Knowing how to get Australian Open tickets is about more than finding a seat and clicking “buy.” The Australian Open offers several official ways to attend, and the right option depends on whether you want a standard arena seat, access to Melbourne Park with a Ground Pass, a premium experience, or a travel package that combines tennis with accommodation and other arrangements.

For first-time visitors, the most important rule is simple: start with an official Australian Open ticketing channel. Buying from an unauthorised seller can create problems at the entrance, while buying through the official channels gives you a much clearer understanding of the session, venue, ticket type and conditions attached to your purchase.

If you are still deciding what kind of ticket you actually need, start with our Australian Open Tickets complete guide. This article goes one step further by concentrating specifically on where to buy Australian Open tickets, how the official process works and which buying route makes sense for different types of fans.

How to get Australian Open tickets through official buying options
How to get Australian Open tickets using Ticketmaster, AO Reserve, travel packages and official resale.

The Official Ways to Buy Australian Open Tickets

There is no single Australian Open ticket that suits everyone.

For AO27, the main official purchasing routes are:

  • AO Ticketmaster for standard public tickets
  • AO Reserve for premium and VIP experiences
  • Official AO Travel & Experiences packages for fans who want a more complete trip
  • Official Ticketmaster Resale for eligible tickets that are resold through the authorised platform

These options serve very different purposes.

If you simply want to watch tennis at Melbourne Park, standard Ticketmaster tickets will usually be the starting point.

If you want premium seating, hospitality or an experience built around Rod Laver Arena, AO Reserve is a different proposition.

And if you are travelling internationally and want your tennis tickets combined with travel arrangements, an official travel package may be more convenient.

The important distinction is that these are different official routes, not simply different versions of the same ticket.

1. Buying Australian Open Tickets Through Ticketmaster

For most fans, Ticketmaster is the primary place to start.

The Australian Open’s official ticket information directs fans to AO Ticketmaster for standard AO27 ticket purchases. The available options include arena tickets and Ground Passes, depending on the session and ticket allocation.

The basic process is straightforward:

Step 1: Decide Which Day You Want to Attend

Before opening the ticket page, decide approximately when you want to visit Melbourne Park.

The Australian Open is not one single daily event. Different sessions can have completely different atmospheres, match schedules and prices.

You may be choosing between:

  • Opening Week
  • First-round sessions
  • Later rounds
  • Quarterfinals
  • Semifinals
  • Finals
  • Day sessions
  • Night sessions
  • Ground Pass access
  • Reserved arena seating

This is why buying the cheapest available ticket without first considering the session can be a mistake.

A ticket for an early session can provide an entirely different experience from a night session on Rod Laver Arena.

Step 2: Choose Your Ticket Type

Once you know the day you want, decide whether you need a reserved seat or broader grounds access.

The main choices include:

Rod Laver Arena

This is the primary show court and the most obvious choice if your priority is seeing major matches in the tournament’s biggest stadium.

Margaret Court Arena

A strong alternative for fans who want reserved seating in another major arena.

John Cain Arena

Another reserved-seat option, with its own atmosphere and schedule.

Ground Pass

The Ground Pass is fundamentally different. Instead of giving you a reserved seat in one of the main arenas, it is designed around exploring the Australian Open precinct and accessing eligible outdoor courts and other areas subject to capacity and scheduling.

If you are unsure which option provides the best value, our Australian Open ticket prices guide compares the different ticket categories and explains why prices can vary.

Step 3: Select the Session

This is one of the most important parts of the buying process.

A ticket is generally connected to a particular session rather than functioning as an unlimited pass to the tournament.

That means you should pay attention to:

  • Date
  • Day or night session
  • Arena
  • Round
  • Ticket type
  • Seat location
  • Any restrictions attached to the ticket

If you want to attend several different sessions, plan those purchases separately.

For AO27, the Australian Open states that multiple sessions need to be purchased in separate transactions.

Step 4: Choose Your Seat

For reserved arena tickets, the interactive seating map is one of the most useful parts of the process.

Don’t simply choose the first seat that appears.

Look at:

  • Distance from the court
  • Section
  • Row
  • Viewing angle
  • Whether the seat is marked restricted view
  • Potential sun exposure
  • Price difference between nearby sections

The Australian Open also provides options relating to shaded seating where available, although shade cannot be guaranteed because Melbourne is an outdoor summer event.

A slightly cheaper seat can sometimes provide better overall value than paying a large premium for a marginally different position.

