Getting an Opal card and using Sydney transport

Fare caps

Opal fares depend on distance and time of day. Off-peak train and Metro fares are cheaper than peak fares. On top of that, you are protected by caps:

• A daily cap limits how much you pay in one day
• A weekly cap limits what you pay from Monday to Sunday
• A lower Sunday cap applies all day on Sundays, making weekend trips to the beaches very cheap

Exact amounts change each July, so check the current fares on the Transport for NSW website.

The airport surcharge

The two airport stations, International and Domestic, charge a station access fee on top of the normal fare. It is significant, often more than the fare itself. It counts towards the weekly cap in part, but if you want to save money, a bus such as route 420 to Mascot or a rideshare split between several people can work out cheaper. Families with children sometimes find the train still wins because child fares are lower.

Getting around by mode

• Trains and Metro: The backbone of the network. The Metro now runs through the CBD, with high frequency and air conditioning.
• Buses: Essential for the Northern Beaches, Eastern Suburbs and many inner west areas without rail.
• Ferries: The best commute in the world on a sunny day. Circular Quay to Manly takes around 30 minutes. Fast ferries run by private operators sometimes charge different fares.
• Light rail: Connects Central with Randwick, Kingsford and the inner west.

Useful apps

• Opal Travel for balance, top ups and trip history
• TripView, Transit or Google Maps for real-time departures
• Transport for NSW app for planned trackwork, which often closes lines at weekends

Students and concessions

Concession rules in New South Wales are stricter than in some other states. Many international students are not eligible for the tertiary student concession, although some university programmes and scholarship holders are. Check with your university's student services before assuming you can get half fares.

Driving versus transit

If you live near a train or ferry line and work in the CBD, you will rarely need a car. Parking in the city can cost 30 to 60 dollars a day, and toll roads add up quickly. Many families use transit for weekdays and hire or car share for weekend trips outside the city.

Quick start for your first day

1. 01Tap on with your contactless card at the airport.
2. 02Download Opal Travel and link your card to track spending.
3. 03Order a physical Opal card if you prefer to separate transport costs from your bank card.
4. 04Learn the times of peak periods and travel off-peak when you can.

This guide is general information for planning. Rules and prices change, so always confirm with the official source before you apply or sign anything.