NSW TrainLink coach shuttle services will begin stopping at Zig Zag Heritage Railway,  Clarence from Monday August 10, providing locals and visitors with another convenient travel option during the ongoing Great Western Highway closure at Victoria Pass.   

The free coach shuttle service was introduced in March 2026 to help keep Blue Mountains and Central West communities connected while Victoria Pass remains closed and has since recorded more than 6,700 passenger trips.  

The addition of the new stop at the Zig Zag railway responds to community interest and improves access to one of the region's most popular heritage tourism attractions.   

Operating between Bathurst and Katoomba, the fully accessible coach shuttle provides 13 free daily services, with no booking required. Under the updated timetable, selected services will stop at Zig Zag Heritage Railway at the following times:  

Bathurst to Katoomba: 10:45am, 1:15pm and 3:45pm  

Katoomba to Bathurst: 10:15am, 12:45pm and 3:15pm  

Customers are encouraged to plan ahead using Trip Planner and check the Victoria Pass road closure project page for the latest timetable information (links below).   

The additional stop forms part of Transport’s ongoing temporary transport response to the highway closure, which includes additional rail and coach services supporting communities across the Blue Mountains and Central West.   

Quotes attributable to Trish Doyle, MP, Member for the Blue Mountains:  

“The closure of Victoria Pass and the ensuing detour have meant longer journeys, changed routines and considerable inconvenience for many residents and businesses - that’s why these free coach services matter. 

"The free NSW TrainLink coach shuttle service has been helping communities stay connected during the Victoria Pass closure, and we're pleased to add Zig Zag Heritage Railway as an additional stop on selected services.  

"This change gives locals and visitors another practical transport option and makes it easier to reach one of the region's most significant heritage tourism attractions.  

“Since its reopening in October 2023, the Zig Zag Heritage Railway has re-established its role as a beloved local attraction, bringing in visitors from near and far.  

"Since the free coach shuttle service was introduced in March, more than 6,700 passenger trips have been taken on the free coach shuttles, and we're continuing to make improvements that support communities and visitors while the highway closure remains in place."  

“I want to acknowledge and thank Ask Roz – Blue Mountains, for their initiative in suggesting the extra stop and persistent advocacy to see it happen.” 

Quotes attributable to Dan Zolfel, Zig Zag Heritage Railway CEO:  

"Being added as a stop on the free shuttle coach route is a great opportunity to improve accessibility to Zig Zag and beyond.   

“This is our chance to show we are not just a destination for a day trip to the Blue Mountains but also a gateway to the Central West, and a chance to support local businesses affected by the Great Western Highway closure.   

“With the free shuttle coaches stopping here six times a day we are looking forward to welcoming visitors who might not have been able to reach us any other way.” 

Locals and tourists are advised to use Trip Planner to plan their journeys at  transportnsw.info/trip-planner   

For the latest information on the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass, including NSW TrainLink extra service timetable visit: transport.nsw.gov.au/gwhvictoriapass   

Find out more about NSW TrainLink booked coach and XPT services between Sydney and the Central West at transportnsw.info/regional-travel 

MEDIA: Mia Smith | Minister Aitchison | 0455 285 435 

MEDIA: Brenda Cunningham-Lewis | Trish Doyle MP (02) 4751 3298 bluemountains@parliament.nsw.gov.au