;
A wide banner, on the left is some coloured graphical elements that look like stylised rays of light and on the right a drone photograph of Sydney Harbour taken from above Circular Quay, showing the Sydney Harbour Bridge and a couple of docked ferries on a sunny day

Getting around Sydney

There are so many ways to get around Sydney! To use public transport including buses, trains, ferries and light rail in Sydney, you can either purchase an Opal card or use a credit card with tap-and-go functionality.

Public Transport

How to navigate Sydney’s public transport network

Transport NSW’s Trip Planner is your best resource for figuring out how to get from A to B. Just type in your location and destination, and it will tell you the quickest options and how much it will cost you. All NSW public transport appears in both Apple Maps and Google Maps too.

Paying for public transport

Many Sydneysiders use an Opal Card, which you simply ‘tap on’ and ‘tap off’ at an Opal reader when you use public transport. You can purchase an Opal Card at Sydney Airport, as well as newsagents, post offices, convenience stores and supermarkets

But you don’t need an Opal Card if your American Express, Mastercard or Visa card accepts contactless payments. You can use these cards, or a contactless phone or watch, to tap on and tap off.

3 women laughing on a train

Train

Sydney’s rail network is simple to navigate, and the City Circle line will get you to most of the CBD’s key destinations.

Bus

There are buses operating across most areas in Sydney, stretching out to the city’s outskirts. Make sure you consult Trip Planner for up-to-date timetable information.

Sydney bus with pride flag wrap that says "Ride with Pride"
3 ferries on Sydney Harbour with the Harbour Bridge in background

Ferry

Nothing says Sydney like the famous yellow and green ferries that glide across our harbour. The main ferry terminal is at Circular Quay, and a trip to Manly Beach is a Sydney essential.

Light rail

Sydney has a few light rail lines, with one line cutting straight through the centre of the city, and another heading out towards the inner west.

Light rail heading to Randwick

Other options

Two women hugging in the back of a convertible car travelling over the Harbour Bridge

Car

If you plan on taking day trips, hiring your own car is well worth it. But if you’re generally staying around the inner city, it might just slow you down and cost a lot in parking. There are short-term rental car services like GoGet and Uber Carshare which allow you to rent a car for hours rather than days.

Taxi & Rideshare

Sydney is well-serviced by taxis and rideshare operators like Uber. If you need to get somewhere specific in a hurry, a rideshare could be your best option.

Cars travelling over the Cahill Expressway at sunset

Keep Exploring!

A group of swimmers entering the water at Bondi Beach at dawn

Sydney Highlights

With gorgeous beaches, buzzing streets, delicious food and happy people, we’re sure you’re going to fall in love with Sydney. Take a look at our recommendations of things to do while you’re in our harbour city.

Two women and two drag queens dancing at Kings Cross Hotel

Where to Stay

Sydney is a sprawling city of countless neighbourhoods, each with their own personality. Here are some of the best areas to stay and celebrate Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

Sky rail suspended above a valley in the Blue Mountains

Sydney Day Trips

Sydney is a city built for day trips. The coastline is dotted with natural wonders and charming seaside communities, while if you venture further inland you’ll discover sleepy towns and rugged bushland as far as the eye can see.

X

Acknowledgement

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we celebrate and work.

We pay our respects to Elders past and present and recognise the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities.

Always was, always will be Aboriginal Land.

Cookies on this website

We use cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use this site you agree to all of the cookies in use.

Acknowledgement of country

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras acknowledges that our events take place on Aboriginal land. We acknowledge the Gadigal, Cammeraygal, Bidigal, Darug and Dharawal people who are the Traditional Custodians of the Sydney Basin.

We pay our Respects to their Elders past and present. Always was Always will be Aboriginal Land.