How to get to Vivid Sydney

Plan your trip to Vivid Sydney 2024

Explore Vivid Sydney hassle-free with public transport. Extra services will run throughout the festival for convenient travel. We advise you to arrive early before Lights On at 6pm to avoid congestion caused by closed roads and limited parking. For a seamless visit we also suggest you leave your car at home, as there will be nightly road closures and parking restrictions.

Travelling is made effortless with various payment options. Use an Opal Card or tap on and off with your American Express, Mastercard, Visa credit or debit card, or a linked device.

For detailed public transport information closer to the event, visit transportnsw.info.

 

Catching ferry to Vivid Sydney
Catching ferry to Vivid Sydney

 

Accessibility

There are accessible options available to make Vivid Sydney memorable for guests of all abilities. Plan your Vivid Sydney journey and discover a range of accessible transport options, services and features to enhance your visit. 

 

 

TRAVELLING WITH KIDS

Kids will be captivated by Vivid Sydney Light Walk’s amazing interactive projections and art installations. To make your visit as enjoyable as possible, consider arriving before Lights On and for a more spacious experience, aim to visit on a weeknight.

Please keep in mind that the event’s busiest times are expected to be each Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday 10 June public holiday nights. Lights On occurs at 6pm and concludes at 11pm.

 

REAL TIME UPDATES

The real time trip planner at transportnsw.info helps you plan your travel by public transport and your path of travel 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.

 

Train

Sydney Trains services run regularly to the city on all lines from early morning until late, with extra services available on weekends throughout Vivid Sydney to facilitate your journey to and from the event.

Discover essential transportation details for your Vivid Sydney experience below:

Circular Quay Station: Operates nightly, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and the public holiday on Monday 10 June. From 6pm to 11pm on these days, trains will not be dropping off passengers at Circular Quay as a safety measure, due to anticipated large crowds in the area. Visitors are encouraged to use nearby Wynyard, Martin Place, or St James Stations and continue their journey to Circular Quay on foot from there.

Wynyard: Trains operate regularly to Wynyard throughout the week, including weekends. To reach The Rocks and Circular Quay locations, use the George St station exit. For access to the Barangaroo and Darling Harbour locations, use the Wynyard Walk station exit.

Central or Town Hall: Trains operate regularly to Central and Town Hall on both weekdays and weekends. To reach the Goods Line and Darling Harbour South locations from Central, use the Grand Concourse or Railway Square exits. When departing from Town Hall, use the George Street or Cathedral exits and continue your path of travel to Darling Harbour via Druitt Street or Bathurst Street.

For more information on train services during Vivid Sydney visit transportnsw.info.

 

Bus

Buses run regularly to and from the city on weekdays and weekends with additional services running on busier nights.

Some buses will be affected by road closures and use different routes and stops. On Friday nights 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 get to the harbour.

For more information on bus services and changes during Vivid Sydney, and to plan your trip visit transportnsw.info.

 

Ferry

Ferry services are a very popular mode of transportation to the city, especially during the bustle of Vivid Sydney, with weekends experiencing larger crowds. If you're considering taking the ferry, it's advisable to factor in additional time and explore alternative transport options. Anticipate long queues at wharves, especially during the mid-afternoon on weekends, and have multiple transportation choices in mind. Look for signage guiding you to the nearest bus or train option if ferry wharves are busy.

Keep in mind that once the ferry reaches its final stop, passengers are required to disembark. This ensures that everyone has an opportunity to catch the ferry and contributes to a smooth flow of transportation.

For more information on ferry services and alternative transport options during Vivid Sydney, visit transportnsw.info.

 

Sydney Metro

Sydney Metro services are high-frequency 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

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.

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, L2/L3 services will not run between Town Hall and Circular Quay for pedestrian safety. Catch the light rail to Town Hall and continue your path of travel along George Street to Circular Quay.

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 .

 

 

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 & RIDESHARE

Navigating the extensive crowds and road closures during Vivid Sydney poses a challenge for taxis and rideshares attempting to safely drop off and pick up passengers in specific city areas.

In zones with road closures, taxi and rideshare companies won't be able to accept booking requests for pick-ups.

 

DROP-OFF ZONES

Taxi Rank 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
Accessibility Pick Up / Drop Off Locations
Accessible Pick Up / Drop Off Locations

Level 1

Monday - Thursday

Level 2

Fridays, Sundays (excluding Sunday 9 June) & Monday 10 June

Level 3

Saturdays & Sunday 9 June

Hickson Road at Pier 1 Hotel, The Rocks Open Open Closed
Hickson Road, near Pottinger St Open Open Open
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 o 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.

The Vivid Sydney Road Closure Map will be available closer to the event.

 

PARKING & CLEARWAYS

Carparks in the city fill early, and with extensive restrictions on street parking in place, its best to leave the car at home and take advantage of public transport services to get you to and from Vivid Sydney.

If driving is unavoidable, it’s important to note 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 24 May to Saturday 15 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 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

Charter Vessels

Various charter vessels will be undertaking harbour cruises during Vivid Sydney 2024. 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 6pm nightly.

Some operators may offer services via agents, direct sales, and online deal websites. We 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 Taxi Services

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 2024:

  • Friday 24 May & Saturday 25 May
  • Friday 31 May & Saturday 1 June
  • Friday 7 June, Saturday 8 June, Sunday 9 June & Monday 10 June
  • Friday 14 June & Saturday 15 June

Water taxis can also be boarded from Ives Steps, Campbells Cove, Eastern Pontoon, Man O’ War Steps and Towns Place. 

Recreational Vessels

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.

In the event of an emergency, please:

  • Call 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.