Kings Cross is one of the easiest parts of Sydney to reach without a car. The locality sits about 2 kilometres east of the city centre, and its railway station is a single stop from Martin Place. This page covers Kings Cross transfers and getting around: the rail link, the drive times from other parts of New South Wales, and a private tour that comes with a driver.
Known as The Cross, it sits within the suburb of Potts Point, in the City of Sydney local government area. Elizabeth Bay and Rushcutters Bay lie to the east and Darlinghurst to the south. For a wider picture of the city, see our Sydney destination guide.
Where Kings Cross sits
The locality is small. Its southernmost limit is the intersection of William Street, Darlinghurst Road and Victoria Street, first named Queen's Cross in 1897 for Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee. It was renamed Kings Cross in 1905 after King Edward VII, because the old name was confused with Queen's Square in King Street in the city.
That position is the reason transport here is simple. The area was prized in the early 19th century as far enough from the noise and smell of the central city, yet close enough for easy travel. Today the convenient public transport to the city is one of the things that keeps a mixed population of residents and visitors passing through.
Getting there by train
Kings Cross has its own railway station, among the services in the locality alongside supermarkets, gyms and bakeries. From Martin Place it is one stop by train, so a trip from the heart of the city is very short.
If you prefer to walk, William Street leads up from the city and takes you to Kings Cross a few moments from Hyde Park. Some accommodation is very close to the platform. The Bayswater Sydney Kings Cross, for example, is a two-minute walk from the station, with a taxi stand outside the property. Our Kings Cross accommodation page has more on where to stay.
Drive distances to Sydney
If you are coming by road from elsewhere in the state, these are the distances and times to the Sydney area. Kings Cross is only about 2 km east of the CBD, so allow a little extra for the final stretch.
| Route | Distance | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Central Coast to Sydney | 78 km | about 72 minutes |
| Sydney to Wollongong | 84 km | about 81 minutes |
| Blue Mountains to Sydney | 104 km | about 104 minutes |
| Newcastle to Sydney | 161 km | about 132 minutes |
| Hunter Valley to Sydney | 165 km | about 140 minutes |
| South Coast to Sydney | 183 km | about 171 minutes |
| Jervis Bay to Sydney | 201 km | about 184 minutes |
| Port Stephens to Sydney | 206 km | about 170 minutes |
The Central Coast and Wollongong are the closest, each a little over an hour. Jervis Bay and Port Stephens are the longest, at around three hours. We would plan a break on those runs rather than push straight through.
A private tour with a driver
If you would rather not handle transport at all, the Private Sydney City and Bondi Beach Half Day Tour runs for 4 hours, from AUD 260.0. It is a private tour with a driver who knows the city well. Check current prices with the operator before booking.
The route covers the Rocks' sandstone laneways, the Opera House and Harbour Bridge from several angles, and a stroll through the Botanic Gardens. It then heads east to Bondi. Along the way it takes in Woolloomooloo's converted warehouses, Kings Cross and its gritty character, and South Head's clifftop views. For more ideas, browse our Kings Cross activities.
Staying outside the centre with a caravan
Some travellers coming with a caravan or campervan will stay outside the inner city and travel in. Parks on this site include Discovery Parks - Lane Cove in Macquarie Park and BIG4 Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park in North Narrabeen. Both offer powered sites and cabins, so contact the park for current rates and availability.
For state-wide trip planning, Visit NSW is the official tourism site.
Weather for getting around
Sydney's climate is mild, which suits walking from the station. These are monthly averages for the Sydney area, about 1 km from Kings Cross, from 1991 to 2020.
| Month | Max C | Min C | Rain mm | Rain days | Sunny days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 25.5 | 19.3 | 67.8 | 9.4 | 27.1 |
| February | 24.9 | 19.2 | 87.3 | 10.5 | 24.6 |
| March | 23.6 | 17.9 | 70.1 | 10.8 | 27.5 |
| April | 21.4 | 15.0 | 54.2 | 7.9 | 27.5 |
| May | 18.6 | 12.0 | 45.8 | 6.5 | 27.7 |
| June | 16.3 | 10.0 | 65.3 | 8.1 | 26.0 |
| July | 15.8 | 8.7 | 35.8 | 5.9 | 28.4 |
| August | 17.0 | 9.0 | 37.2 | 5.1 | 28.9 |
| September | 19.4 | 11.2 | 40.4 | 6.4 | 27.8 |
| October | 21.2 | 13.5 | 50.6 | 7.7 | 28.1 |
| November | 22.5 | 15.5 | 70.3 | 8.9 | 26.1 |
| December | 24.2 | 17.5 | 56.2 | 8.8 | 27.4 |
February is the wettest month, with 87.3 mm over 10.5 days. July and August are driest, with around 36 to 37 mm.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Kings Cross from the Sydney CBD?
About 2 kilometres east of the central business district. By train, Kings Cross station is one stop from Martin Place.
Is there a railway station at Kings Cross?
Yes. Kings Cross has its own railway station, and you can also walk up William Street from the city, a few moments from Hyde Park. More background is on our Kings Cross guide, and further detail is on Wikipedia.
Is there a tour that includes transport?
The Private Sydney City and Bondi Beach Half Day Tour includes a private driver. It lasts 4 hours and is priced from AUD 260.0.