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Services partially resume on the South Coast Line as roads and public transport recovery continues Services partially resume on the South Coast Line as roads and public transport recovery continues

Trackwork on the T3 Bankstown Line Trackwork on the T3 Bankstown Line

Anzac Day Dawn Service & March Anzac Day Dawn Service & March

Sydney CBD Sydney CBD

Parramatta Light Rail is now being tested Parramatta Light Rail is now being tested

Stay safe around the new light rail Stay safe around the new light rail

Getting Sydney back on track Getting Sydney back on track

View the latest rail repair trackwork updates View the latest rail repair trackwork updates

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Biennale of Sydney - Rozelle

Plan your trip to the Biennale of Sydney at White Bay Power Station in Rozelle from Saturday 9 March to Sunday 10 June. Buses run regularly to the venue.

Doors Open 17:00 | Start 18:10 | Finish 22:50

Bring Me The Horizon

Plan your trip to see Bring Me The Horizon on Friday 12 and Sunday 14 April at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney Olympic Park.

Gates Open 16:45 | Women v Reds 17:05 | Waratahs v Crusaders 19:35 | Full Time 21:10

Super Rugby: Waratahs v Crusaders

Plan your trip to see the Waratahs take on the Reds in the women, and the Waratahs men take on the Crusaders in the Super Rugby at Allianz Stadium in Moore Park on Friday 12 April.

Transport news

Services partially resume on the South Coast Line as roads and public transport recovery continues

Plan your trip or consider working from home, with major impacts still being experienced across the state’s road and public transport network following this weekend’s severe weather event.

Train timetable changes in April

From Saturday 13 April 2024, minor timetable adjustments will be made to Blue Mountains and Central Coast & Newcastle Lines.

Regional Rail Waste Collection Trial

Transport for NSW is trialling a new way to collect rubbish on regional train services as part of our commitment to reducing our environmental impact.

April 2024 floods – recovery updates

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Plan your trip

Are you going on a trip in NSW? Here are some resources to help you plan your journey.

• Driving in NSW
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Live Traffic NSW

See the latest traffic conditions on NSW roads. Live Traffic NSW

Rest areas map

Find a place to stop and refresh during your trip. NSW Rest areas map

Toll calculator

Calculate the cost of tolls on your journey.

Planning tools and information

Holiday driving, visiting or moving to nsw, trip planner, related information.

• Find a boat ramp
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• Safety and rules on NSW roads

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Getting around Sydney

An efficient network of transport options connects the attractions and suburbs of Sydney and regional NSW, including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.  

Sydney public transport 

Transport for NSW provides a variety of ways to get around the city, as well as information for motorists. Use the trip planner at  transportnsw.info  to plan your travel. 

Opal card info  

The Opal card is an easy, convenient way of paying for your travel on public transport in Sydney. It can be used on all public transport, including trains, ferries, buses and light rail. There are daily and weekly caps on the Opal network, meaning you can travel as much as you like within the Opal network and you never pay more than the capped fare. The Sydney Airport station access fee isn’t included in the travel caps.  

Opal cards can be obtained from train stations and the domestic and international airport, as well as many  retailers across the city. For more information, visit  opal.com.au.  

You can also pay with contactless-enabled American Express, Mastercard or Visa credit or debit cards or a linked device, by tapping on and tapping off at Opal readers. Contactless payments are available on all public transport in the Opal network and you will receive the same travel benefits of an Adult Opal card. 

Ferries on Sydney Harbour

Sydney buses 

Buses form a key part of Sydney’s public transport system, connecting all areas of the city, including those without rail or water transport. There are also NightRide services replacing most train routes between midnight and 4:30am. 

Key bus routes include: 

• 333 – Connecting Circular Quay to Bondi 
• B1 – Wynyard to Mona Vale 
• 373 – Connecting Museum to Coogee 
• 380 - Watsons Bay to Bondi Junction 

Family enjoying a guided tour of Sydney with Big Red Bus Tours, Sydney

Sydney rail  

Sydney's main terminus for local and regional trains and buses is Central Station at Railway Square, close to Chinatown. Trains operate North to the CBD and across the harbour to North Sydney and beyond, as well as east to Bondi Junction and South past and including Sydney Airport. Sydney train maps and train timetables can be found at  Transport NSW .    

Sydney light rail 

The L1 Inner West Light Rail network operates in both directions between Central Station and Dulwich Hill in Sydney’s West. The CBD and South East Light Rail includes the L2 Randwick Line connecting Circular Quay to Randwick and the L3 Kingsford Line between Circular Quay and Junior Kingsford.  Visit Transport NSW for more information and for a Sydney Light Rail map.      

Tramlines running down George Street, Sydney CBD 

Sydney ferries 

Ferries provide a fast and convenient way to cross the harbour, as well as offering a fantastic vantage point of the city. From Circular Quay you can take the Manly Fast Ferry or F1 to Manly, the F2 to Taronga Zoo and the F4 to Watsons Bay and Rose Bay. 

Captain Cook also operates ferries between various locations including between Watsons Bay and Manly, Circular Quay and Clifton Gardens and from Circular Quay to Shark Island.  

View at sunrise of Goat Island , Sydney Harbour

River ferries

The river ferry travels up the Parramatta River from Circular Quay to Parramatta, with stops along the way including Cockatoo Island, Cabarita and Sydney Olympic Park. The full journey takes about 90 minutes depending on stops. 

Friendship Ferry cruising under Sydney Harbour Bridge , Sydney Harbour

A bicycle is a great way to get around Sydney. Cyclists use kerbside bike lanes and are permitted on most of Sydney's multi-lane roads.  Find Sydney cycle maps, routes and more information . 

Bonza Bike Tours , Royal Botanic Garden

Driving in Sydney 

Australians drive on the left-hand side of the road. If you’re travelling from overseas, you are able to drive in Australia with your foreign driver's licence for three months, as long as that licence is in English. If your licence is not in English, you will need to attain an International Drivers Permit (IDP) to use in Australia. 

