How to get to Vivid Sydney
Plan your trip to Vivid Sydney
If you're visiting Vivid Sydney, please catch public transport and avoid the traffic delays. Alternatively, arrive early ahead of Lights On to avoid the congestion as car parks will reach capacity through the evenings.
Vivid Sydney returns to light up the city and with road closures and parking restrictions in place each night, visitors are encouraged to leave the car at home and plan your trip by public transport instead.
Vivid Sydney locations are within short walking distance of major transport hubs in the Sydney CBD and Lower North Shore.
You can use an Opal Card or if you have an American Express, Mastercard or Visa credit or debit card or a linked device, you can use it to pay for your travel by tapping on and tapping off at Opal readers.
Detailed public transport information will be available closer to the event at transportnsw.info.
ACCESSIBILITY
Vivid Sydney is committed to delivering an accessible and inclusive event for all visitors. Information available at vividsydney.com/accessibility will assist you to plan your 'door-to-door' Vivid Sydney experience with accessible transport options, services and features.
You can also download an Access and Inclusion map or scan the QR code on any smart device from our Information Kiosks located across the footprint for step-free routes and pathways, viewing areas and other accessible amenities.
The Vivid Sydney website also includes audio and visual description videos of the Vivid Sydney Light Walk installations and projections.
View more information on Access & Inclusion
TRAVELLING WITH KIDS
Kids will be captivated by the Vivid Sydney Light Walk’s amazing interactive projections and light art installations. To make your visit as enjoyable as possible, we recommend heading out early with the kids before Lights On. If possible, visit on a weeknight so there's more room to move around and plan to eat earlier too.
Please keep in mind that the event's busiest times are expected to be each Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Lights On occurs at 6pm and concludes at 11pm.
If you’ve got young kids in tow, head to the Vivid Sydney medical posts and information booths at the start of the night and pick up some wristbands in case they get lost. You can write your phone number and secure to your child’s wrist to make it easy to be reunited should you get separated in the crowd. Point out Vivid Sydney volunteers to your children, too – they're easy to spot in their pink jackets.
REAL TIME UPDATES
The real time trip planner at transportnsw.info helps you plan your travel by public transport and on foot using the most up-to-date service information.
Download the Opal travel app and other real-time transport apps to help you get around at transportnsw.info/apps.
Sydney Trains services run regularly to the city on all lines from early morning until late, and additional services will run on weekends during Vivid Sydney to help you get there and home again.
For access to Vivid Sydney locations catch a train to the following stations:
Circular Quay Station is open all nights, except Saturdays, Sundays and Monday 12th June. At these times, trains will not drop off passengers at Circular Quay from 6pm-11pm. This is for safety, due to the anticipated large crowds in the location on these nights. Visitors should use nearby Wynyard, Martin Place or St James stations and walk to Circular Quay instead.
Wynyard: Trains run to Wynyard frequently on weekdays and weekends. For access to The Rocks and Circular Quay locations, take the George St station exit. For access to the Barangaroo and Darling Harbour locations, take the Wynyard Walk station exit.
Central or Town Hall: Trains run to Central and Town Hall frequently on weekdays and weekends. For access to the Goods Line and Darling Harbour South locations, take the Grand Concourse or Railway Square exits at Central. From Town Hall, take the George Street or Cathedral exits and continue on foot to Darling Harbour via Druitt Street or Bathurst Street.
Milsons Point: Trains run to Milsons Point on the T1 North Shore Line frequently on weekdays and weekends. For access to the location at Luna Park exit the station and walk down Alfred St.
For more information on train services during Vivid Sydney visit transportnsw.info.
Buses run regularly to and from the city on weekdays and weekdays with additional services running on busier nights.
Some buses will be affected by road closures and use different routes and stops. On Friday night and weekends, buses that usually run to and from Circular Quay will be relocated to Martin Place while road closures are in place, so allow extra time to walk towards the harbour. Buses also run regularly to Taronga Zoo and Spit Junction nearby.
For more information on bus services and changes during Vivid Sydney, and to plan your trip visit transportnsw.info .
Ferries are a very popular way to get around the city and will be very busy during Vivid Sydney, particularly on weekends when larger crowds are expected.
If you’re planning to catch the ferry, please allow for extra time and consider other transport options. There may be long queues at wharves from the mid-afternoon on weekends, so have a few transport options in mind and look for signs directing you to your nearest bus or train option if ferry wharves are busy.
