Public Transport in Sydney: Train, Buses & Ferries for Students

Navigating Sydney’s extensive transportation network is crucial for getting to and from university, as well as commuting efficiently, sight-seeing and socialising. The world’s your oyster when it comes to transportation options. With infrastructure being built and upgraded in and around Sydney, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to how to get around.

But first things first: the Opal card. Your literal ticket for train, metro, bus and ferry.

The Opal Card

Do I need an Opal card to use public transport in Sydney?

Yes. The Opal card is Sydney’s smartcard ticketing system, offering convenient access to all modes of public transportation. It also gives you access to transportation in the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Newcastle and the Hunter and Illawarra. The Transport for NSW Opal network map can be found here.

How do I get an Opal card?

You can obtain your Opal card from retailers such as news agencies, petrol stations and supermarkets. Selected train stations also retail the Opal card but not all, so keep that in mind. Adult and Child/Youth Opal cards are available over the counter from Opal retailers while concession cards must be applied for online.

You can also purchase Opal single trip tickets. However, prices are more expensive than using an Opal card and not all stations and wharves sell them. It is better to get an Opal card, which can be topped up with funds and provide discounted fares compared to purchasing single tickets.

Contactless is another way to pay for your trip on the Opal network. You can tap on and tap off with a debit or credit card or a linked device and get the same fare and travel benefits of an adult Opal card. You can use a contactless enabled American Express, Mastercard and Visa credit/debit card or device linked to one of these cards.

How much does an Opal card cost?

There is no charge for an Opal card, 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 adult and $5 for child or concession are available when topping up online.

Is there an Opal app?

The Opal Travel app is the official Transport for NSW app to plan your journey, receive travel alerts, manage your payments and top up on the go. The app is free to download from Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Which Opal card should I get?

Opal cards are available for adults, children/youth, concession, seniors/pensioners and school students. You may be eligible for free or discounted travel on transport services, depending on your eligibility. Hefty fines apply for fare evasion or travelling on a concession ticket when not entitled. The maximum fine that can be issued on the spot is AUD $550. It therefore is highly recommended to check your eligibility so you’re paying the correct fare according to the travel conditions.

Am I eligible for a concession if I attend university or vocational college?

International students are only entitled to concession fares when their study is fully funded by specified Australian Government scholarships. International students on an Endeavour Scholarship, an Australian Awards Scholarship, or an International Postgraduate Research Scholarship, are also eligible. If these categories do not apply to you, you will need to pay the full adult fare. If in doubt, use the eligibility checker and check the website for more details.

What is my trip fare?

In Sydney and surrounds, the amount you pay for your fare depends on a few things, including the distance you travel, the time of day you travel, and the mode of transport you use. Fares are generally cheaper if you travel during off-peak times, and they’re more expensive during peak times. The best way to estimate your fare is to use the NSW Transport Trip Planner or download the Opal Travel app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Note: it is mandatory to pay your fare, whether you use an Opal card or contactless payment. It is an offence to travel on public transport in NSW without a valid ticket. There are over 800 Authorised Officers and Police checking tickets across the public transport network.

What Trains Run in Sydney?

Sydney Trains

Sydney Trains operate an extensive network covering suburban, intercity and regional routes. The Sydney Trains Network covers Sydney metropolitan area train services bounded by Berowra to the north, Bondi Junction to the east, Waterfall to the south, Macarthur and Leppington to the south west, Emu Plains and Richmond to the west. The Sydney rail network map, consisting of Trains and Metro can be found here.

Sydney Trains run the following lines:

T1 North Shore & Western
T2 Inner West & Leppington
T3 Bankstown
T4 Eastern Suburbs & Illawarra
T5 Cumberland
T7 Olympic Park
T8 Airport & South
T9 Northern

Intercity Trains

The Intercity Trains network includes outer Sydney metropolitan area train services to the Blue Mountains to the west, Central Coast and Hunter to the north, Illawarra and South Coast to the south and Southern Highlands to the south west. The Intercity Trains network map can be found here.

Intercity Trains run the following lines:

BMT Blue Mountains Line
CCN Central Coast & Newcastle Line
HUN Hunter Line
SCO South Coast Line
SHL Southern Highlands Line

Sydney Metro

The Sydney Metro is a rapid transit system connecting major hubs within the city, consisting of the fully operational North West line and three projects under construction: the upcoming City & Southwest line, West and Western Sydney Airport. Currently, the North West route is Tallawong to Chatswood, however, it will be extended under Sydney Harbour into the CBD with new underground stations in 2024.

