Sydney Central Station
Sydney's historic and bustling transport hub, a grand architectural landmark connecting the city and beyond.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer commuters, more relaxed
Sydney Central Station
Best Time
Fewer commuters, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Sydney's historic and bustling transport hub, a grand architectural landmark connecting the city and beyond.
"Smart and eye-catching following the recent upgrade, yet at the expense of seating in the main concourse."
🗺️ Map Your Route
Use station maps to navigate platforms easily. Signs are everywhere, but it's a big place!
🚊 Light Rail Access
Follow signs for easy access to the light rail right outside the station.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Grand Concourse
Main Concourse
Admire the stunning architecture of this historic building, a gateway to Sydney.
Transport Heritage Expo
Various Platforms
Explore vintage trains and enjoy free rides on heritage buses during special events.
Haymarket Connection
Adjacent to Station
Step directly into the vibrant cultural heart of Sydney's Chinatown, Thaitown, and Koreatown.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigate the Hub
Beyond the Commute
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ Map Your Route
Use station maps to navigate platforms easily. Signs are everywhere, but it's a big place!
🚊 Light Rail Access
Follow signs for easy access to the light rail right outside the station.
⏰ Check Train Timings
Especially on Sundays, first train departures can be later than usual.
🎨 Admire the Art
Look for the 'racetrack' art piece by Rose Nolan in the North-South concourse.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Map Your Route
Use station maps to navigate platforms easily. Signs are everywhere, but it's a big place!
🚊 Light Rail Access
Follow signs for easy access to the light rail right outside the station.
⏰ Check Train Timings
Especially on Sundays, first train departures can be later than usual.
🎨 Admire the Art
Look for the 'racetrack' art piece by Rose Nolan in the North-South concourse.
🛍️ Explore Haymarket
Walk to nearby Haymarket for diverse Asian cuisine and shopping.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sydney Central Station is praised for its impressive architecture, convenient transport links, and easy navigation with clear signage. It's a vital hub for commuters and visitors alike, offering access to the vibrant Haymarket district. Some recent upgrades have led to fewer seating and refreshment options in the main concourse, and the station also serves as a public space for some homeless individuals.
"Nicely structured with information of routes on display for trains and metro, signs everywhere for easy navigation between platforms through escalators and lifts. You can access the light rail right outside the station, follow the signs. All the new upgrades of the premises are pretty amazing. There are ample toilets available too. If you are new i would recommend checking your route information on maps where you can also find information about platforms and train timing as there are many platforms and it might take a few minutes to get you across the platforms. Hope you enjoy your ride. Cheers."
Arpita Rao
"Sydney Central Station is not just a train station and transportation hub. As a building with distinctive architecture that has undergone renovation here and there, it is a comfortable and 'permanent' home for a number of homeless people. In the past, this Train Station only served commuters and XPT. Now the Light Rail Transit (LRT) is also here."
Taufik WIDJAJA
"So convenient to travel from city central to Sydney International & Domestic airport. Careful with the first train on Sunday due to late departure than normal day."
Tan Minh Nguyen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sydney Central Station is a major hub accessible by numerous train lines, buses, and the light rail. It's a central point for many public transport routes across Sydney. If you're coming from further afield, it's a common destination for intercity trains like the XPT.
Yes, you can easily access the light rail network directly from Sydney Central Station. Follow the clear signage within the station to find the light rail stops.
The station is well-signed with escalators and lifts to help you move between platforms. However, due to its size, it's recommended to check route information on maps to find your platform and train timing efficiently.
Central Station is very convenient for travel to Sydney International and Domestic airports. You can catch direct trains or other public transport options that connect to airport services.
While Central Station is primarily a public transport hub, parking options are available in the surrounding Haymarket area. However, for commuters, using public transport like the train or tram is often more convenient and cost-effective.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Sydney Central Station is a public space, and you do not need a ticket to enter the main concourse or access general areas. Tickets are required for train travel and are typically purchased at ticket machines, ticket offices, or via Opal card/app.
