How to get to Vivid Sydney
Large crowds are expected to explore the city and surrounds over the 23 nights of the festival. A little planning can make your Vivid Sydney journey smoother and more enjoyable.
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.
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.
Public Transport
Public transport is the best way to get around during Vivid Sydney. Trains and buses run frequently to the city. If you’re catching the bus, plan ahead as services to and from the city will be using different routes and stops while roads are closed between 3pm-1am.
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.
Vivid Sydney Zones
There are five main zones at Vivid Sydney this year. Here's the best way to travel to each of the zones via Public Transport, whether your are seeing them in one night or across multiple visits.
Pedestrian Route
- From Barangaroo: Follow the Vivid Light Walk along Argyle Street. It will take about 19 minutes.
- From Martin Place: Follow the Vivid Light Walk through Martin Place, then travel along Phillip Street. It will take about 14 minutes.
Train
- Monday – Thursday: You can take the train directly to Circular Quay. When you exit you can turn left to go towards Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, or you can turn right to go towards the Sydney Opera House.
- On Saturday nights, between 6pm-11pm: Trains will not drop off passengers at Circular Quay station. Please use Wynyard station and continue your journey to Circular Quay on George Street. It will take about 8 minutes.
- Sunday 8 June, between 6pm-11pm: Trains will not drop off passengers at Circular Quay station. Please use Wynyard station and continue your journey to Circular Quay on George Street. It will take about 8 minutes.
Metro
- From Martin Place: You can take the Metro to Martin Place. From here you can follow the Vivid Light Walk through Martin Place and use Phillip Street to travel towards Circular Quay. It will take you about 14 minutes.
- From Barangaroo: You can take the Metro to Barangaroo. From here you can exit the station and travel towards the water following the Light Walk along Wulugul Walk, then turn right onto Boot Boot Path to get to Stargazer Lawn. Continue following the Vivid Light Walk along Argyle Street to get to The Rocks. It will take you about 20 minutes.
Light Rail
- Monday – Thursday: You can catch the light rail directly to Circular Quay using the L2 Randwick service and L3 Kingsford service. These services stop at Central Station and run through the heart of Sydney CBD along George Street.
- Friday’s from 6pm and Saturday-Sunday from 5pm: The light rail won’t go to Circular Quay. Instead, you will need to get off at Town Hall and travel along George Street to Circular Quay. It will take about 20 minutes.
Bus
- Monday – Thursday: Buses run regularly to and from the city. Please visit the Transport NSW Trip Planner for more information.
- Friday nights from 6pm and Saturday-Sunday from 5pm: Buses stop at Martin Place instead of Circular Quay due to road closures. You can follow the Vivid Light Walk through Martin Place then travel along Phillip Street to get to Circular Quay. It will take about 14 minutes.
Ferry
- You can catch the ferry directly to Circular Quay. 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.
- From Barangaroo: You can catch the F3 and F4 ferry from Barangaroo Wharf 2 to Circular Quay. This will take about 27 minutes.
- From Darling Harbour: You can catch the F4 ferry from Pyrmont Bay Wharf to Circular Quay. This will take about 35 minutes.
Passengers will 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.
Pedestrian Route
- From Circular Quay: Follow the Vivid Light Walk along Argyle Street. It will take about 19 minutes.
- From Cockle Bay: Travel along the harbourside promenade passing King Street Wharf. It will take about 18 minutes.
Train
The closest station to Barangaroo is Wynyard. From the station, take the underground Wynyard Walk tunnel and Sussex Street Bridge to reach the Barangaroo precinct.
Metro
You can catch the metro directly to Barangaroo. When you exit the station head towards the waterfront. Follow the Vivid Light Walk along Wulugul Walk and take Boot Boot path to reach Stargazer Lawn, which will be approximately 10 minutes.
Bus
Friday-Sunday & Monday 9 June: Some buses on Argyle Place and Dalgety Road are moved to Hickson Road. You can travel along Hickson Road to Towns Place and follow the Vivid Light Walk through Barangaroo Reserve. This will take about 14 minutes.
Ferry
- From Circular Quay: You can catch the F3 and F4 ferry from Circular Quay to Barangaroo Wharf 2. This will take about 27 minutes. Once you exit the wharf you can travel along the boardwalk past Crown Sydney, follow the path into Barangaroo Reserve. It will take about 10 minutes.
- From Darling Harbour: You can catch the F4 ferry from Pyrmont Bay Wharf to Barangaroo Wharf 2. This will take about 10 minutes. Once you exit the wharf you can travel along the boardwalk past Crown Sydney, follow the path into Barangaroo Reserve. It will take about 10 minutes.
Pedestrian Route
- From Barangaroo: You can travel along the harbourside promenade passing King St Wharf. It will take about 18 minutes.
