opal travel card top up

A Visitor’s Guide to using Sydney Opal Card

Mastering the Sydney Opal Card System will help you make use of the city’s extensive public transport system that includes trains, buses, ferries and light rail. This is an electronic ticketing system that allows you to use one card (or app) across all these types of transport. I hope this simplified guide to using Sydney’s Transport Card, the Opal card helps you when you plan your visit to Sydney.

Please note the prices in the article are valid from 16 April 2024

As a life long Sydneysider who has never driven a car, I am very familiar with Sydney’s public transport network and how to use it. I use public transport in Sydney every single day. On top of this, my partner is a Sydney bus driver, so I have an inside source 😉

What follows is my attempt to simplify all the Opal information out there and answer some of the common questions I am asked in our Facebook Group. I am a regular user of all forms of public transport and hope you find this guide helpful.

This post is not meant to provide comprehensive information for local users with complicated questions. In these cases, I suggest you consult the official Opal website . However, if you are on a quick trip to Sydney, read on; this should cover enough of the basics to get you sorted.

Learning how to use an Opal card in Sydney

Opal is a ‘pay-as-you-go’ system, so you only pay when you use a train or bus or ferry, including private ferry operators like Manly Fast Ferry. There are rewards for frequent travel and daily caps on fares that can save regular users and even visitors on short trips some $$$

Understanding Opal travel discounts

The biggest benefit of Opal is the benefits you can gain by using the same opal card or credit card for every trip.

• Daily Travel Cap* – Pay no more than $17.80 per day for adults and $8.90 a day for a child to travel anywhere in the network.
• Weekend Travel Cap * – Pay no more than $8.90 for adults and $4.45 for kids for unlimited travel on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and public holidays.
• Weekly Travel Cap * – Pay no more than $50.00 a week for adults and $25 for kids when travelling on all modes of Opal enabled transport from Monday to Sunday
• Transfer discount – You receive a $2 discount for every transfer between metro/train, ferry, bus or light rail as part of one journey within 60 minutes from the last tap off.
• 30% fare discount when travelling on weekends, public holidays and outside of the peak times**.

 *Travel caps do not include access to airport terminal stations. **Peak hour 6.30am-10am and 3pm-7pm

Can I use my credit or debit card instead of buying an Opal card?

Yes, you can! These types of payments are known as contactless payments. That is what I do, but if you do, you need to be careful to use the same card every trip if you want to get weekly or daily cap benefits. You will also need to use a different card for each traveller.

You can also use your digital wallet – ie Apple Pay, Samsung Pay or Google Pay by adding your American Express (AMEX), MasterCard, Visa credit or debit cards. The same rule applies as above though, make sure you use the same card or form of payment so you don’t miss out on the benefits of daily or weekly caps. It’s worth noting that using a card from your digital wallet and using a physical card will produce a different number for the same account, so you won’t get your discount if you switch between. Provided you use the same card every day, you will get the same benefits as an Opal, i.e. daily or weekly caps or off-peak price reductions. Children or concession cardholders will still need an Opal card to access reduced fares.

If you are an Overseas traveller, you may be charged foreign transaction fees by your bank, so an Opal card might still be the best idea if you are taking more than a couple of trips.

If you are only in town for New Year’s Eve or Vivid, it’s probably easier just to use your credit card even if you do have some transaction fees.

How are Opal fares charged when you use your credit card

The fares are calculated the same way as regular Opal fares, so the card does not appear on your credit card until the end of the day. When you tap on for the first time, you are charged a $1 pre-authorisation (it will show as pending on your bank account balance). At the end of the day, you will see a charge for the total of your travel that day. So if you take one trip or reach your cap, there will only be one charge (and only one foreign transaction fee per day if applicable). The date of the payment, when processed, will probably be different from the actual date of travel and will appear as Transport for NSW on your statement. Find out more about contactless payments here.

Where can I buy a Sydney Opal card?

You can buy your cards from retail outlets or online. You can find a complete list of these here . Cards are not available for purchase on buses or Opal machines at train stations, and ferry wharves only sell single-use tickets. The primary locations for visitors to purchase cards include:

Sydney Airport – You can buy opal cards at Sydney International and Domestic airport terminals. Cards can be purchased at NewsLink or WH Smith bookshops at either terminal. You can also buy them at the Airport Station. This page on taking the train from Sydney Airport will help you master this trip like a local.

Near city train stations – The only train stations that sell Opal cards are the two airport stations. Most regular stations will have a newsagent or convenience store nearby where you can buy a card.

