Australia
Sydney Ferries
The iconic ferries of Sydney Harbour
Est. 1861Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Photo: David Iliff (Diliff) / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)- 8
- Routes
- 5
- Ports
- 29m
- Avg crossing
- 30
- Vessels
- 1861
- Founded
Sydney Ferries is the iconic ferries of Sydney Harbour, founded in 1861 and based in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It operates 8 ferry routes serving 5 ports. Across its network, crossings average about 29m.
Timetables
Which routes does Sydney Ferries operate?
8 routes with live schedules.
| Route | Crossing | Sailings | Operators | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Circular Quay → Taronga Zoo | 12m | — | 1 | Australia |
| Taronga Zoo → Circular Quay | 12m | — | 1 | Australia |
| Circular Quay → Manly | 18m | — | 2 | Australia |
| Manly → Circular Quay | 18m | — | 2 | Australia |
| Circular Quay → Watsons Bay | 25m | — | 1 | Australia |
| Watsons Bay → Circular Quay | 25m | — | 1 | Australia |
| Circular Quay → Parramatta | 1h | — | 1 | Australia |
| Parramatta → Circular Quay | 1h | — | 1 | Australia |
Circular Quay4 routes
Manly1 route
Parramatta1 route
Taronga Zoo1 route
Watsons Bay1 route
Network
Where does Sydney Ferries sail?
Sydney Ferries sails to 5 ports.
Experience
Onboard & services
- Harbour ferries & catamarans
- Opal card fares
- Fare caps
- Interchange with train & light rail
- One of the world's oldest and busiest urban ferry networks
- Public service of Transport for NSW, run by Transdev Sydney Ferries
- Ten routes (F1–F10) radiating from Circular Quay
- The iconic F1 Manly run on big Freshwater-class ferries
- Over 15 million passenger journeys a year, integrated with Opal
About
About Sydney Ferries
Sydney Ferries is the iconic ferry network of Sydney Harbour, one of the world's oldest and busiest urban ferry systems, carrying more than 15 million passenger journeys a year. It is a public service of the New South Wales Government under Transport for NSW, operated under contract by Transdev Sydney Ferries; harbour ferry services trace back to the 1860s.
Ten routes from Circular Quay
Ten numbered routes (F1–F10) radiate from the Circular Quay hub beneath the Harbour Bridge and Opera House — the celebrated F1 to Manly across the heads, plus Taronga Zoo, the Parramatta River, Watsons Bay, Cockatoo Island and the harbour's bays. It all interchanges with Sydney's trains, light rail and buses.
Fleet and fares
The fleet spans several classes — the large, much-loved Freshwater-class Manly ferries and the newer Emerald-, River-, Parramatta- and First Fleet-class vessels. Travel is on the Opal card, with distance-based fares in Australian dollars and daily and weekly caps; the Manly Fast Ferry is a separate private service.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When was Sydney Ferries founded?
Sydney Ferries was founded in 1861, and is headquartered in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Where does Sydney Ferries sail?
Sydney Ferries operates 8 ferry routes and serves 5 ports in Australia, including Circular Quay, Manly, Parramatta, Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay.
What facilities are available on Sydney Ferries ferries?
Sydney Ferries ferries typically offer Harbour ferries & catamarans, Opal card fares, Fare caps, Interchange with train & light rail. Facilities vary by vessel and route — check the specific sailing for details.
How early should I arrive for a Sydney Ferries ferry?
Arrive at the terminal at least 30–60 minutes before a Sydney Ferries departure as a foot passenger, and allow longer with a vehicle. Boarding and check-in times vary by port and route — confirm with Sydney Ferries.
How do I find Sydney Ferries ferry times?
Browse the live timetables for every Sydney Ferries route on this page. Schedules are updated as the operator publishes them — always confirm with Sydney Ferries before travelling, as sailings change seasonally.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub.
Contact & booking
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