Driving in Sydney

Sydney has an extensive road network that includes Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Harbour Tunnel and motorways in and around the city.

Moving traffic in, out and around the metropolitan area is the Sydney Orbital Network – 10 motorways linked with expressways, freeways and other main roads. All of the motorways are owned and operated by private operators (except for the Sydney Harbour Bridge) and a toll is charged for their use.

While some accept cash, every motorway uses electronic tolling. The Sydney Harbour Bridge is completely cash free which means you need an electronic tag or pass to cross over it.

An E-toll Pass is recommended for use by visitors to Sydney, or if you are a casual motorway user and don’t have tag. The RTA website has useful information on how to register for an E-toll Pass.

An eMU Pass is a convenient way to get around Sydney toll roads. An eMU Pass costs $5.95 to register plus the tolls you incur and a 75 cent video matching fee for each toll. You can purchase an eMU Pass from participating NSW petrol stations and convenience stores.

You'll need your credit or debit card (Mastercard/VISA debit cards only), licence plate number, travel dates, your name, address and the state where your vehicle is registered. 

The toll roads in Sydney are the M2, M4, M5, and M7, the Lane Cove Tunnel, Falcon Street Gateway, Eastern Distributor, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Tunnel and the Cross City Tunnel. Find out more about Sydney toll roads and motorways.

Make sure you stick to the speed limits and be aware of speed and traffic light cameras around Sydney. You'll find further explanation of  traffic signs and road rules in NSW on the RTA website.

Car parking is accessible in the city centre, at major shopping centres, as well as on the street with metered parking that requires coin or credit card payment.

Car rental in Sydney is simple as long as you have a valid driver’s license. Car rental operators are based at the airports and all around the city, with most of the big international car hire operators based at numerous Sydney locations.