A guide to travelling on the bus network

Use Trip Planner or in the Opal Travel app to find bus stops, view routes and departure times, see where your bus is in real time, and more. Just enter where you’re leaving from and where you’re headed to, to find the best trip option for you.

Paper tickets are no longer sold on buses. To pay your fare, ‘tap on’ and ‘tap off’ at Opal readers using:

• an Opal card, or
• a credit or debit card, or
• a phone or smart watch with a digital wallet.

When you tap with a credit or debit card, or a device, you will be charged an Adult fare. To access concession fares apply online for an Opal card.

Remember

• Always tap on and tap off with the same card or device for all your trips to get the correct fare and earn travel benefits
• Keep payment cards and devices separated so your preferred one is charged

Adult and Child/Youth Opal cards are available online and over the counter at most convenience stores and supermarkets.

Concession and Senior/Pensioner Opal cards must be ordered online with proof of entitlement. School Opal cards provide free travel between home and school/TAFE for eligible students. Students aged 16+, and parents or guardians of younger students can apply online for School Opal cards.

1. Plan your trip and top up in advance

• If you use an Opal card, check your balance so you have time to top up before you travel.
• Before you leave, use Trip Planner to find the best bus to catch, locate your nearest bus stop, view bus times, and check for any delays or changes to services.

2. Arrive at your bus stop early

• Be at your stop about 5 minutes before the bus is due.
• At larger interchanges, check the stand number on
• the information screens.
• Have your Opal card, credit or debit card, or device ready before the bus arrives.

3. Signal to the bus driver

• Check the route number and destination on the display panel above the windscreen.
• When your bus is close, raise your hand to signal to the driver that you want to board.

4. Board safely

• Tap on at the Opal readers at the front of the bus as you step on board.
• Take a seat if one is free, or stand in the aisle and hold on while the bus is moving.
• Priority seats at the front are for passengers with disability, older people and parents with prams.

5. Get off the bus safely

• Press the stop button shortly before your stop.
• Check you have all your belongings.
• Stay seated until the bus has stopped, then tap off before you step off the bus.