Getting to the slopes from Sydney is about to get easier, with the Snowy Mountains Bus Service adding hundreds of extra services this winter.
Transport authorities are rolling out more than 800 additional services across the network as travellers increasingly leave car trips for public transport on the alpine run.
The service will operate daily from 6th June through to 4th October, connecting key hubs including Cooma, Berridale and Jindabyne with Perisher, Thredbo and the Skitube at Bullocks Flat.
The boost follows a sharp rise in usage last year, with passenger journeys jumping to 145,000—up from 93,000 the previous year—signalling a clear shift in how people are choosing to reach the slopes. Transport for NSW says the uptick reflects both convenience and caution, as more visitors look to avoid the challenges of driving in alpine conditions.
Why more people are ditching the drive
“More people than ever are choosing to leave the car at home and hop on the bus, and we’re responding by giving them even more services to choose from,” said Transport for NSW Executive Director Rob Austin.
Each winter, authorities respond to multiple incidents involving drivers caught out by icy roads or unpredictable mountain weather—a reality that can quickly introduce logistical headaches to your weekend plans.
Instead, the bus service offers a comparatively seamless option as tickets include entry into Kosciuszko National Park, all-day parking at The Station Resort, and access to local shuttle services.
Transport for NSW has also added real-time tracking across the network, allowing passengers to track their ride through the Opal Travel app or Trip Planner.
Easier connections between resorts
The expansion also means more frequent connections between the two major resorts, Thredbo and Perisher, making it easier for visitors to move between ski fields without needing to relocate their base.
For Sydney travellers, the NSW TrainLink services continue to link the city to the Snowy Mountains region, with daily rail connections to Canberra and coach transfers onwards to Cooma and Jindabyne. From 1st July 2026, coach services to Jindabyne will ramp up to daily departures for the peak season.
As with previous years, bookings are essential for TrainLink services, particularly for those carrying skis or snowboards, as capacity is limited.
Tickets, discounts and how to book
Season passes for the Snowy Mountains Bus Service are now on sale, with a 10% early bird discount available until the end of June. Half-season passes, launching from 1st August, offer savings of up to 30%—an appealing option for late-season snow chasers.
With fuel prices continuing to fluctuate and demand for snow trips expected to remain strong, transport officials are urging visitors to plan ahead and consider leaving the car behind.
