Catch the train, metro, or ferry during Warringah Freeway Upgrade works
Major road works will increase on the Warringah Freeway from Thursday 26 December 2024 until late January 2025.
Learn more about southbound traffic changes and northbound traffic changes in place over the holiday period.
Heavy traffic and long delays are expected on Warringah Freeway and surrounding roads, with similar congestion to non-holiday, normal weekday peak periods. During this time, we strongly recommend that you plan ahead, consider all your travel options and allow extra time to reach your destination.
Travelling from 26 December to 5 January
If you’re heading across the harbour during the holiday period, avoid long traffic delays and catch the train, metro or ferry for a more reliable journey. Public transport services run frequently throughout the summer holidays, including extra F1 Manly and F2 Taronga Zoo ferry services.
If you’re heading to Sydney Airport, allow extra time as traffic heading towards the airport precinct may be heavier than usual. Public transport is the easiest way to get to the airport with trains running to and from the domestic and international terminals every day from 5am to midnight along the T8 Airport and South Line.
If you need to drive, expect multiple lane closures, ramp closures and detours along the Warringah Freeway during the holiday period. Consider leaving before 10am when holiday traffic may be lighter, plan your drive before you leave home and use driver navigation apps to assist you with the best available routes on your journey.
If you’re heading out on New Year’s Eve, leave the car at home as many major roads will close throughout the day and night across the city, North Sydney and various local council areas. Thousands of extra public transport services will run throughout the day and night.
Travelling from 6 January
As the return to work picks up in January, consider all your travel options to avoid delays. If you do commute during this time, the train, metro, or ferry may be a faster and smoother ride.
If you need to drive, Transport data tells us that the travel times for the Monday to Friday inbound commute on Warringah Freeway are slowest between 8am and 8:45am. If you have some flexibility in your work start time, you could have a faster trip if you plan your trip to avoid this period. Check Live Traffic for the latest traffic updates before you leave.
Travelling from the Northwest or Lower North Shore
- Commuters who typically travel by car on the Warringah Freeway now have the option of integrating Sydney Metro City line’s fast and frequent connections to the CBD into your trip. Sydney Metro now stops at eight new stations from Chatswood to Sydenham via the CBD, so you no longer need to transfer to the T1 or T9 train line at Chatswood. With services every 4 minutes in peak periods, travel times to the CBD are up to 18 minutes faster compared to the T1 or T9 line from Chatswood. Time savings compared to driving could be even greater.
- For bus connections to Metro stations, visit Trip Planner.
- The introduction of new Sydney Metro services also means more capacity on T1 and T9 train services. It’s only 3 stops (and 9 minutes) from North Sydney to Town Hall Station on the T1 North Shore or T9 Northern train lines. Or catch a T1 North Shore or T9 Northern train from St Leonards, Wollstonecraft, Waverton, North Sydney, or Milsons Point stations to Wynyard, Town Hall, Central or Redfern stations in the CBD.
- If you live near a ferry wharf, catch the F4 Pyrmont Bay ferry from McMahons Point or Milsons Point, or the F5 Neutral Bay ferry from Neutral Bay or Kirribilli to Circular Quay and then walk or transfer to train or light rail services to reach your destination.
Travelling from Mosman
- Consider catching the F6 Mosman Bay ferry from Mosman Bay or Cremorne Point to Circular Quay and then walk or transfer to train or light rail services to reach your destination.
- Commuters who typically travel by car on the Warringah Freeway now have the option of integrating Sydney Metro City line’s fast and frequent connections to the CBD into your trip. Bus route 144 connects from Mosman to Crows Nest Metro station, with Metro services every 4 minutes in peak periods to the CBD.
Travelling to and from the Northern Beaches
- Heading to the Northern Beaches? Take the F1 Manly Ferry or B-Line bus and skip the hassle of driving through traffic, navigating detours and finding parking.
- Bus services including the 199 Palm Beach via Mona Vale and Dee Why connect with ferries at Manly Wharf. Extra ferry services are running until Sunday 26 January. From Circular Quay you can walk or transfer to a train, bus, or light rail service.
- Check availability of Park&Ride car parks a short walking distance to 199 and B-Line bus stops at Brookvale, Dee Why, Mona Vale, Narrabeen and Warriewood.
- Commuters who typically travel by car on the Warringah Freeway now have the option of integrating Sydney Metro City line’s fast and frequent connections to the CBD into your trip. Bus routes 144 and 160X connect from Manly and Dee Why to Chatswood Metro station, with Metro services every 4 minutes in peak periods to the CBD.
- If you need to drive to Macquarie Park, you may have a better experience travelling via Warringah Road, rather than the M2.
For more public transport options visit Trip Planner, and if you need to drive, check Live Traffic NSW before you leave home.
More information about the Warringah Freeway Upgrade project