Seat belts are compulsory in Australia, with the driver responsible for ensuring all passengers are wearing them. Using hand-held mobile phones is prohibited. The blood alcohol limit is 0.05% throughout Australia and is enforced with random breath tests. Pay attention to speed limits – speed cameras are used across Sydney and NSW. 

Shops and cafes lined up along Oxford Street, Paddington

Parking in Sydney 

Parking can be limited and expensive in the CBD and close to popular beaches. Many of Sydney’s streets are restricted to permit holders, with time limits applied to non-permit holders or with metered parking. Fees range from $2.50 to $8 per hour depending on the location and time of day. 

The cheapest way to park in the city centre is to pre-book online.  Secure  and  Wilson  parking offer cheaper advance rates and  parkopedia.com  is also a useful resource when looking for parking. If parking on the street, ensure you park in line with traffic. 

Jacaranda trees in full bloom along McDougall Street, Kirribilli

Toll roads 

Sydney has a number of toll roads and tunnels, including the Harbour Bridge, Harbour Tunnel, Cross City Tunnel and Eastern Distributor. This is charged via an electronic system. If you have a rental car, it will most likely have an e-tag installed and you will be billed at a later date. If you don’t have an e-tag, you can obtain one from the following websites: 

roam.com.au  

linkt.com.au  

myetoll.com.au  

If you pass through a toll road without a tag, ensure you call the number advertised to pay the toll, otherwise, you may incur a fine. 

The Cahill Expressway, Sydney CBD

Car rentals in Sydney 

You’ll find a range of car rental options in Sydney, including car, 4WD, campervan and classic car  hire .     

Electric vehicle charging points 

Electric vehicle charging points can be found across Sydney and NSW. Make sure you check their locations before setting out on your journey. You can find a full list on the  Electric Vehicle Council website . 

Electric car charger at Mountain Ridge Wines, Coolangatta 

Taxis & private transport 

Taxis and water taxis are a convenient way to get around Sydney. Rideshare services also operate in Sydney and include Uber, Ola and Didi. 

• Legion Cabs : 13 14 51 
• Premier Cabs : 13 10 17 
• Silver Service Cabs : 13 31 00 
• St George Cabs : 13 21 66 
• 13CABS : 13 22 27 
• Wheelchair Accessible Taxis (WATS)  
• Fantasea Yellow Water Taxis : 1800 326 822 
• Water Taxis Combined : 02 9555 8888 
• V.I.P Water Taxis : 0418 847 777   
• Majestic Water Taxi : 0439 625 377 

Family enjoying the views aboard a Majestic Water Taxi, Sydney Harbour

Travelling beyond Sydney  

Sydney airport .

Sydney Airport  is located about 9 kilometres south of Sydney's city centre in the suburb of Mascot. 

The three passenger terminals at Sydney Airport are: 

• T1: International Terminal is used for international flights. 
• T2: Domestic Terminal is used by domestic and regional airlines including  Jetstar ,  Rex ,  Virgin Australia  and  FlyPelican . 
• T3: Domestic Terminal is used for  Qantas  and QantasLink domestic flights. 

Transport services such as buses, taxis, car hire, rail and shuttle bus services are conveniently located at Sydney Airport. 

Qantas plane taking off from the airport, Sydney Airport 

Sydney cruise terminals 

There are two  cruise ship terminals  in Sydney Harbour. The main  Overseas Passenger Terminal  is on Circular Quay’s western side in the historic Rocks and opposite the Sydney Opera House. The  White Bay Cruise Terminal  is near Anzac Bridge and is best accessed from James Craig Road in Rozelle. 

The Sea Princess cruise, Sydney Harbour

Intercity & Country NSW trains 

Trains depart Central Station for many NSW destinations, including the South Coast, Blue Mountains, Southern Highlands, Central Coast, North Coast, Country NSW and Outback NSW. Travelling long distances is easy and affordable on  regional train and coach services .   

Regional bus services 

Private bus companies run daily services along the coast and to regional NSW, as well as to other states from Sydney CBD and Central Station.  

• Firefly Express : 1300 730 740 within Australia 
• Greyhound : +61 13 14 99 
• Murrays : +61 13 22 51 
• Priors Scenic Express : 1800 816 234 within Australia 

Accessible transport

All ferries, trains and new buses in NSW are wheelchair accessible, providing easy access for prams and other mobility devices. You can ask for assistance boarding or leaving transport. Visit Transport for NSW’s  accessible travel  web page for more information.

Opal Card FAQs

How does the opal card work.

Opal cards are essentially smartcard tickets used to pay for travel on public transport in Sydney. To use the Opal card, you must first load value onto it. Then at the start of your journey, you tap on at a designated Opal card reader. When you arrive at your destination, you tap off, in the same way that you tapped on, and the designated Opal card reader will display your fare. The fare is calculated according to the distance you have travelled and it is automatically deducted from the value on your Opal card account (or charged to your contactless payment card). Opal cards are reusable and must be reloaded once your account reaches low figures to continue using public transport in the Opal system network.   

How much is an Opal card?

There is no charge for an Opal card. However, when obtaining an Adult Opal card, the minimum value of $20 must be loaded onto the card. This amount is then used to pay future fares on the Opal network. The minimum value for a Child/Youth Opal card is $10 and this amount can also be used in the same way as an Adult Opal Card, to pay for future fares on the Opal network.

Where can I buy an Opal card?

Opal cards can be purchased over the counter from Opal retailers, this includes convenience stores, grocery stores, newsagents and pharmacies. Look for the Opal symbol at shops in your area to locate an Opal card retailer. 

How do I top up my Opal card?

There are many ways to top up your Opal card. The most convenient way is by logging into your account or through the Opal Travel app, registering your Opal card to your account, adding a debit or credit card and setting up an automatic top up. When your Opal card balance reaches a certain minimum value, it will automatically add a set amount by charging your card. If you prefer to do manual top ups, this can also be done through the Opal Travel app or by logging onto your account. Additionally, you can top up your Opal card over the counter at Opal retailers or the Opal top up machines available at selected stations, stops and wharves. 

