Public Transport in Sydney
Sydney’s public transport is easy to use, with trains, buses, ferries, and light rail connecting the city’s beaches, harbour, and key attractions. This guide covers Opal cards, airport transfers, and how to reach top spots like Bondi and the Opera House.
Sydney’s Opal public transport network offers convenient ticketing options for locals and visitors. Compare the choices below to find the best option for your travel needs.
Sydney Transport Tickets & Payment
Opal Card
- How it Works: Reloadable smartcard for trains, buses, ferries, and light rail
- Cost: No card fee (minimum top-up $20 for adults, $10 for child/senior)
- Fares: Distance-based pricing (e.g. $4.00–$5.37 adult peak train fare)
- Benefits:
- Daily cap: $16.80 (adult), $8.40 (child), $8.40 (concession)
- Weekly cap: $50 (adult) after 8 paid journeys
- Sunday cap: $8.40 for unlimited travel
- Available at stations, convenience stores, or online
Contactless (Credit/Debit)
- How it Works: Tap your contactless Visa/Mastercard or mobile wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
- Fares: Same as Opal card fares + $1 additional fee per day
- Benefits:
- No need to purchase separate card
- Same daily/weekly caps as Opal
- Works on all transport modes
- Note: Each traveler needs their own card/device
Single Trip Tickets
- Where to Buy: Train station ticket machines (not available on buses)
- Fares: More expensive than Opal (about 20% higher)
- Validity:
- Train: Valid for specified route on day of purchase
- Ferry: Return ticket valid for 3 months
- Not recommended for regular travel
Concessions & Special Tickets
- Options:
- Child/Youth: Half-price fares (4-15 years)
- Senior/Pensioner: $2.50 daily cap
- Student: Concession fares for eligible students
- Family Fare: $2.50 all-day Sunday for family
- Airport Access Fee: $15.74–$18.88 (train station surcharge)
- Proof of eligibility required for concessions
| Option | Best For | Key Features | Daily Cap | Weekly Cap | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Opal Card | Regular travelers | Reloadable, all transport modes | $16.80 (adult) | $50 (after 8 journeys) | Distance-based + $20 min top-up |
| Contactless | Short-term visitors | Use your own card/device | $16.80 + $1 fee | $50 (after 8 journeys) | Same as Opal + daily fee |
| Single Trip | One-off journeys | Paper ticket from machines | N/A | N/A | ~20% more than Opal |
| Concessions | Eligible travelers | Child, senior, student discounts | $2.50–$8.40 | Varies | 50–75% off regular fares |
Note: All fares as of June 2025. Always tap on/off for correct fare calculation. Opal cards can be registered online for balance protection.
Transport Modes in Sydney
Sydney Trains
Sydney’s suburban rail network with 8 color-coded lines connecting the CBD to outer suburbs. Key routes include T1 North Shore & Western Line, T2 Inner West & Leppington, and T4 Eastern Suburbs & Illawarra Line.
🚆 Operates 4:30am-midnight • Frequency: 5-15 min peak
Light Rail
Three lines serving central Sydney and inner suburbs. L1 Dulwich Hill Line runs from Central to Dulwich Hill via Darling Harbour. L2/L3 run from Circular Quay to Randwick/Kingsford via Surry Hills.
🚊 Operates 6:00am-11:00pm • Frequency: 8-12 min
Buses
An extensive network covering all areas with over 600 routes. Key routes include 333 (Bondi to City), 400 (Burwood to Bondi Junction), and B-Line (Northern Beaches express).
🚌 Day buses: 5:00am-midnight • NightRide: midnight-5:00am
Ferries
Sydney’s iconic ferry network operates on 9 routes including F1 Manly, F2 Taronga Zoo, and F3 Parramatta River. Offers spectacular harbor views and connects key waterfront destinations.
⛴ Manly ferry: 6:00am-11:30pm • $9.60 adult one-way
Metro
Sydney’s driverless metro system currently operating the M1 Northwest line from Tallawong to Chatswood. Future extensions to Bankstown (2024) and Western Sydney Airport (2026) underway.
🚇 Operates 5:00am-midnight • Frequency: 4 min peak
On Demand Services
Flexible shared ride services in areas with limited public transport. Book via app for point-to-point service in zones like The Hills, Inner West, and Northern Beaches.
🚐 $3.50 adult fare • Operates in selected areas
Sydney Fare System
Trains, Buses & Light Rail
Opal fare system – Distance-based pricing with daily/weekly caps
Sydney Transport Fares:
- Adult peak: $4.00-$5.37 (train), $3.20-$4.80 (bus)
- Adult off-peak: 30% discount (train only)
- Daily cap: $16.80 (adult), $8.40 (child/concession)
- Weekly cap: $50 (after 8 paid journeys)
- Sunday cap: $8.40 for unlimited travel
💡 Use the same Opal card or contactless payment for all modes
Airport & Ferry Services
Special fares for airport and ferry travel
Premium Transport Options:
- Airport train: $15.74-$18.88 (station access fee applies)
- Airport bus: $8.90-$16.40 (Route 420 to Burwood)
- Manly ferry: $9.60 adult one-way (Opal fare)
- Taronga Zoo ferry: $8.40 adult one-way
- Taxi/Uber: $45-$65 to city center
✈️ Airport trains run every 10 min, 5:00am-midnight
Concessions & Discounts
Child/Youth
Half-price fares for 4-15 years, free for under 4s
Seniors/Pensioners
$2.50 daily cap with Gold Opal card
Students
Concession fares for eligible students
Family Funday Sunday
$2.50 all-day travel for family
Sydney Transport Quick Tips
Get an Opal Card
Free at stations and retailers (minimum $20 top-up). Gives access to all transport with daily/weekly fare caps.
