Getting to and from Sydney Marathon from Bondi Beach

Getting to and from the Sydney Marathon start and finish lines from Bondi Beach is straightforward but requires some planning, especially on race day due to road closures and an influx of participants and spectators. Bondi Beach, a popular tourist destination located about 10 km from the city center, offers several transportation options for those heading to the marathon.

Getting to the Marathon Start Line from Bondi Beach

The 2024 TCS Sydney Marathon start line for the full marathon is located at Miller Street, North Sydney, on the northern side of the Harbour Bridge. Public transportation is the most practical way to travel from Bondi Beach to North Sydney, as road closures for the marathon will limit driving access. Here’s how to get there:

1. Bus to Bondi Junction

Your first step is to get from Bondi Beach to Bondi Junction. Several bus routes run frequently between these two locations. The most common and reliable options are:

Bus Route 333 (a limited-stop bus)

Bus Route 380 (stopping more frequently)

Both buses take around 15–20 minutes to reach Bondi Junction Interchange, depending on traffic. Buses generally run from early morning, so you can catch a bus well before the marathon’s start time.

2. Train from Bondi Junction to North Sydney

Once at Bondi Junction station, you can catch a T4 Eastern Suburbs & Illawarra Line train towards Central Station. At Central, transfer to the T1 North Shore Line, which will take you to North Sydney Station, close to the marathon’s start area. Trains run frequently in the early morning on race day, and the entire journey from Bondi Junction to North Sydney takes around 30–40 minutes.

In total, the trip from Bondi Beach to the start line in North Sydney should take approximately one hour, so aim to leave early to account for potential delays and the crowds expected on race day.

Returning to Bondi Beach from the Marathon Finish Line

The marathon finishes at the Sydney Opera House Forecourt, a location well-connected to public transport. To get back to Bondi Beach after your race, follow these steps:

1. Walk to Circular Quay

After crossing the finish line, it’s a short 5–10 minute walk from the Opera House to Circular Quay Station. Circular Quay is a central hub for trains, buses, and ferries, making it an ideal spot to start your journey back to Bondi.

2. Train to Bondi Junction

From Circular Quay Station, take a T4 Eastern Suburbs & Illawarra Line train towards Bondi Junction. Trains run frequently, and the trip to Bondi Junction takes about 10 minutes.

3. Bus from Bondi Junction to Bondi Beach

Once you arrive at Bondi Junction, head to the bus terminal and catch either the 333 or 380 bus to Bondi Beach. The ride should take 15–20 minutes.

Additional Tips

Plan Ahead for Road Closures: The Sydney Marathon involves widespread road closures, especially in the city center and areas surrounding the Harbour Bridge. Check official road closure maps and plan accordingly.

Public Transport Apps: Use apps like TripView or Transport for NSW to check real-time schedules and any potential delays.

Allow Extra Time: Race day attracts tens of thousands of participants and spectators, so public transport may be more crowded than usual. Give yourself extra time to ensure an stress-free journey.

With a bit of preparation, getting to and from the Sydney Marathon from Bondi Beach should be a smooth experience.