This train station was great! Accessing the trains are easy, as you don't need to get a train card and add money to it. Just tap a card or a phone payment app to get in and out of the train platform areas. Then it was super easy to figure out what platform would lead you to your train. Trains came reliably on time and I was able to get around to the rest of Sydney with no problem. Highly recommend. read more

This transportation hub caters to all types of trains, regular trains and light rail. The platforms are arranged in a logical manner 1-25 all in a row. (Note: The way to travel for rail, light rail and ferry is to have an opal card). If you need help with the ticket readers, let one of the train folks know so they can help you. Transfers to light rail are clearly marked and easy to follow. The rest room could have been cleaner, but it was free. The exterior looks retro with red brick and has modern touches with the white exterior roof. Finally, there are elevators and escalators here. I know the last time I tried to go thru the subway at Waterloo in London I had to ask a nice young man for help with my suitcase to get it down the escalator, since they didn't have an elevator to use. read more

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It's exactly as that - just imagine dropping "Grand" from Grand Central of New York. It's smaller but it does serve as "Central" of Sydney. From this point on, lines spread outwards to all suburbs of Sydney. For architecture fans, it is very well picture worthy, so make sure to check from outside to inside. Especially the concourse is Harry-Potter-esque. Information boards are quite informative and easy to understand. Also, platform layout is so simple that it is easy for tourists to find their ways. I happened to get the accommodation by this station and it made so easy to in-'n-out of the city because, from any direction, all trains come here. If you have business in suburb of Sydney yet still have business in the city, make sure to get accommodation around here. read more

Central Railway Station - Train Stations Near Me - Sydney, NSW

Lots of construction going on in Sydney; no exception here. Don't know how long it will last. Work is going on inside and outside. The L1 light rail line currently starts and ends here. A few steps from the stop brings you into the Grand Concourse. The Grand Course is the area that ties everything together. Head toward the forecourt on one end to reach the Pitt Street bus bays (including the hop-on, hop-off bus, which stops at bay 18). You'll need to go down the stairs, escalator, or elevator to get to the bus bays. There's seating in the Grand Concourse, benches and also some tables and chairs in front of a convenience stores. There are also some places to eat, a coffee stand, and vending machines. You can stock up before catching your NSW train here - but stuff is expensive! Better to get stuff elsewhere if you can. The Grand Concourse is compact; the NSW desk, big board of trains and tracks, and the regional trains (NSW Trainlink) themselves are just a few steps apart. No long hauls here. There are restrooms here, including an accessible / attendant room, but you need to get a key for the latter. There's a lift near the restrooms that will take you downstairs. It's an afterthought; an elevator not originally meant for accessible purposes, but pressed into service. You'll see what I mean when you are downstairs and find yourself amongst all these offices, following markings on the floor so you can make your way in and out. Now, if you need the Metro Trains (such as to and from the airport), you need to make your way through the construction maze the opposite end from the bus forecourt, and head downstairs. There's an even bigger maze downstairs. Take a moment to look to make sure you are heading to the correct platform. You'll need to to take the stairs or elevator upstairs to the platforms. (I don't recall there being escalators.) There's construction going on here, too. Take care, because in some cases there's a bit of a gap between the platform and the train car doors. While there's a roof, the station is outdoors, so be prepared for the weather conditions. The trains have floor level seating but split into two levels in the middle of each car for upstairs and downstairs seating. Downstairs from the Grand Concourse there are a bunch of small restaurants and shops. Light rail construction is going on downstairs; maybe there will be an additional Central Station stop on a new line in the future. I don't know what the plans are. read more

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The central railway station in Sydney is the hub of all railway and metro activity in and around Sydney and its suburbs. All metro lines go through the central railway station along with trains from other cities. Sydney has an underdeveloped road system and traffic is always an issue hence the importance of the metro system. We used the metro to go from Fairfield to downtown Sydney and it is easy to use. You can buy a metro card and load it with cash and as long as you swipe in and out of stations you get reasonable rates for traveling. Our round trip to downtown Sydney took 45 minutes each way and cost around $7 Australian which ends up being very cost friendly compared to metro rates in the western countries. Nice train station. 4 stars with major improvements coming along. read more

