive-up parking rates can hit $30+, and spots are limited. If there is an event at Rod Laver Arena on the same night, you have almost zero chance of getting a spot.
The Gridlock: Exiting the car park onto Batman Avenue or Punt Road after a 90-minute match can take upwards of 45 minutes.
The Bus Advantage: Our coaches utilize designated bus drop-off zones along Olympic Boulevard. We drop you at the precinct entrance, and while you are celebrating the 90th-minute winner, your driver is ready and waiting for a smooth departure.
Regional Supporters
Melbourne Victory, in particular, has a massive following in regional Victoria.
Driving 2 hours from Traralgon, Bendigo, or Shepparton for a 7:45 PM kick-off means getting home well past midnight.
Fatigue Management: Don’t risk the long drive home on dark country roads after an exhausting match.
The “Club” Trip: Local soccer clubs often run excursions to see the pros play. A 57-seater coach is the perfect way to get your U14s or senior squad to the game. It builds club culture and gives the juniors a taste of the A-League atmosphere.
Western United & Away Days
While Western United is building their home in Tarneit, many fans still travel across the city for away games against the Melbourne giants.
The “West to East” Commute: Crossing the West Gate Bridge on a Friday afternoon peak hour is a nightmare.
Bus Lane Priority: Coaches can utilize transit lanes that private cars can’t, often shaving significant time off the cross-city commute.
A-League Women & Casey Fields
Don’t forget the A-League Women (formerly W-League). Many crucial fixtures, as well as VFL and Academy matches, are played at Casey Fields in Cranbourne.
The Challenge: Casey Fields is notoriously difficult to access via public transport (a train to Cranbourne followed by a bus or long walk).
The Solution: A direct shuttle bus from the city or inner suburbs makes supporting the women’s team or the developing youth squad accessible for everyone.
Secure Your Match Day Transport
The A-League season moves fast. Whether you are organizing a trip for the Christmas Derby or a finals run, reliable transport is your best signing of the season.