Can I use my credit card instead of my Opal card?

Yes, you can use your credit card to tap on and off the Opal network system as an alternative to travelling with an Adult Opal card. American Express, Mastercard and Visa debit cards with the contactless payment symbol are also other accepted forms of contactless payments. Using any of these payment methods, you will be charged the same Adult Opal fare as you would be charged using your Opal card.  

If you have more than one payment method on your mobile device, ensure you use the same card to tap on and off the Opal system to avoid being charged the maximum default fare. 

Can you use your phone as an Opal card?

Opal cards do not come in a digital form, but you can use your iPhone (or other smart device) to tap on and off the Opal system network and pay for the fare from your digital wallets using contactless payments. Select the card you want to charge the fare to in your digital wallet and tap onto the designated Opal card reader. The Opal reader will show a “tap success” message to signify that payment has been accepted. At the end of your journey, hold the same device you tapped on with over the Opal reader until you see the confirmation that payment has been accepted.   

Is there a discount for children using Opal cards?

Yes, there are Child/Youth Opal cards that are available for children aged 4-15 years of age. Child/Youth Opal cards can also be used by full time NSW and ACT students, aged 16 and older, with a current NSW secondary student concession card. Child/Youth Opal cards can be purchased from Opal retailers or can be applied for online. The Child/Youth Opal cards provides children with discounted fares on the Opal system network. Children under the age of three travel for free on the Opal network. Contactless fares are charged at the equivalent of an Adult Opal ticket, even if used by a child or youth.  

What happens if I forget to tap on or tap off with my Opal card?

If you forget to tap on at the beginning of your journey, but tap off at the end of your trip, you will be charged the default fare for an incomplete trip. Similarly, if you tap on, but do not tap off at the end of your journey, you will also be charged the default fare amount.  

The amount of a default fare varies depending on the transportation taken: 

The default bus fare is $4.71.

The default fare on the ferry is $7.51.

The default fare using the light rail is $3.66.

The default fare for trains is $8.69.

Can two people use the same Opal card?

Only one Opal card can be used on one trip at a time. You must not tap on twice with the same Opal card to pay for another person’s trip. Technically, you can share an Opal card as long as you are not riding on the same trip. Two individual cards are needed if you plan to travel at the same time. 

What happens if I lose my Opal card?

If your registered Opal card has been lost, stolen or damaged, you can transfer the balance to another Opal card that is also registered to you. However, if you do not obtain a new Opal card and register it to your account, you will only be able to block the original lost, stolen or damaged Opal card.  

Once you have your new Opal card, you can request the balance from the lost, stolen or damaged Opal card to be transferred to your new card. Call 13 67 25 to request the balance from the original card to be transferred to your new card.

Does Opal offer any discounts?

Yes, there are a number of benefits when you travel in the Opal network with an Opal card or credit or debit card.  

Daily travel caps - travel all day in the Opal network and never pay more than $16.80 a day for Adult, $8.40 a day for Child/Youth and Concession and $2.50 a day for Gold Senior/Pensioner. 

Weekly travel caps - travel all week in the Opal network and never pay more than $50 a week for Adult, $25 a week for Child/Youth and Concession and $17.50 a week for Gold Senior/Pensioner 

Weekend travel cap - travel all day on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays and never pay more than $8.40 a day for Adult, $4.20 a day for Child/Youth or Concession and $2.50 a day for Gold Senior/Pensioner 

Weekly Travel Rewards - if you have paid for eight journeys in one week (Monday to Sunday), your fares will be half price for the rest of the week. 

30% discount with off-peak metro/train/bus/light rail fares - when you travel outside of peak times with your Opal card. 

Opal Transfer Discount - when travelling with more than one mode of transport on the same journey (train, ferry, bus or light rail), a $2 discount (adults) is applied to each transfer, within 60 minutes from the last tap off. 

Travel apps & information 

Live traffic nsw app .

Receive up to the minute news of road incidents and conditions that may affect your journey in Sydney and the NSW regions. 

Download  the Live Traffic NSW App from the App Store 

Download  the Live Traffic NSW App from Google Play 

TripView displays Sydney train, bus, ferry and light rail timetables, showing your next services. By TripView Pty Ltd. 

Download  TripView from the App Store  

Download  TripView from Google Play  

Next Station 

Next Station provides trip planning and timetables, real-time vehicle position and service alerts in multiple languages covering Sydney’s public transport network, NSW TrainLink and NSW regional buses. 

Download Next Station from the App Store  

Download Next Station from Google Play  

Next Station web app  

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Getting around Sydney

An efficient network of transport options connects the attractions and suburbs of Sydney and regional NSW, including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.  

Sydney public transport 

Transport for NSW provides a variety of ways to get around the city, as well as information for motorists. Use the trip planner at  transportnsw.info  to plan your travel. 

Opal card info  

The Opal card is an easy, convenient way of paying for your travel on public transport in Sydney. It can be used on all public transport, including trains, ferries, buses and light rail. There are daily and weekly caps on the Opal network, meaning you can travel as much as you like within the Opal network and you never pay more than the capped fare. The Sydney Airport station access fee isn’t included in the travel caps.  

Opal cards can be obtained from train stations and the domestic and international airport, as well as many  retailers across the city. For more information, visit  opal.com.au.  

You can also pay with contactless-enabled American Express, Mastercard or Visa credit or debit cards or a linked device, by tapping on and tapping off at Opal readers. Contactless payments are available on all public transport in the Opal network and you will receive the same travel benefits of an Adult Opal card. 

Ferries on Sydney Harbour

Sydney buses 

Buses form a key part of Sydney’s public transport system, connecting all areas of the city, including those without rail or water transport. There are also NightRide services replacing most train routes between midnight and 4:30am. 

Key bus routes include: 

• 333 – Connecting Circular Quay to Bondi 
• B1 – Wynyard to Mona Vale 
• 373 – Connecting Museum to Coogee 
• 380 - Watsons Bay to Bondi Junction 

Family enjoying a guided tour of Sydney with Big Red Bus Tours, Sydney

Sydney rail  

Sydney's main terminus for local and regional trains and buses is Central Station at Railway Square, close to Chinatown. Trains operate North to the CBD and across the harbour to North Sydney and beyond, as well as east to Bondi Junction and South past and including Sydney Airport. Sydney train maps and train timetables can be found at  Transport NSW .    

Sydney light rail 

The L1 Inner West Light Rail network operates in both directions between Central Station and Dulwich Hill in Sydney’s West. The CBD and South East Light Rail includes the L2 Randwick Line connecting Circular Quay to Randwick and the L3 Kingsford Line between Circular Quay and Junior Kingsford.  Visit Transport NSW for more information and for a Sydney Light Rail map.      

Tramlines running down George Street, Sydney CBD 

Sydney ferries 

Ferries provide a fast and convenient way to cross the harbour, as well as offering a fantastic vantage point of the city. From Circular Quay you can take the Manly Fast Ferry or F1 to Manly, the F2 to Taronga Zoo and the F4 to Watsons Bay and Rose Bay. 

Captain Cook also operates ferries between various locations including between Watsons Bay and Manly, Circular Quay and Clifton Gardens and from Circular Quay to Shark Island.  

View at sunrise of Goat Island , Sydney Harbour

River ferries

The river ferry travels up the Parramatta River from Circular Quay to Parramatta, with stops along the way including Cockatoo Island, Cabarita and Sydney Olympic Park. The full journey takes about 90 minutes depending on stops. 

Friendship Ferry cruising under Sydney Harbour Bridge , Sydney Harbour

A bicycle is a great way to get around Sydney. Cyclists use kerbside bike lanes and are permitted on most of Sydney's multi-lane roads.  Find Sydney cycle maps, routes and more information . 

Bonza Bike Tours , Royal Botanic Garden

Driving in Sydney 

Australians drive on the left-hand side of the road. If you’re travelling from overseas, you are able to drive in Australia with your foreign driver's licence for three months, as long as that licence is in English. If your licence is not in English, you will need to attain an International Drivers Permit (IDP) to use in Australia. 

Seat belts are compulsory in Australia, with the driver responsible for ensuring all passengers are wearing them. Using hand-held mobile phones is prohibited. The blood alcohol limit is 0.05% throughout Australia and is enforced with random breath tests. Pay attention to speed limits – speed cameras are used across Sydney and NSW. 

Shops and cafes lined up along Oxford Street, Paddington

Parking in Sydney 

Parking can be limited and expensive in the CBD and close to popular beaches. Many of Sydney’s streets are restricted to permit holders, with time limits applied to non-permit holders or with metered parking. Fees range from $2.50 to $8 per hour depending on the location and time of day. 

The cheapest way to park in the city centre is to pre-book online.  Secure  and  Wilson  parking offer cheaper advance rates and  parkopedia.com  is also a useful resource when looking for parking. If parking on the street, ensure you park in line with traffic. 

Jacaranda trees in full bloom along McDougall Street, Kirribilli

Toll roads 

Sydney has a number of toll roads and tunnels, including the Harbour Bridge, Harbour Tunnel, Cross City Tunnel and Eastern Distributor. This is charged via an electronic system. If you have a rental car, it will most likely have an e-tag installed and you will be billed at a later date. If you don’t have an e-tag, you can obtain one from the following websites: 

roam.com.au  

linkt.com.au  

myetoll.com.au  

If you pass through a toll road without a tag, ensure you call the number advertised to pay the toll, otherwise, you may incur a fine. 

The Cahill Expressway, Sydney CBD

Car rentals in Sydney 

You’ll find a range of car rental options in Sydney, including car, 4WD, campervan and classic car  hire .     

Electric vehicle charging points 

Electric vehicle charging points can be found across Sydney and NSW. Make sure you check their locations before setting out on your journey. You can find a full list on the  Electric Vehicle Council website . 

Electric car charger at Mountain Ridge Wines, Coolangatta 

Taxis & private transport 

Taxis and water taxis are a convenient way to get around Sydney. Rideshare services also operate in Sydney and include Uber, Ola and Didi. 

• Legion Cabs : 13 14 51 
• Premier Cabs : 13 10 17 
• Silver Service Cabs : 13 31 00 
• St George Cabs : 13 21 66 
• 13CABS : 13 22 27 
• Wheelchair Accessible Taxis (WATS)  
• Fantasea Yellow Water Taxis : 1800 326 822 
• Water Taxis Combined : 02 9555 8888 
• V.I.P Water Taxis : 0418 847 777   
• Majestic Water Taxi : 0439 625 377 

Family enjoying the views aboard a Majestic Water Taxi, Sydney Harbour

Travelling beyond Sydney  

Sydney airport .

Sydney Airport  is located about 9 kilometres south of Sydney's city centre in the suburb of Mascot. 

The three passenger terminals at Sydney Airport are: 

• T1: International Terminal is used for international flights. 
• T2: Domestic Terminal is used by domestic and regional airlines including  Jetstar ,  Rex ,  Virgin Australia  and  FlyPelican . 
• T3: Domestic Terminal is used for  Qantas  and QantasLink domestic flights. 

Transport services such as buses, taxis, car hire, rail and shuttle bus services are conveniently located at Sydney Airport. 

Qantas plane taking off from the airport, Sydney Airport 

Sydney cruise terminals 

There are two  cruise ship terminals  in Sydney Harbour. The main  Overseas Passenger Terminal  is on Circular Quay’s western side in the historic Rocks and opposite the Sydney Opera House. The  White Bay Cruise Terminal  is near Anzac Bridge and is best accessed from James Craig Road in Rozelle. 

The Sea Princess cruise, Sydney Harbour

Intercity & Country NSW trains 

Trains depart Central Station for many NSW destinations, including the South Coast, Blue Mountains, Southern Highlands, Central Coast, North Coast, Country NSW and Outback NSW. Travelling long distances is easy and affordable on  regional train and coach services .   

Regional bus services 

Private bus companies run daily services along the coast and to regional NSW, as well as to other states from Sydney CBD and Central Station.  

• Firefly Express : 1300 730 740 within Australia 
• Greyhound : +61 13 14 99 
• Murrays : +61 13 22 51 
• Priors Scenic Express : 1800 816 234 within Australia 

Accessible transport

All ferries, trains and new buses in NSW are wheelchair accessible, providing easy access for prams and other mobility devices. You can ask for assistance boarding or leaving transport. Visit Transport for NSW’s  accessible travel  web page for more information.

Opal Card FAQs

How does the opal card work.

Opal cards are essentially smartcard tickets used to pay for travel on public transport in Sydney. To use the Opal card, you must first load value onto it. Then at the start of your journey, you tap on at a designated Opal card reader. When you arrive at your destination, you tap off, in the same way that you tapped on, and the designated Opal card reader will display your fare. The fare is calculated according to the distance you have travelled and it is automatically deducted from the value on your Opal card account (or charged to your contactless payment card). Opal cards are reusable and must be reloaded once your account reaches low figures to continue using public transport in the Opal system network.   

How much is an Opal card?

There is no charge for an Opal card. However, when obtaining an Adult Opal card, the minimum value of $20 must be loaded onto the card. This amount is then used to pay future fares on the Opal network. The minimum value for a Child/Youth Opal card is $10 and this amount can also be used in the same way as an Adult Opal Card, to pay for future fares on the Opal network.

Where can I buy an Opal card?

Opal cards can be purchased over the counter from Opal retailers, this includes convenience stores, grocery stores, newsagents and pharmacies. Look for the Opal symbol at shops in your area to locate an Opal card retailer. 

How do I top up my Opal card?

There are many ways to top up your Opal card. The most convenient way is by logging into your account or through the Opal Travel app, registering your Opal card to your account, adding a debit or credit card and setting up an automatic top up. When your Opal card balance reaches a certain minimum value, it will automatically add a set amount by charging your card. If you prefer to do manual top ups, this can also be done through the Opal Travel app or by logging onto your account. Additionally, you can top up your Opal card over the counter at Opal retailers or the Opal top up machines available at selected stations, stops and wharves. 

Can I use my credit card instead of my Opal card?

Yes, you can use your credit card to tap on and off the Opal network system as an alternative to travelling with an Adult Opal card. American Express, Mastercard and Visa debit cards with the contactless payment symbol are also other accepted forms of contactless payments. Using any of these payment methods, you will be charged the same Adult Opal fare as you would be charged using your Opal card.  

If you have more than one payment method on your mobile device, ensure you use the same card to tap on and off the Opal system to avoid being charged the maximum default fare. 

Can you use your phone as an Opal card?

Opal cards do not come in a digital form, but you can use your iPhone (or other smart device) to tap on and off the Opal system network and pay for the fare from your digital wallets using contactless payments. Select the card you want to charge the fare to in your digital wallet and tap onto the designated Opal card reader. The Opal reader will show a “tap success” message to signify that payment has been accepted. At the end of your journey, hold the same device you tapped on with over the Opal reader until you see the confirmation that payment has been accepted.   

Is there a discount for children using Opal cards?

Yes, there are Child/Youth Opal cards that are available for children aged 4-15 years of age. Child/Youth Opal cards can also be used by full time NSW and ACT students, aged 16 and older, with a current NSW secondary student concession card. Child/Youth Opal cards can be purchased from Opal retailers or can be applied for online. The Child/Youth Opal cards provides children with discounted fares on the Opal system network. Children under the age of three travel for free on the Opal network. Contactless fares are charged at the equivalent of an Adult Opal ticket, even if used by a child or youth.  

What happens if I forget to tap on or tap off with my Opal card?

If you forget to tap on at the beginning of your journey, but tap off at the end of your trip, you will be charged the default fare for an incomplete trip. Similarly, if you tap on, but do not tap off at the end of your journey, you will also be charged the default fare amount.  

The amount of a default fare varies depending on the transportation taken: 

The default bus fare is $4.71.

The default fare on the ferry is $7.51.

The default fare using the light rail is $3.66.

The default fare for trains is $8.69.

Can two people use the same Opal card?

Only one Opal card can be used on one trip at a time. You must not tap on twice with the same Opal card to pay for another person’s trip. Technically, you can share an Opal card as long as you are not riding on the same trip. Two individual cards are needed if you plan to travel at the same time. 

What happens if I lose my Opal card?

If your registered Opal card has been lost, stolen or damaged, you can transfer the balance to another Opal card that is also registered to you. However, if you do not obtain a new Opal card and register it to your account, you will only be able to block the original lost, stolen or damaged Opal card.  

Once you have your new Opal card, you can request the balance from the lost, stolen or damaged Opal card to be transferred to your new card. Call 13 67 25 to request the balance from the original card to be transferred to your new card.

Does Opal offer any discounts?

Yes, there are a number of benefits when you travel in the Opal network with an Opal card or credit or debit card.  

Daily travel caps - travel all day in the Opal network and never pay more than $16.80 a day for Adult, $8.40 a day for Child/Youth and Concession and $2.50 a day for Gold Senior/Pensioner. 

Weekly travel caps - travel all week in the Opal network and never pay more than $50 a week for Adult, $25 a week for Child/Youth and Concession and $17.50 a week for Gold Senior/Pensioner 

Weekend travel cap - travel all day on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays and never pay more than $8.40 a day for Adult, $4.20 a day for Child/Youth or Concession and $2.50 a day for Gold Senior/Pensioner 

Weekly Travel Rewards - if you have paid for eight journeys in one week (Monday to Sunday), your fares will be half price for the rest of the week. 

30% discount with off-peak metro/train/bus/light rail fares - when you travel outside of peak times with your Opal card. 

Opal Transfer Discount - when travelling with more than one mode of transport on the same journey (train, ferry, bus or light rail), a $2 discount (adults) is applied to each transfer, within 60 minutes from the last tap off. 

Travel apps & information 

Live traffic nsw app .

Receive up to the minute news of road incidents and conditions that may affect your journey in Sydney and the NSW regions. 

Download  the Live Traffic NSW App from the App Store 

Download  the Live Traffic NSW App from Google Play 

TripView displays Sydney train, bus, ferry and light rail timetables, showing your next services. By TripView Pty Ltd. 

Download  TripView from the App Store  

Download  TripView from Google Play  

Next Station 

Next Station provides trip planning and timetables, real-time vehicle position and service alerts in multiple languages covering Sydney’s public transport network, NSW TrainLink and NSW regional buses. 

Download Next Station from the App Store  

Download Next Station from Google Play  

Next Station web app  

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Sydney Transport: Bus & Rail 4+

Nsw trip planner, train, metro, transit now ltd.

• #151 in Travel
• 4.5 • 7.1K Ratings
• Offers In-App Purchases

Screenshots

Description.

Live bus and train times, step-by-step navigation, stop announcements, service alerts and more - all in one app. ► Live directions – plan your trip with up to five ways to your destination ► Share your journey details with friends and family - they don't even need the app! ► Get Off Alerts – we'll let you know when it's time to transfer ► Live countdown boards for buses and trains ► See exactly where you bus or train is on the map right now ► Service Alerts - Find out about delays and diversions before you leave ► Save your favorite stops and stations ► Full seven-day schedules ► Schedule alarms and get reminders before your bus or train arrives. ► Quickly see the last train or bus arriving tonight ► Live and offline route maps ► One-tap ‘get me home’ journey planning ► Simple and clean - we only show you what you need to know We love feedback! Get in touch with us at [email protected] or follow us on Twitter at @TalkToWhiz. Please note that the app requires data access and works best with GPS / location on. Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life. Background GPS is only used when you have a Get Off Alert turned on. Check out our Privacy Policy at https://travelwhiz.app/privacy and our Terms of Use at https://travelwhiz.app/terms

Version 2024.2.9

This release includes a number of bug fixes and improvements to the app, including: A new status indicator when activating a Live Activity. The app now correctly shows you multiple addresses when choosing a contact from your address book. Train departure search now works correctly. Watch App: Long line names now show correctly. Your feedback means a lot - if you have any suggestions, or run into any issues, just tap on the Settings button and get in touch with us. If you can spare a moment, we'd love it if you could leave a review on the App Store - it means so much to us to hear from you, our customer. Thanks for using the app!

Ratings and Reviews

7.1K Ratings

Great app. Needs constant info updates

This is a great app which I use when travelling to new or familiar destinations by bus and train/metro. However it gets frustrating because platform numbers in train stations are often wrong and I have my recommended train many times because of that. Which during the recently many disrupted schedules results in a long waste of time. So please make an urgent revision to update these info and keep checking for updates.

Initially it was ok. But lately it has been showing multiple error: - ghost bus (not late. Bus didnt even exist even when I wait 15 mins before and after the schedule) - incorrect time or train route. Imagine you need to get to a station, but then the train suggested by this app didnt even stop at that station. - bus location is not updated. I will always be suspicious when the app said “scheduled location”. - bus that was suggested to take suddenly missing from the arrival tab and the app suggested something else. This happened multiple times. Imagine that you thought you lost my 9 mins away bus coz the app said it’s not exist, decided to wait the next bus coming in 30 mins while you are getting coffee, and suddenly the bus passed by. I dont know... try something else.

This is a really great app that I use everyday when travelling to and from work. My only suggestion would be to add support for widgets on iOS so that users could quickly swipe left and look at their favourites. I feel like this change would make it a lot easier for me as the component I use most is my favourites and having them in an easily accessible place would be a great help.

App Privacy

The developer, Transit Now ltd , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer's privacy policy .

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

• Identifiers
• Diagnostics

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Traditional Chinese

• Yearly Plan $29.99
• Sydney+ Annual $39.00
• Monthly Plan $4.99
• Premium - Annual Subscription $14.99
• Sydney+ Monthly $5.00
• Premium - Monthly $3.49
• Sydney+ Annual $49.00
• Lifetime Pass $79.99
• Secret Discount $7.99
• Developer Website
• App Support
• Privacy Policy

Family Sharing

Some in‑app purchases, including subscriptions, may be shareable with your family group when family sharing is enabled., more by this developer.

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NSW Government - Opal

Get an Opal card

Customer care, plan your trip.

Use Trip Planner to plan journeys within the Opal network or anywhere in NSW. Plan a trip now . 

Quick links

• Transport Info
• Website Terms
• Opal Terms of Use
• Accessibility
• Website Help
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• Transport for NSW

How can we help you today?

Popular searches.

• Contactless payments
• Routes and timetables
• Concessions
• School student travel
• Opal Travel app
• Help with planning

How to use the Trip Planner

Steps to plan a trip.

Choose the travel plan that best suits your needs and preferences.

Set your favourites and customise options to choose your preferred travel style.

Alternative travel options

Compare public transport to drive or rideshare travel options, cycling or walking.

Some trips give you the option to book with NSW Regional TrainLink services or a third party operator.

Browser compatibility issues

Help in other languages

This guide is available in other languages

trip-planner Plan a trip

How to plan a trip

• Enter ‘ From ' and ‘ To ’ locations.
• If you are on the homepage click ‘ Go ’ to see results otherwise they will load automatically once your destination is set.

You can plan a trip using:

• an address, street name or suburb
• a station, bus stop name or ferry wharf
• a point of interest (e.g. Sydney Opera House)
• a stop number (e.g. 200064)
• clicking a location on the map

Helpful tip:

• When you click or tap on the ' From ' or ' To ' fields, any previously used locations will be suggested. As you type, the list will filter to suggested matches. Select the closest match.

Accessible trips

If you have accessibility requirements and some of your trip plan results are not accessible, you follow these steps to display accessible only trip plans:

• Press the ' Refine ' button
• Select the check box next to ' Accessible services only '
• Press ' Apply ' to see results for accessible services only.

There are a range of tools and resources for planning an accessible trip .

Change date and time of trip plan

By default all trips are set as departing at the time you search.

To change the departure time:

• Click on ' Leaving now '.
• To see results that arrive by or before a particular time, select ' Arriving '.

Time is displayed in 24-hour format. You cannot select a date in the past.

Plan a trip using your current location

You may need to allow your computer or mobile phone to use your current location in the Trip Planner. Press ' Allow ' on the pop-up window of the browser or tap ' Allow ' on the pop-up on your mobile device and enable location services. The message may appear slightly differently on different devices or browsers.

Plan a trip using the map

• On a mobile device, tap in the ' From '   or ' To '   field and then tap ' Choose on map ' to see the map, then you can tap anywhere on the map to plan a trip to or from that location.
• Click (desktop) or tap (mobile) anywhere on the map and a dialog will appear showing the address selected with a prompt to plan a trip either from that location or to that location

See stops or Points of interest on map

• When on the map, click on ' Map options ' in the top right, to turn on display of Public transport stops or Points of Interest.
• You can then click (desktop) or tap (mobile) these icons to set as the ‘ From ’ or ‘ To ’ locations and plan your trip.

Ways in which you can enter a Location

Your current location.

Use your current location in the Trip Planning digital tools. These tools use global positioning technology (GPS) to determine where you are.

You may need to allow your computer or mobile phone to use your currently location. Simply click “Allow” on the pop-up window of the browser or tap “Allow” on the pop-up on your mobile device and enable location services. The message may appear slightly differently on different devices or browsers.

You can also enter a specific address into the location field, including the street name or suburb.

As you type, the list will filter to suggested matches and if the exact address does not show, select the closest match.

If you are entering street names, it is important to check you choose the right suburb.

Details of a Transport Stop

You can also specify the name of a bus stop, station of Ferry in the location fields. If you have the stop number, you can also enter that into the location fields.

Point of Interest

You can also enter the name of a point of interest or landmark (e.g. Sydney Opera House) in the location field.

Points on a Map

You can also select the location by clicking a location on the map.

Click anywhere on the map and a dialog will appear showing the address selected with a prompt to plan a trip either from that location or to that location.

On a mobile device, tap in the From or To field and then select the map icon in the top right hand corner of the My current location option, to see the map, then you can tap anywhere on the map to plan a trip to or from that location.

Alternatively, when on the map, click on 'Map options' in the top right, to turn on display of Stops or Points of Interest. You can then click (desktop) or tap (mobile) these icons to set as the ‘From’ or ‘To’ locations.

Map Options

'Map options' allows you to select 'Stops', 'Opal retailers' and 'Points of interest'. On selection, the map will zoom in to the centre of the map, to show the relevant icons for 'Stops', 'Opal retailers' or 'Points of Interest'. Icons are only visible when the map is zoomed in. Click any icon for more details or to plan your trip to or from any stop or point of interest.

• centre the map on your current location

options Refine your trip

Refine for advanced options

Click ' Refine ' to edit your trip preferences and refine your:

Trip preference

Public transport options, connecting with public transport, service options, walking speed.

You can set your trip preference from:

• Earliest arrival
• Fewest changes
• Least walking

See: Earliest arrival, fewest changes or least walking

Choose which types of transport you want to include or exclude from your results (by default metro, train, bus, ferry, light rail and coach are included and school buses are excluded).

See:  School travel

By default the Trip Planner assumes most people will walk up to 20 minutes between transfers. You can adjust this time and also choose to instead ride a bike or travel by car (Taxi/Drive) under the ' Connecting with public transport ' section when refining your trip options.

See: Connecting with public transport

Include OpalPay, On Demand and bookable services

By default, all available services will be returned and the checkbox for ' Include OpalPay, On Demand and bookable services ' will be selected. Selecting this option will show results for:

• Private services (e.g. Manly Fast Ferry, rural and regional buses)
• Services that need to be booked (On Demand services, Regional trains and coaches, private bus and ferry services)

For more information, see Plan a trip with Opal only services .

Accessible services only

Select ' Accessible services only ' if you need wheelchair accessible services. For more information, see Accessible trips .

Choose your walk speed:

• 'slow' (2 km/h)
• 'average' (4 km/h)
• 'fast' (6km/h)

Apply / Reset

• Click ‘ Apply ’ to see the updated results
• To restore all preferences back to the default state, select ' RESET ' in the Refine section or select ' clear ' from the results page.

Earliest arrival, fewest changes or least walking

Earliest arrival  is displayed by default – that is, the services that will arrive the soonest after the ' Leaving ' or closest to the ' Arriving ' time. Click ' Refine '   to change this to instead order results by ‘ Fewest changes ’ or ‘ Least walking ’.

Fewest changes  will present trip options with the fewest changes to reach your destination, however the overall journey time may take longer than a trip which involves more changes. 

Least walking  will present trip options with minimal walking between stops or transfers wherever possible.

By default the Trip Planner assumes most people will walk up to 20 minutes between transfers. You can adjust this time and also choose to instead ' Cycle ' or ' Travel by car (Taxi/Drive) ' under the Connecting with public transport section when refining your trip options.

Plan a trip with Opal services only

By default the Trip Planner includes results for services such as On Demand, private ferries and other bookable services.

To turn off these services in trip results:

• select ' Refine ' to edit your trip preferences
• under ' Service options ’ deselect the ' Include OpalPay, On Demand and bookable services '.

This will filter out travel options that:

• do not accept Opal card or Contactless payments such as the Manly Fast Ferry
• require booking, such as On Demand and NSW TrainLink services. This also includes OpalPay services that accept payments using Opal cards but which do not count towards any Opal rewards or other benefits.

The Trip Planner will also estimate your Opal fare.

Save favourite trips

Your previous trips are automatically saved for easy, one-click trip planning when you come back.

To pin a trip to the top of the list, select:

• ' Favourite ' at the bottom right of the Trip Planner form
• the star icon on any of your previous trips.

Select ' Clear ' to clear any trip results, reset preferences and display your previous and favourite trips.

Tip : Set up a trip from ‘ My current location ’ to your home address or stop. This is our ‘ take me home now ’ option. The Trip Planner will use your current location every time it's used.

You can choose how you connect with public transport with options available for walking, cycling or taxi/drive.

Just select your preference for walking, cycling or taking a taxi or driving and how long you want to allow for each option.

For example on a regular commute you may choose to allow for a 20 minute cycle at the beginning of your journey from your home to a local train station where you can leave your bike in a locker, followed by a 15 minute walk at the end of your journey to your workplace from the nearest station. You can then reverse these options for the return trip.

Map options

• ' Map options ' allows you to select ' Stops ', ' Opal retailers ' and ' Points of interest '. On selection, the map will zoom in to the centre of the map, to show the relevant icons for ' Stops ', ' Opal retailers ' or ' Points of Interest '. Icons are only visible when the map is zoomed in. Click any icon for more details or to plan your trip to or from any stop or point of interest.

booking Bookings

Regional bookings.

If a service requires a booking, the ‘ booking required ’ badge will display.

Trip Planner will then direct you to book your ticket online through the NSW TrainLink booking website . You can search for available services, view current sale fares and manage your booking. 

Rideshare and taxi

Trip Planner enables you to see rideshare and taxi trip options. If you want to make a booking, you'll be sent to a third party operator website.

On Demand public transport

On Demand public transport is available in some areas on certain days and times. If one of these On Demand services is available for the trip you planned, you may see the service as an option in your trip results.

Depending on the service you may need to download the relevant app to book a trip and pay for these services. Expand the trip results and click on the link to ' book your seat ' to be linked through to the relevant information page for that On Demand service where you can find out details such as the cost, times of operation and how to book that service.

OpalPay is available on some On Demand services and if so this will be indicated when you expand your trip results.

travel-info Alternative travel options (Cycle, Walk, Drive)

Compare options.

Tell the Trip Planner where you are travelling to and from, and it will return results for all modes of transport. You can compare public transport with walking, cycling or rideshare to help you make more informed decisions on the fastest and most cost effective travel options.

You can further customise these results for these modes:

Public transport

• trip preference (earliest arrival, fewest changes, least walking)
• public transport modes (train, bus, ferry, light rail and others)
• connecting to and from public transport (walk, cycle or taxi/drive)
• average walking speed (slow 2km/h, average 4 km/h or fast 6km/h)

Find out more about refining your public transport trip

When choosing the Trip Planner option to ride a bike, you can choose your preferred route based on options for Easier, Moderate or More direct.

• Easier  will avoid hills and busy roads where possible, but may take longer.
• Moderate  is for riders who don't mind the occasional hill and are comfortable riding on roads.
• More direct  is for experienced cyclists who want the fastest and most direct journey.

• choose speed (slow 2km/h, average 4 km/h or fast 6km/h)
• choose between a driving leg, your personal car or booking with a local taxi or rideshare service.

Find out more about booking .

map Trip Planner results

Trip summary.

Several trip options are displayed on individual summary cards which contain trip information, relevant trip alerts and fare information.

• If the first leg is a transport leg (metro, train, bus, ferry, light rail, On Demand or coach), this is the time until the service departs, or for On Demand services an indicative time. 
• If the first leg is walking / driving, this is the time until you have to leave to start walking / driving.
• Icons indicate the transport modes that make up the trip (e.g. metro, train, bus, ferry, light rail, On Demand , coach, walk, drive).
• Route numbers indicate the transport service, e.g., T1, 333, F4, etc
• Walk legs show the walk time, for example: 10 is 10 minutes.
• Taxi/drive shows the distance in kilometres.
• The departure and arrival time and duration of the whole trip is indicated.
• If a service requires a booking, ‘ booking required ’ will display.
• Opal fares are calculated for trips that can be paid using your Opal card or Contactless payment card.
• The adult fare is displayed by default. You can click on the fare to change the Opal card type and see other Opal card types and fares, as well as read more about how Opal fares are calculated and displayed.

See key to icons for more information.

Trip details

Select any summary card to see the detailed itinerary of each trip option. The expanded card gives detailed instructions for the entire trip, including:

• Departure and arrival stops, station or wharf, colour-coded by mode. For On Demand services the departure and arrival stops are indicative only and the trip must be booked with the operator to confirm actual locations.
• Where real-time is available for a leg of the trip, a real-time indicator is shown with the departure time. You can also see if the service is on time, running early or late. For buses and some trains, the capacity indicator tells you whether there are many or few seats available.
• Route/line details and direction.
• A wheelchair accessible icon if the service is accessible.
• Any relevant alerts or disruptions
• Opal fares at each tap off point.

View trip results on map

Mobile devices.

• On small screens, such as a smartphone, each trip plan option displays a map option in the summary card, to let you view the trip on the map. The map will zoom to the start of the trip and you can zoom and pan to view your entire trip.
• On large screens, such as a laptop or desktop computer, the first trip option is always displayed on the map. Click any other ‘ card ’ to view that trip on the map.
• Clicking on the ' walk/drive ' directions or ' view stops ' will zoom to the relevant section of the map.

help Troubleshooting

Recommended browsers.

To access all the features of the Trip Planner , and the transportnsw.info website, we recommend using the latest versions of Chrome , Firefox , Safari or Microsoft Edge . If you are using an older browser, some features may not work.

You also need to keep JavaScript enabled, to interact with any site features.

This website is responsive which means no matter what device you are on – mobile, tablet or desktop – the Trip Planner is flexible to work on your screen.

Help is available in the following languages:

• دليل التخطيط للرحلات (Arabic)
• 规划程式指 南 (Simplified Chinese)
• 行程規劃程式指南 (Traditional Chinese)
• 경로 찾기 플래너 (Korean)
• Hướng dẫn hoạch định chuyến đi (Vietnamese)