Looking for the best way to visit the Blue Mountains from Sydney? This complete guide shows you exactly how to plan an amazing day trip by train, with detailed itineraries tested by locals. Here’s why taking the train is often the smartest choice:
- Save up to 70% compared to organised tours
- Skip the stressful mountain driving and expensive parking fees
- Frequent trains run every hour from 6am to 10pm
- Enjoy panoramic valley views from the comfort of your seat
- Travel sustainably while avoiding traffic congestion
Whether you want to see the iconic Three Sisters, ride the world’s steepest railway at Scenic World, or discover hidden waterfalls on secluded bush walks, our step-by-step guide makes it easy to plan your perfect Blue Mountains day trip. We’ve included insider tips, exact costs, and two tested itineraries to help you make the most of your time.
Update: This itinerary was update on 6 August 2025
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How to Plan a One Day Blue Mountains trip by train
Here are two tried-and-tested ways to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Blue Mountains by combining the Sydney train service with the Hop on hop off Explorer Bus:
- Visiting Scenic World and using the HOHO bus to see the main sites.
- Skipping Scenic World for more bushwalking time.
Let’s start with our tips for taking the train to the mountains.
Catching the train to the Blue Mountains from Sydney
All Blue Mountains trains depart from Central Station’s main concourse, typically from platforms 5-12.
Take a seat upstairs on the left for the best views once you reach the lower mountains.
The two-hour journey becomes scenic after Penrith – until then, bring something to read or rest your eyes.
How much does a train ticket to the Blue Mountains cost?
Train fares vary based on when you travel:
- If you catch the train before 6:30am or after 10am, it’s $7.46 one way; during peak times, it’s $10.66. The return peak is between 3pm and 7pm.
- Weekend travel (Friday to Sunday) has a daily Opal cap of $9.65. Note that these lower weekend fares mean busier trains, particularly on the 8am service up and 5pm return.
If you’re unfamiliar with the Opal system, read our 101 Guide to using Opal in Sydney first.
What time should you take the train to the mountains?
Early morning trains help you avoid the crowds and make the most of your day. Here are the key morning services:
Trains to Katoomba*:
| Central Station | Katoomba Station |
|---|---|
| 6:25am | 8:25am |
| 6:53am | 8:54am |
| 7:25am | 9:25am |
| 8:25am | 10:24am |
The 6:25am or 6:53am services are ideal – you’ll arrive in time for coffee and be ready for the first Explorer Bus or Scenic World opening.
If you prefer to drive, check out our Blue Mountains self-drive itineraries.
If you are on a tight budget, you might like our guide to exploring the mountains using the public bus system, we think the HOHO bus is worth it!
Itinerary 1 – with Scenic World & HOHO Bus
A day of short bushwalks and lots of photo opportunities
This route covers the Blue Mountains’ essential sights: the Three Sisters at Echo Point, Scenic World’s famous rides, and the charming village of Leura. Perfect if you prefer gentle walks or want to see the highlights without extensive planning.
The Explorer Bus gives you flexibility that’s especially helpful for families – stop when you want, rest when needed, and move at your own pace.
Save time by purchasing the Lyrebird Pass before you arrive. This combined ticket includes both the Explorer Bus and Scenic World entry, letting you skip the queues in Katoomba.
If you plan to visit Scenic World, ticket lines can be long. Having a ticket means you can get to the rides before the crowds.
If you’re not visiting Scenic World, buy the standard HOHO pass.
Related: Check out our guide to Fifty+ Things to Do in the Blue Mountains
Planning your stops on the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus
Arrive early? The Explorer Bus office at Katoomba Station opens at 8:45am weekdays (8:15am weekends) where you can collect your guidebook – perfect for planning your day over coffee. Online ticket holders can simply show their voucher to any driver to get their guidebook.
9:15am – Join the bus on Katoomba Street, opposite the Carrington Hotel (Stop 1)
First bus departs Katoomba at 9:15am, reaching Echo Point by 9:25am – ideal timing to beat the tour groups.
Planning to visit Scenic World? Take the 9:45am bus to arrive by 10am, before the large tour groups appear at 10:30am. This timing helps you avoid the longest queues.
Arriving later? Consider saving Scenic World for mid-afternoon when crowds thin out. Early birds can explore the street art at Beverly Place (stop 2) before their first bus.
10am – Arrive at Scenic World East Station, show your pass and walk in. (Stop 7). Ride the Skyway to Scenic World main entry.
How long should you spend at Scenic World?
Allow about an hour to experience all three Scenic World attractions. Here’s the most efficient way to see everything:
Ride the Scenic Skyway first.