Contactless Payments
Tap your credit/debit card or mobile wallet directly. Same fares as Opal plus $1 daily fee.
Sunday Funday
All-day travel cap of $8.40 on Sundays – perfect for exploring multiple areas.
Ferry as Sightseeing
Manly ferry gives best harbor views for the price ($9.60). Arrive early for outdoor deck spots.
Airport Transport Hack
Take train to Mascot then Uber to avoid $15+ airport station fee. Or use Route 420 bus ($8.90).
Weekly Cap
After 8 paid journeys in a week (Mon-Sun), all additional travel is free until Sunday night.
Off-Peak Discounts
30% off train fares outside peak hours (weekdays 7-9am & 4-6:30pm).
NightRide Buses
When trains stop, NightRide buses (routes Nxx) run every 30-60min from midnight-4:30am.
Light Rail to The Star
Free return trip if you register your Opal card at The Star casino (must spend $10+).
Getting to Sydney CBD (Central Business District) & Beyond
From Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD)
🚆 Airport Train (T8 Line)
💰 $16.74-$18.88 (includes station access fee)
⏱ ~13 min to Central, 20 min to Circular Quay
📍 Direct from Domestic and International terminals
⏰ 5:00am–midnight (every 10 min)
🚍 Route 420 Bus
💰 $3.20-$4.80 (Opal fare, no station fee)
⏱ ~40-50 min to Central/Burwood
📍 Departs from both terminals
🕒 5:00am–11:30pm (every 20-30 min)
🌙 NightBus N20
💰 $4.80 (Opal fare)
⏱ ~50 min to city via Central
📍 Runs when trains aren’t operating
🕒 Midnight–4:30am (hourly)
🚖 Taxi or Ride-Hailing (Uber/Didi)
💰 $45-$65 to CBD (plus tolls if applicable)
⏱ ~20-30 min to CBD (depending on traffic)
📍 Official ranks at terminals; ride-hailing pickup zones
💼 $4.20 airport booking fee applies
🚗 Private Transfer
💰 $60-$90 (pre-booked, fixed price)
⏱ ~25 min to CBD
📍 Meet & greet at arrivals, door-to-door
🕒 24/7, book in advance
💡 Mascot Station Hack
💰 $4.80 (bus to Mascot + regular train)
⏱ ~35 min total to CBD
📍 Take 400/420 bus to Mascot Station
🚆 Then regular train to city (no airport fee)
💡 Sydney Airport Transport Tips
- The airport station access fee ($15.74-$18.88) applies to all train trips starting/ending at airport stations.
- Use Opal cards or contactless payments (credit card/mobile wallet) for all public transport.
- For budget travelers, the 400/420 bus to Mascot Station avoids the airport train fee.
- Taxis have a $4.20 airport booking fee added to all trips originating at the airport.
- Ride-hailing services (Uber, Didi) have designated pickup areas – follow signs at terminals.
- If traveling with family/groups, private transfers can be more economical than multiple train tickets.
- For international flights, allow extra time – the train from International Terminal takes 2 min longer than Domestic.
- Consider off-peak trains if your schedule is flexible (30% discount outside 7-9am & 4-6:30pm weekdays).
Sydney Tourist Travel Passes
Special transport and attraction passes designed specifically for visitors to make exploring Sydney easier and more affordable.
Tourist Opal Card
- Special edition Opal card with Sydney designs (great souvenir)
- Pre-loaded with $40 credit (enough for 3-4 days of travel)
- Works on all transport: trains, buses, ferries, and light rail
- Daily cap of $16.80 (adult) – unlimited travel after reaching cap
- Sunday special: $8.40 cap for unlimited travel all day
- Available at airport, Circular Quay, and major stations
Price: $40 (includes $40 travel credit) – Official site
Buy PassSydney Big Ticket
- Combo passes for multiple top attractions in Sydney
- Includes SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Madame Tussauds Sydney, Sydney Tower Eye
- Optional 24-hour hop-on-hop-off Big Bus tour add-on available
- Mobile e-tickets with Digi Photo Pass included
- Valid for up to 60 days from first attraction visit
- Save up to 60% compared to buying separate tickets
More info / Buy: Sydney Tower Eye – Big Ticket | SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium – Big Ticket | Madame Tussauds Sydney
Go City Sydney Explorer Pass
- Access to 25+ attractions including Sydney Opera House, Taronga Zoo, and harbour cruises
- Choose 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7 attractions to visit
- Valid for 30 days after first use
- Digital pass on mobile app for convenience
- Skip the lines at major attractions
- Excellent for flexible sightseeing with many options
Price: From about $114 for 3 attractions – Official site
Explore Pass💡 Which Pass Should You Choose?
