It is easy to get around in Sydney using public transport. Just hop on a metro, train, bus, ferry or light rail services to see all of the best attractions, sporting venues and shopping precincts.
You can explore and experience much of Sydney and surrounding regions on public transport including metro/train, bus, ferry and light rail services. In addition, there are several sightseeing buses, taxi and car hire companies.
Use the Trip Planner or download a transport app to plan your trip and get fare estimates and timetable information.
Pay for your travel
There are different ways to pay for your travel on public transport in Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Hunter, Illawarra and Southern Highlands.
For most people, using an Opal card or contactless payment method to pay is the best option for value, flexibility and convenience.
If you don't have an Opal card, or a contactless payment card or linked device, you can buy an Opal single trip ticket from top up and single trip ticket machines at select stations and wharves, however this is more expensive than using an Opal card or contactless card or device.
Find out the best way for you to pay.
Ways to get around
1) Metro
Metro services travel between Tallawong Station and Chatswood Station, via Macquarie University in Sydney’s North West.
2) Train
Train stations in central Sydney include Central, Museum, St James, Town Hall, Wynyard, Circular Quay, Martin Place and Kings Cross. City Circle services travel via Central, Town Hall, Wynyard, Circular Quay, St James and Museum. Trains to the eastern suburbs, including Kings Cross and Bondi Junction, en route to the famous Bondi Beach leave from Martin Place Station.
Nearest City Circle Stations to main attractions:
Central – Paddy’s Market, Chinatown and Surry Hills
Town Hall – QVB, Darling Harbour
Wynyard – Barangaroo
Circular Quay – Harbour Bridge, Opera House and The Rocks
St James – Hyde Park, St Mary’s Cathedral
Museum – Museum, Hyde Park, William Street to Darlinghurst
Train services run from 4am to around midnight on most lines. Night buses replace Sydney Trains services between midnight and 4am.
3) Bus
Buses travel through the city on major routes almost 24 hours a day. Most of the bus routes within the City of Sydney are Opal only to reduce delays, so you'll need an Opal card or contactless payment card or device before you get on board.
4) Ferry
Ferry services across Sydney's world-renowned harbour leave from the terminal at Circular Quay and travel to harbourside destinations including Taronga Zoo and suburbs such as Balmain, Balmain, Kirribilli, Manly and Parramatta.
5) Light rail
Light rail services run frequently between Central Station and Dulwich Hill via many popular tourist destinations including Capitol Square, Paddy's Market, The Star, Sydney Fish Market and the Tram Sheds, a great destination for food lovers. There is a 24 hour service from Central to The Star.
6) On Demand services
On Demand services are being trialled in some areas of Sydney. On Demand services allow you to book a vehicle to pick you up from home or a nearby convenient location and take you to a local transport hub or point of interest. You can book using an app, online or by phone.