From Eastern Station, take a quick look at Three Sisters before joining the Skyway queue – morning lines move quickly from here.
The Skyway glides 270m across the valley with 360-degree views. For the best photos of Katoomba Falls, position yourself by the back window or right-hand side.
Morning light is perfect for valley views and Three Sisters photos from the glass-bottom cabin. This, combined with shorter queues, makes the Skyway an ideal first activity.
After crossing the valley, you can walk to the top of Katoomba Falls and return to the Skyway. Or, you can get off at stop 8 (the Eastern Skyway Station) and rejoin the Skyway after the walk.
Ride the Railway next
Head to the main station for the Scenic Railway, the world’s steepest passenger railway.
The railway ride to the valley floor is an attraction in itself. The bottom platform has fantastic views of the Three Sisters. The trip down is like a rollercoaster ride. If you’re scared of heights, you might prefer to ride up and take the cable car down and the railway up.
The Scenic Walkway
Connect between rides via the 2.4km Scenic Walkway, a wheelchair and pram-friendly boardwalk through the rainforest.
An optional 10-minute extension path branches off the main walkway (not wheelchair accessible). Since it offers similar views, feel free to skip it and follow signs to the cableway.
The Scenic Cableway will take you back up to the base station from the valley floor.
11.00am – Get back on the HOHO bus; if you miss it, there’s one every hour.
The next stop is NarrowNeck Lookout. The bus pauses briefly for photos at this spectacular viewpoint. Unless you’re planning a bushwalk, stay with the bus.
11:19am – Arrive at Katoomba Falls Tourist Park (Stop 14)
Here you’ll find one of the most rewarding walks in the mountains. Start at the main Katoomba Falls lookout before exploring the Cascades track. Pack a picnic – there are tables with valley views at the top of the cascades.
1:01pm – Catch the Explorer Bus from Stop 8 (Katoomba Cascades) for the journey to Leura Village.
1:27pm – Arrive at Leura Cascades (stop 18) for a picnic. If you haven’t brought lunch, stay on the bus to Leura Village.
Leura Mall offers excellent cafes and unique shops. Don’t miss Josophan’s handmade chocolates or the treasure trove at Teddy Sinclair (my weakness – you’ve been warned!).
Public bathrooms are off the main street near Woolworths supermarket.
Visit Bygone Beauty’s Treasured Teapot Museum to see the world’s largest private teapot collection – over 5,500 pieces. Their afternoon tea makes a perfect lunch stop.
Prefer nature to shopping? Hop off at stops 20 or 21 to explore Lyrebird Dell or the stunning Elysian & Olympian Lookouts instead.
3:35pm – Take the bus from Leura Station (stop 22) to Echo Point for sunset views of the Three Sisters.
3:55pm – Arrive at Echo Point (Stop 6)
The main viewing platform offers sweeping views across to Mount Solitary and the Three Sisters. For a closer look at the rock formation, take the short walk down to the bridge.
Follow the path through the stone archway by the visitor centre to reach Honeymoon Bridge, where you can step onto the first sister.
Before leaving, browse the visitor centre’s local crafts and guidebooks. You can walk back to Katoomba if you’re feeling energetic, or enjoy a drink with a view at the Lookout bar.
While in Katoomba, explore the impressive street art murals along Beverly Place.
4:57pm – Catch the bus back to Leura station (stop 23) to connect with a train to Sydney or Katoomba.
Return trains to Sydney:
- Weekdays: Depart hourly at 20 minutes past
- Weekends: Depart at 22 and 38 minutes past each hour
Want to catch sunset at the Three Sisters? Stay until after the last Explorer Bus (4:57pm), then catch a local bus back to the station using your Opal card or contactless payment.
For dinner before the 8:20pm train (arrives Sydney 10:21pm), try either:
- Miss Lillian in the grounds of Lilianfels Hotel
- Mountain Culture (2 blocks west) – craft beer and modern Australian
- The Bowery (off Beverly Place)
- The Bootlegger (opposite station) – great pub meals
Itinerary 2- The HOHO bus and lots of bushwalking
Perfect for keen walkers, this route maximises your time on the trails rather than in towns or tourist attractions. Essential: Bring water and trail snacks.
Planning which bushwalks to take
Important: Check current track conditions before your visit. As of August 2025, landslide damage has closed sections of Prince Henry Cliff Walk and Valley of the Waters.
We’ve featured three signature walks below, but your Explorer Bus guidebook contains many more options.
Planning your stops on the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus
9:15 am – First bus departs Stop 1 for Echo Point. Need picnic supplies? Visit Hominy Bakery or Aldi on Katoomba Street – catch the bus from the next stop to save backtracking.