- From The Goods Line: Follow the Vivid Light Walk through The Goods Line then cross the road at Hay Street and turn left into Tumbalong Boulevard. It will take me about 8 minutes.
- From Martin Place: You can travel along George Street, then turn right onto King Street. Continue straight and use the pedestrian bridge with lift over the Western Distributor and follow signs to Darling Harbour. It will take about 10 minutes.
Train
Take the train to Town Hall Station and exit south into Bathurst Street. A downhill pathway will take you directly to Darling Quarter and Tumbalong Park.
Metro
Take the Metro to Gadigal Station and continue your path of travel via the Bathurst Street exit. A downhill pathway will take you directly to Darling Quarter and Tumbalong Park.
Light Rail
You can catch the light rail to Darling Harbour using the L1 Dulwich Hill Line. Alight at:
- Exhibition Centre for Tumbalong Park and the ICC Sydney Exhibition halls.
- Convention for the ICC Sydney Convention Centre and Cockle Bay.
- Pyrmont Bay for the Australian National Maritime Museum and Pyrmont Bay Park.
Ferry
- From Circular Quay: You can catch the F4 ferry to Pyrmont Bay Wharf. It will take about 28 minutes.
- From Barangaroo: You can catch the F4 Ferry to Pyrmont Bay Wharf. It will take about 10 minutes.
Pedestrian Route
From Darling Harbour: Follow the Light Walk on Tumbalong Boulevard and turn right onto Hay Street and take the ramp or stairs up to The Goods Line. It will take about 8 minutes.
Train
You can catch the train to Central Station. Exit via the South Concourse and walk through the Devonshire Street Tunnel. At the tunnel exit, turn right and walk along Lee Street, then continue onto The Goods Line. It will take about 10 minutes.
Light Rail
Catch the L1 Dulwich Hill light rail to Central Station. Exit via the South Concourse and walk through the Devonshire Street Tunnel. At the tunnel exit, turn right and walk along Lee Street, then continue onto The Goods Line. It will take about 10 minutes.
Bus
There are lots of nearby bus stops, including:
- Powerhouse Museum, Harris St: 1-2 minute path of travel, located right next to the Powerhouse Museum for quick access.
- Harris St before Broadway: 3-5 minute path of travel, serving multiple routes to the CBD and Inner West.
- Railway Square: 5-7 minute path of travel, this major bus hub is located near Central Station with many connections
Pedestrian Route
From Circular Quay: Follow the Light Walk through Circular Quay to Phillip Street. Continue on Phillip Street to Martin Place. It will take about 19 minutes.
Train
You can take the train directly to Martin Place, then exit to street level using the escalator or lift and you’ll be at Martin Place. It’s directly above the station.
- From Circular Quay: You can take the train from Circular Quay to Martin Place. It will take about 10 minutes.
- From Wynard: You can take the train to Wynyard. Exit on York Street and travel south until you can turn left on Wynyard Street, then turn right on George Street. Travel along George Street towards the intersection of Martin Place. It will take about 10 minutes.
Metro
You can take the Metro directly to Martin Place. Follow directional signage to the Martin Place exit via the escalators or the lifts to reach street level. Once you're outside, you'll be directly on Martin Place. It will take about 2 minutes.
From Barangaroo: Follow the Vivid Light Walk through Barangaroo towards Barangaroo Station. You can take the Metro to Martin Place. It will take about 9 minutes on the Metro.
Light Rail
- Monday – Thursday from Circular Quay or Central Station: you can catch the Light Rail to Wynyard, then travel along George Street towards the intersection of Martin Place.
- Friday’s from 6pm: The light rail will truncate at Town Hall. You will need to get off at Town Hall and travel along George Street to Martin Place. It will take about 10 minutes.
- Saturday and Sunday from 5pm: The light rail will truncate at Town Hall. You will need to get off at Town Hall and travel along George Street to Martin Place. It will take about 10 minutes.
Bus
Regular buses make stops at Martin Place on Elizabeth Street, or nearby at Wynyard Station which will take you about 5 minutes to get to Martin Place.
Driving and Road Closures
There are a few things you should know if you plan on driving to Vivid Sydney. With so many parking restrictions and major roads closed, you can’t drive to vantage points or see Vivid Sydney from your car. We recommend leaving your car at home and catch public transport where possible.
Some car parks will be closed during Vivid Sydney until the NSW Police Force reopens all roads. It is an offence to drive on a closed road and penalties will apply. NSW Police will monitor roads and carparks to ensure public safety while closures are in place.
Major road closures and parking restrictions will be in place from 3pm each evening and most roads will remain closed until 1am.
For real-time updates on traffic conditions and road closures during Vivid Sydney visit the Live Traffic NSW website, or follow @LiveTrafficSyd on X and Live Traffic NSW Facebook.
