Plan your Vivid Sydney journey
Explore Vivid Sydney Hassle-Free
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 a moment to remember. See the full festival program.
Accessibility
There are accessible options available to make Vivid Sydney memorable for guests of all abilities. Plan your Vivid Sydney journey by accessing valuable information at vividsydney.com/accessibility. Discover a range of accessible transport options, services and features to enhance your visit.
How to get to Vivid Sydney
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. Remember to tap your opal card or major debit/credit card on and off when travelling on transport.
If you have specific transport questions, you can contact Transport for NSW on:
- Main phone: 131 500
- Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS): 131 450
- Teletypewriter (TTY) Service: 1800 637 500
The Transport for NSW website features trip planners with maps and journey details, including information on accessible travel on public transport:
Transport for NSW Home Page
Transportnsw.info/vivid-sydney
Accessible Travel
Vivid Sydney Locations
Circular Quay & The Rocks is the dazzling harbourside home to Sydney’s most iconic landmarks, transformed.
Path of travel
-
900 metres from Barangaroo Reserve via Argyle Street.
Train
- Take the train to Circular Quay and head in the direction of Sydney Harbour Bridge. If you’re coming from Wynyard station, continue your path of travel north down George Street towards the harbour – approximately 700 metres.
- On Saturday nights during the festival and on Sunday 7 June, trains will not drop off passengers at Circular Quay from 6pm-11pm. Please use Wynyard station and continue your journey to Circular Quay.
Light Rail
- Light rail services run regularly on weekdays and weekends through the Sydney CBD, South East and Inner West, making stops within short distance of Vivid Sydney 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. Both lines run from 5am to 1am daily.
- On Monday–Thursdays, catch the light rail directly to Circular Quay.
- On Friday nights from 6pm and weekends from 5pm, catch the light rail to Town Hall and continue your journey to Circular Quay along George Street – approximately 1.8km.
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 from 6pm and weekends from 5pm, 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. Martin Place to Circular Quay is approximately 1.1km via Pitt Street.
- From Friday–Sunday & Monday 8 June, buses that usually stop on Argyle Place & Dalgety Road will be closed from 3pm. Buses will be diverted to Hickson Road, Dawes Point making a U-turn at the Pottinger Street roundabout.
Ferry
- 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.
- Please allow plenty of extra travel time if you’re planning to catch the ferry as there may be long queues at wharves from the mid-afternoon on weekends. Have a few alternative transport options in mind and look for signs directing you to your nearest light rail, bus, or train option if ferry wharves are busy.
- 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.
A cultural and creative nexus, Barangaroo is where storytelling and technology come together. A great family-friendly zone for those seeking a quieter festival experience.
Path of Travel
900 meters from Circular Quay to Barangaroo Reserve
2km from Darling Harbour to Barangaroo Reserve via King Street Wharf.
Metro
From Barangaroo Metro to Stargazer Lawn, exit the station and head towards the waterfront. Continue your path of travel along the water’s edge, following the path around Barangaroo Reserve. Continue along Wulugul Walk and take Boot Boot path to reach Stargazer Lawn, which will be approximately 350m.
Train
The closest station to Barangaroo is Wynyard Station. From Wynard Station follow signage to Exit 4, enter the 180m underground Wynyard Walk tunnel and exit at Napoleon Plaza, then follow signs across Success Street bridge and down to Barangaroo, lift or escalator are available.
Ferry
The F3 and F4 services stop at Barangaroo Wharf.
Exit the wharf and continue your path of travel along the boardwalk towards Crown Sydney, following the path that leads into Barangaroo Reserve. The journey is approximately 1.2km along the water, bringing you directly into the Barangaroo Reserve area.
A spectacle of sound, light, and interactivity, Darling Harbour is home to some of Vivid Sydney’s most impressive visual feasts alongside Vivid Music’s irresistible free Tumbalong Nights program.
Path of Travel
2km from Barangaroo Reserve via King Street Wharf.
