Anzac Day Dawn Service & March – Sydney CBD

Free travel for veterans and families

Travel on public transport is free for members and ex-members of the Australian Defence Force, this also includes their carers; and the spouses, children and grandchildren of deceased service personnel; and the spouses, children and grandchildren of living war veterans.

Free travel recipients are required to wear the Australian Defence Uniform; or display service medals; or carry a letter of accreditation on the letterhead of a branch of the RSL or other recognised ex-services organisation; or present a war widow’s gold card.

This entitlement allows free travel on Anzac Day on Saturday 25 April 2026 on the following public transport services:

• Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink Intercity services (non-booked services bounded by Bomaderry, Nowra, Goulburn, Bathurst, Scone and Dungog stations).
• Sydney Metro services
• Sydney metropolitan and outer metropolitan bus services
• Rural and regional bus services
• Sydney Ferries
• Sydney Light rail services
• Newcastle Transport operated buses, ferries and light rail services

Discounted travel will be available on NSW TrainLink regional services with return travel provided at the price of a single ticket, dates TBC. Reservations must be booked in advance over the phone on 13 22 32 or in person at selected NSW TrainLink stations and sales agents. The above mentioned letter of accreditation on the letterhead must be presented.

Note: an additional train station access fee applies for travel to or from Domestic and International Airport stations. The access fee is not covered by the free fare travel entitlements.

Transport Park&Ride Car Parks

Park for free when you catch public transport. Transport Park&Ride provides up to 18 hours of free parking each day. All you have to do is complete a public transport trip. Located close to public transport hubs, Park&Ride car parks help you connect more easily to train, bus and ferry services. 

If you're an Anzac Day service participant or meet the requirements for free travel listed above, travel on transport and Park&Ride parking is free. When leaving the car park use the intercom button at the exit gate to speak with the operator. 

Real-time parking availability allows you to see how many vacant car park spaces are available at Transport Park&Ride car parks. For Park&Ride locations and more information on how it works, go to Transport Park&Ride.  

Sydney Metro services are high-frequency, driverless trains running between Sydney’s north-west and south-west via the city. 

The M1 Line operates turn up-and-go Metro services in both directions between Tallawong, Chatswood and Sydenham. Metro services start running from early morning until late at night. 

Additional early morning services will run from Tallawong starting at 2.38am and Sydenham from 3.24am to help you travel to the Dawn Service. Services will run every 10-minutes throughout the day.    

Alight at Martin Place to get within walking distance of the event.  

For Metro service disruption information, check trackwork and travel alerts or plan your trip using the Trip Planner.

Additional early morning trains will run from as early as 2.26am on suburban lines and from 12.35am on NSW TrainLink Intercity lines.

The closest station to the Dawn Service is Martin Place on the T4 Eastern Suburbs & Illawarra Line. Catch a train to Town Hall and change for a service to Martin Place leaving from Platform 5. Alternatively, catch a train to Wynyard and walk to Martin Place.

The closest stations to the March along Elizabeth Street are Martin Place, St James and Town Hall stations. After the March finishes at 1pm, trains will run to a regular Saturday timetable to get you back home.

Additional services

Trains will run to a regular Saturday timetable with additional early-morning trains to get you to the city for the Dawn Service. Check back closer to the event for details. 

Trackwork

There is no planned trackwork taking place that will affect travel to and from the city for Anzac  Day commemorations on Saturday 25 April. Plan your trip using the Trip Planner. 

Trackwork is carried out on an ongoing basis to maintain the safety, reliability, and efficiency of the Sydney Trains network. For train service disruption information, check travel alerts and trackwork or plan your trip using the Trip Planner.

Regular route buses

Additional early-morning services starting from 2.30am on key routes into the city from the Northern Beaches, Lower North Shore, Inner West, Hills District, Lane Cove, Macquarie Park, Eastern Suburbs and Victoria Road. 

Keep in mind that buses will be missing stops along and surrounding Martin Place and Elizabeth Street while roads are closed (pdf 1.3MB). You will need to walk further than usual to access the Dawn Service and March viewing areas.

For details of all the additional and changed services, plan your trip using the Trip Planner.

Southwest Link buses 

Additional SW1 early-morning services will leave Bankstown Station, Stand J at 2.17am and 2.37am so customers can connect with early-morning Metro services from Sydenham Station (running from 3.24am). Plan ahead using the  Trip Planner. 

