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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Keep Exploring!

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.

Travelling from Overseas

We know our sunny shores can be a bit of a journey to get to, but we promise it’ll all be worth it once you’re here! If you’re after information on international travel requirements and where to learn more, this page is for you.

About Sydney

Sydney is perched on Australia’s south-east coast, on the edge of the Pacific Ocean. It’s a busy metropolis built around one of the world’s most beautiful harbours. Click here to find out more.