2.5km from Barangaroo Reserve to Tumbalong Park via King Street Wharf.
Metro
Alight the Metro at 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 – approximately 1.6km.
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 – approximately 1.2km.
Light Rail
L1 Dulwich Hill Line light rail services run between Central Grand Concourse and Dulwich Hill via Darling Harbour.
Alight at the Paddy's Market stop at the Powerhouse Museum and the Chinese Gardens.
Alight at Exhibition Centre stop for Tumbalong Park and the ICC Sydney Exhibition halls.
Please note, on Drone Show nights, light rail services may not be able to stop at Exhibition or Convention stations due to crowding. Passengers are encouraged to board/alight at Paddy’s Market or Central Station.
Ferry
Catch a ferry to Barangaroo Wharf or Pyrmont Bay Wharf to get within a short distance to the Darling Harbour precinct.
If you alight at Barangaroo Wharf, you will be close to Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, Wildlife Sydney Zoo, Cockle Bay, and King Street Wharf.
If you alight at Pyrmont Bay Wharf, you will be close to the Australian National Maritime Museum.
Drone Shows
The Vivid Sydney Drone Shows will take place over Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour, delivering a spectacular aerial experience as part of the festival program.
Show Schedule
• Sunday to Wednesday (excluding Sunday 7 June)
• Two shows nightly at 7:30pm and 9:30pm
• Each performance runs for approximately 8–12 minutes
What to Expect
The drone shows are extremely popular and the Cockle Bay precinct will be very busy before, during and after each performance. High pedestrian volumes, crowd movement and limited viewing space should be anticipated.
Cockle Bay may reach capacity around drone show times. If that occurs, for a temporary period and to ensure public safety, access to the precinct will be strictly limited to those with proof of a valid requirement to access the area, such as staff & those people with restaurant reservations, or with a ticket for a boat trip.
The drone shows will be broadcast on the screens in Tumbalong Park for those who are unable to access Cockle Bay, or prefer a lighter crowd.
There will be a ticketed reserved accessible viewing area for the drone shows. Please scroll down to Accessible Viewing Areas for more information.
Planning Your Visit
To support a safe and comfortable experience, Vivid Sydney strongly recommends:
• Planning your journey in advance
• Allowing extra travel time due to road closures and pedestrian management
• Checking public transport service updates prior to arrival
• Identifying accessible drop-off points ahead of time
Metro
Alight the Metro at 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. Approx 1.6km.
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. Approx 1.2km.
Light Rail
L1 Dulwich Hill Line light rail services run regularly between Central Grand Concourse and Dulwich Hill via Darling Harbour.
Alight at Exhibition Centre stop for Tumbalong Park and the ICC Sydney Exhibition halls.
Alight at the Paddy's Market stop at the Powerhouse Museum and the Chinese Gardens.
Please note, on Drone Show nights light rail services may not be able to stop at Exhibition or Convention stations due to crowding. Passengers are encouraged to board/alight at Paddy’s Market or Central Station.
Ferry
Catch a ferry to Barangaroo Wharf or Pyrmont Bay Wharf to get within a short distance to the Darling Harbour precinct.
If you alight at Barangaroo Wharf, you will be close to Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, Wildlife Sydney Zoo, Cockle Bay, and King Street Wharf.
If you alight at Pyrmont Bay Wharf, you will be close to the Australian National Maritime Museum.
Be aware that viewing area space is limited on the Pyrmont side of Cockle Bay and may reach capacity quickly; visitors are encouraged to go to the city side via Barangaroo Wharf instead.
Bus
Limited bus routes 389 and 501 run to nearby Pyrmont and Ultimo stopping on Harris St, a short walk from the Darling Harbour precinct.
Getting home from the Drone Shows
Following each drone show, pedestrian volumes will be extremely high. Please follow directions from event staff and allow extra time for your journey home.
Light rail platforms at Convention and Exhibition Centre stops will reach capacity quickly. Visitors should use the Pyrmont Bay or Paddy’s Markets Light Rail stops instead, or use Central Station, where there are additional transport modes and greater capacity available.