Step 5: Complete the Purchase Through Your Account

Once you have selected your tickets, proceed through the Ticketmaster checkout process.

Keep your account information accurate and use an email address you can access.

After purchasing, keep the confirmation information.

For AO27, tickets are expected to appear in the Ticketmaster account closer to the event. Your mobile ticket is what you should use for entry rather than relying on a physical collector item.

2. When Should You Buy Australian Open Tickets?

There is no universal answer to “the best time” because different ticket types behave differently.

However, one principle is extremely important:

Do not wait simply because you assume Australian Open tickets will become cheaper later.

The Australian Open states that ticket prices can fluctuate according to demand.

That means popular sessions can behave differently from less-demanded sessions.

A practical strategy is to separate your decision into three categories.

If You Care Most About Getting a Specific Session

Buy when suitable tickets become available through the official channel.

Waiting can reduce your choice of sections or seats.

If You Care Most About Price

Compare different sessions, venues and ticket categories rather than focusing on one particular seat.

You may discover that moving from a premium arena session to a Ground Pass or another session changes the cost dramatically.

If You Care About Seeing a Specific Player

Be careful.

A tournament ticket does not necessarily guarantee that a particular player will appear in the session you attend.

Players can lose, withdraw, change schedules or be assigned to another court.

Buying a ticket because you expect a particular player to appear is therefore very different from buying a ticket simply to attend the Australian Open.

3. Australian Open Tickets 2027: What You Need to Know

If you are planning specifically for AO27, the tournament runs from 11 January to 31 January 2027.

Opening Week runs from 11–16 January, followed by the main draw from 17–31 January.

The Australian Open has also published different ticket categories for AO27, including Ground Passes, arena tickets and a seven-day Ground Pass option.

Our dedicated Australian Open Tickets 2027 guide covers the 2027 dates, ticket categories, current pricing information and planning considerations in more detail.

That page should be your starting point for the 2027-specific information, while this article is focused on the actual buying process.

4. What Is the Difference Between Ticketmaster and AO Reserve?

This is an important distinction because the two options are designed for very different customers.

Ticketmaster: Standard Australian Open Tickets

Ticketmaster is the normal route for fans looking for standard event tickets.

You can use it to find available:

  • Arena tickets
  • Ground Passes
  • Different sessions
  • Different tournament dates
  • Different seating sections

For the majority of fans, this is where the ticket search should begin.

AO Reserve: Premium Australian Open Experiences

AO Reserve is aimed at fans looking for a much more premium experience.

It can include:

  • Premium seating
  • Hospitality
  • Dining
  • Exclusive experiences
  • VIP packages
  • High-end Rod Laver Arena options

This is not simply another way to purchase an ordinary Ground Pass.

It is a separate premium category designed around the overall experience.

If your priority is simply watching tennis at Melbourne Park, you probably don’t need AO Reserve.

If the event is a major occasion and you want premium hospitality around the tennis, it becomes much more relevant.

5. Should You Buy an Australian Open Travel Package?

For international visitors, this is one of the most interesting official options.

The Australian Open also offers official Travel & Experiences packages.

These can combine elements such as:

  • Tennis tickets
  • Accommodation
  • Travel arrangements
  • Tournament experiences
  • Additional activities

The attraction is convenience.

Instead of organising flights, hotels, transport and tickets separately, a package can bring some of those components together.

That can be especially useful if this is your first trip to Melbourne for the Australian Open.

However, convenience comes at a cost.

If you are highly price-sensitive and comfortable arranging your own hotel and transportation, buying the tennis ticket separately may give you more flexibility.

If you value simplicity and want a more structured tournament trip, an official package may make more sense.

6. How to Buy Australian Open Tickets From Outside Australia

International visitors should treat ticket buying slightly differently.

The Australian Open attracts fans from around the world, which means your ticket decision is only one part of the trip.

Before purchasing, think about:

Your arrival date

Do not book a ticket for the day immediately after your flight unless you have a very good reason.

Long-haul travel, delays and jet lag can turn an exciting tennis day into a stressful one.

Your accommodation

Melbourne Park is centrally located, but where you stay can significantly affect your daily routine.

Being able to get to the tournament easily can be worth more than saving a small amount on accommodation.

Your tournament schedule

If you are travelling specifically for tennis, you may want more than one day at Melbourne Park.