Sydney Central Station operates 24/7 for train services, though specific platform access and ticket facilities may have varying hours. It's always best to check the latest timetable for your specific train service.
Yes, Sydney Central Station occasionally hosts events like the Transport Heritage Expo, featuring vintage trains and buses. Keep an eye on local event listings for announcements. 
Travel costs vary depending on your destination and the type of service (train, light rail). You can check fares on the Transport for NSW website or use a journey planner app. Opal cards or contactless payment are common methods.
Yes, ticket machines and ticket offices are available at Sydney Central Station for purchasing train and intercity tickets. For light rail and local buses, Opal cards or contactless payment are generally used.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
Beyond its function as a transport hub, Central Station boasts impressive architecture, especially in the Grand Concourse. It also features art installations and is a gateway to the vibrant Haymarket district.
While recent upgrades have reduced seating in the main concourse, there are still places to get refreshments. The adjacent Haymarket area offers a vast array of dining options.
The station is equipped with escalators and lifts to assist with accessibility between platforms. Information regarding specific accessibility features can be found on the Transport for NSW website.
Railway Square is an area near Central Station that has historically been a central hub for commutes and daily routines. While not always the most picturesque, it holds significance as a part of the city's everyday life.
While primarily a transport hub, the proximity to Haymarket means you're steps away from unique shops selling Asian goods, streetwear, and more. Some smaller retail outlets may also be found within the station complex. +2
📸 📸 Photography
The Grand Concourse offers stunning architectural shots. The exterior and surrounding areas, especially with the light rail, also provide interesting photographic opportunities.
Generally, personal photography is permitted within Sydney Central Station for non-commercial purposes. However, be mindful of other passengers and avoid obstructing pathways.
Yes, drone usage is heavily regulated in urban areas like Sydney, especially around transport hubs. Always check the latest CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) regulations before flying a drone.
Street photography capturing the bustling atmosphere, architectural photography of the station's historic features, and urban exploration shots are popular.
Yes, you can photograph the trains. During events like the Transport Heritage Expo, there are even opportunities to get up close and personal with vintage rolling stock.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Keep an eye out for announcements for this event. The station's sheer size and the constant movement of trains can be captivating for young minds. Remember to keep a close watch on children, especially during busy periods, and utilize the station's maps and signage to navigate easily. 🚶 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Look for interesting angles and light play. The surrounding areas, including the light rail and the vibrant streets of Haymarket, provide dynamic urban scenes. +1 Remember to be respectful of other travelers and avoid obstructing pathways. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Significance
+1Look out for the 'racetrack' art piece by Rose Nolan in the North-South concourse, which thoughtfully reflects on the station's built heritage. The building's sheer scale and intricate details make it a fascinating subject for photography and a testament to early 20th-century engineering and design.
While the station is a hub for commuters, its distinctive architecture and historical importance make it a point of interest for visitors exploring Sydney's urban landscape. It serves as a constant reminder of the city's growth and its connection to the wider state.
Gateway to Haymarket
Here, you can immerse yourself in a world of diverse Asian cuisine, from authentic street food to fine dining. The area is also a shopper's paradise, offering everything from fashion boutiques and discount stores to specialty Asian groceries and unique souvenirs.
Haymarket is known for its bustling night markets and lively entertainment, making it a sensory delight. Whether you're looking for a quick bite, a unique shopping experience, or a taste of Sydney's multicultural heart, Haymarket, easily accessible from Central Station, has something for everyone.
Community and Commuting
Beyond its commuter function, the station has also become a significant public space, providing shelter and a sense of place for some of Sydney's homeless population. This aspect highlights the station's role as a complex urban environment that accommodates diverse community needs.
Recent upgrades have aimed to modernize the station's facilities, though some reviews note a reduction in seating and refreshment areas in the main concourse. Despite these changes, the station continues to be a central point for both daily journeys and as a landmark within the city.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit