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Public transport essentials

Plan your trip, pay your fare, and travel confidently across Sydney and NSW.


Get started with public transport

Public transport is one of the best ways to explore Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Newcastle, Wollongong and beyond.

You can travel by train, metro, bus, ferry or light rail.

Plan your trip

How to pay for your trip

In Sydney and surrounds

You can pay using:

  • A credit or debit card, or mobile device: Just tap on and off. You’ll be charged an Adult fare.
  • An Opal card: Load money onto a reusable card. Available for Adults, Children/Youth, Students, Seniors and concession customers.
  • An Opal single trip ticket: Buy at selected stations, wharves and stops (not available on buses). 

Always tap on at the start and tap off at the end of your trip.

More about fares and payments

Best ways for visitors to pay

View the Opal network map (PDF, 475.1KB)

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In regional NSW

NSW TrainLink

  • Operates regional trains and coaches across 365+ destinations in NSW, ACT, Victoria and Queensland.
  • Opal cards not accepted.
  • Book your ticket in advance.

Local regional buses

  • May accept payment onboard
  • Check with the bus operator before travelling
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Accessible and inclusive travel

Many public transport services support people with accessibility needs.

You may also be eligible for: 

See more on accessible travel

Help in your language

If you don’t speak English, call the interpreter service on 131 450.

You can also download translated guides: 

Need more help?

If you need help planning your trip or finding the right service:

  • Ask staff at major stations, stops and interchanges.
  • Look for staff wearing language pins.
  • Visit our Help section for guides and trip planning tips.

Special support

Transport pays respect to Elders past and present, and recognises and celebrates the diversity of Aboriginal peoples and their ongoing cultures and connections to the lands and waters of NSW.

© Transport for NSW