A single premium session and several broader-access days can sometimes create a better overall trip than spending your entire budget on one extremely expensive session.

Your ticket delivery

Do not assume that a ticket will arrive as a traditional paper ticket in advance.

For AO27, the Australian Open says tickets will appear in the Ticketmaster account closer to the event and that mobile tickets are used for entry.

7. Are Australian Open Tickets Digital?

For AO27, your ticket should be treated as a digital ticket.

This matters because your phone becomes an important part of your tournament preparation.

Before leaving for Melbourne, make sure:

  • Your Ticketmaster account works
  • You can access your tickets
  • Your phone is charged
  • Your tickets are available when required
  • Everyone in your group knows how their ticket will be accessed
  • You understand the transfer process if tickets are being distributed between people

Do not rely on screenshots as a substitute for an original digital ticket.

It is much safer to have the official ticket available through the appropriate account or mobile wallet.

8. Can You Buy Multiple Australian Open Tickets in One Transaction?

For AO27, the official ticket FAQ states that patrons can purchase up to 50 tickets in one session per transaction.

However, there is an important distinction.

If you want tickets for multiple sessions, those purchases need to be made as separate transactions.

This matters if you are planning a multi-day Australian Open trip.

Instead of thinking:

“I need 10 Australian Open tickets.”

Think:

“I need 4 tickets for Tuesday night, 4 for Thursday afternoon and 4 for Saturday.”

Those are different ticketing decisions.

The session is just as important as the number of tickets.

9. What If the Tickets You Want Are Sold Out?

Don’t immediately assume that your Australian Open trip is over.

Ticket availability can change.

The Australian Open notes that allocations for particular sessions can become exhausted and that additional seats may become available closer to the event.

That creates an important difference between:

“I can’t see the ticket I want right now.”

and

“The Australian Open will never have that ticket available again.”

Those are not necessarily the same thing.

Check the official ticket channel again rather than immediately moving to an unknown third-party seller.

You can also reconsider:

  • Another session
  • Another arena
  • A Ground Pass
  • Another tournament day
  • A different seating section

Sometimes changing one variable opens up significantly more options.

10. What About Australian Open Ticket Resale?

Resale is another area where you need to be careful.

For AO27, eligible tickets can be resold through the official Ticketmaster Resale platform.

This is very different from buying from an unknown person through social media, a forum or an unofficial marketplace.

If you need to sell an eligible ticket, use the official resale route.

If you need to buy a ticket after the original sale, look for the authorised resale option rather than taking unnecessary risks.

There is an important exception: AO Reserve tickets cannot be resold through Ticketmaster Resale.

11. Why You Should Avoid Unauthorised Australian Open Ticket Sellers

This is one of the most important sections of the entire guide.

A ticket that looks legitimate on a website, social media page or message does not automatically mean it is valid.

The Australian Open warns that purchasing from an unauthorised seller can result in the ticket holder being denied entry.

That makes a suspiciously cheap ticket potentially very expensive.

Be particularly cautious when someone:

  • Contacts you privately
  • Demands cryptocurrency or unusual payment methods
  • Refuses to use an official transfer system
  • Claims to have a ticket that cannot be verified
  • Offers a price dramatically below normal market conditions
  • Pressures you to pay immediately
  • Says they can “guarantee” a particular player
  • Sends only a screenshot instead of an official ticket

The safest principle is simple:

Start with the official Australian Open ticketing ecosystem before considering anything else.

12. What Does an Australian Open Ticket Actually Guarantee?

This is something many first-time buyers misunderstand.

Buying a ticket does not mean you are purchasing a guaranteed appearance by a particular player.

The tournament schedule can change.

Matches can move.

Players can withdraw.

Sessions can run differently from the provisional schedule.

Outdoor court access can also be subject to availability and capacity.

So your ticket should be understood as access to the applicable event/session and area under the conditions attached to that ticket — not as a guarantee that you will see one particular superstar.

That distinction becomes especially important when purchasing tickets for early rounds.

13. Should You Buy a Ground Pass or Arena Ticket?

This is one of the biggest decisions you will make.

A Ground Pass can be ideal if your goal is to experience the Australian Open as a complete tennis environment.

You can move around the precinct, explore the atmosphere and watch tennis on eligible outdoor courts, subject to availability and capacity.

An arena ticket is more appropriate if you have a specific desire to sit in a major stadium and watch the matches scheduled there.

Think of it this way:

Ground Pass = explore the Australian Open.

