Balmain ferry from Circular Quay, Sydney: Fare & timetable

The Balmain ferry from Circular Quay takes 12 minutes to reach the Sydney suburb of Balmain. One way fares cost $6.43.

The ferry from Circular Quay to Balmain is one of several scenic ferry journeys on Sydney Harbour. And, if you fancy exploring the handsomely historic suburb of Balmain, the Balmain ferry is by far the best way to get there.

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Taronga Zoo – the zoo with harbour views (and plenty of cute Aussie animals)
Sydney Opera House – official walking tour. See behind the scenes!
Wild Life Sydney – Aussie animal favourites in convenient Darling Harbour location. Perfect if on limited time.
Sydney Cricket Ground – behind the scenes secrets tour.
Sydney Tower Eye – 360 degree views from 250 metres above the city.

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Which Sydney ferries stop in Balmain?

Officially, there’s no such thing as the Balmain ferry. But there are two Sydney Ferries services that stop in Balmain on their way elsewhere. These are the Cockatoo Island ferry and Parramatta ferry.

There’s also a third option – the Pyrmont Bay ferry stops at Balmain East, a completely different ferry wharf on the other side of the suburb. Be careful not to get the two ferry stops confused.

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The Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains.

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Get perfect views of the world’s most beautiful city on a Sydney Harbour helicopter tour.
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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.

Circular Quay to Balmain ferry timetable

The F8 Cockatoo Island ferry departs Circular Quay roughly half hourly between 06.15 and 23.45 on most weekdays. According to the Balmain ferry timetable, this ferry arrives in Balmain at 27 minutes past and 57 minutes past the hour.

This 12 minute journey time means taking the Balmain ferry is much quicker than attempting to get there by bus.

At weekends, the Cockatoo Island ferry is hourly, with the first service departing Circular Quay at 06.45.

The F3 Parramatta River Ferry timetable is more erratic, with not every service stopping in Balmain. Full timetables are available at the Transport for NSW website.

How much does the Balmain ferry cost?

Circular Quay to Balmain ferry fares cost $6.43 one way if paid with an Opal card or contactless credit/ debit card. Buy a single ticket, and it’s $7.70.

All prices and times are correct at the time of writing, but subject to change in future.

Things to do in Balmain include a phone photography workshop while seeing the sights and a walking tour between the suburb’s gorgeous old pubs.