• Circular Quay – Transport shop just outside the entry
• Town Hall – Woolworths Town Hall 2 – George Street Sydney
• Central Station – NewsLink kiosks around the station – there are at least five
• Wynyard Station – NewsLink Wynyard Station – The Concourse, Wynyard or Woolworths Met Centre.

Supermarkets, newsagents and convenience Stores  – Woolworths Supermarkets are a great place to top up. Many news agencies and convenience stores such as 7Eleven and EzyMart located around the city and suburbs also sell the cards. You will see an Opal sticker in the window of places that provides cards or top-ups.

Where can I top up or recharge an Opal card

You can recharge your opal card via the Opal app , using a machine a train station or ferry wharf, online or on the phone using your credit card ( 13 67 25) . If you top up online or using the app, it can take up to an hour for the credit to be ready for use, so be sure to do it in advance.

How much does a Sydney Opal card cost?

Opal cards are free when you load a minimum amount onto it. The minimum cost is $20 for adult cards, $10 for child cards (other types such as seniors and students’ cards must be ordered). If you buy your Opal card at the airport train stations the minimum top-up is $35. This is because the station access or gate fee for these private stations is $16.88 for adults.

There is no fee for the card itself; all the credit is available for travel. Subsequent top-ups can be made in $10 increments. If you choose to buy your card online, the minimum credit is $40. I can see no reason to order your card online before you arrive. It’s not worth the hassle.

You can set up auto top-ups for cards registered online, which I do not recommend unless you are here for a very long time.

Do I have to register my card?

You don’t have to register your card if you buy it from a retailer. If you buy your card online, it is registered when you order it. If you buy your card from a retailer, you can also log in and register your card on the Opal website if you wish to.

Why you should register your card

Registering your card means that your travel is recorded, which some people are uncomfortable with; however, it also means you can keep track of your balance and trips online. Another benefit is that if you lose your card, you can cancel it and replace the credit. It just depends on how comfortable you are sharing your privacy.

Do I need an Opal card for each person?

Yes, everyone aged four years and over needs their own card. For children 4-15 you can buy a child’s Opal. Children under four years of age travel free.

How can I check the balance on my Opal card?

The quickest way to check your Opal balance is on the official Opal App . The app is available for iPhone or Android users. You tap your card on your phone and the balance is shown.

What time is off-peak for Opal?

When calculating your fare, the time of day you travel is considered. Peak times within the Sydney metro area are:

• 6.30am-10am

Intercity trains like those to the Blue Mountains and up and down the coast

• 4pm – 6.30pm

Off-peak travel is 30% cheaper when using an Opal card. Without an Opal card, you do not get any reduction and pay peak fares all the time.

Do Opal cards expire?

Yes, eventually they do; however, you have nine years to use the credit on your card.

Can you get a refund of your unused Opal Card balance?

• You can only get a refund to an Australian bank account and it’s not an easy process, so I would suggest using the app to monitor your balance and only top up when you need to.
• If your Opal card is registered, you can also transfer the balance to another card.
• If there is any credit left on the card, perhaps hand it to another traveller or local who I am sure would be happy to accept it!

Who can buy child and student discount tickets?

• Sydney’s public transport is free for children under four years of age. Kids aged 4-15 can buy a child’s Opal card.
• Full-time students aged 16 and over who are residents of Australia must apply for a student Opal via their educational institution.
• If you are over 16 years and a student in another country you must still buy an adult ticket.

Access to Opal Gold cards for interstate seniors

Seniors from other states of Australia are eligible to apply for a Gold Opal card . Opal cards for Australian seniors or Centrelink pension concession holders are available. You can order your card in advance via the Opal website .  You can buy a Gold Opal over the counter at the Information Centres at Central and Circular Quay stations. Fill in the form and show them your Pensioner entitlement. You can find out more about Opal cards for seniors here .

Can international seniors get a Gold Opal card?

No, only Australia’s are eligible for concession seniors Opal cards.

Can international students get a discount on public transport?

In New South Wales, international students are not entitled to a student concession on public transport unless they purchase a quarterly ticket through their institution. If you are found to be travelling with the wrong ticket, you will be fined $200.

**Some Opal Terminology

When working out how quickly you will earn your eight journey travel reward, the following definitions, taken directly from the Opal website, might help.

• A trip  is travel on one route, one mode (e.g. a single bus trip). When you transfer to another route or service, you are beginning a new trip.
• A journey  consists of one or more trips on eligible services where transfers between services occur within 60 minutes*.
• A transfer  occurs at the end of a single trip. It is a change of transport mode or route to another service or route to continue a journey. Transfers made within a standard transfer time of 60 minutes* combine trips into a single journey.

*60 minutes applies to all services except the Sydney Ferries Manly service, where the standard transfer time is 130 minutes from the tap on.

How to tap on and off with your Opal Card.

Taping on is as simple as holding your card still over the sensor for a second or two. It’s not so much of a quick physical tap and a hold and remove. The light will go green, and you will hear a beep when it works. Do not swipe. If you forget to tap off, you will be charged the maximum fare for that journey. You can call Opal and let them know, and they will usually reverse this charge.

Now you have mastered Opal it’s time to learn more about the options using Sydney Public Transport

Now you have sorted all that out, why not explore Sydney by public transport? I have written several articles to help you find some great ways to use your card. For starters, here are some of the most popular ones.

• 10 Great Sydney ferry rides
• Using public buses to cover the HOHO route
• Sydney beaches by Public Transport 
• Five suburbs to explore by train
• Day trips you can take using Sydney Trains
• Exploring Eastside Sydney by bus 
• Barangaroo to Watsons Bay by Bus 
• Our Ex-Prime Ministers Favourite Bus route 

Have questions about things to see and do in Sydney? Head over and join our Facebook Group and we will be happy to help

173 thoughts on “A Visitor’s Guide to using Sydney Opal Card”

Two questions please: As an infrequent user who lives on the Central Coast, where can I buy an Opal card locally and does it have an expiry date? Do overseas visitors get a rebate on their card as it will only be used once? Thank you

For the Central coast it seems to be mainly a mix of 7-Eleven stores, newsagents and a few petrol stations. There are at least 20 outlets in the area from Woy Woy to Wyong.

As for rebates, there is no rebate for overseas visitors however unlike the cards used in a lot of cities, there is no upfront cost for an Opal card. Whatever you spend it loaded as credit with the minimum being $10 on an adult card. You can apply for a refund of any credit left on the card but it is paid to an Australia bank account so not ideal for visitors. If a visitor is in Sydney for 1-3 days I would load $10 or $20 depending on your itinerary. A ferry ride and a couple of train trips off-peak would use up most of that.

There is an assortment of apps being released to help people track their spend. Most seem to carry a charge but I will be reviewing them in upcoming weeks so keep an eye out for that.

We are visiting Sydney for the weekend. We will be flying up and staying in the city. We are a family of 4 two children. I am just wondering would it be worth buying the opal tickets or just pay as we go?

Thank you for your help

It depends on what you plan to do once you are here. You would need a card for each person and the minimum credit you could place on them is $10 for the adults and $5 for the kids. If you are planning a ferry ride and were to do it on a Sunday, under the opal ticketing you would pay a maximum of $2.50 each for the whole day. An individual ticket for that day for say a trip to Manly will cost you $7.40 for an adult and $3.70 for a child.

If you don’t plan on taking public transport other than from the airport to the city and back it is probably not worth getting one. It is really hard to say without knowing your plans.

Thank you for this information Paula, it is much easier to understand than the official Opal website, and a lot more comprehensive. I hope you don’t mind if I share it on the social media accounts for my Love Your Trains Campaign! 🙂

Go right ahead 🙂 It really frustrates me to hear people bagging out Opal without really getting their head around it. Some people may be slightly worse off under this system but for most of us it’s better and it really encourages the use of public transport on weekend which is a great initiative for the environment.

It is great to find your blog with so many helpful info about Sydney. I am planning to visit Sydney early next Feb on my own. I am considering to buy Opal card for my transportation in Sydney for 2-3 days, including trips in CBD, Manly, and Blue Mountains. I believe it is more convenient and cheaper to use Opal than MyMulti. Please correct me if I am wrong 🙂

I will also visit my friend in Wollongong. Can I travel from Sydney Airport Int’l Terminal to Wollongong by train with an Opal?

I am still working on my itineraries in Sydney & Wollong (for 4.5 days in both places) as this will be my first time to Sydney 😀 I feel really lucky to find your blog before my trip. Thank you so much!

Cheers, Vanessa (from Vietnam)

Hi. I’m an ex-serviceman and have an Ex Member of Defence Forces Pass. It’s a paper ticket which entitles me to free public transport in NSW. I live in Canberra where unfortunately it isn’t valid but I will be visiting Sydney shortly where I want to use it. How does this work with the Opal system? Are there card readers that will still accept my card?

