The Balmain East link is back
The new Route 444 bus starts on Monday 16 November 2026, giving Balmain East Wharf a direct link to Leichhardt Marketplace along Darling Street. Transport for NSW says it delivers on a NSW Government commitment to look at bringing back the former 445 connection to Balmain East Wharf, and answers a long-standing community request.
The service improves access to local shops, services and community facilities, as well as ferry connections at Balmain East Wharf. Ferries from the wharf serve Circular Quay, Pyrmont Bay and Barangaroo.
The Route 444 bus: when it runs and how often
Buses run about every 60 minutes, from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday. The route adds 54 trips a week to the corridor.
Routes 442 and 445 stay as they are
Routes 442 and 445 keep running every 15 and every 10 minutes respectively. During the Route 444 bus’s operating hours, passengers along key sections of the corridor will have a 444 about every 60 minutes alongside those services.
A review once it is running
Transport for NSW will review patronage and community feedback after the service starts, and will make further timetable changes if needed. Transport Minister John Graham said people “wanted a direct bus between Balmain and Leichhardt.”
Related: Timetable changes for Sydney’s southern train passengers dropped
General information only, not legal advice. Check the official source before acting.
Source: NSW Government. Licence: CC BY 4.0.