9:27 am – Alight at Echo Point (Stop 7) and walk to the Three Sisters lookout for your first view of the Jamison Valley.
Visit the first sister via Honeymoon Bridge, then return to the carpark to start the Prince Henry Cliff Walk.
Prince Henry Cliff Walk (2.3km to Katoomba Cascades) is a moderate track with steps. Most people with basic fitness manage it comfortably.
There are lookouts all along the way, and you should be able to cover it in an hour.
12:19pm – Catch the Explorer Bus from stop 14 (Katoomba Falls Tourist Park) to Lyrebird Dell (stop 21).
12:33pm – Take the trail from Lyrebird Dell to Pool of Siloam, a more challenging but rewarding walk than this morning. You make your way through lush fern gullies, past waterfalls and an Aboriginal heritage site.
Alternative: For easier walking, alight at stop 20 for the gentle track to Elysian & Olympian Lookouts.
2:35pm – Head back to Stop 23 for the bus to Leura Village. End your walk with coffee and cake, or browse the village’s boutiques.
Return trains:
- From Leura: 4:24pm, then hourly until 10:30pm
- From Katoomba: 5 minutes earlier than Leura times
Tip: Your Explorer Bus guidebook details 16 additional walks. Staying overnight? Ask your driver about a free next-day pass extension.
If you need more suggestions, study the guidebook your driver will give you. It contains 16 more walks. If you are staying overnight, they will usually give you a free pass extension for the next day!
Related guides:
- Complete Guide to Blue Mountains Lookouts
- Best High Tea Experiences
- Easy Blue Mountains Walks Guide
- 50 Must-Do Blue Mountains Activities
- Where to Stay: Blue Mountains Accommodation Guide
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Excellent and comprehensive piece! Some of my fondest and early childhood memories are on the Skyway.
Helpful tips on the Blue Mountain and Scenic World. The waterfalls look beautiful.
Thank you for a very detailed guide for visiting the Blue Mountains. It brings me back memories of my visit there some time ago. I did most of what you have suggested but not all. As my daughter lives in Sidney maybe I will revisit someday. Thanks for sharing.
Very informative and love that it gives different detailed options. Thank you.
Thank you for this awesome info!
Glad it was helpful Dee 🙂
This is a great post and so helpful in planning my trip. Thank you! One quick question to clarify on the train tip. When you say take a seat on the left, do you mean the left when looking forward to the front of the train? Thanks!
Yes that is what we do Jess, the left when you board the train
Thanks for sharing.
Is there a way I can save this on my iphone?
You can usually save the webpage as a shortcut on your home screen? I am not an iPhone user so I am not sure of the exact instructions. You can also choose print and save as a PDF to your phone.
My husband and I will be in Sydney November 14-18, 2019 (soon!) We are from the States. We have never been to Sydney, so researching lots of stuff now. We will be on a cruise before our stay in Sydney. Anyway, if we choose option #1 or #2 should we reserve anything ahead of time via internet? Like bus tickets? Since we are doing a LOT of touring on foot for 3 weeks, do you think the first itinerary is best for us? We are in good shape, but in our 60s. Thanks for all this wonderful information!
Hi Linda
Sorry for the delay, I have been away with little internet access. You don’t need to purchase anything in advance. You can use your credit cards (a different one per person) instead of buying Opal cards now. The first time itinerary would be good. I also suggest checking out Sydney Greeters and also our self-guided bus tours and our walking tours.
Hi,
thank u for this informative article 🙂
could u plz tell me if I got this right: so if i want to do the wentworth falls walk, i take the train from sydney to Katoomba Station and if i want to stop at the 3 sisters lookout i take the bus number 686. and then to do the wentworth walk i need to take the same bus back to katoomba and take another bus 685 to North Wentworth Falls. right?
1. how do i know when i have buses?
2. how long does it take from one station to another?
3. is there a lookout u recommend?
thanks!
I would probably suggest you take the train to Wentworth Falls and start the walk here. You can take the 685 bus from the station to near the start of the walk. You can check the timetable here https://transportnsw.info/
Once you are done jump on a bus to Katoomba. Before you head out check the NPWS website for any fire warnings. Parks and trails are closed this week due to fire risk and this will probably happen several times over the summer. https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/blue-mountains-national-park
Another shoutout from the U.S. We will be in Sydney in early September of 2020. What type of weather is typical of the Blue Mountains at that time?
Septemeber temperatures are usually lovely and cool about 15-18 degrees Celcius.
Is the train from Sydney to the Blue Mountains in operation due to the fires? If not what is the best way to get to the Blue Mountains?