Laser Shows
The Vivid Sydney Laser Shows will take place over Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour, delivering a stunning display as part of the festival program.
Show Schedule
• Monday- Sunday (every night)
• Four (4) shows per hour, between 6pm-11pm.
• Each performance runs for approximately 7 minutes, followed by an 8 minute break.
On Sunday – Wednesday evenings, the Laser Show will not run during the Drone Show times. Laser Shows will recommence shortly after the Drone Shows conclude.
What to Expect
On Sunday to Wednesday, when the Drone Show is also scheduled, the Cockle Bay precinct will be very busy before, during and after each performance. High pedestrian volumes, crowd movement and limited viewing space should be anticipated.
Planning Your Visit
To support a safe and comfortable experience, Vivid Sydney strongly recommends:
• Planning your journey in advance
• Allowing extra travel time due to road closures and pedestrian management
• Checking public transport service updates prior to arrival
• Identifying accessible drop-off points ahead of time
Visitors who may find large crowds overwhelming and are not interested in the drone shows, are encouraged to consider attending the Laser Shows on a Thursday or Friday night.
Arriving by Car
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 point or see Vivid Sydney from your car. Leave your car at home and catch public transport instead.
Car Parks
Some car parks will be closed during Vivid Sydney until the NSW Police Force reopens all roads. It is an offense 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.
You can browse through the full list of operating carparks during Vivid Sydney.
Road Closures
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 Live Traffic NSW website or app, or follow @LiveTrafficSyd on X and Live Traffic NSW Facebook.
You can download the road closures and special event clearways map for Vivid Sydney closer to the festival.
Street Parking Restrictions
Special event clearway parking restrictions will be in effect from 3pm each evening from Friday 22 May to Saturday 13 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.
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.
Please read the information below if you plan to travel by taxi or rideshare.
| Accessible Pick Up / Drop off Locations: | Monday to Thursday | Fridays, Sundays, and Monday 8 June | Saturdays and Sunday 7 June |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hickson Road at Wharf 4/5, Walsh Bay | Open | Open | Open |
| Hickson Road at Pier 1 Hotel, Walsh Bay | Open | Open | Open |
| George Street at Lower Fort Street, The Rocks | Open | Open | Open |
| Loftus Street between Reiby Place & Custom House Lane, Circular Quay | Open | Open | Closed |
| Circular Quay East (corner of Alfred St & Phillip St) | Open | Closed | Closed |
| Phillip Street south of Albert Street | Closed | Open | Open |
| Sydney Opera House - Security gatehouse at the northern end of Macquarie Street | Open | Open | Open |
| Watermans Quay, Barangaroo | Open | Open | Open |
| Zollner Circuit east of Darling Drive, Darling Harbour | Open | Open | Open |
| Railway Colonnade Drive, Central Station | Open | Open | Open |
| Taxi Rank Locations: | Monday to Thursday | Fridays, Sundays, and Monday 8 June | Saturdays and Sunday 7 June |
|---|---|---|---|
| George St between Argyle St and Playfair St – western side | Road closed | Road closed | Road closed |
| George St between Lower Fort St and Playfair St – eastern side | Road closed | Road closed | Road closed |
| Pitt St between Alfred St and Bridge St – western side | Open | Road closed | Road closed |
| Phillip St between Alfred St and Bridge St – eastern side | Open | Road closed | Road closed |
| Bridge St between George St and Pitt St – northern side | Open | Open | Road closed |
| Bridge St between George St and Pitt St – southern side | Open | Open | Road closed |
| Macquarie Street between Albert Street and the Sydney Opera House – eastern side | Open | Open | Open |
| Argyle Street between Lower Fort Street and Harrington Street | Road closed | Road closed | Road closed |
| Carrington Street, near Wynyard Park – eastern side | Open | Open | Open |
| Railway Colonnade Drive, Central Station – eastern side | Open | Open | Open |
| Harrington Street between Four Seasons and the Cahill Expressway overpass –eastern side | N/A | Open | Open |
Riding
Some road closures will affect cyclists during the festival.