Bus diversions

Buses in the Sydney CBD will be diverting from their regular routes and using different stops while roads are closed between 6am and 3pm on Anzac Day. Services may also experience delays so allow extra travel time and consider catching a City Circle train instead. Plan ahead using the Trip Planner. 

From 6am until 3pm: 

• Route 304 & 343: Buses travelling to Circular Quay will divert via Hunt Street, Wentworth Avenue, College Street and Macquarie St to end trip at The Royal Botanic Gardens, Macquarie St (2000226). Buses leaving Circular Quay will divert via Bridge Street, Macquarie Street, College Street, Wentworth Avenue and Commonwealth Street to return to route on Hunt Street.  
• Route 311, 324 & 325: Buses travelling to the Millers Point/Walsh Bay will divert via College Street, Macquarie Street, Bridge Street, Grosvenor Street, Lang Street, York Street, Erskine Street and Sussex Street to return to normal route. Buses leaving Walsh Bay/Millers Point will divert via Druitt Street, Sussex Street, Goulburn Street, Wentworth Avenue and College Street to return to route on William Street. At QVB, services will pick up from Stand B (200042) instead of Stand A. Route 311 buses on Oxford Street travelling towards Central will also divert via Crown Street, Foveaux Street, Elizabeth Street and Hay Street to return to normal route.  
• Route 333 and 396: Buses travelling to and from Circular Quay will divert around Elizabeth Street via College Street, Macquarie Street and Bridges Street.
• Route 373: Buses travelling towards the City will divert via Crown Street, Foveaux Street, Elizabeth Street and Wentworth Avenue to return to normal route on Oxford Street.  An additional stop will be made at Wentworth Ave after Elizabeth St (2000319).  

From 6am until 3pm: 

• Route 389: Buses will split into two routes and stops on Park Street and William Street will be missed.  Continue on foot to connect between the two routes from QVB to College Street.
  • Eastern route between Bondi Junction and the city: buses travelling to the city from Bondi Junction will divert via William Street, Riley Street and St Mary’s Road to end trips at St Mary's Cathedral, St Marys Rd (2000410). Buses leaving the city will start trips from St Mary's Cathedral, College St (2000287) and divert via College Street to return to normal route on William Street.
  • Western route between Pyrmont and the city: buses travelling to the city from Pyrmont will end trips at QVB York St, Stand D (200044). Buses leaving the city will start trips from QVB York St, Stand B (200042).
• Route 412, 423, 426, 428, 430, 431, 438X, 470: Services travelling in both directions will divert around Elizabeth Street via Hay Street, Wentworth Avenue, College Street and Macquarie Street. Stops on Elizabeth Street will be missed. Buses travelling to Martin Place will end trips at Martin Place Station, Macquarie St (200089). Buses leaving the city will start trips from Martin Place Station, Macquarie St (200094).
• Route 440: Buses on Oxford Street travelling towards Rozelle will divert away from Elizabeth Street via South Dowling Street, Fitzroy Street, Foveaux Street and Elizabeth Street to return to route on Eddy Avenue. Buses travelling to Bondi Junction from Rozelle will run as normal.
• Route 441: Services will start and end trips at QVB. Buses travelling towards the city from Birchgrove will end trips at QVB, York St, Stand D (200044). Buses leaving the city will start trips from QVB, York St, Stand B (200042).
• Route 461X: Buses through the city will divert around Elizabeth Street in both directions via Wentworth Avenue and College Street.
• Route 504: Services will start and end trips at QVB instead of The Domain Sydney. Buses travelling to the city from Chiswick will divert away from Park Street via Clarence Street, Market Street and York Street to end trips at QVB, York St Stand D (200044). Buses leaving the city will start trips from QVB, York St Stand B (200042) and return to route on Druitt Street.
• Route 500X and 506: Buses travelling to the city will divert via Clarence Street, King Street and York Street to and end at QVB York Street, Stand E (2000136). Buses leaving the city will start trips from QVB York Street, Stand D (200044). 

For bus service disruption information, check travel alerts or plan your trip using the Trip Planner.

Ferry services to Circular Quay don’t run early enough for the Dawn Service, so you will need to catch a train or bus instead if you plan to attend. 

