Plan ahead for Vivid Sydney as floods continue to impact rail and roads

Widespread issues continue across the rail and roads networks this afternoon due to flooding and extreme weather. People who need to travel, particularly to Vivid Sydney this evening, are urged to reconsider their travel plans, or leave plenty of additional time and plan ahead.

Rail passengers are advised to check www.transportnsw.info or live travel apps, and motorists are advised to check www.livetraffic.com before travelling.

All lines on the T8 Airport & South Line reopened just after 1pm after earlier flooding between Bexley North and Bardwell Park.

Parts of the Central Coast, Hunter, and Southern Highlands lines are still seeing buses replace trains after major flooding, as well as a landslip between Kotara and Cardiff.

Residual delays will continue across the majority of suburban and intercity lines following flood impacts today. The Rail Operations Centre is working to provide services across affected lines at a reduced frequency.

Sydney Trains Chief Executive Matt Longland said, “Passengers planning on travelling in those areas where we’re seeing major flooding are urged to reconsider their travel plans.

“We are expecting flow-on delays across the network into the evening which will impact Vivid Sydney services, so if you are planning to head out, please plan ahead and leave plenty of extra travel time.

“Emergency crews have been deployed across the network throughout the day to address rising floodwaters. We are continuing to monitor key locations and intervening to reduce impacts to passenger services.”

Roads

There are widespread impacts across the road network, with several major closures in place on the Mid North Coast, in the Hunter and across parts of Sydney.

In addition to state managed roads, many local roads managed by councils are also affected.

Floodwater is extremely dangerous, especially for drivers. If the road is flooded, forget it. Roads can close and reopen at short notice. Motorists should continue to avoid non-essential travel in flood-affected areas and visit www.livetraffic.com for the latest information.

Vivid Sydney

Transport for NSW Coordinator-General Howard Collins said, “Vivid Sydney transforms the city into an open-air gallery nightly from Friday 23 May to Saturday 14 June 2025.

“If you are going to the city tonight for opening night, please allow plenty of extra travel time and check your transport apps before heading out.

“Metro is a great new way for passengers to enjoy Vivid Sydney this year. With Martin Place, Barangaroo and Gadigal Metro stations just a short stroll from the light zones, and extra services on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, makes getting between Vivid Sydney zones easy.

“If you can come early next week instead, please consider doing that. You won’t get to see it all in one night - plan your Vivid Sydney experience over a few nights,” Mr Collins said.

“You should factor in extra walking time as there will be changes to public transport services in Circular Quay due to road closures and pedestrian safety on Friday nights and weekends.”

• Ferry: Expect services to be full and have long queues, particularly on weekends. Allow plenty of extra travel time and have a backup transport option. Extra ferries will run on the F3 Parramatta River and F4 Pyrmont Bay routes.
• Train: From 6pm to 11pm on Saturday nights and Sunday trains will not drop off passengers at Circular Quay Station due to large crowds. Passengers can use Wynyard, Martin Place or St James stations instead.
• Bus: From 6pm on Fridays and 5pm on weekends buses that usually run to Circular Quay will start and end trips at Martin Place due to road closures. Walk from Martin Place to the Harbour. Other buses in the city near King St Wharf and Millers Point will also be affected.
• Light Rail: From 6pm on Fridays and from 5pm on weekends light rail services will not run between Town Hall and Circular Quay, walk from Town Hall.

“Visitors are reminded that while ferries are a fantastic way to see the Vivid Sydney lights from the water, they are very popular and will reach capacity early, particularly on weekends.

“Expect long queues, have a backup transport option in mind, and allow plenty of extra travel time,” Mr Collins said.

Boaters wanting to see the lights from the water should prepare for increased vessel activity on the Harbour and look for the illuminated signs on the shoreline advising of restricted areas.

For the latest public transport information, visit www.transportnsw.info or download a live travel app like the Opal app.