Trains are free on Monday – here are 10 of the best train journeys in Sydney

Trains and Metro lines will be fare-free on Monday, so climb aboard some of the best train journeys in Sydney to make the most of the day.

Sydney’s trains were thrown into disarray on Tuesday when a live wire came down onto the roof of a train. You might’ve been caught in the chaos. Well, good news! NSW Premier Chris Minns has announced all fares will be waived across Sydney Trains and Metro services next Monday, May 26. We might not get those four hours it took to get into work on Wednesday back, but it does offer a bit of compensation.

“In no way is that going to make up for the disruption of the last 24 hours but hopefully it can go some way to alleviate the financial burden families have had to deal with over the last day,” Minns told 2GB.

To make the most of fare-free Monday, climb aboard one of the city’s fantastic train journeys, whether you’re looking for harbour views or want to head further afield to explore corners of Sydney that you wouldn’t usually travel to.

Sydney’s top 10 train journeys

1. T4 Line: Harbour Views & Coastal Charm

Central → Bondi Junction

Route: Take the train east to Bondi Junction, where you can easily travel to the famous Bondi Beach, or further south to Coogee, Clovelly and other Eastern Suburb beach spots. Alight at Edgecliffe and you’ll find Double Bay and Seven Shillings Beach.

2. T1 Line: Historic & Cultural Exploration

Central → Hornsby → Berowra

Route: Take the train north of the bridge to Hornsby and Berowra to find green, leafy landscapes and National Parks that are fantastic places for picnics and biking trails for various experience levels.

3. T9 Line: Northern Suburbs Discovery

Hornsby → Central → North Sydney → Chatswood → Gordon

Route: If you complete the full line, you’ll cross the Harbour twice, once between Meadowbank and Rhodes, and again from Wynyard to Milsons Point. Start with brekkie in North Sydney before taking the train to Hornsby to access the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

4. T3 Line: Western Wonders

Liverpool/Lidcombe→ Central → Circular Quay → St James → Museum

Route: Make sure you arrive in Cabramatta with an appetite as its one of Australia’s largest Vietnamese communities, with laneways and arcades filled with shops, stalls and restaurants selling fabrics, pho, banh mi and traditional Vietnamese desserts. Stop at Marrickville to spend a day at the breweries, or stay in the city and ride the T3 Line from St James to Circular Quay. You’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the harbour, the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

5. T2 Line: Inner West Adventure

Leppington/Parramatta → Newtown → Central → Circular Quay → Museum

Route: Lidcombe is a key interchange and gateway to Rookwood Cemetery, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere and a great place for a peaceful walk with a touch of history. Auburn Botanic Gardens are also a short bus ride away. Head to Strathfield Plaza and its surrounding streets for Korean BBQ and bubble tea, or go to Burwood for fantastic Chinese food. Explore the eclectic mix of cafes and shops in Newtown, or visit the historic Ashfield Park too.

6. T4 Line: South Coast Escape

Central → Sutherland → Cronulla/Waterfall

If you’ve already had your fix of the eastern suburbs, take the T4 Line south towards Cronulla and Sydney’s southernmost suburb, Waterfall. Cronulla is a coastal jewel with stunning foreshore parks and secluded swimming spots, as well as cosmopolitan cafes, bars and relaxed waterfront dining. Waterfall, on the other hand, is one of the gateways to the Royal National Park, Australia’s oldest national park where you’ll find beaches and rainforest, all explorable along beautiful walking tracks.

7. T1 Line: Blue Mountains Adventure

Central → Katoomba → Leura → Wentworth Falls

Travel out to Western Sydney to explore as far as Richmond — where the scenic Bells Line of Road drive begins — the real heart of Sydney at Parramatta, or Penrith and beyond to access the Blue Mountains. Visit the iconic Three Sisters at Echo Point, and enjoy the scenic walks around Leura and Wentworth Falls.

If the autumn showers make a comeback on Monday, take the train to Homebush and go to the huge DFO outlet shopping centre, where visitors who live more than 50km away can access exclusive offers.

8. T1 Line: Northern Beaches Discovery

Central → Wynyard → Circular Quay → Manly

Pick up a coffee and pastry or a bit of brekkie from Single O Surry Hills before catching the train to Circular Quay. Soak up the views of the harbour from the platform before heading down to the wharf to hop aboard a ferry to Manly, where you can enjoy the beachside cafes and explore the coastal walks along the Northern Beaches.

9. T8 Line: Southwest Suburbs Exploration

Central → Redfern → Sydenham → Bankstown → Liverpool

Redfern is home to Carriageworks, The Block & Aboriginal murals and lots of top-quality brunch and coffee spots. After exploring the area, hop back on the train to Sydenham for Sydenham Green sculpture park or the Lebanese, Vietnamese, Chinese and Afghan cuisine and Arts Centre in Bankstown. Liverpool is becoming Western Sydney’s second CBD; Westfield and Eat Street are two great reasons to visit, as well as the Bigge Park & Memorial Walk.

10. M1 Line: City & Southwest Metro Experience

Tallawong → Rouse Hill → Castle Hill → Barangaroo

Sydney’s newest, most modern line opened in August 2024. Tallawong, at the end of the line, is a residential suburb but the next stop at Rouse Hill is great for families, with lots of shopping and dining spots as well as Rouse Hill Regional Park for some fresh air. At Castle Hill, take a walk around Coolong Reserve and Castle Hill Heritage Park before you head to Hillside Hotel and dining precinct for something to eat. Other noteworthy stops include Cherrybrook, for good local cafes, and Epping or Chatswood for Asian cuisine. Your final stop at Barangaroo brings you to the jewel of the M1 journey. The precinct is built on reclaimed waterfront space, offering sweeping views of Sydney Harbour and the brand-new Barangaroo Pavilion, which is constructed from recycled oyster shells.

Tips for Your Rail Adventures

Start Early: To make the most of your day, begin your journeys early in the morning.
Pack Light: Bring essentials like water, snacks, and a portable charger.
Check Timetables: If we learnt anything earlier this week, it’s to check before you travel. Use the Transport for NSW Journey Planner to plan your trips and check for any service updates.
Stay Safe: Adhere to all safety guidelines and be mindful of your belongings during your travels.