If you want to catch a ferry to the city for the March, change at Circular Quay for trains to Town Hall, St James or Museum, or change for a light rail service to Town Hall to get within walking distance of Elizabeth Street.

Sydney Ferry services are very popular and may reach capacity. Keep this in mind if you’re planning on catching a service, plan ahead and allow extra travel time or consider the alternative public transport options available. 

For ferry service disruption information, check travel alerts or plan your trip using the Trip Planner.

L1 Dulwich Hill Line

L1 Dulwich Hill Line light rail services run between Central Station (Grand Concourse) and Dulwich Hill via Darling Harbour and the Inner West. Services run regularly from 5am to 1am daily. Plan your trip using the Trip Planner. 

Additional L1 early-morning services between Central Grand Concourse and Dulwich Hill will run from 3am. 

To get to the Dawn Service at Martin Place or to the March along Elizabeth Street, change at Capitol Square to connect with L2 or L3 Line light rail services from Chinatown to Town Hall or QVB to get within walking distance. 

Service changes: 

• From 2.45am, additional L2 and L3 early-morning partial services between Town Hall and Randwick or Juniors Kingsford will run.
• From first service until 6.15am, services will not run between Town Hall and Circular Quay while the Anzac Day commemorations are underway in the CBD.
• From 6.15am, full L2 and L3 services between Circular Quay and Randwick or Juniors Kingsford will resume running to a Public Holiday schedule.
• Between 12.30pm and 1.30pm, L2 and L3 services may be temporarily held at stops or partially closed between Town Hall and Circular Quay, due to road closures for the Anzac Day March.
• When L2 and L3 services are closed: use alternative transport including trains or walking. 

L2 Randwick and L3 Kingsford Lines

L2 Randwick light rail services run between Circular Quay and Randwick via Central Station (Chalmers Street) and L3 Kingsford line services run between Circular Quay and Juniors Kingsford via Central Station (Chalmers Street). Services run regularly from 5am to 1am daily. Plan your trip using Trip Planner. 

Additional L2 and L3 early-morning services between Town Hall and Randwick or Juniors Kingsford will run from 2.45am. 

To get to the Dawn Service at Martin Place or to the March along Elizabeth Street, catch L2 or L3 Line light rail services to Town Hall or QVB to get within walking distance. 

Service changes: 

• From 2.45am, additional L2 and L3 early-morning partial services between Town Hall and Randwick or Juniors Kingsford will run.
• From first service until 6.15am, services will not run between Town Hall and Circular Quay while the Anzac Day commemorations are underway in the CBD.
• From 6.15am, full L2 and L3 services between Circular Quay and Randwick or Juniors Kingsford will resume running to a Public Holiday schedule.
• Between 12.30pm and 1.30pm, L2 and L3 services may be temporarily held at stops or partially closed between Town Hall and Circular Quay, due to road closures for the Anzac Day March.
• When L2 and L3 services are closed: use alternative transport including trains or walking. 

L4 Westmead and Carlingford Line 

L4 Westmead and Carlingford Line light rail services run between Carlingford and Westmead via Parramatta CBD. Services run regularly from 5am to 1am daily. Plan your trip using the Trip Planner. 

Alight at Parramatta Square and change for a train to Wynyard to get within walking distance of the event. Alternatively, catch a train to Central and change for metro services to Martin Place or catch a train to Town Hall where you can change for trains to Martin Place leaving from Platform 5. 

Passengers are reminded that trams can’t stop quickly or easily – so please stop, listen and look around for trams and use designated pedestrian crossings. Read the news story for more information. 

For maps and service frequencies see light rail service information. For light rail service disruption information, check travel alerts or plan your trip using the Trip Planner.

Temporary taxi ranks

A temporary taxi rank will operate from the western side of Wentworth Avenue, just south of Liverpool Street, from 6am to 3pm. 

Alternatively, taxi and rideshare passengers can use existing taxi ranks outside of the road closure footprint. Check out the interactive map to easily view the closures in place for the event.

Accessible pick-up and drop-off locations

Accessible drop-off and pick-up locations will be available at the following locations:

• Wynyard Street, Southern Side (off York Street)  
• 21 Elizabeth Street (in front of Commonwealth Bank building) – only available until 5.45am
• 197 Macquarie Street at Martin Place, western side of Macquarie Street (front of St Stephen’s Church)
• 210 Pitt Street approaching Market Street (eastern side, outside Piccadilly Shopping Centre)
• 25 Commonwealth Street (western side) near Clarke Street 

These locations are no parking zones or special event clearways, so persons utilising these areas will be required to move on as soon as they have dropped off their passengers.