You’ll need to get off the ferry once it reaches its final stop - you won’t be able to stay on the ferry and take the return trip. This is to make sure that everyone gets the chance to catch the ferry.
For more information on ferry services and alternative transport options during Vivid Sydney, visit transportnsw.info .
Sydney Metro services are high-frequency, driverless trains running between Tallawong Station and Chatswood Station, providing an easy connection between Sydney’s Hills District and North Shore.
Services start from the early morning running every 10 minutes until late. If you’re heading to the city, change at Epping to connect with frequent Sydney Trains services to the city.
For more information on Sydney Metro services during Vivid Sydney, visit transportnsw.info.
Light rail services run regularly on weekdays and weekends through the Sydney CBD, Southeast and Inner West, making stops within short walking distance of Vivid Sydney locations.
L1 Dulwich Hill light rail services run between Central Station (Grand Concourse) and Dulwich Hill, making stops at Exhibition Centre, Convention and Pyrmont Bay for easy access to Vivid Sydney Darling Harbour locations.
L2 Randwick light rail services run between Circular Quay and Randwick via Central Station (Chalmers Street) and L3 Kingsford services run between Circular Quay and Juniors Kingsford via Central Station (Chalmers Street) through the heart of the Sydney CBD along George St.
Light rail services continue to run between Randwick, Kingsford and Town Hall until late each night.
For more information on Sydney Light rail services during Vivid Sydney visit transportnsw.info
Please note on Fridays from 6pm and on weekends from 5pm services will not run between Town Hall and Circular Quay for crowd safety. Continue on foot from Town Hall towards the harbour instead.
TICKETING
Travel on public transport is not free during Vivid Sydney. You’ll need to use an Opal card or contactless payment method when travelling on public transport. Remember to tap your opal card or major debit/credit card on and off when travelling on transport.
TAXIS, RIDEHARE & DROP-OFF ZONE
- The large crowds and road closures around Vivid Sydney can make it challenging for taxis and rideshares to safely drop-off and pick-up passengers in certain areas of the city.
- Taxi and rideshare companies will not be able to take booking requests for pick-up in areas where there are road closures.
Locations
| Taxi Rank Locations | Existing / Special Event |
Level 1 Monday - Thursday |
Level 2 Fridays, Sundays (excluding Sunday, 11 June) and Monday 12 June |
Level 3 Saturdays and Sunday, 11 June |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| George St between Argyle St and Playfair St, western side | Existing | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| George St between Lower Fort St and Playfair St, eastern side | Existing | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| Pitt St between Alfred St and Bridge St, western side | Existing | Open | Closed | Closed |
| Phillip St between Alfred and Bridge St, easter side | Existing | Open | Closed | Closed |
| Bridge St between George St and Pitt St, northern side | Existing | Open | Open | Closed |
| Bridge St between George St and Pitt St - southern side | Existing | Open | Open | Closed |
| Macquarie Street between Albert Street and the Sydney Opera House – eastern side | Existing | Open | Open | Open |
| Argyle Street between Lower Fort Street and Harrington Street | Existing | Open | Open | Open |
| Carrington Street, near Wynyard Park – eastern side | Existing | Open | Open | Open |
| Hunter St between Pitt St and George St – southern side | Existing | Open | Open | Closed |
| Zollner Circuit east of Darling Drive – eastern side | Existing | Open | Open | Open |
| Railway Colonnade Drive, Central Station – eastern side | Existing | Open | Open | Open |
| Bridge Street eastbound between Pitt Street & Loftus Street – northern side | Special Event | No Taxi Rank | Open | Closed |
| Harrington Street between Grosvenor Street & Essex Street – eastern side | Special Event | No Taxi Rank | Open | Open |
| Accessible Pick Up / Drop Off Locations |
Level 1 Monday - Thursday |
Level 2 Fridays, Sundays (excluding Sunday, 11 June) and Monday, 12 June |
Level 3 Saturdays and Sunday, 11 June |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hickson Road at Pier 1 Hotel, The Rocks | Open | Open | Closed |
| George Street at Lower Fort Street, The Rocks | Open | Open | Open |
| Loftus Street north of Reiby Place, Circular Quay | Open | Open | Closed |
| Circular Quay East (cnr Alfred St & Phillip St) | Open | Closed | Closed |
| Phillip Street south of Albert Street | No taxi Rank | Open | Open |
| Sydney Opera House - Security gatehouse at the northern end of Macquarie Street | Open | Open | Open |
| Watermans Quay, Barangaroo | Open | Open | Open |
| Iron Wharf Place near Sofitel, Darling Harbour | Open | Open | Open |
| Zollner Circuit east of Darling Drive, Darling Harbour | Open | Open | Open |
| Railway Colonnade Drive, Central Station | Open | Open | Open |
PATH OF TRAVEL (PEDESTRIAN)
All Vivid Sydney Locations are connected by a continuous accessible path of travel to the major CBD transport hubs. View the Vivid Sydney Light Walk map to understand the best route for experiencing all of the city lights.
