Zig Zag Railway Timetables
Please note: Zig Zag operates between Clarence and Bottom Points.
If you come be car you will arrive at Clarence.
If you come by Cityrail train, you will arrive at Zig Zag station, which is at Bottom Points.
Please take this into account when viewing the timetable.
We offer return trips between both locations.
Trains leave Clarence daily at 11:00am, 1:00pm and 3:00pm. (except Christmas Day)
On Special Event Days additional services run.
Steam Hauled Trains run every Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday, Public Holiday and every day during NSW public school holidays.
(With some exceptions - see detailed timetable)
Diesel Hauled Trains run Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays outside NSW public school holidays.
Bookings are not required for standard services but passengers should arrive at least 20 minutes before departure to buy tickets.
Due to Total Fire Bans or for operational reasons, it is sometimes necessary to operate a diesel locomotive on our steam services.
Download 2010 timetable details
Steam Tour
The steam train descends the steep gradient from Clarence to Bottom Points, through historic tunnels and over sandstone viaducts, revealing the engineering brilliance of the Zig Zag and the impressive Blue Mountains scenery.
The return journey takes about 1.5 hours.
Steam trains run on Weekends, Public Holidays, Wednesdays and NSW public school holidays. Trains depart Bottom points (near main railay line platform) approx 40 mins after leaving Clarence.
| Departs Clarence at | Arrives Bottom Points at | Departs Bottom Points at | Arrives Clarence at | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steam | Service starts at Bottom Points | 9:50am | 10:40am | |
| Steam | 11:00am | 11:35am | 11:50am | 12:20pm |
| Steam | 1:00pm | 1:35pm | 1:50pm | 2:20pm |
| Steam | 3:00pm | 3:35pm | 3:50pm | 4:20pm |
| Steam | 4:45pm One Way | 5:20pm Terminates | Services terminate at Bottom Points | |
Vintage Rail Motor Tour
This tour offers live commentary on the railway’s history and construction. The tour includes photo stops at scenic lookouts No. 1 Viaduct and Top Points, and a walk around the locomotive and carriage maintenance depot at Bottom Points.
Vintage Rail Motors run midweek (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday) when the steam train is not operating. The return journey takes about 1.5 hours.
| Departs Clarence at | Arrives Bottom Points at | Departs Bottom Point at | Arrives Clarence at | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Railmotor | Service starts at Bottom Points | 10:10am | 10:40am | |
| Railmotor | 11:00am | 11:47am | 12:15pm | 12:35pm |
| Railmotor | 1:00pm | 1:47pm | 2:15pm | 2:35pm |
| Railmotor | 3:00pm | 3:47pm | 4:15pm | 4:35pm |
| Railmotor | 4:40pm One Way | 5:15pm Terminates | Services terminate at Bottom Points | |
Two Steam Trains
On some weekends two steam trains operate, please refer to the detailed timetable. Services depart from Clarence at hourly intervals from 10.00am to 3.00pm.
Walk & Ride
For those looking for a chance to combine fitness and fun, visitors may bushwalk and ride the train. They may walk from Clarence to Bottom Points, enjoying amazing scenery, unique Blue Mountains flora and fauna, and encountering many great photo opportunities. They may both appreciate the Blue Mountains Wilderness and the 19th century engineering masterpiece.
While the first part of the walk out of Clarence is reasonable going, the lower part is steep with many steps and definitely not suitable for those with impaired mobility.
The walk is mainly downhill and takes approximately 45 minutes.
Walkers may relax by catching a train uphill from Bottom Points back to Clarence.
Check return train times at Clarence Station before setting off.
Single tickets may be bought at Clarence or at Bottom Points but check that Bottom Points Station is open first.
School Tours
The railway offers special rates for school tours - teachers free of charge. Special times can be arranged - both earlier and later departures than the standard times. Lunch can be provided - or bring your own and share with the Zig Zag Kangaroos. Zig Zag Packages are available for classroom follow up with History, Photographs, Crosswords and Games.
Ring (02) 6355 2955 (Business hours weekdays) or email Zig Zag Railway at info@zigzagrailway.com.au
DISCLAIMER
The Zig Zag Railway makes every effort to maintain services and facilities shown, but cannot guarantee trains will arrive or depart at the times stated, and reserves the right to cancel, alter, substitute or suspend any train, service or facility without notice and will accept no responsibility for any loss incurred or delay caused. The Zig Zag Railway cannot be held responsible for missed connections.
Zig Zag Railway Fares
| Adult | Child | Senior/Concession | Family | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Return | $28.00 | $14.00 | $22.00 | $70.00 |
| Single | $18.00 | $11.00 | $15.00 | $47.00 |
Children under 5 years old (not at school) are carried free, but must have ticket for insurance purposes.
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Group rates on application.
All day tickets are available.
Special events have different fares, see Day Out with Thomas, Wizards Express.
Bookings are essential for special events.
Gift Vouchers are available for regular services and special events.