FerryConnect

Australia

Circular Quay → Parramatta

The F3 is Sydney’s longest ferry ride, following the Parramatta River from Circular Quay under the Harbour Bridge and past Cockatoo Island and Sydney Olympic Park to Parramatta, the historic heart of Western Sydney.

⏱ About 1h 25m🚢 1 operator📅 About hourly to Parramatta; more frequent F3 services turn back at Rydalmere or earlier
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Circular Quay to Parramatta ferry at a glance

The ferry from Circular Quay to Parramatta takes About 1h 25m across the Parramatta River, operated by Sydney Ferries. It is a foot-passenger service; vehicles are not carried. Typical frequency: about hourly to Parramatta; more frequent F3 services turn back at Rydalmere or earlier.

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 2026-09-29.

Sources: transportnsw.info · transportnsw.info · How we verify

Return crossing: Parramatta to Circular Quay

Sydney Ferries also sails Parramatta to Circular Quay, taking About 1h 25m.

Circular Quay to Parramatta ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Roughly hourly through-services to Parramatta, with frequent short-running F3 trips on the lower river

Tide-dependent: some Rydalmere–Parramatta legs are replaced by buses.

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 F3 Parramatta River timetable (valid from 14 Jun 2026). Verified 2026-09-29.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Circular Quay and Parramatta

📐 12 Nautical Miles
Circular Quay⇄Parramatta
⏱ About 1h 25m · 📐 12 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
🚗 Operator website

Ready to cross from Circular Quay to Parramatta?

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

Book with Sydney Ferries→

Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Sydney FerriesAbout 1h 25mSydney Ferries river ferries

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Foot passengers only

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

No pet facilities

📐

Distance

12 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Parramatta Wharf is on Phillip Street near the Parramatta CBD.
  • Circular Quay wharves adjoin Circular Quay train station and light rail.

Related Ferry Crossings

Also sails from Circular QuaySydney (Circular Quay) → Manly18m – 30m · Sydney Ferries, Manly Fast FerryAlso sails from Circular QuayCircular Quay → Taronga ZooAbout 12m · Sydney FerriesAlso sails from Circular QuayCircular Quay → Watsons BayAbout 23m · Sydney FerriesMore ferries in AustraliaGeelong → Devonport (Tasmania)10h – 11h (day or overnight) · Spirit of TasmaniaMore ferries in AustraliaCape Jervis → Kangaroo Island (Penneshaw)45m · SeaLinkMore ferries in AustraliaFremantle → Rottnest Island25m – 30m · Rottnest Express, SeaLink Rottnest Island
📘 Sydney Ferries: Manly, Taronga Zoo & Watsons Bay⚓ Circular Quay Wharves guide⛴ All ferries from Circular Quay🗺 All ferries in Australia🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there a bus instead of a ferry to Parramatta?
Low tides in the upper Parramatta River mean buses replace some ferry services between Rydalmere and Parramatta. Transport for NSW posts daily tidal notices at the wharf.
How long is the ferry from Circular Quay to Parramatta?
The crossing typically takes About 1h 25m. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Circular Quay to Parramatta ferry sail?
Roughly hourly through-services to Parramatta, with frequent short-running F3 trips on the lower river. Tide-dependent: some Rydalmere–Parramatta legs are replaced by buses. This is the pattern published in the Transport for NSW F3 Parramatta River timetable (valid from 14 Jun 2026) (checked 2026-09-29); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Circular Quay to Parramatta?
Sydney Ferries operates this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Circular Quay to Parramatta 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 Circular Quay to Parramatta 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 Circular Quay to Parramatta ferry?
This route has no dedicated pet facilities. Assistance dogs are normally carried, but confirm with the operator before travelling.
How far is Circular Quay from Parramatta by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 12 nautical miles (roughly 22 km).