Central Railway Station - Train Stations Near Me - Sydney, NSW

We needed to pick up the L4 light rail to Bondi Central via gate 24. After wandering around the station for awhile, we asked an employee for directions. She gave a terse answer which ended in "the basement" we started off but had to ask directions 3 more times as we descended into "the basement". Honestly, it was like descending into hell. It was several flights of stairs and the further down we went the hotter and darker it got. When we arrived in "the basement" it was over a hundred degrees with 100% humidity combined with the poor air quality from the fires. It was literally hell. Luckily we were granted salvation by the L4 which arrived 5 minutes later. We will take the bus next time. read more

My experience with Central Station makes for a great Anime Manga story that begins here. The experts tell me it's equivalent to London's Waterloo station. Since I haven't experienced that yet I can compare it to NYC Grand Central. You can catch a train or light rail to anywhere in Sydney from here. There were Opal Card machines readily available for purchase or for top up. They have a visible info desk to help first timers. I had to get from the main entrance to Platform 17. A year ago I would not have been able to make it. There are lots of steps, stairs and long corridors to navigate through. I don't think the station is handicap friendly. That is the drawback I spotted. The second is I kept seeing signs that said "Mind the Gap." Once I figured what that was. The engineers did a poor job of contemplating that danger. There is about a foot or so gap between the platform and train. That is a dangerous liability or class action suit waiting to happen. During rush hour, elderly, clumsy ppl, people preoccupied looking at their cell can easily have a bad accident. You can drop your keys, your cell or catch your foot on the lip. Those are the only flaws I had with Central. Other than that it's a beautiful train station. There are many monitors for trains departing and how many minutes before the next train arrives. I never waited longer than 5 minutes. Sundays all fares is $2.50. Being in Australia and loving public transportation I'd forgotten how to drive in the US again. Sydney's trains so far are my favorite in the different ones I've been on because it's 3 levels with comfortable seats in aircon. After walking long corridors and getting a workout in going up and down staircases in Sydney's humid weather its a pleasant ride. They even have single seats which I really liked. Get an Opal card and experience Sydney by train Mel M Yelp 18:34 read more

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In A Nutshell: -Central Station is located next/in Surry Hills. -It's very easy to find. -The tracks are clearly labeled, so not a difficult station to navigate unlike HK, NYC, Seoul or Rome. -The only drawback was the lack of Opal top off machines. -There were only 3 that I saw w/ long lines & a couple required a PIN for your credit card. Overall, I really like the layout & the people I encountered were very civil. read more

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Central Station is the main train station in Sydney. This is the station to transfer between Sydney Trains services as well as the station to go to for inter-city travel for train service to other cities in Australia like Brisbane and Melbourne. In addition to train services, Light Rail has a stop outside of the station and there are bus services that are located close to here. I didn't use Central Station that much during my trip to Sydney. I used it primarily as a transfer point to and from Sydney Airport as I need to change here to catch a train to Kings Cross Station. The station is quite huge and confusing. There are 25 platforms here. Comparable to the size of many Japanese stations that I have visited, except there aren't any retail shop or eateries from what I can see in the train terminal. Though there are many places near the station. After arriving here from Sydney Airport, I had to take two different elevators (due to heavy luggage) to reach the platform to head to Kings Cross Station. The station signage is good fortunately so I didn't get lost here. Though on the return trip to Sydney Airport from here, I ran into a big issue. As I reached the train platform, I learned that there was maintenance going on so trains were not operating. I was a little panicked since there were signs directing me to catch a bus service to the airport on Eddy Avenue. I wasn't sure where this was, until I noticed there were some signs directing you to the location. Quite displeased to take the buses as it was pouring outside, but the waiting area was at least covered. While I got to Sydney Airport by bus with time to spare, I found the train maintenance issue to be quite inconvenient. The buses also have limited space compared to trains. Had I known about this ahead of time, I would have opted for an airport shuttle. Central Station is alright. Though I would prefer to transfer at a station was not as busy as this one. I would only transfer here if this was the only option. The location of the station though is quite good if you are headed to Chinatown, Haymarket, Surry Hills and Ultimo as they are all within walking distance of here. read more

Stand here long enough and you'll see every person in Sydney pass through eventually. This is the nexus point at which all paths in the city cross. It's also the great leveler, the hub that connects people of all ages, classes, ethnicities and social strata - you'll see rats tails and briefcases, stilettos and stabbings. It's big, it's easy to get lost, the platforms are ordered really weirdly, but I don't think I'd change it. read more

Central Railway Station - The grand old train hall - Train Stations Near Me - Sydney, NSW

