On Sunday 4 September CityRail introduced a new timetable, the first step in larger plan by the NSW Government and RailCorp to improve the reliability of our rail network. This section of our website contains useful information to help you find out how the new timetable could affect your usual travelling arrangements. Please check the line-by-line summaries to get a general idea of changes to services on your line. To view the 2005 timetable - click here.

Please note: CityRail services begin around 4.00am in the morning and finish around midnight to 1.00am the following morning. We have changed the layout of the public timetables to reflect these times, making the timetable clearer to read, with fewer definitions and cross-referencing required.

Why a new timetable?

• Since the last major timetable introduction in 1992, the number of passengers on CityRail services has increased by almost 20 per cent … that’s nearly one million passenger journeys each day.
• The network has expanded to include the Airport Line and additional tracks on the East Hills Line.
• The introduction of safety measures including improved door closing procedures, new safety precautions arising from the Waterfall Inquiry and allowing time for the safe inspection of railway tracks during off-peak times means our services are safer, but slower.

How the new timetable will help

• It’s part of a larger plan to improve the reliability of our rail network.
• It’s designed to minimise the impact of incidents by allowing more recovery time.
• More time is allowed during the off-peak for track inspections which will lead to improved reliability.
• Many off-peak trains carry very few passengers, but can impact severely on evening peak services. Reducing the number of such services will result in fewer delays for passengers in the evening peak.
• Improved train crew numbers and targeted fleet maintenance programs will support the new timetable and help keep incidents to a minimum.

What you can expect

• Trains will spend slightly longer stopped at stations so passengers can move on and off safely. Average suburban journeys will take between three and six minutes longer.
• Safer and more realistic running times will lead to fewer skipped stops and cancellations.
• Regular services from all stations are designed to be in line with demand. Peak services will have similar frequencies, but some off-peak services are reduced.
• Simplified stopping patterns will mean the timetable is easier to remember.

New timetable snapshot

• Major stations will have six to eight services during peak periods and services every 15 minutes during the off-peak.
• Smaller stations will have between two and four services during peak periods and services every 30 minutes during the off-peak.
• Most “first” trains in the mornings are set to arrive at Central Station between 5.00am and 5.30am. Most “last” trains leave Central Station around midnight Monday to Thursday and on Sunday and around 1.00am on Friday and Saturday nights.