Getting to the Blue Mountains is relatively easy from Sydney, and the close proximity makes it an ideal day trip getaway. However to truly experience the magic of the Blue Mountains, a few nights in the are would be better.
If you want a break from the hectic city life, you can certainly do a lot worse than a visit to Katoomba (pictured below) and the Blue Mountains.
Internationally reputed for its glorious azure skies, refreshing creeks and- more importantly- its spectacular views, the Blue Mountains is undoubtedly the kind of place where you can submerge yourself in the middle of nature, as you appreciate the incredibly rare flora and fauna.
Blue Mountains is additionally known for its enchanting towns that offer accommodation and restauration for just about any budget range. Various types of activities are also provided for your entertainment.
Because it feels like an entire world away from Australia’s bustling cities, it is easy to assume that a trip to the Blue Mountains requires a strenuous trip. However, this scenic place is found not far from Sydney.
If you’re wondering how to get to the Blue Mountains, rest assured that you can easily get there by bus, car or train.
How to get to the Blue Mountains by car?
If you don’t mind a long picturesque drive, the best way of getting to the Blue Mountains is undoubtedly by car. Depending on the exact village or town that you are visiting, it might take you around 90 to 120 minutes from the center of Sydney.
Most drivers choose to enter Blue Mountains through Lapstone, which is an hour drive away from Sydney. It should be known that the M4 Motorway which starts at Strathfield will take you directly towards Lapstone, and from there onwards, into the Blue Mountains.
Drivers who want to get to the Blue Mountains through a lesser known but more panoramic route might want to check out the Bell’s Line of Road (further north).
This picturesque road debuts at Richmond, and you will pass through Mount Tomah, Mount Victoria and Bell on your way to the Blue Mountains National Park.
Blue Mountains Travel Distances From Sydney
Distances from Sydney via the Great Western Highway | |||||
Town | km | Town | km | ||
Penrith | 54 | Woodford | 90 | ||
Emu Plains | 57 | Hazelbrook | 93 | ||
Lapstone | 63 | Lawson | 95 | ||
Glenbrook | 66 | Bullaburra | 97 | ||
Blaxland | 71 | Wentworth Falls | 103 | ||
Warrimoo | 74 | Leura | 107 | ||
Valley Heights | 77 | Katoomba | 110 | ||
Springwood | 79 | Medlow Bath | 115 | ||
Faulconbridge | 82 | Blackheath | 120 | ||
Linden | 86 | Mt. Victoria | 126 |
How to get to the Blue Mountains by train?
Getting to the Blue Mountains by train is very easy. An extremely relaxing way to travel to the Blue Mountains, train travelling is one of the most popular means of transportation for visitors. First-timers who are unfamiliar with this train route often fret about how to get to the Blue Mountains, but in reality, this place is only around 140km away from Sydney.
How to get to the Blue Mountains from Central Station? Trains depart on an almost hourly basis travel from and to Sydney Central Station.
They typically take around two hours to reach the top of the Blue Mountains at Katoomba Station (pictured above), with stops at Parramatta, Westmead, Penrith and Springwood.
To get to the Blue Mountains’ towns and villages from there, it is good to know that most of these lines also go to Mount Victoria, Blackheath, Leura and Wentworth Falls. And slower services also stop at most of the villages along the way.
Local bus services and will get you to all the key tourist destinations and attractions in the area.
Blue Mountains Train Travel Time From Sydney
Approximate Travel Time |
|||||
Town | Hours | ||||
Glenbrook | 1 | ||||
Springwood | 1.25 | ||||
Hazelbrook | 1.5 | ||||
Wentworth Falls | 1.75 | ||||
Katoomba | 2 | ||||
Mount Victoria | 2.25 | ||||
Lithgow | 2.75 |
Blue Mountains Explorer Bus
A more entertaining way to get to the Blue Mountains is undoubtedly by the Explorer Bus. With budget-friendly value tickets and daily departures, the Explorer Bus boast air-comfortable carriages where you can lie back and relax in all comfort.
In fact, these buses are actually reputed for their excellent level of comfort and roomy seats that can be flipped to face backward or forward, depending on the passenger’s requirements.
Passengers riding on upper level seats will be treated to incredible views of the Nepean river, Glenbrook Gorge and Mount Solidary, among others.