Hi, I’m an international student. I’m staying in Adelaide now. However, I’m going to Sydney next month for my internship 6 months in there. I want to know how to use opal card. So can you explain how much I have to pay for one way. What kind of Opal card suitable for student? And can you estimate how much i need to pay for each month?

in january my wife and i are visiting our daughter in manly.the trip is for three months so we will get an opal card each.is there a max amount you can credit card, with and when we travel on a bus or ferry can we pay for our gradaughter by ticket. we are from scotland.thank you for your help

Sorry for the delay in responding. I am currently overseas and have limited internet access. There are staff at all major stationswho will be able to let you in with your pass if it is valid in NSW. You will not need to use the card readers. Many smaller stations are unstaffed but gates at these stations are opened.

Enjoy your visit to Sydney.

Hi Hgoc Thuy

International students on student visas can buy a discounted My Multi 2 card – you may be entitled to one of these. If not you can buy an adult opal card. The price of tickets depends on the distance travelled. For example, I live under 10km from the city and my average weekly spend is about $28. As I travel to the city every day by Thursday afternoon my travel is free for the rest of the week.

Hi Mick For a 3 month visit an Opal card will be worthwhile. You can also get a child opal card for your granddaughter. You do not need to order them in advance unless you specifically want to. They can be bought and topped up at convienence stores, newsagents and even at the airport. You can register them once you recieve them and add a credit card to allow auto top ups when the balance is low if you want to. The other benefit of registering the card is that it can be replaced if you lose it and any outstanding credit moved to the new card.

HI we are going to Sydney in December, (2 adults and a 16years old) for 8 days. We will fly to Sydney and stay in Potts Point, stay in CBD most the time, but intending to go to blue mountain, factory outlet, Manley,. Should I get an Opal card? What is the best way to get to Potts Point? By train? bus? Ir shuttle bus?

Hi Iris Sounds like an Opal would work for you. After 8 trips in a week the rest of your travel in free for that week. You might not want to walk into the CBD each day so I imagine you will get to 8 trips. There is also a daily limit of $15 so that would kick in on the Blue Mountains day and the Manly ferry day. If you are here on a Sunday the maximum charge is $2.50 per day for unlimited travel. You can buy your card at the airport if you want to before you head to Potts Point.

If you are coming off a long flight you are probably best to take a taxi or shuttle. You could take a train but would need to change to get to Kings Cross Station and then walk. The fares for 3 of you would only be a little less than the cab fare. If you are on a tight budget the 400 bus from the front of the terminal to Bondi Junction then a train to Kings Cross would be the cheapest way. Shuttle would probably come in next cheapest. Have a great visit.

Hi I received my seniors Opal card last Tuesday and immediately registered it set up an automatic top-up on my account. By Sunday (just 5 days later) I had received an email telling me that because I had not used my Opal card for 60 days my credit was being refunded. I rarely use public transport because it is so lousy on Sydney’s Northern Beaches (why would I take a bus when it is quicker to drive?) so it seems I am never going to be able to have available credit on my card because I am unlikely to use it within a 60 day period.

Hi Helen Sounds like an error on their part regarding the cancellation after just 5 days. I suggest you call them. It is a bit confusing at first but as stated on their website you have 9 years to use the credit on your card. It is only if you do not use at least once it within 60 days of receiving your credit is returned. Try calling the helpline, I have found the staff there to be really helpful.

“Yes, it can expire if you don’t use your Opal card for nine years. However, if you receive a new Opal card that is registered and you have arranged to put value on it, you will need to present it to a card reader within 60 days. Otherwise the balance will simply be reversed and credited back to your nominated credit or debit card account.”

If you decide NOT to register your card don’t put too much money on it upfront until you can assess your likely travel expenditure. Getting a refund for unused travel is not visitor friendly

You are right Clive. Getting a refund is a pain that is for sure and really not worth it for most people.

I am travelling to Sydney in October for a month. Would you advise getting an Opal card, as I use all forms of transport whilst there. I see there is a weekly cap of $60 – what happens if I use the $60 before the end of the week? Do I travel ‘free’ thereafter?

Many thanks – David

Hi David, for a trip that long I would get an Opal card. The travel caps mean that once you have spent to the cap the rest of your trips are free. The caps are $15 a day or $60 a week. On Sundays, the cap is $2.50 making this the perfect day for a trip further afield, like the Blue Mountains.

I was glad I found your blog, it helped me lot in figuring out how the public transports works in Sydney. However I would need some more help. Me and my family (2 adults and 3 children under 15) will be staying in Sydney for 5 days then we will take the train to get to Canberra. During our stay in Sydney we will be visiting places such as the Cricket hall of fame, Lolly Swagman, The rocks, Sydney observatory, National Maritime Museum, Bondi beach, fish market, Wentworth falls …. to name some of them. I am still debating on buying the Opal card considering there will be a lot of cards to pay and we can just pay them on the go. Please help me out.

