Getting from Jindabyne to Thredbo

September 1, 2025

Navigating the journey from Jindabyne to Thredbo is one of the biggest logistics decisions on a Snowy Mountains ski trip. Whether you’re driving, carpooling, or taking a shuttle, understanding travel times, costs, and conditions will save you hours of stress and help you maximize time on the slopes.

How Long Does It Take?

The distance from central Jindabyne to Thredbo is about 36 km along the Alpine Way. On a clear day with light traffic, the drive usually takes 30–35 minutes. But during peak ski season:

• Weekends & school holidays: Expect 45–60 minutes or more, with heavy traffic between 7:30–9:00 AM.
• Bad weather: Snow, ice, or fog can stretch the trip to 90 minutes+ — black ice is especially common around dawn.
• Capacity closures: On the busiest days, Thredbo car parks fill and police sometimes stop traffic at Jindabyne.

Road Conditions & Safety

• Snow chains: Legally required for all 2WD vehicles in Kosciuszko National Park between June and October. AWD/4WDs don’t have to, but it’s still strongly recommended.
• Chain bays: Clearly marked along Alpine Way — practice fitting chains before you go.
• Hazards: Wildlife (kangaroos, wombats, deer), steep descents like Bullocks Drive, and icy corners are common risk spots.

Kosciuszko National Park Pass

Every car entering Thredbo via the Alpine Way needs a valid park entry pass:

• Daily winter rate (June–October): $29 per vehicle per 24 hours (2024 price).
• Annual NSW All Parks Pass: $190, or $152 for one-park only (Kosciuszko). Links directly to your rego if purchased online.
• Included in bus fares: If you take the Snowy Mountains Bus Service, the park fee is already covered.

Fuel Costs

The return trip Jindabyne ↔ Thredbo is roughly 70 km. Fuel adds up quickly across a week of skiing:

• Economical car (7L/100km at $2.10/L): Around $10–11 per return trip.
• Larger SUV (11L/100km): Around $17–18 per return trip.
• Weekly cost: 5 return trips can easily exceed $90–100 just in fuel, before the park pass.

Parking at Thredbo

• Free parking: Friday Flat (P4) is the main day lot, with shuttle buses circulating the village.
• Arrive early: Lots fill quickly on weekends and powder days — aim to park an hour before lifts open.
• Overnight parking: Free in designated zones (P1–P4), plus most lodges in Thredbo provide guest parking.

Carpooling Benefits

• Split petrol and park pass costs — making it much cheaper per person.
• Less fatigue — rotate drivers after long days of skiing and boarding.
• Reduce congestion and environmental impact with fewer cars heading up the mountain.
• Meet new people to ride with — carpooling makes the trip more social.

Shred Crew makes carpooling simple by connecting you with other skiers and snowboarders heading up from Jindabyne to Thredbo. It’s an easy way to save cash, reduce stress, and find new shred buddies.

Shuttle & Bus Options

If you’d rather not drive, several shuttle services operate daily between Jindabyne and Thredbo:

• Snowy Mountains Bus Service: Runs 7 days a week, with tickets from $14–16 one-way. During peak times, buses can run every 30 minutes. Park entry is included in the fare.
• Private shuttles: Door-to-door options start from $50 per person or around $240 one-way for a small group.
• Taxis/Uber: Limited availability, with fares around $90–110 one-way — not the most reliable choice.

Tips for a Smooth Trip

• Buy your park pass online to skip queues at the entry gate.
• Fuel up in Jindabyne — it’s cheaper than closer to the resort.
• Clear all snow and ice off your car before driving — it’s a legal requirement.
• Pack chains, snacks, water, and warm gear in case of delays or closures.

Whether you choose to drive yourself, split costs with a carpool, or take the shuttle, planning your Jindabyne ↔ Thredbo transport makes a huge difference. A little preparation saves money, avoids stress, and helps you spend more time chasing turns and enjoying après-ski.

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