The Metro North West Line timetable can be found here, however, it is worth keeping in mind that trains usually arrives every 10-15 minutes, except when there is trackwork and delays.

What Buses Run in Sydney?

Sydney Buses operate an extensive network covering metropolitan and suburban areas with thousands of routes to reach university, shopping centres, gyms, cinemas, restaurants and popular attractions.

As with Trains and Metro, it’s best to use the official Trip Planner for local bus routes. You can also review the bus network and operator maps here. One thing to note is buses are operated by different providers in different local government areas (LGA) and suburbs. This doesn’t just apply Sydney-wide but to intercity areas such as Central Coast, Newcastle, Hunter, North Coast, Blue Mountains and Illawarra.

Opal only buses

‘Opal only’ identify particular bus routes and bus stops where Opal cards or contactless payment methods are the only accepted fare payment method. This means you cannot buy a ticket from the driver and you must have a valid Opal card with sufficient funds or contactless card or device ready to tap on as you board the bus.

Some bus routes or stops are ‘Opal only’ at all times, while some may only require an Opal card at certain times of the day in order to speed up boarding times and keep buses moving quickly. Other routes and stops are ‘Opal only’ at certain times (usually during busy or peak travel periods), but outside these times, tickets can be bought from the driver as you get on. It is best to plan this in advance by using the Trip Planner.

B-Line bus service

B-Line bus services provide more seats, more on-board comfort and more services, more often. Other benefits include in-seat USB chargers and priority seating for people with accessibility needs. There is no need to plan your trip on a B-Line bus service – just turn up. It runs 7 days a week from 4.30am until 12.30am.

B-Line bus services run between Mona Vale and Wynyard. You can catch a B-Line bus from B-Line bus stops at Mona Vale, Narrabeen, Warriewood, Collaroy, Dee Why, Brookvale, Manly Vale, Spit Junction Mosman, Neutral Bay and Wynyard.

Can I Take a Ferry?

A ferry ride on Sydney Harbour is ranked #3 on ‘Things to do in Sydney’ on TripAdvisor and earned the ‘Travelers’ Choice’ award in 2020, making it a prime choice of transportation. Ferry transport runs over 170,000 services annually and is highly popular, whether it be for leisure or commuting to work. Sydney ferries operate via Transdev in Sydney Harbour, along the Parramatta River and can take you to key destinations such as Barangaroo, Taronga Zoo, Darling Harbour, Circular Quay and Luna Park.

How do I pay for a ferry trip?

You can pay your ferry fare in Sydney using your Opal card on Sydney Ferries where you can take advantage of all the Opal benefits. You can also use it on private ferries with OpalPay to have the operator’s fare deducted from your Opal account. Note: OpalPay fares are different to standard Opal fares.

If you don’t have your Opal card, you can use an Opal single trip ticket or a contactless credit or debit card or linked device to tap on and tap off. With contactless payments you will be charged the same as an adult Opal fare where equivalent adult Opal benefits will apply.

Where can I catch a ferry?

You can catch a ferry from various locations around Sydney, not just in the CBD but in the Parramatta region, which is 20 kilometres north west of the CBD. Sydney ferry services are abbreviated into route codes as follows:

F1 Manly

F2 Taronga Zoo

F3 Parramatta River

F4 Pyrmont Bay

F5 Neutral Bay

F6 Mosman Bay

F7 Double Bay

F8 Cockatoo Island

What are Some ‘Greener’ Transportation Options?

Of course, if you love fresh air and sunshine—while reducing emissions—consider these greener alternatives as modes of transportation. Sydney offers dedicated cycle paths and bike-sharing schemes if you prefer taking a bike, while many neighbourhoods are pedestrian (and pram) friendly, allowing you to explore on foot. If you’re considering cycling to work or uni, try and travel off-peak to avoid bustling traffic.

Discovering Sydney by train, bus or ferry is a new adventure awaiting you—among many others on our blog. Ensure you plan your trip ahead of time, pay the correct fare and stay up-to-date on travel delays and trackwork by downloading the Opal Travel app. And most of all, enjoy getting to know everything this city has to offer!

Affordable Student Accommodation Guide?

Living High Co-Living provides budget-friendly student accommodation in Sydney’s Inner City, conveniently located near university facilities. If you’re a student in Sydney seeking shared housing, let us assist you in finding your ideal home.