Sydney City
Manly to Sydney City
By far the easiest and most pleasant journey into Sydney City is on the Manly Ferry. However, if you're leaving after 12:55am or 12.20 on a Sunday (the last ferries) you will need to catch the 151 Bus or get a taxi.
Sydney City to Manly
Again, the Manly Ferry is the easiest and most pleasant way to get to Manly from the City. However, if you’re up for a big night, the journey home can be slightly less romantic. The last ferry departs to Manly at 12:20am (11:45pm on Sundays) and is replaced by the 151 Bus.
Airport (International or Domestic Terminals)
Airport to Manly
The first thing to sort out is what time you will be arriving in Sydney. Public transport is the cheapest option if you’re on your own and gives you a nice introduction to Sydney. However if you’re leaving the airport after 11:00pm, you are better to catch a taxi or shuttle bus as most public transport to Manly has finished and it isn’t worth the hassle.
To get to Manly using Public Transport:
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Follow the signs down to the trains from the airport terminal and purchase a ticket from the ticket office to Circular Quay Station. Make your way further underground to the ‘City’ Platform and jump on the next available train (they all go to Circular Quay). The train ride takes about 20 minutes.
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On arrival at Circular Quay Station make your way down the stairs and out towards the ocean side of the station. Note the Harbour Bridge and Opera House in the distance. Make your way to Wharf 3, and buy a ticket for the Manly Ferry. The journey through Sydney harbour takes about 30mins and lands you at the Manly Wharf, in the heart of Manly.
Manly to Sydney Airport
Getting to the airport from Manly is a breeze, as long as your flight isn’t too early. You need to allow around 1 ½ hours to get from Manly Wharf to either the Domestic or International Terminal.
The journey can be divided into three basic steps:
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Catch the Manly Ferry into Sydney City. Make sure you check what time the first ferry is. If it isn’t early enough, you may need to catch a taxi or shuttle bus.
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Walk from the Wharf to Circular Quay Train Station and purchase a ticket to either the International or Domestic Terminal from the counter. Allow 5 minutes.
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Walk upstairs to the train platform number 2, following the (aeroplane) signs. Watch the TV’s on the platform and look for a train with an (aeroplane) sign next to it. Any train with one of these signs will go to both Domestic and International Terminals. The trains depart approximately every 15 minutes. Allow 30 minutes for the journey.
Manly Ferry and Fast Ferry Services
The Manly Ferry takes approximately 30mins each way, or 15 minutes via one of the two Fast Ferry services. However the Fast Ferry Services only operates on peak hour schedules generally and are more expensive - their timetables also change quite frequently - best to check their websites(www.sydneyfastferries.com.au & www.manlyfastferry.com.au) or get a timetable at the terminal.
If you’re planning on traveling a lot around Sydney, its well worth purchasing a Travel Pass. If you’re only going to catch the ferry, with the odd train or bus trip, a Ferry 10 is a good idea. Otherwise, you can purchase single tickets each time you travel.
Concession prices are for children under 16 years of age, beneficiaries, school students, tertiary students, apprentices, trainees, vision impaired and welfare recipients. You must be carrying a valid concession card with you at all times when travelling using a concession ticket.
Table of Ferry Prices (July 2011)
| Ticket Type |
Adult |
Concession |
| Manly Ferry Single |
$ 6.60 |
$ 3.30 |
| Manly Ferry 10-pass |
$ 52.80 |
$ 26.40 |
| Manly Fast Ferry |
$ 8.50 |
No Concession |
| Sydney Fast Ferries |
$ 9.00 |
No Concession |
> Click here for Manly Ferry Timetables.
151 Bus
The night owls amongst us will know the 151 well. It’s the bus that replaces the Manly Ferry during night hours. It does run right through the night - but it is prepaid and you need to get your ticket prior to boarding!
Sydney City to Manly (Mona Vale)
The bus departs from Stand D at either Town Hall or Wynyard Bus Stands and costs around $5 one way. The journey takes between 30 minutes and 1 ¼ hours depending on how busy it is.
From Manly to Sydney City
Catch it from the bus stand on Belgrave Street, Manly.
See www.131500.com.au for timetable details.
Taxi
Taxis are by far the most convenient and readily available form of transportation in Sydney. However, like anything, you pay for this luxury.
Here’s a rough guide on how much a basic trip is going to cost. Remember, these prices are traffic dependant. Travel in peak hour and the cost and time is likely to be multiplied by up to two.
| Journey |
Est. Price |
| Domestic Airport to Manly Wharf |
$ 50 - $ 70 |
| International Airport to Manly Wharf |
$ 55 - $ 75 |
| Sydney City to Manly Wharf |
$ 30 - $ 50 |