Probably one of the best places in the city to people watch. A true melting pot of old, young, fat, skinny, black, white and everything and everyone in between. Tip for new players - the platforms are in a non logical order, double and triple check what train you are jumping on. read more

Central Railway Station - Transport Sydney Trains - Train Stations Near Me - Sydney, NSW

Whether you're catching a coach or a train, you're more than likely going to have to come to Central at some point. All trains pass through here and this is where the CountryLink and other long distance trains (i.e. Indian-Pacific) go from. It's also where the various coach companies have their ticket offices and main stop - on Eddy Avenue or round the corner on Pitt Street. The light rail also begins and finishes its journey on the upper concourse. If you're getting a suburban train then you'll want platforms 16-25 - 24&25 (Illawara and Eastern Suburbs Line) are located down the escalators just so you know! Platforms 1-15 service the CountryLink and various lines to Newcastle and other intercity routes. For those of you who aren't too familiar with Sydney, Central is definitely a good place to start and to get your bearings from. read more

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The station is a bit confusing. My first night in Sydney I came through this station and I was a bit lost orientation wise but once you situate yourself you'll see there's a lot going on in the area but some of it feels a bit sketchy if you walk down the wrong street. I came back on another occasion and wanted to take a train south of Sydney but the signs were a bit unclear of when and where I had to be to catch my train. I asked some staff and between 3 staffers, I was sent to 2 different spots. The staff are really friendly but if they have issues with where I should go then that's a problem imo considering signs are not obvious read more

The main rail hub in the City of Sydney. All Country trains depart from here. Trains to the airport. A very historic building. Its well organised with newer departure boards, very clean, clear directions for everything. The old clock is a beacon if you're walking here. The light rail stops right at the top departure area. read more

Central. It conjurs up the image of being the centre of Sydney's universe... The reality is that it's not even really that central to the city, I think Town Hall somehow does a better job of being "central". All city stations are satellites to Town Hall. But Central does serve a ginormous purpose, and that is, if you need to get somewhere on the Sydney Transport line, you come to Central - it does have 25 platforms after all. The funny thing about Central is that despite it supposedly being the most critical and important station on the network, it has almost no signage to tell you where you are going or how the heck you are going to get there. Then you proceed to make an absolute goose of yourself perusing boards, running up and down stairs and pretending to know what you are doing. And then, 15 minutes later when you've summoned the courage, you turn to the old lady next to you for help (you know the one - she looks like she knows where she is going). And then, you realise she doesn't speak English (or at least that's what you tell yourself because really she just doesnt want to talk to YOU). And then... You try to return to the centre of central (what's that called?), before you finally figure out that you need to be on Platform 19, in 2 minutes, and you are currently on Platform 8... So you take off like a rabbit in heat, and you're halfway to your destination when a thought occurs to you... ummm where's Platform 19? Soooooo you backtrack back to the entrance again, by now you've tapped your Opal card so many times even it is displaying "moron" on the screen, then you count like they taught you in kindy pink, and one by one the platforms fly by till you reach the one you need. Up you go, get on you good little thing and within moments you'll be whisked off to your destination. Let's just hope you don't need to return any time soon. read more

Usually, I don't come to Central Station. I use Martin Place Station and Town Hall Station much more often. However, if I travel long distance such as going to the Blue Mountains when my friends or relatives from overseas come and I take them to the Blue Mountains by train because they prefer riding trains than riding car or coach. And I usually went to see my seaman's doctor in New Castle by train then I used to use Central Station. For the long journey, before getting into the trains I drop by restroom because much more comfortable than the ones on the trains, then get a cup of coffee plus something nice to munch such as a doughnut or a cupcake at a kiosk. Everything locates at the same level to the long distance trains platforms. Seats are pretty comfortable, however, depends on the time it gets pretty crowded with school children. Basically, there is no problem. read more

Central Railway Station - Looks very nice and classic - Train Stations Near Me - Sydney, NSW

Central Station hasn't changed one bit. That's not a good or a bad thing. It's just a thing. It's nice that they have free WiFi in the "country train" area. That's also where you would catch the new-to-me airport train. I lugged my huge luggage from the suburban train platforms to the country train area. (So that's why it's called luggage!) It was no small feat, but the elevator made that a tad easier. Just a short walk from Central is Paddy's Market and then you're right by Chinatown. Not much farther and you're at Darling Harbour. All are recommended spots to visit while you're in Sydney. (Not that I made it to Darling Harbour on my recent trip). read more