Bicycles (including share bikes, e-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. It is essential that bicycle users follow the direction of event signage and safety staff on the footprint to ensure the safety of all pedestrians.
Pitt St – Cyclists are not permitted to ride on the road north of Bridge St
Pyrmont Bridge – crowds are likely to be heavy on and around Pyrmont Bridge, particularly on Drone Show nights. Please dismount and follow staff directions.
E-Bikes
Vivid Sydney welcomes visitors travelling by e-bike. To support a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, designated geo-fenced zones will operate across key festival precincts.
In high-pedestrian areas, geo-fencing may automatically reduce riding speeds and restrict parking to approved locations. Some areas may be designated as no-ride or no-parking zones during peak times. Please follow instructions within your provider’s app and any on-ground signage.
Parking & Authorised Areas
E-bikes must only be left in these authorised zones to maintain safe pedestrian flow, emergency access and clear, accessible pathways for people with disability and mobility aids.
Please do not leave e-bikes in non-authorised areas, including footpaths, building entrances, transport hubs, accessible viewing areas or emergency access points.
Authorised Zones
Zone 1
- Alfred St near the bus terminal
- Loftus St near McDonalds
Zone 2
- Barangaroo Metro - TBC
- Towns Place Wharf - TBC
Zone 3
- Pyrmont Bridge West
- Cnr King & Lime Street
- Iron Wharf Place
- Moriarty Walk
- Bathurst St (behind W Hotel)
- Darling Drive North
- Darling Quarter South
On water
Various charter vessels will be undertaking harbour cruises during Vivid Sydney 2026. 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 – available closer to the event.
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.
There will be temporary waterway & wharf restrictions in Darling Harbour on the evenings when the Star Bound drone shows are scheduled. These restrictions will be necessary to ensure safety of navigation and vessels during the performances.
Please check Transport for NSW for more information.
Sydney Cove Wharf Restrictions
To support safe pedestrian movement in Sydney Cove, the following wharves will be closed to commercial vessels and water taxis.
| Wharf | Fridays, Saturdays & Sunday 7 June | Sunday to Wednesday nights |
|---|---|---|
| Harbourmaster Steps | Closed | Closed |
| Commissioners Steps | Closed | Closed |
| Campbells Cove | 5.45pm to 11.00pm* | Open for bookings |
| Eastern Pontoon | 5.45pm to 11.00pm* | Open for bookings |
| King Street Wharves 3,6,7,8,9 | Open for bookings | Closed: 7.15-8pm & 9.15pm-10pm |
| Aquarium | Open for bookings | Closed: 7.15-8pm & 9.15pm-10pm |
| Pier 26 | Open for bookings | Closed: 7.15-8pm & 9.15pm-10pm |
*Water Taxis are permitted to pick up during these times
For further information on navigating at night and navigation lights, please visit the NSW Government’s guide to navigation marks, lights and sounds.
Weather and Event Cancellations
The Vivid Light Walk is an outdoor experience, so be prepared for all weather conditions by bringing a raincoat, umbrella, or spray jacket. In the event of severe weather, check Vivid Sydney’s social media channels for real-time updates on any event cancellations or changes.
Facebook
Instagram
X
Live Updates
Follow @TrainsInfo, @SydneyMetro, @BusesInfo, and @FerriesInfo on X (formerly Twitter) for real-time service information or use a real-time transport app such as the Opal Travel App to track your service.
From early May, you can visit TransportNSW.info for more details on all the extra services and to plan your trip to Vivid Sydney.
For real-time updates on traffic conditions and road closures during New Year’s Eve, visit Live Traffic NSW website or app, or follow @LiveTrafficSyd on X and Live Traffic NSW Facebook.
Contact Us
For more information on access and inclusion, you can contact our Accessibility Helpline on 0429 897 028 or by email vivid.access@dnsw.com.au.
