All metro and train services across Sydney and NSW will be free for two days this month
Rather than scheduling the fare-free travel days immediately, they've been set for the end of the month to avoid coinciding with school holidays and to allow the maximum number of commuters to benefit. According to Transport for NSW, more than one million passengers are expected to take advantage of free journeys across the two days, with the NSW Government encouraging Sydneysiders to make the most of the network and support both Sydney's hospitality scene and regional businesses – without the travel costs.
(NB: For NSW TrainLink journeys, you'll still need to book a ticket to secure your seat, and you'll be refunded on the day.)
Free travel for two days is a bonus, but the real win here is the renewed stability expected across the NSW train network. After months of negotiations, 92 per cent of rail workers voted in support of the Enterprise Agreement, which will now be lodged with the Fair Work Commission for formal approval. Sydney Trains Chief Executive Matt Longland said the outcome is 'a win for our staff but an even bigger win for the travelling public.'
'With this certainty, Sydney Trains can resume its focus on delivering a safe, reliable, and disruption-free service. Passengers can have renewed confidence that the trains they rely on will be there when they need them,' said Longland.
Fare-free travel on all Sydney Trains, NSW TrainLink, Airport Link, and Sydney Metro services will apply from 12.01am on Thursday, July 31, until 11.59pm on Friday, August 1, 2025.
Fee travel will not extend to buses, ferries, or light rail services, and passengers using NSW TrainLink services will still need to present a valid ticket to score a refund.
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But there's light at the end of the tunnel, with rail workers agreeing this weekend to a new Enterprise Agreement that should bring the disruptions to an end. As an apology to the people of Sydney for the months of chaos, Transport for NSW is offering two full days of fare-free rail (and metro) travel across the state. Rather than scheduling the fare-free travel days immediately, they've been set for the end of the month to avoid coinciding with school holidays and to allow the maximum number of commuters to benefit. According to Transport for NSW, more than one million passengers are expected to take advantage of free journeys across the two days, with the NSW Government encouraging Sydneysiders to make the most of the network and support both Sydney's hospitality scene and regional businesses – without the travel costs. (NB: For NSW TrainLink journeys, you'll still need to book a ticket to secure your seat, and you'll be refunded on the day.) Free travel for two days is a bonus, but the real win here is the renewed stability expected across the NSW train network. After months of negotiations, 92 per cent of rail workers voted in support of the Enterprise Agreement, which will now be lodged with the Fair Work Commission for formal approval. Sydney Trains Chief Executive Matt Longland said the outcome is 'a win for our staff but an even bigger win for the travelling public.' 'With this certainty, Sydney Trains can resume its focus on delivering a safe, reliable, and disruption-free service. Passengers can have renewed confidence that the trains they rely on will be there when they need them,' said Longland. Fare-free travel on all Sydney Trains, NSW TrainLink, Airport Link, and Sydney Metro services will apply from 12.01am on Thursday, July 31, until 11.59pm on Friday, August 1, 2025. Fee travel will not extend to buses, ferries, or light rail services, and passengers using NSW TrainLink services will still need to present a valid ticket to score a refund.
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