The Newcastle Knights are in the 2026 NRL Grand Final, and the Hunter is heading south. The big game is on Sunday 4 October at Accor Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park – and for thousands of Knights fans, that means a long day on the road.
Here is how to make the trip easy, safe and part of the celebration.
The trip at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | Roughly 160 km, Newcastle to Sydney Olympic Park |
| Drive time | Around 2 hours each way – more on Grand Final day |
| Route | M1 Pacific Motorway, then onto Olympic Park |
| Game day | Sunday 4 October 2026 |
Why not just drive?
Four hours of driving, Grand Final traffic, expensive and limited parking at Olympic Park – and someone in your group has to stay sober for the drive home. After a big win (or a tough loss), nobody wants to be behind the wheel on the M1 late on a Sunday night.
Getting from Newcastle to the Grand Final: options compared
| Option | Door to door? | Drinks on the day? | Cost certainty | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drive yourself | Yes | No – someone drives | Low – fuel, tolls, parking | Small groups |
| Train | No – changes needed | Yes | High | Solo fans |
| Redy2go group transfer | Yes | Yes | Fixed price, split between the group | Groups of mates, clubs and pubs |
Book a group transfer instead
Redy2go can collect your group from home, the pub or your club in Newcastle and take you straight to the stadium, then bring everyone home after the final siren.
- People movers for small groups of mates
- Minibuses for 10–20 fans
- Coaches for supporter clubs, pubs and junior clubs
- One booking, one pick-up, one price – split it between the group
Find out more about our Newcastle shuttles.
Tips for Knights fans travelling down
- Book this week – group vehicles go fast once the Grand Final teams are locked in.
- Leave early – allow for M1 traffic and enjoy the pre-game atmosphere at Olympic Park.
- Pack the essentials – tickets on your phone, a charged battery pack, and your red and blue.
- Agree on a meeting point for pick-up after the game.
Why Redy2go?
We have decades of experience moving large groups to Australia’s biggest sporting events. Our professional drivers know the Olympic Park precinct, so you can focus on the footy.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Newcastle from Accor Stadium?
About 160 km, or around 2 hours by road in normal traffic. Allow extra time on Grand Final day.
Can you pick up from multiple places in Newcastle?
Yes – tell us your pick-up points when you book and we will plan the route.
What size group can you take?
From small groups in a people mover to minibuses and full coaches for supporter clubs.
Can we drink on the way?
Please ask when booking – rules depend on the vehicle type and local laws.
What time will we get home?
Your driver waits at an agreed pick-up point after the game, then it is roughly a 2-hour trip back to Newcastle.
Related: NRL Grand Final 2026 Transport Guide · Olympic Park Shuttle · Event Transportation