Sydney to Bowral road trip: Distance, driving time and train service.

The Sydney to Bowral drive is 118km in distance, and takes around 1h22m. The quickest Sydney to Bowral train takes around 2h41m with a change in Campbelltown.

The drive from Sydney to Bowral in the Southern Highlands takes you to one of the most appealing towns in New South Wales.

Sydney’s enormous collection of experiences includes all-inclusive sunset dinner cruises, behind-the-scenes tours of the Opera House, jet boat thrill rides and historic walking tours. To get the best deals on Sydney accommodation, book here. To find Sydney tours and experiences that suit your tastes, step this way.

Top things to do in Bowral include the Bradman Museum, Centennial Vineyards, Mount Gibraltar Reserve and Corbett Gardens. It’s also a short drive away from Fitzroy Falls or Belmore Falls in the Morton National Park.

Inside the Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame, Bowral. Photo by David Whitley/ Australia Travel Questions

But is Bowral feasible as a day trip from Sydney? Well, yes, in theory. But it’s probably better regarded as a short break. It should come as no surprise to learn that Bowral accommodation prices shoot up at the weekend.

5 great Southern Highlands experiences to boost your visit

Personalised private Southern Highlands wine and attractions tours – tailored to your tastes.
Tutored wine-tasting and canapes experience.
Beekeeping experience – learn how honey is made.
Guided wine-tasting at the Mill – with tasting notes procided.
Behind the scenes tour of a sustainable winery in Berrima.

Sydney to Bowral road trip: Distance and driving time

The Sydney to Bowral drive is 118km in distance, presuming you’re coming from central Sydney. It’s a fair bit shorter if coming from Sydney’s southern suburbs, and longer coming from north of Sydney Harbour. This makes for a Sydney to Bowral driving time of around one hour and 22 minutes. That’s if you get lucky with traffic, of course.

The quickest route involves taking the M1 through Darlinghurst, Zetland and Eastlakes, then joining the M5 after Sydney Airport. After passing through Bankstown, you’ll then join the Hume Motorway going south through Campbelltown, Picton and Pheasant’s Nest.

Sydney to Bowral train

There is also a Sydney to Bowral train service. The Southern Highlands line from Sydney Central Station follows much the same route as the drive. It just takes a bit longer.

The Sydney to Bowral train takes around two hours and 41 minutes.

The quickest journey involves changing at Campbelltown, however. Take the T8 line to Campbelltown via Sydney International Airport, then switch to the Southern Highlands line train towards Moss Vale. This train also passes through Menangle, Douglas Park, Picton, Tahmoor, Bargo, Yerrinbool and Mittagong.

Accommodation options in Bowral include the Berida Hotel and Milton Park.

13 brilliant experiences in Sydney you should book

The Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains.

(💲Great value 💲) Tick off several bucket list items on a highlights-packed Blue Mountains day tour.
Get perfect views of the world’s most beautiful city on a Sydney Harbour helicopter tour.
Save money with a multi-attraction pass.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Enjoy the romance of a tall ship cruise on Sydney Harbour.
Eat all you can at the Skyfeast at the top of Sydney Tower.
See migrating humpbacks – on a whale-watching cruise.
(Highly recommended ✅) Go behind the scenes of Australia’s most famous building on an Opera House tour.
Dine as the city lights up on sunset dinner cruise around the harbour.
Combine beers and stories on a historic pubs tour through the convict-era Rocks district.
Stand on your board and catch waves during Bondi Beach surfing lessons.
Go to wombat and kangaroo-spotting hotspots on a Southern Highlands tour.
Enjoy Sydney’s wild side on a Manly snorkelling & nature walk.
(🥇Top choice in Sydney) And, best of all, paddle to hidden beaches on a harbour kayaking adventure.