The train is currently running at least as far as Katoomba and possibly to Mount Victoria unless any new fires pop up. Any changes will be listed under Alerts or Trackwork on this site https://transportnsw.info/alerts/details#/metro-train If trains are not running they are replaced by buses arranged by Transport NSW so you can still visit for the same price. It may just take a tiny bit longer.
Wonderful information and details! Thank you!! We are visiting Sydney from 10-28 to 11-3 this year. I cannot wait to see this area.
Thanks, Debi, I hope you have a wonderful time! The mountain towns will really appreciate your business as they get back on their feet.
Thanks for the detailed info on how to see the Blue Mountains.
Can you use your Opal Card on the train from Sydney to Katoomba?
What is the typical weather like in early April in the Blue Mountains?
Hi Lynda, you can use your Opal card. April can be cooler but it’s usually lovely walking. Average temperatures are between 17° / 9° Celcius.
Great itinerary! I am planning a trip June 2021. Hopefully this will entail the Winter Festival. How does that affect this itinerary? Should I come early, like Thursday/Friday or stay late, like Sunday? I will assume there will be a huge crowd. Do you have suggestions for lodging?
Thanks!
Hi Tricia
The Winter Festival is very popular – I would probably come a few days before if you want to do some bushwalking and sightseeing before the festival. What is your budget like? The YHA is great and so is the caravan park at Katoomba Cascades. Alternatively, check out this article https://sydneyexpert.com/where-to-stay-in-the-blue-mountains/
Dear Sir
I plan to visit Blue mountain October 2022 with my family. I live near King Cross Station. So i plan to board King Cross Station interchange at Central and then travel to Katoomba Station. Then take a bus or cab to Scenic World and spend 3 hour. My question is how do i return to Central Station via train from Katoomba station.
Should i follow the same route or different route Please mention the train route for the return journey
Yes I would suggest you return via the same route.
Hi
I will be here in February 2023 and plan on following this guide (assuming that the HOHO is back to 7 days a week). I have a query on one section of the guide which states
“1.13 pm – Rejoin the HOHO bus here at Stop 9 and stay on board until you reach Echo Point
The bus will pass by NarrowNeck and Cahill Lookout
1.45 pm – Arrive at Echo Point (Stop 7)”
These instructions have you going backwards from stop 9 to stop 7 – how is this possible?
Hi Sir, i am planning to visit the blue mountain on 17 December. But since I am on work trip to sydney my chances to visit is but dicey. Does the lyrebird pass recommended by you has free cancellation? I am not able to see any cancellation policy on the link.
Book your pass the day before. They service is not likley to be booked out on Dec 17th.
Thanks for all of this. We have a trip to Dubai and Australia booked for October / November this year. We have already booked our Lyrebird HOHO bus and Scenic World ticket. We are seasoned walkers although in our 70th year, we were struggling to decide which walks to take on at The Blue Mountains. We will certainly take your advice and do Scenic World first and want to do the Cliff Top Walk from stop 6 to the 3 sisters. Another question you have answered is eating places. As we will be catching the 6.23 train from Sydney, we will want to eat something during the day and it will save preparing / buying and carrying food all day. Leura Village seems ideal as we want to do the Prince Henry Cliff Walk / Gordon falls to Olympian Rock as our last walk.
Thank you for this very informative post. I didn’t fancy the planned excursions from Sydney which all seem to include a visit to a place with animals and a river cruise. I’ve had to cancel that booking thankfully!
It’s great, it’s very helpful to me
what a great post!
thank you your website is very helpful.
We are traveling from the States to Sydney this coming weekend. Should we purchase any tickets in advance for your Itinerary #1? And if we plan to leave anything out on that itinerary, what would you recommend? And what is the temperature there right now?
The temperature is set to be 27-35 degrees celcius this weekend. If I was going to leave anything out I would probably miss Scenic World – and do the Katoomba Falls hike instead. If you really want to go to scenic world just do the skyway and the railaway and dont worry about the rainforst walk there. Or spend less time in Leura shops.
Great blog post! I really appreciate how clearly you’ve laid out the train itineraries—it makes planning a Blue Mountains trip much easier for first-time visitors. The convenience of traveling by train from Sydney is a huge plus, especially for those who prefer not to drive.
For anyone looking to explore even more hassle-free, I’d also suggest checking out some Blue mountains Tours options. Guided tours can be a great way to see all the highlights like the Three Sisters, Scenic World, and waterfalls without worrying about logistics. Thanks again for this helpful guide!
Hi, glad you found it useful. I agree tours are a great option for many guests, it really depends on budget and how well you go sticking to someone elses routines. That is why we like to give people options. We have covered a bunch of tips for choosing the right tour for your needs here https://sydneyexpert.com/choose-best-blue-mountains-tour/