Arena ticket = secure your place in a particular stadium.

Neither is automatically “better.”

They are designed for different experiences.

For a first-time visitor, the choice should depend on whether you value freedom and exploration or certainty of a reserved seat.

14. Is the Cheapest Australian Open Ticket the Best Ticket?

Not necessarily.

Price is only one part of the equation.

A cheaper ticket may be excellent value if it gives you access to several courts and allows you to spend the day exploring Melbourne Park.

A more expensive ticket can be worth it if seeing major matches from a reserved seat is your main reason for attending.

The better question is:

What do I want my Australian Open day to feel like?

If your answer is:

“I want to walk around, see different players and experience the tournament.”

A Ground Pass may be attractive.

If your answer is:

“I want to sit down and watch major matches in a big stadium.”

An arena ticket may be the better choice.

If your answer is:

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime trip and I want the premium experience.”

Then AO Reserve or an official travel package may be worth investigating.

15. How to Buy Australian Open Tickets Without Overpaying

The smartest strategy isn’t necessarily finding the absolute lowest price.

It is finding the lowest price that still gives you the experience you actually want.

Start by deciding:

  1. Which tournament period you want
  2. Which day you can attend
  3. Whether you need a reserved seat
  4. Whether day or night is better
  5. Whether you want one arena or broader grounds access
  6. Whether you are travelling internationally
  7. Whether you need multiple sessions
  8. How flexible you are about seating

Then compare the official options.

For example, someone travelling to Melbourne for five days may not need five premium Rod Laver Arena sessions.

They might get more from combining one major arena session with other lower-cost days.

That is how you turn a ticket budget into a tournament experience rather than simply buying the most expensive seat available.

16. What Happens If You Want to See a Specific Player?

This is where expectations need to be realistic.

The Australian Open is a knockout tournament.

A player can be scheduled to compete and then lose before the day you attend.

Even when a player remains in the draw, scheduling can affect which court and session they appear in.

Therefore, don’t build your entire ticket strategy around one player unless you understand the risk.

If your primary goal is simply to experience world-class tennis, choose the tournament session and ticket type first.

If a particular player appears on the schedule afterward, consider that a bonus rather than a guarantee.

For historical context on the tournament itself, you can also explore our guide to the most Australian Open titles, which provides useful background on the players and records that have shaped the event.

17. Australian Open Tickets for Families

Families should think beyond the headline ticket price.

Before buying, consider:

  • How long children will comfortably stay at the tournament
  • Whether they will prefer moving between courts
  • Whether a reserved seat provides a better base
  • How much walking is involved
  • The heat and sun
  • Food and drink costs
  • Transportation
  • Session length

A full day at Melbourne Park can be very different for a family with young children than it is for a dedicated tennis fan travelling alone.

For some families, the flexibility of broader grounds access can be attractive.

For others, a reserved seat provides a more predictable experience.

There is no universal best option.

18. Australian Open Accessibility Tickets

Accessible seating is available through official Australian Open ticketing channels.

For AO27, accessible seating options are available in Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena and John Cain Arena, with different seating arrangements depending on the accessibility requirement.

If you need accessible seating, do not leave the process until the last moment.

Use the official accessibility booking information and choose the appropriate ticket option during the purchasing process.

This is another reason to avoid unofficial sellers: accessibility requirements can involve specific seating arrangements that are not interchangeable with ordinary tickets.

19. What Should You Do Before Australian Open Tickets Go on Sale?

If tickets for a future Australian Open have not yet gone on sale, preparation can make the process much easier.

Create or check your ticketing account

Make sure your information is correct before the sale begins.

Know your dates

Have several acceptable dates rather than only one.

Decide your maximum budget

Don’t get caught in the excitement of a ticket release and spend more than planned.

Decide your preferred venue

Know whether Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena, John Cain Arena or broader grounds access is your priority.

Prepare your payment method

Make sure your payment method is ready.

Understand the ticket categories

Know the difference between an arena ticket, Ground Pass and premium package before the sale starts.

Have a backup plan

Your first-choice session may not be available.

Having a second and third option can make the difference between securing a good ticket and leaving empty-handed.

20. Australian Open Ticket Buying Strategy: The Simple Version

If all of this feels complicated, reduce it to five decisions.

Option 1: “I just want to experience the Australian Open.”

Start with a Ground Pass.

Option 2: “I want a guaranteed seat in a major arena.”

