Over 800 new bus services to the Snowy Mountains will be added to cater for the 120,000 people expected to make the trip to the snowfields this winter. Photo: NSW Government.
A trip to the snow will be much easier for families in 2026 with the announcement that 800 new bus services will make the trek to the Snowy Mountains.
The Snowy Mountain Bus Service will be ramping up its operations in the winter months, with the new buses operating daily from 6 June through to 4 October, with single-day, three-day and season passes available for purchase.
Skiers, boarders and staff will be able to travel from major cities to the Snowy Mountains region via the NSW TrainLink network of trains and coaches, with the option to travel further around the region using the Snowy Mountains Bus.
There are daily rail services between Sydney and Canberra, and daily coach connections from Canberra to Cooma, as well as Jindabyne three days a week from 6 June, increasing to seven days from 1 July.
Transport for NSW executive director Rob Austin said the growth in patronage last year was a clear sign that visitors were embracing public transport as their preferred way to reach the snowfields.
“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,” Mr Austin said.
“Every year, our Transport field teams respond to numerous incidents of cars running off the road or getting into strife because drivers have been caught out or are inexperienced drivers in alpine conditions.
“Whether you’re a seasoned skier who is confident driving up the mountain, or heading to the snow for the first time, the Snowy Mountains Bus Service makes the journey easy, affordable and stress-free.”
Last year, 145,000 passenger journeys were made by bus to the snowfields, up from 93,000 in 2024. This has prompted the addition of 868 extra services and more frequent trips between the two resorts at Thredbo and Perisher.
Bus tickets include free all-day parking at The Station Resort, complimentary Park and Shuttle Bus access, and entry to Kosciuszko National Park.
Early bird discounts of 10 per cent off adult season tickets are available until the end of June, while half-season passes from 1 August offer savings of up to 30 per cent.
Mr Austin encouraged visitors to take advantage of the early bird offer and plan their trips ahead of the season.
“Booking early not only saves you money, it means you can sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery while someone else handles the mountain roads,” he said.
Passengers can track all services – both the Snowy Mountains Bus Service and NSW TrainLink coach services in real time through the Trip Planner website, the Opal Travel app and selected third-party apps.
With hundreds of extra transport services operating across the region this winter, visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, book early and leave the car at home where possible.
For timetables, ticket information and service updates, visit Snowy Mountains Bus.
Original Article published by Jarryd Rowley on Region Canberra.