For details of taxi networks servicing the Sydney area, visit transport operators.

Major roads in the Sydney CBD will be closed on Anzac Day and parking restrictions will be in effect. Motorists are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel through the CBD as traffic will be heavy on detour routes.  

If you must drive, allow plenty of extra travel time and arrive early to find parking – check signs carefully as vehicles parked in signposted clearways will be towed.  

While roads are closed and the March is underway, designated pedestrian crossings on Elizabeth Street will be maintained at Park Street and Hunter Street, and at underground crossings at Bathurst Street, Museum Station and Martin Place Station. 

Key road closure times 

From 12am to 8am 

• Macquarie Street between Albert Street and the Sydney Opera House roundabout. 

From 1am to 3pm 

• Pitt Street and Castlereagh Street between Hunter Street and King Street.
• A westbound section of Hunter Street between Elizabeth Street and Hamilton Street.
• Hosking Place from Castlereagh Street. 

From 1am to 6pm 

• Angel Place between George Street and Pitt Street.
• Ash Street from Angel Place. 

From 6am to 3pm 

• Major roads between Bridge Street in Circular Quay and Goulburn Street in the CBD South will be closed.
  • Including sections of Bathurst Street, Bent Street, Bligh Street, Castlereagh Street, Elizabeth Street, Gresham Street, Hunter Street, King Street, Liverpool Street, Loftus Street, Market Street, O’Connell Street, Park Street, Phillip Street, Pitt Street and St James Road. 

Cycleway closures 

From 1am to 3pm 

• Pitt Street between Hunter Street and King Street (western side). 

From 6am to 3pm 

• Castlereagh Street between King Street and Liverpool Street (western side).
• King Street between George Street and Philip Street (northern side).
• Liverpool Street between Castlereagh Street and Pitt Street (northern side).
• Park Street between College Street and Elizabeth Street (both sides)
• Pitt Street between Bridge Street and Hunter Street (western side).
• Philip Street between King Street and 184 Philip Street (eastern side). 

Car park & driveway restrictions 

NSW Police will enforce strict restrictions on vehicle movements within the road closure footprint to ensure the safety of the general public and event participants. This includes vehicles exiting private or commercial driveways and car parks. Barriers will be in place to enforce restrictions and there will be no managed vehicle access. Please note that it is a finable offence to drive on or exit a driveway onto a closed road unless authorised by NSW Police or approved personnel. 

If your property is located on a closed road, access on-foot will be maintained for residents, hotel guests and delivery services only. Vehicle pick-ups and drop-offs are to be organised on roads outside of the closure footprint. 

For detailed road closure information including maps as well real-time updates on traffic conditions, visit Live Traffic NSW or download a real-time traffic app.

If you're planning on driving and parking in the Sydney CBD for the Dawn Service, keep in mind that most secure car parks do not open early on public holidays. 

If you're driving and parking for the March, remember that extensive road closures will be in place making many car parks in the city centre inaccessible by vehicle. You may need to consider parking outside of the immediate vicinity of the March and continuing by foot. 

While roads are closed and the March is underway, designated pedestrian crossings on Elizabeth Street will be maintained at Park Street and Hunter Street, and underground crossings at Bathurst Street, Museum Station and Martin Place Station.   

Check out the interactive map to easily view the closures in place for the event. 

Remember, it is an offence to drive on or exit a driveway onto a closed road. Once roads are closed you won't be able to move your car until they have reopened. 

Car park & driveway access restrictions 

NSW Police will enforce strict restrictions on vehicle movements within the road closure footprint to ensure the safety of the general public and event participants. This includes vehicles exiting private or commercial driveways and car parks. Barriers will be in place to enforce restrictions and there will be no managed vehicle access. Please note that it is a finable offence to drive on or exit a driveway onto a closed road unless authorised by NSW Police or approved personnel. 

If your property is located on a closed road, access on-foot will be maintained for residents, hotel guests and delivery services only. Vehicle pick-ups and drop-offs are to be organised on roads outside of the closure footprint. 