Special event clearway parking restrictions will be in effect from 3pm each evening from Friday 23 May to Saturday 14 June on various key roads.
Clearways are strict no-parking zones for all vehicles and motorcycle types and apply to local residents and businesses with parking permits or Transport for NSW mobility scheme parking permits. 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.
Taxi and Rideshare
Drop-Off and Pick Up Zones
Large crowds and road closures during Vivid Sydney may affect taxi and rideshare drop-offs and pick-ups in certain areas. Bookings cannot be made in road closure zones.
| Monday - Thursday | Fridays & Monday 9 June | Saturdays & Sunday 8 June | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hickson Road at Wharf 4/5, Walsh Bay | Open | Open | Open |
| Hickson Road at Pier 1 Hotel, The Rocks | Open | Open | Open |
| George St at Lower Fort St, The Rocks | Open | Open | Open |
| Circular Quay East - Corner of Alfred St & Philip St | Open | Close | Closed |
| Philip St - South of Albert St | N/A | Open | Open |
| Sydney Opera House - Security Gatehouse, Macquarie St | Open | Open | Open |
| Watermans Quay, Barangaroo | Open | Open | Open |
| Iron Wharf Place near Sofitel, Darling Harbour | Open | Open | Open |
| Zollner Circuit, Darling Harbour | Open | Open | Open |
| Railway Colonnade Drive, Central Station | Open | Open | Open |
| Taxi Rank | Existing/Special Event | Monday - Thursday | Fridays, Sundays & Monday 9 June | Saturdays & Sunday 9 June |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argyle Street between Lower Fort Street & Harrington Street | Exisiting | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| Bridge St between George St & Pitt St - Northern side | Existing | Open | Open | Open |
| Bridge St between George St & Pitt St - Southern side | Existing | Open | Open | Open |
| Carrington Street, near Wynyard Park – Eastern side | Exisiting | Open | Open | Open |
| George St, between Argyle St & Playfair St – western side | Existing | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| George St, between Lower Fort St & Playfair St – Eastern side | Existing | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| Macquarie Street between Albert Street & Sydney Opera House – Eastern side | Existing | Open | Open | Open |
| Philip St between Albert St and Sydney Opera House | Existing | Open | Open | Open |
| Philip St between Chifley Sq and Bent St – Eastern side | Exisiting | Open | Open | Open |
| Philip St between Martin Place and Hoskins Place – Eastern side | Exisiting | Open | Open | Open |
| Railway Colonnade Drive, Central Station – Eastern side | Exisiting | Open | Open | Open |
| Zollner Circuit east of Darling Drive – Eastern side | Existing | Open | Open | Open |
| Gresham Street southbound between Bridge St & Bent St – Eastern side | Special Event | Closed | Open | Open |
| Harrington St between Grosvenor St & Essex St – Eastern side | Special Event | Closed | Open | Open |
| George St at Lower Fort St | Existing | Open | Open | Open |
| Hickson Road at Wharf 4/5, Walsh Bay | Existing | Open | Open | Open |
| Hickson Road at Pier 1 Hotel, The Rocks | Existing | Open | Open | Open |
| Loftus St north of Reiby Pl, Circular Quay | Existing | Open | Open | Closed |
| Iron Wharf Place near Sofitel, Darling Harbour | Existing | Open | Open | Open |
| Watermans Quay, Barangaroo | Existing | Open | Open | Open |
Some car parks will be closed during Vivid Sydney until the NSW Police Force reopens all roads. It is an offense to drive on closed roads and penalties will apply. NSW Police will monitor roads and carparks to ensure public safety while closures are in place.
View car parks operating during Vivid Sydney > (Coming soon!)
Bicycles
Some road closures will affect cyclists during the festival. Bicycles (including share bikes and food delivery services) are not permitted to ride on closed roads. Be prepared to dismount and walk your bicycle to your destination once roads have closed.
Pitt St: Cyclists are not permitted to ride on the road north of Bridge St
Mary Ann St: Cyclists are not permitted to ride on the road as you enter The Goods Line
On water
Various charter vessels will be undertaking harbour cruises during Vivid Sydney 2025. 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. View official cruise operators here.
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 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 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 2025:
- Friday 23 May and Saturday 24 May
- Friday 30 May and Saturday 31 May
- Friday 6 June, Saturday 7 June, Sunday 8 June and Monday 9 June
- Friday 13 June and Saturday 14 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 read the NSW Government’s guide to navigation marks, lights and sounds.
Weather and Event Cancellations
Public safety is our number one priority. If adverse weather conditions are experienced, some parts of the site may be temporarily closed, or specific events may be postponed or cancelled for safety reasons. Stay up to date via the Vivid Sydney website and follow Vivid Sydney’s official social media channels before coming to the event.
