How to get to Taronga Zoo by train and ferry

Station, line, time and the last leg — the complete guide.

Quick answer

Take the train to Circular Quay (T2, T3 or T8), then continue by ferry to reach Taronga Zoo on the north shore of Sydney Harbour. The last leg takes roughly ~12 min.

The same Circular Quay wharves serve ferries to Manly, Watsons Bay and the Opera House side of the harbour.

Alternatively: station Wynyard (T1, T2, T3, T8 or T9).

Taronga Zoo
Taronga Zoo, Sydney

Overview

Taronga Zoo sits on a harbourside hillside at Mosman, facing the city skyline — and the classic way to arrive is by ferry, not train. Take any train to Circular Quay (T2, T3 or T8), walk down to Wharf 4 and catch the F2 Taronga Zoo ferry across the harbour in about twelve minutes. At the zoo wharf, the Sky Safari cable car or a shuttle bus carries you up to the main (top) entrance, so you can walk the exhibits downhill back toward the wharf.

Getting there from key points

Starting pointRoute by train
CentralT2 or T3 line to Circular Quay, about 7 minutes, then the ferry
Town HallT2 or T3 line to Circular Quay, about 5 minutes, then the ferry
WynyardT3 line to Circular Quay, about 3 minutes, then the ferry

Step by step

1

Take a train on T2, T3 or T8 and get off at Circular Quay station.

2

From Circular Quay, walk to Wharf 4 and board the F2 Taronga Zoo ferry across the harbour (about 12 minutes). Opal and contactless cards are accepted. At the zoo wharf, take the Sky Safari cable car or the shuttle bus up to the top entrance.

3

You arrive at Taronga Zoo on the north shore of Sydney Harbour.

What else to see nearby

Useful information

🎫
Ticket
Tap on and off with an Opal card or a contactless credit/debit card. A single adult fare starts around $4.33 and is capped at $19.30 a day (Mon–Thu); the same card covers Sydney Trains, Sydney Metro, buses and ferries.
Accessibility
Circular Quay station and the Taronga Zoo ferry are wheelchair accessible; inside the zoo the terrain is steep, so use the Sky Safari or shuttle to reach the top entrance and work downhill.
💡
Tip
Buy your zoo admission online in advance and consider a combined ferry-and-entry pass. The ferry itself is covered by Opal or contactless; sit on the top deck for the best harbour and skyline views on the way over.

Frequently asked questions

How much does the trip cost?

Tap on and off with an Opal card or a contactless card. A single adult fare starts around $4.33 and is capped at $19.30 a day (Mon–Thu). Trains, metro, buses and ferries all use the same card, with a small transfer discount between modes.

How long does it take from the city centre?

Central: T2 or T3 line to Circular Quay, about 7 minutes, then the ferry.

Which line serves the station?

Circular Quay station is served by T2, T3 or T8.

Is the trip accessible?

Circular Quay station and the Taronga Zoo ferry are wheelchair accessible; inside the zoo the terrain is steep, so use the Sky Safari or shuttle to reach the top entrance and work downhill.

Where can I find more sights?

See all Sydney attractions by train.

Contents

Updated: August 2026