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School student travel

Students may be eligible for free or subsidised travel to and from school or TAFE.

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Types of school travel assistance available

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Information for students, parents and carers

Guides

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Information for school staff

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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

Different subsidies or passes are available depending on where you live and the availability of public transport.

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School Opal card or travel passes

Eligible students can receive free travel to and from home and school/TAFE on approved metro, train, bus, ferry, and light rail during term.

  • Apply now

Using your School Opal card or free travel pass

Renew or update school travel pass
Track my application
Replace a lost, damaged or stolen pass
Request a review

If the student doesn’t qualify for free school travel, you may be able to buy a School Term Bus Pass for discounted travel on buses between home and school.

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School Drive Subsidy

Where there is no public transport available, this subsidy helps to offset the cost of driving students to school or to the nearest transport pick-up point, by car, motorcycle or boat.

  • Apply for subsidy
  • Parent portal
  • Guide to School Drive Subsidy payments

Assistance for boarding school students

Eligible boarding school students can apply for free daily or weekend/vacation travel on NSW TrainLink train and coach services for visits to and from home. Lord Howe Island students can apply for subsidised air travel.

  • Apply for a Boarder Rail pass
  • Apply for Long Distance Coach Travel Subsidy
  • Apply for Lord Howe Island Secondary Student flight

Assistance for students with a disability

Students with a disability who are unable to travel to and from school under the School Student Transport Scheme may be eligible for assistance under the Department of Education Assisted School Travel Program.

  • Find out more on the Department of Education website

Plan your school travel

Tips to plan your school trip with the Trip Planner

Travel outside of school

When using public transport other than for school, children aged 4-15 years are entitled to concession travel.

Students' Code of Conduct

It’s important to behave respectfully to ensure your comfort and safety, and that of other passengers.

Using your School Opal card

Tap on and tap off your School Opal card every time when travelling between home and school on school days.

Travelling safely

Stay safe when using public transport

Frequently asked questions

School bus FAQs for parents, carers and students

A guide to school bus travel: Metro

Everything you need to know about travelling to and from school by bus

A guide to school bus travel: Regional

Everything you need to know about travelling to and from school by bus

School Portal

Schools and TAFE college staff endorse travel applications, update school details and provide attendance checks for subsidy holders.

Resources for schools

User guides, forms, brochures and other resources for school administration staff and teachers.

School excursions

Learn more about ticketing and transport needs when planning a school excursion, travel to a sports carnival or a social function for your school.

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