Look at Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena or John Cain Arena tickets.

Option 3: “I want the biggest matches.”

Look at later-round sessions, but expect demand and pricing to be higher.

Option 4: “I’m travelling internationally and want everything organised.”

Compare official AO Travel & Experiences packages.

Option 5: “I want the most premium experience possible.”

Explore AO Reserve.

Once you know which of these five descriptions sounds most like you, the ticket-buying process becomes much easier.

Australian Open Ticket Buying Checklist

Before clicking the final purchase button, check all of these:

  • Correct tournament year
  • Correct date
  • Correct session
  • Correct arena or Ground Pass
  • Correct number of tickets
  • Correct seating section
  • Budget still within your limit
  • Official seller
  • Ticket conditions understood
  • Accessibility requirements considered
  • Travel arrangements considered
  • Confirmation email/account information saved

This takes only a few minutes and can prevent expensive mistakes.

Australian Open Tickets: The Safest Buying Rule

The most important lesson is not complicated.

Buy through the official Australian Open ticketing ecosystem whenever possible.

For standard tickets, start with Ticketmaster.

For premium experiences, investigate AO Reserve.

For international visitors wanting a more complete trip, compare official Travel & Experiences packages.

If you need resale, use the official Ticketmaster Resale platform where the ticket is eligible.

And if someone offers you an unbelievable deal through an unofficial channel, remember that saving money is meaningless if the ticket does not get you through the gate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Australian Open Tickets

Where is the safest place to buy Australian Open tickets?

For standard AO27 tickets, the official Australian Open directs fans to its Ticketmaster ticketing channel. AO Reserve and official Travel & Experiences are additional authorised options for premium and travel-related purchases.

Can I buy Australian Open tickets directly from the Australian Open?

Yes. The Australian Open’s official website directs fans to its authorised ticketing channels, including Ticketmaster, AO Reserve and official travel options.

Can I buy Australian Open tickets from a third-party seller?

You should be extremely cautious. The Australian Open warns that tickets purchased from unauthorised sellers can result in the ticket holder being denied entry.

Can I buy Australian Open tickets on Ticketmaster?

Yes. Ticketmaster is the main official channel for standard public AO27 tickets.

Can I buy Australian Open tickets for multiple sessions?

Yes, but multiple sessions need to be purchased in separate transactions for AO27.

Can I resell my Australian Open ticket?

Eligible AO27 tickets can be resold through the official Ticketmaster Resale platform. AO Reserve tickets cannot be resold through Ticketmaster Resale.

Are Australian Open tickets digital?

For AO27, tickets are provided through your Ticketmaster account closer to the event, and mobile tickets are used for entry.

Can I choose my Australian Open seat?

For reserved arena tickets, you can generally use the available interactive seating map to select from available seats.

Is a Ground Pass the same as an arena ticket?

No. A Ground Pass provides broader access to the Australian Open precinct and eligible areas, while an arena ticket provides a reserved seat in the relevant stadium.

Do Australian Open tickets guarantee a particular player?

No. Tournament schedules, player participation and match assignments can change. A ticket should not be treated as a guarantee that a particular player will appear.

Should I buy Australian Open tickets early?

If you have a specific date, session, arena or seating requirement, buying when suitable official inventory becomes available can give you more choice. If you are flexible, comparing different sessions and ticket types can sometimes produce better value.

Final Verdict: How to Get Australian Open Tickets the Smart Way

The best way to buy Australian Open tickets is not to begin with a random search for the cheapest seat.

Begin with the experience.

Decide when you want to go, what you want to watch, whether you need a reserved seat and how much flexibility you have. Then use the appropriate official channel.

For most fans, that means starting with Ticketmaster.

For premium hospitality, look at AO Reserve.

For international visitors who want a more organised trip, compare official travel packages.

And if resale becomes necessary, stay within the official resale system.

The Australian Open is one of the biggest events on the tennis calendar, and the ticket you choose determines much more than where you sit. It determines how you experience Melbourne Park, how much flexibility you have during the day and how much of your travel budget remains for everything else.

If you’re planning AO27 specifically, continue with our Australian Open Tickets 2027 guide for the latest year-specific dates, ticket options and planning information. For a broader overview of ticket types and tournament planning, see our complete Australian Open tickets guide.

The goal isn’t simply to get an Australian Open ticket.

It’s to get the right Australian Open ticket for the experience you actually want.

 

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