 |
|
|
|
|
|
Lonely Planet Travel GuidesRydges and Lonely Planet guides for travellers |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transport
Information brought to you by Lonely Planet
Most visitors to Sydney arrive at Sydney Airport (formerly known as Kingsford Smith) about 10km (6mi) south of the city centre. Airfares to Australia are expensive - it's a long way from anywhere and flights are often heavily booked. On the upside, you can get to Australia from just about anywhere. Australia's domestic airlines offer discount flight passes which can be used once you're in the country - if you've only got a short time here, it's worth flying, because Australia's a mighty big place. Airport Link trains run from city train stations to domestic and international terminals. Airport Express buses run to Central Station, Circular Quay and Kings Cross; the Kingsford Smith Transport/Airporter runs between the airport and central city hotels and the Manly Airport Bus goes to, you guessed it, Manly.
All the major bus lines run services to and from Sydney. Most lines offer discounts for students, and Greyhound Pioneer/McCafferty's has a good bus pass deal. There are also a number of specialised bus tours running out of Sydney.
Interstate and regional trains run from Central station, and will take you to most other capitals, as well as cities and towns throughout NSW. Major roads from Sydney go north to Newcastle, west to the Blue Mountains, south to Melbourne and Canberra and down the south coast to Wollongong.
There are some gaps in the train network, notably the coast on the south shore and all of the north shore east of the Harbour Bridge. Heading west, the rail network is extensive. Sydney's underground city centre train loop is the fastest way of getting around, but not exactly the most scenic.
The bus network is extensive, but can be slow. There are plenty of fare deals and several hop-on, hop-off buses specifically designed for visitors who hate walking or for those who have no sense of direction.
The most pleasant way to get around is by ferry; a trip on the Manly ferry is the best way to experience the harbour if you can't charm someone into taking you sailing.
The monorail is an elevated toy train that shuttles between the city and Darling Harbour. Sydneysiders either love its sub-Bladerunner futurism or think it's a godawful eyesore, depending on their aesthetic bent.
Confusing one-way streets and hellish parking make driving a nightmare in central Sydney - take a taxi instead. They're plentiful and easily flagged down.
The buses and ferries of Sydney offer some of the cheapest and most rewarding sightseeing in Australia. A ferry trip to Manly passes the stunning harbour sites and heads onto the ocean past Sydney's famous North Shore beaches and a bus trip to Vaucluse offers some of the best views of the harbour and surrounds. The public transport in Sydney is an integrated system and one ticket can get you travelling by bus, ferry or train to almost any part of the city.
Sydney's major airport is Kingsford Smith, 10km (6mi) south of the city centre. The international and domestic terminals are a 4km (2.5mi), bus or train ride apart. Getting to the city from Kingsford Smith (or vice versa) is easiest by train or car. To confirm arrival/departure times call airlines directly or log on to the airport website's 'Flight Finder'. Interstate and regional bus travellers arrive at Sydney Coach Terminal outside Central Station. Major bus companies have offices nearby. Luggage lockers are available at Bay 14. Sydney's main rail terminus for Countrylink interstate and regional services is Central Station (13 22 32). Call for information, arrival/departure times and bookings. Luggage lockers are available.
© 2007 Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.
We and our content providers ('we') have tried to make the information on this website as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety, customs, and transportations) with the relevant authorities before you travel.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
join today : login
