FerryConnect

Australia

Sydney (Circular Quay) → Manly

The classic Sydney Harbour ferry ride from Circular Quay, past the Opera House and Harbour Bridge views, to the surf beach suburb of Manly. It is a commuter service and one of the city’s best-value sightseeing trips.

Sydney (Circular Quay) to Manly ferry at a glance

The ferry from Sydney (Circular Quay) to Manly takes 18m – 30m across the Sydney Harbour, operated by Sydney Ferries and Manly Fast Ferry. It is a foot-passenger service; vehicles are not carried. Typical frequency: frequent departures throughout the day, every day.

Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-10-03.

Sources: transportnsw.info · How we verify

Return crossing: Manly to Sydney (Circular Quay)

Sydney Ferries and Manly Fast Ferry also sail Manly to Sydney (Circular Quay), taking 18m – 30m. From Manly the first weekday F1 ferry leaves at 06:00 and the last at 00:50; at weekends the first leaves at 06:40.

Sydney (Circular Quay) to Manly ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Sydney Ferries F1: on weekdays from Circular Quay 05:30 to 00:20, every 20 minutes early morning, about every 15 minutes through the day and every 30 minutes after 19:50. Weekends and public holidays from 06:10 to 00:20. The crossing takes 22 minutes, or 30 minutes on the Freshwater ferries.

Published departure times

  • 05:30
  • 06:10
  • 07:10
  • 08:10
  • 12:15
  • 17:15
  • 19:50
  • 00:20

Return: From Manly the first weekday F1 ferry leaves at 06:00 and the last at 00:50; at weekends the first leaves at 06:40.

Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.

Official Sydney Ferries timetable →Check prices & book on Sydney Ferries →

Source: Transport for NSW F1 Manly timetable (valid from 2 October 2026). Verified 2026-10-03.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Sydney (Circular Quay) and Manly

📐 6 Nautical Miles
Sydney (Circular Quay)⇄Manly
⏱ 18m – 30m · 📐 6 nm
🚗 Operator website

Ready to cross from Sydney (Circular Quay) to Manly?

Book your crossing with Sydney Ferries: live fares, availability and sailing times.

Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Sydney Ferries22m – 30mFreshwater class ferries, Emerald class
Manly Fast Ferry18mHigh-speed catamarans

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Foot passengers only

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

No pet facilities

📐

Distance

6 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Circular Quay has train, light rail and bus connections to the whole of Sydney
  • Manly Wharf is a short walk along The Corso to Manly Beach

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Opal on the Manly ferry?
Yes. Sydney Ferries accept Opal cards and contactless payment. Manly Fast Ferry is a private service with its own tickets.
How long is the Manly ferry?
22 minutes on most F1 sailings from Circular Quay, or 30 minutes on the Freshwater ferries (marked FW in the timetable).
What time is the last ferry from Manly?
The last F1 ferry leaves Manly at 00:50 on weekdays, arriving at Circular Quay at 01:12 (timetable from 2 October 2026).
How often does the Sydney (Circular Quay) to Manly ferry sail?
Sydney Ferries F1: on weekdays from Circular Quay 05:30 to 00:20, every 20 minutes early morning, about every 15 minutes through the day and every 30 minutes after 19:50. Weekends and public holidays from 06:10 to 00:20. The crossing takes 22 minutes, or 30 minutes on the Freshwater ferries. This is the pattern published in the Transport for NSW F1 Manly timetable (valid from 2 October 2026) (checked 2026-10-03); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Sydney (Circular Quay) to Manly?
Sydney Ferries, Manly Fast Ferry operate this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Sydney (Circular Quay) to Manly ferry?
No. This is a foot-passenger service and vehicles are not carried. Use parking near the departure pier or public transport to reach it.
Can I take the Sydney (Circular Quay) to Manly ferry as a foot passenger?
Yes. Foot passengers can travel on this route. Allow time to reach the passenger terminal and check the operator’s check-in closing time.
Are dogs and pets allowed on the Sydney (Circular Quay) to Manly ferry?
This route has no dedicated pet facilities. Assistance dogs are normally carried, but confirm with the operator before travelling.
How far is Sydney (Circular Quay) from Manly by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 6 nautical miles (roughly 11 km).