Getting around Sydney

Public transport

Transport for NSW provides a variety of ways to get around the city, as well as information for motorists. Use Transport NSW's Trip Planner to plan your travel.

Opal cards

The Opal card is an easy, convenient way of paying for your travel on public transport in Sydney. It can be used on all public transport, including trains, ferries, buses and light rail. There are daily and weekly caps on the Opal network, meaning you can travel as much as you like within the Opal network and you never pay more than the capped fare. The Sydney Airport station access fee isn’t included in the travel caps.

Opal cards can be obtained from train stations and the domestic and international airport, as well as many retailers across the city.

Download the Opal Travel app to plan trips, top up your Opal card and get service alerts.

You can also pay with credit or debit card, or mobile device: Just tap on and off. You’ll be charged an Adult fare.

Ferries on Sydney Harbour

Buses

Buses form a key part of Sydney’s public transport system, connecting all areas of the city, including those without rail or water transport. There are also NightRide services replacing most train routes between midnight and 4.30am.

Key bus routes include:

333 – Connecting Circular Quay to Bondi
B1 – Wynyard to Mona Vale
373 – Connecting Museum to Coogee
380 - Watsons Bay to Bondi Junction

Family enjoying a guided tour of Sydney with Big Red Bus Tours, Sydney

Rail

Sydney's main terminus for local and regional trains and buses is Central Station at Railway Square, close to Chinatown. Trains operate North to the CBD and across the harbour to North Sydney and beyond, as well as east to Bondi Junction and South past and including Sydney Airport. Sydney train maps and train timetables can be found at Transport NSW.

Light rail

The L1 Inner West Light Rail network operates in both directions between Central Station and Dulwich Hill in Sydney’s West. The CBD and South East Light Rail includes the L2 Randwick Line connecting Circular Quay to Randwick and the L3 Kingsford Line between Circular Quay and Junior Kingsford. Visit Transport NSW for more information and for a Sydney Light Rail map.

Sydney Metro

The Sydney Metro is Australia’s first fully accessible, automated driverless train network. Designed to connect Sydney's north-west, city and south-west, the new line connecting Chatswood with Sydenham is now open, which includes stops at Crows Nest, Barangaroo, Martin Place, Gadigal and Waterloo. Tap your credit or debit card or use an Opal card to pay your fare. Visit Transport NSW for more information and for a Sydney Metro map.

Tramlines running down George Street, Sydney CBD

Ferries

Ferries provide a fast and convenient way to cross the harbour, as well as offering a fantastic vantage point of the city. From Circular Quay you can take the Manly Fast Ferry or F1 to Manly, the F2 to Taronga Zoo and the F4 to Watsons Bay and Rose Bay.

Captain Cook also operates ferries between various locations including between Watsons Bay and Manly, Circular Quay and Clifton Gardens and from Circular Quay to Shark Island.

Scenic sunrise views over Sydney Harbour from Goat Island, Sydney Harbour

View at sunrise of Goat Island, Sydney Harbour

River ferries

The river ferry travels up the Parramatta River from Circular Quay to Parramatta, with stops along the way including Cockatoo Island, Cabarita and Sydney Olympic Park. The full journey takes about 90 minutes depending on stops.

Friendship Ferry cruising under Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Harbour

Cycling

A bicycle is a great way to get around Sydney. Cyclists use kerbside bike lanes and are permitted on most of Sydney's multi-lane roads. Check out the City of Sydney's Sydney cycling map.

Bonza Bike Tours, Royal Botanic Garden

Driving in Sydney

Australians drive on the left-hand side of the road. If you’re travelling from overseas, you are able to drive in Australia with your foreign driver's licence for three months, as long as that licence is in English. If your licence is not in English, you will need to attain an International Drivers Permit (IDP) to use in Australia.

