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Opal terms of use

Important information for Opal card users.


  • One card, one person: Only one person per Opal card, contactless payment card or linked device.
  • Minimum balance requirements: There are minimum balances when travelling with an Opal card, it depends on the type of card and the mode of transport.
  • Proof of entitlement: You must carry the correct proof of entitlement card when travelling on Concession and Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal cards or if you are an eligible secondary student travelling on a Child/Youth fare.
  • Concession status changes: If your concession status changes, you need to ensure you are travelling on the correct fare.
  • Tap on and tap off
    • For your trip to be valid, you must tap on when you get on a service or enter the station, wharf or stop.
    • You must tap off when you step off a service or leave a station, wharf or stop, if you do not you will be charged the default fare. 
    • You have one hour to return to tap off. (Trips that include transfers between Sydney Metro, Sydney Trains and/or NSW TrainLink Intercity services are considered a continuous journey. No need to tap off and on again between services, and you’ll be charged a single fare.)
  • Journey time limits:
    • There are maximum journey time limits between when you tap on and tap off.
    • Once you go past the time limit, you can be charged for two fares when you tap off.
  • Read more: Please read through the full Opal terms of use (PDF, 679.9KB).