The ginger-haired maestro of modern pop, Ed Sheeran, has once again left fans enchanted—not with a new power ballad, but with a surprising display of British humility. As part of his ongoing 2026 ‘Loop Tour’ across Australia, the multi-Grammy winner opted for an unconventional mode of transport for a superstar of his stature. Rather than boarding a private Gulfstream, Sheeran embarked on a marathon 11-hour rail journey from Sydney to Melbourne.
A Down-to-Earth Arrival
The “Shape of You” singer was spotted on Thursday morning at Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station, having disembarked from the overnight service from Sydney. Eschewing the typical celebrity entourage, Sheeran cut a remarkably low-profile figure. Clad in a green hoodie with the drawstring pulled tight over a cap, he navigated the station platform pushing a luggage trolley adorned with a “Taronga Zoo” gift bag.
Despite a personal fortune estimated at over $700 million (£550 million), the singer reportedly opted for a standard ticket costing a mere $164 AUD (approximately £85). This choice has sparked a frenzy of admiration on social media, highlighting a stark contrast between Sheeran and the private-jet-set lifestyle typical of global icons.
Green Ambitions and Marvellous Melodies
Sheeran has previously credited his wife, Cherry Seaborn, for encouraging him to utilise public transport. His motivations appear twofold: a genuine desire to reduce his carbon footprint and a commitment to remaining “grounded” by interacting with the world as a common commuter.
The timing of his journey is particularly poignant, as the Australian government recently announced a high-speed rail project for the East Coast, which aims to slash the Sydney-to-Melbourne transit time from eleven hours to just four.
| Feature | Details of the Journey |
| Route | Sydney Central to Melbourne Southern Cross |
| Duration | 11 Hours (Overnight Service) |
| Estimated Ticket Cost | $164 AUD / £85 |
| Reason for Travel | Sustainability & Personal Preference |
| Next Venue | Marvel Stadium, Melbourne |
| Tour Support | Vance Joy, Mia Wray, and Budjerah |
Praise from the Diaspora
Sheeran’s unassuming nature has resonated deeply with the international community, including the Bangladeshi diaspora in Australia. Sajal Roy, a sociology academic at Australian Catholic University in Sydney, remarked:
“When a global titan like Ed Sheeran abandons luxury for a standard train carriage, it serves as a powerful reminder that true greatness lies in simplicity. His environmental consciousness and ‘salt of the earth’ persona are truly peerless.”
Following sold-out shows in Perth, Sydney, and Brisbane, Sheeran took to the stage at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium on Thursday night to a rapturous reception. With two further performances scheduled in Melbourne this weekend, the tour is set to reach its grand finale at the Adelaide Oval on 5 March.