This is where all trains stop from interstate. They have platforms 1-3 for country trains, platforms 4-9 for intrercity trains, and platforms 10-25 for intercity and suburban trains. Airport line at the time of this writing is on platform 23. Platforms 1-9 is at the top level, the rest is at street level. They also have Krispy Kreme and Hungry Jack's if you are early for your country trains. read more

Central Railway Station - Train Stations Near Me - Sydney, NSW

One of the best designed stations in Sydney (and can be the most confusing for first timers), where you can go to pretty much anywhere in Sydney (bus/rail/light rail) without changing trains or buses. This is also the place to get long distance buses and trains, and also a great spot if you find yourself homeless or waiting for a really early intercity train ;) read more

Okay, this may not be the biggest railway station that I have been to, but I have to say that it is a contender for the title (some of the stations in Europe a pretty massive, as is Southern Cross Station in Melbourne, though if I am going to have to pick one I would have to say the Berlin Haupbahnhof, or Amsterdam Central). Anyway, this is where you can pretty much catch any train to Sydney or the surrounding regions, though the suburban trains depart from the platforms above the Southern Concourse while the interstate and inter-city trains all depart from the main concourse. One this you need to be aware of, especially if you aren't a Sydneysider, is that it can be really, really easy to get lost here. There have been a number of times that I have entered the tunnel off railway square and discovered that I was on the otherside of the station. Actually, if there is one really big gripe that I have and that is that it isn't the easiest of challenges to get from Railway Square to the Main Concourse. read more

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Boop Boop Boop "Please Stand Clear" ! it's my local train station just a block away from me. Outside Central station there are a lot of buskers, my favorite was the little old lady that was four foot nothing we nicked named Mama Mia who used to be in the Surry Hills to Broadway tunnel everyday who couldn't sing to save herself. That caterwauled The Seekers Morning Town Ride, Mama Cass's One Way Ticket, Chers Gipsy's,Tramps and Thieves and Mustang Sally. People gave her money to shut up her banshee screeching. She passed away a while ago. Same with the old man we nicknamed Dr Smith that was always down there. Who had the broom handle with bottle caps nailed on it and banged it down on the ground and loudly holler "We are all doomed" ! read more

One of my least favourite stations to visit. Having lived in Sydney for 8 years now, on occasion I come to this station and get so confused with where to exit. Sometimes I end up going back and forth dillirious with the amount of different exits. The station is the ultimate maze. They really should set up an escape game in here because for certain some individuals wouldn't get out. I here they just lost out as a location for the movid Maze Runner. The station can sometimes be quite scary here especially at night times. I have seen one or two drug deals literally go down. Be prepared to come face to face with some strange and unusual individuals at every corner. Not all bad though, Central is the central loction that can get you everywhere in Sydney by train, tram or bus even as far as Canberra and Melbourne. read more

need-to-know place for traveling outside of the city. Trains to get to the blue mountains, the good wildlife zoo, and elsewhere leave from here. Also, big bus trips (such as to Melbourne) will leave from the side of this station read more

Busy train station. The cashiers are friendly but not all of them. The signs are helpful for those unsure of where to go and are new to the city like I was. There are multiple exits to this huge station which is nice and you get where you need to go. The subway itself is clean, easy to interpret. I wish there were more maps around though listing which stations belong to which tracks. There are a bunch of platforms at this station with interconnecting trains. read more

As all Central Station is in the world, this is where everything connects. This one here in Sydney is very pretty. Very convenient but easy to get lost if you are new. Get the Opal card, the savings add up very quickly! read more

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The Sydney Gateway to all destinations! Dogs should be allowed to be transported in trains and travel with their owners! read more