Special event clearways 

Extensive special event clearway parking restrictions will be in effect on various major roads in the Sydney CBD, starting from 10pm Friday 24 April. Clearways will be in effect from 1am around Martin Place for the Dawn Service, and from 5.30am on all other major roads. 

From 10pm Friday 24 to 3pm Saturday 25 April 

• Macquarie Street between Sydney Opera House roundabout and Bridge Street 

From 1am to 3pm 

• Pitt Street and Castlereagh Street between Hunter Street and King Street
• Hunter Street between Macquarie Street and Hamilton Street (southern side)  

From 5.30am to 9am 

• Abercrombie Street between O’Connor Street and Broadway (*Event Taxis excepted) 

From 5.30am to 3pm 

• Various major roads between Circular Quay and the CBD South
  • Including sections of Bathurst Street, Bent Street, Bligh Street, Bridge Street, Castlereagh Street, Clarence Street, College Street, Commonwealth Street, Druitt Street, Elizabeth Street, Goulburn Street, Gresham Street, Hunter Street, Kent Street, King Street, Liverpool Street, Loftus Street, Macquarie Street, Margaret Street, Market Street, O’Connell Street, Park Street, Phillip Street, Pitt Street, Prince Albert Road, St James Road, Sussex Street, Wentworth Avenue, York Street. 

Check signs carefully when parking on the day and the night before as clearways come into effect in the early morning. View the interactive map to see the closures in place for the event. 

Clearways are strict no-parking zones for all vehicle types and apply even to local residents and TfNSW Mobility Scheme Permit holders. Check signs carefully as vehicles left in clearways will be towed and a fee applies. If your vehicle is towed, you can search your vehicle registration at the Find My Car website to find its new location, or alternatively call 132 701 to speak to an operator. 

Visit Live Traffic NSW for a detailed list of special event clearways including maps.

Transport Park&Ride Car Parks

Park for free when you catch public transport. Transport Park&Ride provides up to 18 hours of free parking each day. All you have to do is complete a public transport trip. Located close to public transport hubs, Park&Ride car parks help you connect more easily to train, bus and ferry services. 

If you're an Anzac Day service participant or meet the requirements for free travel listed above, travel on transport and Park&Ride parking is free. When leaving the car park use the intercom button at the exit gate to speak with the operator. 

Real-time parking availability allows you to see how many vacant car park spaces are available at Transport Park&Ride car parks. 

For Park&Ride locations and more information on how it works, go to Transport Park&Ride.   

Accessible viewing areas

To ensure the Dawn Service and March are accessible to our whole audience, designated accessible viewing areas are available for people with disability and/or limited mobility and their family, friends and carers at the following locations: 

• Dawn Service – Section 1:  Cenotaph in Martin Place (southern side) - entry via George Street
• Dawn Service – Section 2: Screened area, between Pitt Street and Castlereagh Street, Martin Place – entry via Castlereagh Street
• March: in front of Sheraton Hotel, western side of Elizabeth Street 

To register for seating in one of the accessible viewing areas, please contact Karen Wade on accessibility@dpc.nsw.gov.au or call 9228 4613.

Auslan interpreting

Auslan interpreting will be available on large digital screens at the Dawn Service. ABC TV will also broadcast the Dawn Service, which will commence from 4.20am.  

Accessible drop-off and pick-up zones

Accessible drop-off and pick-up locations will be available at the following locations: 

• Wynyard Street, Southern Side (off York Street)  
• 21 Elizabeth Street (in front of Commonwealth Bank building) – only available until 5.45am
• 197 Macquarie Street at Martin Place, western side of Macquarie Street (front of St Stephen’s Church)
• 210 Pitt Street approaching Market Street (eastern side, outside Piccadilly Shopping Centre)
• 25 Commonwealth Street (western side) near Clarke Street 

These locations are no-parking zones or special event clearways, so persons utilising these areas will be required to move on as soon as they have dropped off their passengers. 

Accessible amenities

Portable accessible toilets that consider wheelchair users will be located on George, Pitt and Castlereagh Streets; otherwise there are wheelchair accessible toilets at the CBD train stations 

Transport

Accessible trips are shown in the Trip Planner with the wheelchair icon. You can select "accessible services only" in the Options to ensure you only see accessible services. Only trip plans with accessible train platforms, ferry wharves and buses will be presented. See accessible travel or download a transport app (select the "Accessibility" filter).