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5 reasons why the ferry is the best way to commute in Sydney

Commuting by Ferry
Commuting by Ferry

Commutes by definition aren't an enjoyable experience. It's all about getting from home to work with thousands of other people, at an uncomfortable, irritable time of the day.

Contrary to popular belief, the daily commute isn't something Sydney-siders need to dread. In fact, one way to make it enjoyable and even something to look forward to is to take advantage of Sydney Harbour - by ferry.

It's more affordable than you think

Not only is traveling by ferry a great way to get from A to B, it's also surprisingly affordable. By choosing a blue highway to reach the city, your Opal card is your ticket to the fastest ferry service on the harbour. 

See iconic attractions

Hopping on an iconic green-and-cream vessel might seem like a quaint tourist activity, but for many Sydneysiders it’s a part of daily life. Hop on board and enjoy the thrill of nearing the entry to Sydney Harbour, which is flanked by two impressive headlands, pass by the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge - if you’re lucky, you might even spot some dolphins or whales. Sail by the smiling face of Luna Park, the residence of the Governor-General, Admiralty House – and you might catch a glimpse of the Prime Minister next door at Kirribilli House. Complete with indoor and outdoor seating areas, commuting by ferry in Sydney is like taking a mini-harbour cruise every morning and evening.


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Get your coffee on board

For a lot of people, commuting is stressful, uncomfortable and often a waste of time that could be better spent doing something enjoyable. Imagine relaxing for half an hour or an hour before you start your day - enjoying your coffee or breakfast, which you can purchase from the cafe on board and catching up on your social media or the daily news. Or picture yourself at the end of the day, drink in hand courtesy of the on board bar, when a little break is welcome before you need your second wind for your family life.

Save time

Your ferry journey is about drifting along and enjoying yourself. You're not stuck in your car for 30 minutes to an hour, angered by the drivers around you jockeying for the faster lane, or the person that cut you off. Instead, someone else is doing the driving, and it's not a car - it's a boat in one of the most beautiful harbours in the world. And what's more, the Manly to Circular Quay trip takes an average of 18 minutes, which is significantly faster than the average one-hour bus journey and more than twice as fast as the optimal car journey.

Get work done

If you're a workaholic, like so many commuters are, the ferry gives you an advantage no car ride can. If you don't like the idea of relaxing, the ride creates a great window for catching up on emails or phone calls. Have a report that's due? An important business call? Commuters can access free Wi-Fi and plug points, making your time on the ferry provides the perfect opportunity to get any extra work done.

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