Best ways for visitors to pay
How visitors can pay for public transport in Sydney and NSW.
Sydney and surrounds
Within Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, the Hunter and the Illawarra you can use an Opal card or use your credit, debit or mobile device to pay for travel.
Download the Opal network map (PDF, 475.1KB)
Credit or debit card or digital wallet
Adult fares only
If you have an American Express, Mastercard or Visa debit or credit card or a linked device, you can use it to pay for travel. Available on metro/train, bus, ferry, and light rail services. You'll never pay more than the Daily or Weekly travel caps, no matter how much you travel.
Note: If you use a credit card that was issued overseas, your card issuer may charge you a foreign transaction fee. This will be one charge per day, not each time you travel. Please check with your card issuer.
Opal cards
Adult, Child/Youth, Concession, Senior/Pensioner fares
Opal cards remain the cheapest option if you are eligible for concession fares. Opal cards are smartcard tickets you keep and reuse to pay for travel on public transport. Once you have yours, just add value, then tap on and tap off to travel. You'll never pay more than the daily or weekly travel caps, no matter how much you travel.
Opal single tickets (back up option)
Adult and Child single ticket fares
You can buy Opal single trip tickets from top up and single trip ticket machines at selected metro and train stations, wharves and light rail stops. Designed as a back up option, they are only available for metro/train, ferry and light rail. It is usually cheaper and more convenient to tap on and tap off with a contactless card or device, unless you need a Child ticket.
Regional NSW
If you are travelling outside of the Opal network then you can use NSW TrainLink regional trains and coaches, however you will need to book a ticket on these services.
There are also regional buses that run within and between regional centres and towns with a separate ticket and fare structure.