Things to note when at Central: 1. Ticket Fare Evaders- these tricksters will be more up your ass than a Rectal Examiner. If you feel someone right up close as you go through the ticket barricades, go slowly, take your time, turn around as the gate closes and smile. You just made it harder for them to cheat! It may seem petty but they paid nothing for a ticket, and you probably paid $14 because you bought it in peak hour before 9am... 2. On that note: Tickets. Buy after 9am to avoid the hefty peak hour charge! You can save up to 50% on some tickets! If you have a meeting and need to get on the train before 9am - move the meeting. 3. Weeklys: Buy these after 4pm- you get an extra day! 4. Seat Availability: From Central, try and work your trip to catch an Intercity part of the way- you'll get a comfortable seat, less people and quiet carriages! 5. Food and Beverage: Buy before you get to the platform, unless you can justify $3.50 for a Mars Bar! 6. Glasses Down: When travelling through Devonshire St Tunnel, keep your glasses on your face, you avoid the numerous begging for 'cash for smokes/booze' 7. Right & Wrong: Stay to the left and walk with a purpose during peak periods... Wipeouts frequently occur with the business set who are over zealous and eager to mow down anyone and anything in their way... And if you have a backpack, don't block the narrow paths or stairs- you'll be grunted at more than an apple in a pig pen! 8. Trainspotting: Don't run for the train as doors are closing... Yes it's unsafe, but more importantly, you'll be judged by fellow commuters who will shoot disapproving looks- even though at some point they have done the same. A city rail ticket gives you complete hypocrisy freedom! 9. Guardian Angels: Feel unsafe? Heading outside of the warmth of the city? Suburban Adventurer? Travel near the guard and feel free to knock on his door if your weary of an altercation. 10. Yelping! To enjoy lengthy train rides in the morning, grab a seat, jump on Yelp and post your top 10 tips reviewed. Not only will you help out fellow yelpers, but your time will fly by and you will have avoided awkward conversation with the great unwashed! read more

My train line drew the short straw when it came to Central Station. Rarely do I have occasion to be up on the open platforms or to admire the historic station, searching for that famous bullet hole. Rather, I'm relegated to the bowels of Central. Deep underground on platforms 24/25, where neither an air conditioner nor a gentle breeze have touched the poorly pixelated marketing screens or the inquisitive rodents scurrying along the tracks. Starting my day in the dungeon can be a bit disheartening, but if I time it right, I can sprint past the crowd and up the escalators into sunlight before Central captures another piece of my soul. read more

Sydney's transport hub. I love this old, historical building. It has such character.

I've been to Central Station many times and I find it to be a very efficient and quite beautiful railway station resembling a federation time through it's solid structure and unique brick work. Trains generally run on time with the odd fleeting disruption. There are many cafes and restaurants close by and a news agency for picking up something to read on your journey or wait time. read more

This is the busiest train station in Sydney, nearly all suburban train lines pass through this station, as well as a host of intercity and long distance trains. Platforms 1, 2 and 3 serve long distance trains (ie Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Dubbo, Armidale etc), 4 through to 15 serve intercity (ie Newcastle, Katoomba and Wollongong etc) services, and platforms 16 to 25 serve Sydney's suburban services. Obviously there are occasional exceptions to those rules though. The station could be described as a rabbit warren, so many passageways, pedestrian tunnels and entrances. To make it even more confusing for first timers, there are several bus interchanges, an intercity bus terminal and a light rail station in the complex. Before you travel, make sure you know which platform your train goes from and which entrance/exit you need to use to get where you need to go. CityRail have produced a map of the station, downloadable online. There are also numerous shops and restaurants within the station complex. There is even a youth hostel, perfect for those catching early morning intercity trains or buses. There is also a small free museum about rail travel in Australia. Beware though, parts of Central Station and it's immediate vicinity are frequented by transients, homeless people and drug addicts. The Surry Hills exit, the park in front of Eddy Avenue (Belmore Park), the park near Railway Sqare bus interchange, the Eddy Avenue courtyard and the covered areas fronting Eddy Avenue and Pitt Street seem to be the meccas for these types of people. During the day they're mostly fine, but after dark I wouldn't want to be in any of these areas. read more

Booked a rail link train over the Internet, when I arrived with my baggage they sent me to wait for the train, even after I mentioned one bag may be oversized. The train was over an hour late because it wasn't ready. Once we were finally able to board we were told that our bags had to be checked because they were oversized and we may miss our daily train. After running back and forth between the baggage area and the main office about 4 times with heavy baggage thinking we would miss the train they finally told us we could pay to have the bags booked. We carried the bags back to the train to have an apology demanded from us from one of the staff that did not like our attitude. Unless you area pensioner these trips are very overpriced and the service is terrible. Sitting on the train now surrounded by crying babies and smelly old farts. read more

In comparison to Japan, Central station is lucky to get a star. It gets 1 star as it is cleaner than I have ever seen it. The system is unorganised, the trains are infrequent and are quite often running late. Pick up your game Sydney. read more

Beautiful, fading Federation-era architecture. You can feel how grand and exciting it must once have been as you stroll through the main concourse. It still dutifully serves its purpose, but under its years of extra paint and crass linoleum I can't shake the feeling it's a shadow of its former self. read more