Located around 60 km west of Sydney, the Blue Mountains region is easily accessible by car or train. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer stay, getting there is straightforward and well-connected.
Driving
The easiest and most popular way to travel to and in the Blue Mountains region is by car. The most common route to the Blue Mountains is via the Great Western Highway, which connects the city to popular Blue Mountains towns, such as Glenbrook, Wentworth Falls, Leura, and Katoomba.
An alternative route is the Bells Line of Road, which runs between Richmond and Bell in the northern section of the Blue Mountains. This area is typically much quieter than the area connected by the Great Western Highway.
To reach the Great Western Highway in the Blue Mountains from Sydney, follow directions to Parramatta via Parramatta Road. At Strathfield, go on the M4 Motorway that continues to the Blue Mountains. Note that the M4 Western Motorway is a tolled motorway.
The Nepean River forms the eastern boundary of the Blue Mountains. Glenbrook, the first major town in the Blue Mountains along the Great Western Highway is 60 km west of the Sydney CBD. Lithgow, via the same highway, is about 140 km west of Sydney.
| Distance by car from Sydney (approx.) | |
|---|---|
| Glenbrook: | 60 km |
| Lawson: | 87 km |
| Wentworth Falls: | 95 km |
| Leura: | 100 km |
| Katoomba: | 102 km |
| Blackheath: | 112 km |
| Mount Victoria: | 118 km |
| Lithgow: | 140 km |
Train
If you don’t have access to a car or don’t feel like driving, travelling by train is a comfortable and efficient alternative. The train will get you to most of the towns in the Blue Mountains, and local buses will get you to the various walks, lookouts, and other tourist attractions.
All towns in the Blue Mountains along the Great Western Highway, from Glenbrook to Lithgow, have train stations and are serviced by the Blue Mountains train line, also known as the BMT line.
Trains typically depart from Sydney Central Station every half hour, with fewer services during off-peak hours. The major stops along this line before reaching the Blue Mountains are Strathfield, Parramatta, and Penrith.
Use the Transport NSW website to help plan your trip to the Blue Mountains.
| Travel time by train from Sydney (approx.) | |
|---|---|
| Glenbrook | 65 min |
| Lawson | 100 min |
| Wentworth Falls | 110 min |
| Leura | 115 min |
| Katoomba | 120 min |
| Blackheath | 130 min |
| Mount Victoria | 140 min |
| Lithgow | 170 min |
Bus
Another way to travel to the Blue Mountains is by bus or coach, using a professionally organised day tour from Sydney. A day tour is perfect for first-time visitors who want to experience the highlights of the Blue Mountains in comfort without having to worry about their own transport.
Many day tours include a visit to Featherdale Wildlife Park and/or a cruise along the Parramatta River back to Sydney, which is great for tourists visiting Sydney and the Blue Mountains.
Some tour operators cater to large groups travelling in coaches, while others cater to smaller groups travelling in luxury minivans. If you want a private service, there are tour operators who provide a boutique service for single travelling parties.