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Get an Opal card

How to get an Opal card

Depending on which card you need, there are a number of ways to get an Opal card. Adult and Child/Youth Opal cards are available over the counter from most retailers, including most convenience stores and newsagents, while concession cards must be applied for online.

There is no charge for an Opal card, however the minimum value is $10 for an Adult Opal card and $5 for a Child/Youth Opal card. You can use the minimum value to pay your fare for travel on public transport within the Opal network.

You can also use contactless payments on all Sydney Ferries, light rail, Sydney Metro, Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink rail services on the Opal network as an alternative to an Opal card.

You can get these Opal cards:

You can get these Opal cards:

You will need to apply on the Opal website providing your proof of entitlement card and information about your eligibility.

Tertiary students

The Concession Opal card is available for eligible students at participating tertiary institutions in NSW.
See the full list of participating universities and tertiary institutions.

You'll need to give your consent for your institution to share your details with Transport for NSW.
Find out more.

Apprentices and trainees

First you'll need to apply for a Transport Concession Entitlement Card. Then with your TCID number handy apply online for your Concession Opal card.
Find out more.

Job seekers and other approved Centrelink customers

Before applying for your Concession Opal card, you need to have successfully applied for a Transport Concession Entitlement Card, as you must have both cards to travel.
Find out more, including how to apply online.

You will need to apply on the Opal website providing your proof of entitlement card and information about your eligibility.

Make sure you have your NSW or ACT Seniors, Pensioner Concession or NSW War Widow/er card handy to confirm your eligibility.

Interstate seniors

If you’re a senior coming from interstate with an Australian State or Territory Government issued Seniors Card and don’t hold a Pensioner Concession card, you cannot apply online or by phone. Interstate Seniors Card holders (except from the ACT) can apply for a Gold Opal card by printing the Interstate Seniors application form (pdf 274KB) and following the instructions provided. You will need to apply 2-3 weeks before travelling to NSW.

Asylum seekers

If you're an eligible asylum seeker you can apply online.
Find out more about how to apply.

For help in your language:

Ex-members of the Defence Forces

If you are a NSW Veteran and do not qualify for a free travel Transport Concession Entitlement Card, but hold a DVA Gold Health card marked with Totally & Permanently Incapacitated (TPI) or Extreme Disability Adjustment (EDA) endorsement, you can apply for a Gold Opal card by printing the NSW TPI/EDA veteran application form (pdf 281KB) and following the instructions provided.

For all the eligibility and application information, visit the School Transport Subsidy Scheme website.

The free travel Opal card is available for eligible ex-members of the Defence Forces or people that hold a Vision Impaired Person's (VIP) Travel Pass.

You will need to provide your proof of entitlement card and information about your eligibility.

Veterans

If you’re an ex-member of the Defence Forces with a disability and meet eligibility for a free travel Transport Concession Entitlement Card, you can apply for a Transport Concession Entitlement Card and free travel Opal card at the same time on the Transport Concession Entitlement Card website.

If you already have your Transport Concession Entitlement Card, call 131 500 to get your free travel Opal card.

A free travel Opal card allows you to open gates at metro and train stations and ferry wharves without staff. It is optional and for convenience, and is not a requirement for free travel.

Other ex-members of the Defence Forces who are eligible for free travel can download the Ex-Defence Force Travel Pass application form, fill it in and send it, with two passport-sized photographs, to:

Transport for NSW
PO Box K659
Haymarket NSW 1240

Vision impaired

If you hold a Vision Impaired Person's Travel Pass, you can apply for a free travel Opal card by calling 131 500.

Find out more about applying for a Vision Impaired Person’s Travel Pass. Remember your application must be completed by an ophthalmologist (or an optometrist in rural and regional areas).

Contactless is a quick and easy way to pay for your trip on Sydney Metro, Sydney Trains or NSW TrainLink Intercity services, light rail or on a Sydney Ferries service using just your contactless enabled credit card or mobile device.

It’s typically the same fare as a peak Adult Opal fare for the equivalent distance. You just tap on and off as you would do with an Opal card.

Our contactless page can help you decide if you should use contactless payments.

 

Other Transport sites: