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Scenic drive across Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney

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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

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

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

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.  

Scenic sunrise views over Sydney Harbour from Goat Island, Sydney Harbour

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

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 . 

Family enjoying a ride on their hired bicycles from Bonza Bike Tours, Royal Botanic Garden

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

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

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 leading into Sydney's CBD, Sydney CBD

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

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

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

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 liner leaving Sydney Harbour, as viewed from atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

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.

People in wheelchairs accessing Barangaroo Reserve, Barangarooo

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  

Sea Cliff Bridge, Wollongong

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Sydney.com is the official tourism site for Destination NSW. © Copyright 2024 Destination NSW. All rights reserved

Switch to Visit NSW to see more of the state

  • NSW Road trips
  • Accommodation
  • Be inspired

Scenic drive across Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney

  • travel information

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

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

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

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.  

Scenic sunrise views over Sydney Harbour from Goat Island, Sydney Harbour

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

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 . 

Family enjoying a ride on their hired bicycles from Bonza Bike Tours, Royal Botanic Garden

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

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

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 leading into Sydney's CBD, Sydney CBD

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

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

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

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 liner leaving Sydney Harbour, as viewed from atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

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.

People in wheelchairs accessing Barangaroo Reserve, Barangarooo

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  

Sea Cliff Bridge, Wollongong

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NSW Trainlink

We bring together Intercity and Regional services into an independent business, focused on the specific needs of our intercity and regional customers, who want reliable and comfortable trains with on-board facilities.

Visit transportnsw.info  for trip planning, timetables and ticketing information.

Information on NSW Trains

Agency and corporate nsw trainlink logins.

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Information about business opportunities with NSW Trains

At NSW Trains we are working to develop and implement initiatives across the network that will benefit the environment.

Find out who you need to contact at NSW Trains

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NSW Government

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

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Sydney Trip Planner

Things to do.

sydney trains trip planner

Sydney Activities and Attractions: Information, Photos, Videos and Reviews

GETTING AROUND

sydney trains trip planner

Your Complete Guide to Getting Around Sydney + Instant Directions to each Attraction

Sydney Hotel Room

Find the Best Hotels Near Public Transport in Sydney

GUIDED TOURS

Sydney Guided Tour

Guided Tours, Day Trips and Sightseeing Packages

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Discover the Best Places to Shop in Sydney

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Find the Best Restaurants Close to Sydney Train Stations

Manly Beach in Syndey

Save Money with a Self-Guided Day Trip

WALKING TOURS

The Rocks Sydney

See the City at Your Own Pace with one of our Self-Guided Walking Tours

Located on the coast of the Pacific ocean in Australia, Sydney is a major world financial and cultural centre. A large cosmopolitan city, Sydney is the capital of New South Wales. It boasts an abundance of natural beauty — meandering coastlines, a natural harbour, miles of spectacular sandy beaches and rocky shorelines. Combine this with a pleasant climate throughout the year and you have the perfect tourist destination. Sydney's appeal is not just limited to its beautiful natural surroundings. It also boasts many first class museums, an outstanding art gallery, an abundance of great shopping, restaurants and more.

Whether you choose guided, or self-guided tours, you will find everything you need to plan your visit right here in our Sydney Trip Planner. Public transit is a good alternative to guided tours for visiting many points of interest and attractions throughout the city. Most are located just a short walk from at least one Sydney train station or ferry wharf with only a few needing the addition of a short bus ride. You will find easy to follow, verified transit directions for each one making it easy to plan your route. Get a detailed overview of each attraction complete with reviews, photos, video, map and directions. On smart phones you'll find a quick link to real time transit and walking directions. You can also choose from a wide range of guided tours — another great option for sightseeing and exploring. Either way, when it comes to planning your trip to Sydney we've got you covered.

See our Sydney Travel Tips to save money and help your trip go smoothly.

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sydney trains trip planner

Online bookings require JavaScript to be enabled. To enable JavaScript, please refer to your browsers help function. Alternatively, you can call NSW TrainLink on 13 22 32 for fare enquiries or bookings.

Sydney Transport: Bus & Rail 4+

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

  • #157 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

sydney trains trip planner

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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IMAGES

  1. Sydney Rail Map

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  2. Official Map Sydney Cityrail Network Map Here S Transit Maps

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  3. Transport NSW Sydney Train Map and Guide

    sydney trains trip planner

  4. Sydney Rail Map

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  5. Rail Network Map

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  6. New Map for Sydney Trains / News / News / Railpage

    sydney trains trip planner

VIDEO

  1. Sydney train approaching Epping station #train #sydneytrains #rail

  2. Sydney Trains service from Ashfield to Parramatta via Strathfield Railway Station

  3. Sydney Trains Vlog 2198: Sydney’s Martin Place Station

  4. Sydney trains trip: Lidcombe to Olympic Park

  5. Sydney Trains Vlog 2183: Seven Hills Trains

  6. Trains| Trip to the Model Train Station in Greer, SC

COMMENTS

  1. Trip Planner

    Use the Trip Planner to find the best way to travel by metro, train, bus, ferry, light rail or other modes in Sydney and NSW. You can also view previous trips, real-time information and map results.

  2. ‎Trip Planner

    Plan any trip via any mode to anywhere in Sydney with this app. Get the latest trackwork or service alerts, store favourite trips and stops, and access the app without ads with a subscription.

  3. Opal Travel

    Opal Travel can be used with both registered and unregistered Opal cards. With this app you can: - Plan trips and see fare estimates. - View and top up your Opal balance on the go. - Register your Opal card or credit/debit card you use to catch public transport. - View travel history and transactions for both Opal and credit/debit card tap ons.

  4. ‎Trip Planner

    Download Trip Planner - Sydney Trains and enjoy it on your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. ‎Whether you're old enough to remember MX newspapers on trains, or new to Sydney, this app is designed to make horrific commutes slightly less so! Simple trip planning for all modes of travel, up-to-date train network alerts, stored favourite trips ...

  5. Sydney Trains

    Sydney Trains is the operator of rail services across the metropolitan Sydney area, bounded by Berowra, Emu Plains, Macarthur and Waterfall. You can plan your trip, find out about advertising opportunities, careers, culture and heritage, and more on their website.

  6. NSW TrainLink

    Please check your details or select another travel date. Passengers. Number of passengers

  7. Sydney Public Transport: Trip planner, timetable, route map, vehicle

    Public transport route map, trip planner, real-time timetable, and vehicle position. Endorsed transport and travel APP by NSW Government.

  8. Transportation

    The Sydney public transport system, provided by Transport for NSW, consists of trains, buses, ferries and light rail. Use the trip planner at transportnsw.info to plan your travel. Wheelchair Accessible Transport. All ferries, trains and new buses in NSW are wheelchair accessible, providing easy access for prams and other mobility devices.

  9. Getting around Sydney

    Find out how to get around Sydney by bus, train, ferry, light rail, bike, car and more. Use the trip planner at transportnsw.info to plan your travel and get the best fares and routes.

  10. NSW Trains

    NSW Trains is the business that manages the operation of NSW TrainLink, the service between Sydney and various regions in New South Wales. Visit transportnsw.info for trip planning, timetables and ticketing information, and more.

  11. Transport Now Sydney

    Transport Now Sydney is a public transport trip planner which displays train, bus, ferry and light rail scheduled timetables. Users can search for a trip from departure to arrival and view a summary of available services along with real-time service information. This app helps you to find the quickest trip with the least transfers. You can plan ...

  12. TripWatch: Sydney Trip Planner

    TripWatch is an app that lets you plan and watch trips on Sydney public transport, including trains, buses, ferries, light rail, and metro, using your Wear OS watch. You can set multiple stops, combine modes, set alarms, and get alerts for late or cancelled trips, as well as network issues.

  13. Plan your trip

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

  14. Sydney Trip Planner

    Whether you choose guided, or self-guided tours, you will find everything you need to plan your visit right here in our Sydney Trip Planner. Public transit is a good alternative to guided tours for visiting many points of interest and attractions throughout the city. Most are located just a short walk from at least one Sydney train station or ...

  15. ‎Trip Planner

    Read reviews, compare customer ratings, see screenshots and learn more about Trip Planner - NSW Transport. Download Trip Planner - NSW Transport and enjoy it on your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

  16. NSW TrainLink

    All passengers are from the same Household/Family. Promotions. Promotion code

  17. Sydney Transport: Bus & Rail 4+

    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.