Everything You Need To Know About Sydney Public Transport
Sydney has many different forms of public transportation. The most popular form is the train system, which runs along fixed routes throughout the city and outer suburbs. Other options include buses, ferries, metro, and light rail.
If you are planning a trip around Sydney, then you should make sure you know what you are doing. It is not difficult however there are multiple ways to do so.
Just the Sydney Train network alone covers over 813 km of track and 170 stations over eight lines. Sydney Metro has 39 stations with more underway in the future. The Sydney Ferries has 10 Ferry routes in Sydney with 39 Ferry stations. Their Ferry routes cover an area from the Parramatta Wharf stop to the Watsons Bay Wharf stop and from the Parramatta Wharf stop to the Double Bay Wharf stop. The ferries are a really enjoyable way to get around Sydney and enjoy the view.
Where do I find a timetable?
Using the Trip Planner online, which covers all forms of public transport, is great for working out different routes and options to get to where you need to, on time. Find routes and timetables here
In the case of severe weather conditions, public transport services may be disrupted and run to an altered frequency or stopping pattern. Check for travel alerts here
If there is trackwork occurring on your train line, it will be on the website. Allow extra travel time and plan ahead at transportnsw.info
You can also search for Public Transport options on the Citymapper website or download the Citymapper app. There is also the TripView app. The lite version is free and is super handy as it offers everything you need to get around Sydney.
do i have to pay to use public transport?
Yes, in Sydney, we have an Opal card, which can be used on all public transport options. The Opal card is used to tap on and then tap off. They can be purchased from 7 Elevens, Newsagents, convenience stores, Woolworths or online. Concession cards must be applied for online
How do i know how much it is going to cost?
You can use the Opal Travel app or the online Trip Planner to work out fare estimates when planning the best way to get to your destination
You will receive a 30% fare discount on metro/train, bus and light rail services when travelling on weekends, public holidays and outside of the peak times below. Peak times are considered as 6:30 am - 10 am and 3 pm - 7 pm
There is no need to tap on and off when you are transferring between services as it is considered a continuous journey. You will just be charged a single fare
Are there fees for the Opal card?
Nope! However, a minimum top-up value of $20 for an adult card, or $10 for a child or concession card, applies at retailers or when using top-up machines. Top-up amounts of $10 for adults and $5 for children or concessions are available when topping up online
who is considered concession?
There are concession cards and fares for children, students, apprentices, trainees, seniors, pensioners, Centrelink customers, asylum seekers, veterans and people with disabilities. You must provide evidence when applying for a concession card
How do i know how much credit i have left on my opal card?
You can download the Opal Travel app to top up your Opal card and see your activity. You can also top up your balance using the Opal machine at the station
What happens if i don’t have an opal card but i need to use public transport?
If you don’t have an Opal card you can use your credit card as a contactless payment option. You will be charged an adult fee. Tap on at the start and tap off at the end of each trip to ensure you are travelling with a valid ticket. If you are caught travelling without a valid ticket or not paying the correct fare, you may be issued with a fine of $200
How are fares calculated?
Fares are based on;
the distance you travel from tap on to tap off
how you choose to pay
the mode of transport you choose
whether you’re eligible for a concession fare or free travel
any Opal benefits such as discounts and capped fares that apply
Are there benefits for using an Opal card?
There sure is! Depending upon how many trips you take each week.
$50 weekly cap for Adult Opal card holders
$25 weekly cap for Concession and Child/Youth Opal card holders
$2.50 daily cap for Senior/Pensioner Opal card holders
$2 Transfer Discount between modes as part of one journey for Adults, and $1 for Student/Concession Opal card holders
Half price travel after eight paid journeys in a week for Adults
30% discount on metro/train, bus and light rail fares outside peak times for Adults
The Opal week runs from Monday to Sunday.
what if i leave something of mine on public transport?
For lost property that you left behind phone 131 500
What else do I need to keep in mind?
Face masks must be worn on public transport
If you are travelling to or from Sydney Airport be prepared to pay an additional station access fee on top of your fare. You can find the fares here
You will need to book a ticket for regional train and coach services before you travel as seating is allocated. Book online, over the phone or in person with an accredited sales agent
There are inspectors that travel on public transport so be prepared to pay a hefty fine if caught not tapping on and off
If you do not either tap on or off correctly, the system will assume you travelled the furthest distance provided by the service you were on. You will be charged the highest fare for that service, based on your Opal card type. It is automatically deducted from your card balance
If you have been charged the wrong fare because the reader was not working and you could not successfully tap on or off, then you can apply for a fare adjustment
Opal+ app is currently being trialled for those who travel on multiple types of public transport, in a single journey. It’s a new way to plan, book and pay for travel. Sign up here if you would like to be one of those who test out the new app
From 4 July 2022, Opal fares have increased by an average of 3%. Bus and light rail fares up to 3kms will not change
Hold on don't rush on stairs and escalators
Phone away volume down in busy areas
Mind the gap when getting on and off
Stand behind the yellow line while waiting on the platform
Look both ways cross carefully at light rail tracks and
Stay alert at level crossings
You can find more information on the Transport NSW website. Or if you have any further questions we would love it if you joined the conversation and left a comment below.
