Sydney bus network redesign 2026, including new cross-city routes, route changes, and how the redesign affects commuters across the CBD,
Transport Desk is a contributing writer covering transport and public affairs for The Sydney Times.
Transport for NSW is undertaking a major redesign of the Sydney bus network to improve connectivity, reduce travel times, and increase the frequency of services. The redesign is being rolled out in stages across the metropolitan area, with the first stage completed in 2025 and the second stage planned for late 2026. The redesign includes new cross-city routes, changes to existing routes, and the introduction of more frequent services on key corridors.
The most significant change in the bus network redesign is the introduction of cross-city routes that connect the eastern suburbs, the inner city, and the western suburbs without requiring a trip to the CBD. The cross-city routes are designed to reduce travel times and provide more direct connections between suburbs that are currently only connected via the CBD.
Route 100. Route 100 runs from Bondi Junction to Parramatta via the CBD. The route operates every 10 minutes during peak hours and every 15 minutes during off-peak hours. The route replaces the previous route 333 and provides a more frequent service between the eastern suburbs and western Sydney.
Route 200. Route 200 runs from Cronulla to Chatswood via the inner city. The route operates every 15 minutes during peak hours and every 20 minutes during off-peak hours. The route replaces the previous route 455 and provides a more direct connection between the southern suburbs and the lower north shore.
Route 300. Route 300 runs from Miranda to Macquarie Centre via the CBD. The route operates every 10 minutes during peak hours and every 15 minutes during off-peak hours. The route replaces the previous route 440 and provides a more frequent service between the southern suburbs and the northern suburbs.
Route 400. Route 400 runs from Burwood to Eastgardens via the CBD. The route operates every 10 minutes during peak hours and every 15 minutes during off-peak hours. The route replaces the previous route 461 and provides a more frequent service between the inner west and the eastern suburbs.
The bus network redesign includes changes to many existing routes. Some routes have been extended, some have been shortened, and some have been removed. The following are the most significant changes:
Eastern Suburbs. The route 333 has been replaced by route 100, which operates more frequently. The route 380 has been extended to run from Clovelly to Bondi Junction. The route 379 has been shortened to run from Clovelly to Coogee.
Inner West. The route 400 has been extended to run from Burwood to Eastgardens. The route 413 has been extended to run from Campsie to the CBD. The route 423 has been shortened to run from Kogarah to the CBD.
Northern Beaches. The route 144 has been extended to run from Manly to Chatswood. The route 151 has been shortened to run from Manly to the CBD.
Western Sydney. The route 600 has been extended to run from Parramatta to Rouse Hill. The route 700 has been shortened to run from Parramatta to Blacktown.
The bus network redesign includes frequency improvements on many key corridors. The following routes now operate every 10 minutes or better during peak hours:
Route 100. Bondi Junction to Parramatta — every 10 minutes during peak hours.
Route 300. Miranda to Macquarie Centre — every 10 minutes during peak hours.
Route 400. Burwood to Eastgardens — every 10 minutes during peak hours.
Route 500. Parramatta to Fairfield — every 10 minutes during peak hours.
Route 600. Parramatta to Rouse Hill — every 10 minutes during peak hours.
The bus network redesign uses the Opal card for fare payment. Opal fares are distance-based, with a minimum fare of $2.20 for adult travellers and a maximum fare of $4.80 for adult travellers. The Opal card can be used on all buses, trains, ferries, and light rail services in Sydney. The Opal card can be purchased online, at a newsagency, or at a Service NSW centre.
Opal has introduced a number of fare products to help commuters save money:
Opal TravelPay. Opal TravelPay is a contactless payment system that allows you to pay for your fares using your credit or debit card. Opal TravelPay charges the same fares as the Opal card and does not require you to top up.
Opal Auto Top-Up. Opal Auto Top-Up automatically adds credit to your Opal card when your balance falls below a threshold. Opal Auto Top-Up is available for registered Opal cards.
Opal Concession. Opal Concession is a discounted fare for students, seniors, and concession card holders. The concession fare is 50 percent of the adult fare.
If your bus route has changed, check the Transport for NSW website for the new timetable and route map. Transport for NSW has published a route finder tool that allows you to enter your origin and destination and shows you the best bus, train, and ferry routes. The route finder is available on the Transport for NSW website and the Transport for NSW app.
If you are affected by a route change, you can provide feedback to Transport for NSW through the Transport for NSW website or by calling the Transport for NSW contact centre on 131 500. Transport for NSW considers feedback when planning future changes to the bus network.
More information about the Sydney bus network redesign is available at Transport for NSW Bus Network.
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