Choose Tourist Opal Card if:
- You want flexibility to explore at your own pace
- Planning to visit mostly free attractions
- Staying more than 2 days
- Want a souvenir transport card
Choose Sydney Big Ticket if:
- Planning to visit multiple top paid attractions
- Want optional hop-on-hop-off bus tour included
- Prefer convenient mobile tickets with photo pass included
- Looking for the best value for bundled attractions
Choose Go City Sydney Explorer Pass if:
- Want access to the widest range of Sydney attractions
- Prefer flexible sightseeing over a longer period (valid for 30 days)
- Want mobile convenience and skip-the-line entry
- Enjoy a variety of tours, attractions, and activities
| Pass | Transport Included | Attractions Included | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Opal Card | All trains, buses, ferries, light rail | No | Independent explorers | $40 (includes credit) |
| Sydney Big Ticket | Optional hop-on-hop-off bus | SEA LIFE, WILD LIFE, Madame Tussauds, Sydney Tower Eye | Bundled attraction visitors | Varies by package |
| Go City Sydney Explorer Pass | No | 25+ attractions and tours | Visitors wanting flexibility and variety | From $114 (3 attractions) |
Note: Children 4-15 travel at child fares, under 4s travel free. All prices in AUD as of July 2025
Alternative Transport in Sydney: Bikes, Scooters & Ferries 🚲🛴⛴
Sydney Bike Share
- 🚲 $3.50 unlock + $0.20/min (standard bike)
- ⚡ E-bikes available at $1 unlock + $0.45/min
- 📍 200+ docking stations across CBD and inner suburbs
- 📱 Use the Beam or Neuron app
- 🚴 Great for flat routes like Darling Harbour to Bondi
E-Scooter Share
- 🛴 $1 unlock + $0.45/min (average)
- 📍 Available in CBD, Inner West, and Eastern Suburbs
- 📱 Providers: Beam, Neuron, Lime
- 🪖 Helmets provided with scooters (required by law)
- 🚳 No riding on sidewalks – bike lanes/roads only
- ⚡ Speed limit: 20 km/h (reduced to 10 km/h in busy areas)
- 🅿️ Geofenced parking zones – fines for improper parking
Harbour Ferries & Cruises
- ⛴ Public ferries included with Opal (Manly $9.60, others $6-8)
- 🚢 Scenic harbour cruises from $25-$50
- 📍 Main wharves: Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Barangaroo
- 🌅 Sunset cruises highly recommended for best views
- 👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly with accessible options
For bikes/scooters, try the flat routes along the harbour or Centennial Park. The Manly ferry offers Sydney’s best value sightseeing – go at golden hour! E-scooters are great for short CBD trips but avoid the steep hills of The Rocks.
Sydney’s Most Scenic Public Transport Routes
From harbor ferries to coastal buses, experience Sydney’s stunning waterways, beaches, and national parks by public transport.
F3 Ferry – Circular Quay to Manly
The iconic 30-minute harbor cruise passes the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and offers breathtaking views of Sydney’s coastline and wealthy harbor suburbs.
L2/L3 Light Rail – Central to Dulwich Hill
Wind through Sydney’s inner west, passing vibrant neighborhoods, street art, and heritage sites with great cafe stops along the way.
Bus 333 – Bondi Beach Explorer
The “Bondi Explorer” route offers spectacular coastal views from Circular Quay through Woolloomooloo, Kings Cross, and along the cliffs to Bondi Beach.
Blue Mountains Line – Sydney to Katoomba
Journey through stunning World Heritage wilderness, with dramatic cliff views and access to the Three Sisters and scenic mountain towns.
Metro Monorail – City Center Loop
Though discontinued, this nostalgic elevated loop offered unique aerial views of Darling Harbour, Chinatown, and the CBD (historical route shown).
Accessible Public Transport in Sydney
Train Accessibility
All Sydney Trains are wheelchair accessible with level boarding at accessible stations. Over 80% of stations have lifts, tactile paving, and hearing loops. Look for the wheelchair symbol on station maps.
Bus Network
100% of Sydney’s government buses are low-floor accessible with ramps, priority seating, and wheelchair spaces. Private buses are gradually being upgraded to meet accessibility standards.
Ferries & Light Rail
Most Sydney Ferries are accessible (check individual vessels), while all new light rail vehicles feature level boarding, audio announcements, and dedicated spaces. Some heritage wharves have limited access.
Trip Planning & Assistance
Use TransportNSW Trip Planner with “accessible journey” filter. For personal assistance, call 131 500 or visit Transport Access Program.
Key Accessibility Features
- Priority seating on all vehicles
- Real-time audio-visual announcements
- Tactile ground surface indicators at major stations
- Accessible toilets at transport hubs
- Companion Card program for carers