Sydney Transport
Public transport is used across Australia by locals, commuters and visitors alike, and Sydney is no exception. 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.
Upon your arrival
You can purchase an Opal card from participating newsagents, post offices, convenience stores and supermarkets as well as when you arrive at the domestic and international airport terminal stations.
The best way to get around Sydney
Trains
The best way to get around Sydney is by Sydney Trains. While all Sydney’s rail lines are easy for first-time users to navigate, the City Circle line is ideal for travellers looking to visit a number of the city’s best things to do. Use the trip planner to map your route.
Other ways to get around Sydney
Bus
Sydney’s public buses are a fairly reliable form of transportation and they’re a convenient way to get to just about everywhere in the city, even its outskirts. But because Sydney is such a big and bustling place, the buses do encounter frequent traffic jams and delays.
Ferry
If you’re looking to get to Manly Beach or Darling Harbour or just want to enjoy the best views of Sydney Harbour, riding one of Sydney Ferries’ vessels is a must. You’ll find the main ferry terminal at Circular Quay, where seven ferry lines depart every 25 to 40 minutes
Car
If you’re planning to visit multiple Aussie cities or want to take a daytrip outside of Sydney, consider renting a car. However, for those who plan on staying within the city, a car will become an expensive, inefficient hassle.
Taxi
In Sydney, taxi fare is determined by the number of kilometres travelled, so you might find the fares higher here than in the U.S. Plus, during peak hours (10 p.m. to 6 a.m.) and on weekends, additional surcharges or hiked fares may apply.