Seat belts are compulsory in Australia, with the driver responsible for ensuring all passengers are wearing them. Using hand-held mobile phones is prohibited. The blood alcohol limit is 0.05% throughout Australia and is enforced with random breath tests. Pay attention to speed limits – speed cameras are used across Sydney and NSW.

Shops and cafes lined up along Oxford Street, Paddington

Parking in Sydney

Parking can be limited and expensive in the CBD and close to popular beaches. Many of Sydney’s streets are restricted to permit holders, with time limits applied to non-permit holders or with metered parking. Fees range from $2.50 to $8 per hour depending on the location and time of day.

The cheapest way to park in the city centre is to pre-book online. Secure and Wilson parking offer cheaper advance rates and parkopedia.com is also a useful resource when looking for parking. If parking on the street, ensure you park in line with traffic.

Jacaranda trees in full bloom along McDougall Street, Kirribilli

Toll roads

Sydney has a number of toll roads and tunnels, including the Harbour Bridge, Harbour Tunnel, Cross City Tunnel and Eastern Distributor. This is charged via an electronic system. If you have a rental car, it will most likely have an e-tag installed and you will be billed at a later date. If you don’t have an e-tag, you can obtain one from the following websites:

linkt.com.au

myetoll.com.au

If you pass through a toll road without a tag, ensure you call the number advertised to pay the toll, otherwise, you may incur a fine.

The Cahill Expressway leading into Sydney's CBD, Sydney CBD

The Cahill Expressway, Sydney CBD

Car rentals in Sydney

You’ll find a range of car rental options in Sydney, including car, 4WD, campervan and classic car hire.

Electric vehicle charging points

Electric vehicle charging points can be found across Sydney and NSW. Make sure you check their locations before setting out on your journey. You can find a full list on the Electric Vehicle Council website.

Electric car charger at Mountain Ridge Wines, Coolangatta

Taxis and private transport

Taxis and water taxis are a convenient way to get around Sydney. Rideshare services also operate in Sydney and include Uber and Didi.

Family enjoying the views aboard a Majestic Water Taxi, Sydney Harbour

Travelling beyond Sydney

Sydney Airport

Sydney Airport is located about nine kilometres south of Sydney's city centre in the suburb of Mascot.

The three passenger terminals at Sydney Airport are:

T1: International Terminal is used for international flights.
T2: Domestic Terminal is used by domestic and regional airlines including Jetstar, Rex, Virgin Australia and FlyPelican.
T3: Domestic Terminal is used for Qantas and QantasLink domestic flights.

Transport services such as buses, taxis, car hire, rail and shuttle bus services are conveniently located at Sydney Airport.

Qantas plane taking off from the airport, Sydney Airport

Sydney cruise terminals

There are two cruise ship terminals in Sydney Harbour. The main Overseas Passenger Terminal is on Circular Quay’s western side in the historic Rocks and opposite the Sydney Opera House. The White Bay Cruise Terminal is near Anzac Bridge and is best accessed from James Craig Road in Rozelle.

The Sea Princess cruise liner leaving Sydney Harbour, as viewed from atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The Sea Princess cruise, Sydney Harbour

Intercity and Country NSW trains

Trains depart Central Station for many NSW destinations, including the South Coast, Blue Mountains, Southern Highlands, Central Coast, North Coast, Country NSW and Outback NSW. Travelling long distances is easy and affordable on regional train and coach services.

Regional bus services

Private bus companies run daily services along the coast and to regional NSW, as well as to other states from Sydney CBD and Central Station.

Firefly Express: 1300 730 740 within Australia
Greyhound: +61 13 14 99
Murrays: +61 13 22 51
Priors Scenic Express: 1800 816 234 within Australia

Accessible transport

Many public transport services support people with accessibility needs. Some stations have lifts, ramps, tactile indicators and accessible toilets. You can ask for assistance boarding or leaving transport. You may also be eligible for: Companion Card (lets your carer travel with you for free) and Assistance Animal Permit (travel with your support animal).

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