DRIVING & ROAD CLOSURES
Major road closures and parking restrictions will be in place from 3pm each evening and most roads will remain closed until 1am. Motorists are urged to avoid travel into the CBD and to expect delays as traffic will be heavy on detour routes.
For details road closure and clearway information, visit Live Traffic NSW or download our Vivid Sydney Road Closure Map.
PARKING & CLEARWAYS
With carparks in the city expected to fill early, and extensive restrictions on street parking in place, its best to leave the car at home. Take advantage of public transport services running to get you to and from Vivid Sydney.
If you have to drive and park your vehicle, be aware that roads may close around your parked location. Vehicles are not permitted to drive on closed roads or exit car park driveways onto closed roads at any time unless at the direction of NSW Police.
For parking options in the Sydney CBD visit City of Sydney - Parking
Special event clearway parking restrictions will be in effect from 3pm each evening from Friday 26 May to Saturday 17 June on various key roads. Look for the bright yellow signs and read them carefully when parking your vehicle on the day or night before.
Clearways are strict no-parking zones and apply even to residents and businesses with parking permits or TfNSW Mobility Scheme permit holders. Vehicles left in special event clearways will be towed and a fee applies. If your car is towed, call 132 701 to find its new location.
For the latest travel conditions, listed clearway locations and maps visit Live Traffic NSW.
ON WATER
If you are planning to see Vivid Sydney by boat, there are a few things you need to think about before you set off.
By boat
Various charter vessels will be undertaking harbour cruises during Vivid Sydney 2023. If you are embarking on a cruise to view the Vivid Sydney lights from a vessel in the harbour, it is important to note that the event starts from 6.00pm nightly. You can view all operators here.
Some operators may offer services via agents, direct sales, and online deal websites. We kindly suggest you read all terms and conditions and relevant information before making a purchase. Also please read all information on your ticket including departure times, locations, and other conditions.
Please note that Vivid Sydney does not operate any harbour cruises. If you have any questions, please contact the operator who is undertaking the harbour cruise.
Water taxis provide a great service for visitors to Vivid Sydney. As the event continues to grow, it has become necessary to introduce some wharf restrictions for water taxi operators in Sydney Cove to reduce spectator congestion and ensure greater safety for onshore visitors.
Commissioners Steps and Harbourmasters Steps will be closed to all vessels except water taxi pick-up from 5:45pm to 11pm on the following nights in 2023:
- Friday 26 May and Saturday 27 May
- Friday 2 June and Saturday 3 June
- Friday 9 June, Saturday 10 June and Sunday 11 June
- Friday 16 June and Saturday 17 June
Water taxis can also be boarded from Ives Steps, Campbells Cove, Eastern Pontoon, Man O’ War Steps and Towns Place.
Seeing Vivid Sydney from the water on a recreational vessel is a great experience. Just be sure to follow all navigation rules including keeping to the right and displaying the correct navigation lights.
Recreational vessels are not permitted to enter Sydney Cove (Circular Quay) or to access the southern end of Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour.
For further information on navigating at night and navigation lights, please visit the NSW Government’s guide to navigation marks, lights and sounds.
Event Safety
Vivid Sydney works closely with NSW Police, NSW Ambulance and other key stakeholders to ensure safety for everyone is the top priority at Vivid Sydney.
In the event of an emergency, please:
- Cal 000 (triple zero) immediately for emergency services to respond.
- Notify the incident to our staff, security, volunteer or NSW Police on the ground near you. They will be able to assist you and alert Event Management for next steps.
