World Youth Day 2008 (WYD08) – Monday 14 July – Sunday 20 July

Not attending World Youth Day events?

This guide provides information about travelling in and around Sydney throughout the week. It provides details on changed traffic and transport arrangements.

Transport information for people not taking part in World Youth Day events (Monday 14 to Sunday 20 July)

People not attending events who cannot change their normal working or travel arrangements should:

- Leave the car at home and use public transport.
- Expect possible delays and plan to travel early.
- Avoid the CBD on Thursday 17 July, particularly Wynyard and Circular Quay stations and city bus terminals, between 11am and 7pm.
- Avoid the CBD on Friday 18 July, particularly Wynyard, St James, Martin Place and Central stations between 11am and 7pm.
- Trains and buses through the CBD will be crowded throughout the day on Saturday 19 July. Avoid North Sydney and Milsons Point stations before 2.30pm, however buses will terminate at North Sydney Station and allow customers to transfer onto trains to continue their journey.
- Trains and buses to the CBD will be crowded from early morning on Sunday 20 July. Trains and buses from the CBD will be very crowded from 12pm midday onwards. Avoid Central Station if possible.
- If you are flying out of Sydney, allow plenty of time to travel to the airport. Train services to Airport Line stations are likely to be very crowded as well as Sydney Buses Route 400.

A transport guide for people not taking part in WYD08 events is available mid June.

Additional tips for travelling during World Youth Day events:

Leave the car at home
Leave the car at home and catch public transport. Wherever possible, walk to and from train stations, bus stops and ferry wharves.

Plan ahead
Expect possible delays when travelling during WYD08. The earlier you start planning your travel during WYD08, the easier it is to arrange the best way to get around using public transport.

Be patient
There are large numbers of overseas visitors in Sydney who may not speak much English. They should have tour guides with them. However, please be patient if you are approached for assistance.

Plan to walk in the CBD
Due to temporary bus terminals and restricted access in the northern part of the Sydney CBD, The Rocks and Circular Quay, you might have to walk. So remember to wear comfortable walking shoes if visiting the City.

Allow extra time if using Sydney Airport
There will be significant disruptions around Sydney Airport during WYD08, in particular on 20 and 21 July, when participants are returning home. So please allow additional time getting to and from the airport if travelling by car. Alternatively, take the train to either the Domestic or International terminals – just 10 minutes from Central Station. Visit www.airportlink.com.au for transport information to and from the airport.

Sydney Harbour access restrictions
Disruptions to normal recreational harbour traffic will be minimal, though some restrictions apply during the event. Check www.maritime.nsw.gov.au closer to the event for more details.

Plan your weekend out of the City if you’re not attending World Youth Day events
If you want to get out and about during World Youth Day in Sydney, visit www.sydney.com where you will find some great deals on restaurants, accommodation and attractions on offer across Sydney and Regional NSW to celebrate this exciting time.