Thank you very much in advance, Anh

Hi Anh, I would usually recommend you all get Opal cards.The card will save 30% on fares for journeys outside of peak hours and give you access to the $2.50 all day Sunday price. It really depends on where you are staying? If you are in the centre of the city you could walk to some of the places you mentioned.You will need to take a bus to Bondi and they do not accept cash so will need a prepaid ticket or an opal card. You can take the light rail to the fish market – it is possible to walk but a long way. If you are planning on taking the train to the Blue Mountains then definitely get Opal cards. The Cricket Hall of Fame is in Melbourne I think? Do you mean the Bradman Museum in Berrima? This is not such an easy trip by public transport. Will you be driving?

I have family visiting from Queensland later this year. They are age pensioners – are they eligible for the $2.50 discount pensioner daily fare?

Yes Linda, your family are eligible for a Opal concession but they will need apply in advance. There is a form on this page https://www.opal.com.au/en/about-opal/opal_for_interstate_seniors/

I was just wondering I will be coming to Syd for a training course in Guildford and need to train it there from Central station and return to central again when finished it’s just for a day, would I still need to buy a Opal card or could I just buy a return ticket from Central?

Hi Adi You can buy a one-way ticket there and then get another on the way back from Guildford. They no longer sell return tickets. It will cost you a little bit more but for a single trip but will be simpler for such a straightforward journey.

We (2 adult, 1 kid) will be in Sydney for around 2.5 days and plan to explore CBD and Bondi area. Your guide on OPAL really encourage us to use it instead of taking private bus tours.

Question : Do you suggest using OPAL from airport to CBD location and back with its surcharge fee? Or do you suggest using taxi service for airport transfers and use OPAL for local transports?

Thanks again for your blog and excellent information on other areas as well.

With 2 adults and 1 child, it will be cheaper to take an Uber/Taxi from the airport. If you are not already an Uber user just download the app to your phone and set up a credit card for payment. The Uber pick up area is just outside the arrivals terminal – follow the yellow signs to the express pick up location and you wait at the 2 min pick area, not the 15-minute area. It is best to have a working sim card for this so the driver can call you if they can’t find you easily. If you are not already a member this promo code (ubersydneyexpertue) will get you a discount. If you prefer not to use Uber then a taxi is probably easiest. You can get a taxi fare estimate here https://www.taxifare.com.au/

Hi we are a family of 2 adults and 2 children. We will be flying down to Sydney, catching a train from thd domestic airport to central and then train out to springwood. This will ve our only public transportation. Do we just purchase one paper tickets from the airport that will cover the complete trip?? Thank you.

Hi Sara The fare using an Opal single use (paper) ticket is adult $24.50 and $17.90 for kids. Using an Opal card it would be Adult (peak) $22.80 (offpeak) $20.25 kids $17.05 or $15.77. In your case if you will do no other travel then the single use is the best bet as the as you would have to put $30 credit on the adult card and $20 on the kids, which would leave money over.

It’s confusing I know. Just go with single-use tickets from the airport station I think.

Hi. Thank you for the detailed info on the Opal card. We are 2 adult and 2 kids will be spending our weekend for 3.5 days. we will be staying in Kent street. Our itineraries are Darling Harbour for the first day. The second day will be a walk from our place to QVB then circular quay, the rocks and the Opera house and back to our hotel. and for the 3rd day it falls on Sunday we will be taking a bus from circular quay to Bondi beach. Do we need to get Opal card for our plan above? or the single ticket will do? Thank you. We will be taking a cab to the hotel due to our luggage.

Sorry for the delay Lina, you can buy paper tickets at a convenience store however you will not be able to get the $2.60 unlimited travel deal without the Opal card. The single ticket is $3.58 each way for adults. Use the trip planner on this site http://www.sydneytrains.info/ to find out other costs.

Will you be taking a ferry at all? A really nice day out is to take the bus to Bondi Beach then once you are ready to leave the beach take the bus from Bondi Beach to Watson’s Bay and then take the ferry to Barangaroo. I would also put a Manly ferry trip on my agenda if you have not done it before.

Hi, love your blog. I’ll be staying in Macquarie Park for about two days, and will explore Sydney during that time. I’ll be flying into the international terminal with a backpacking luggage. Will it be worth it for me to get the Opal card? Trying to reduce costs in any way I can but don’t want to sacrifice convenience. Thanks in advance!

Hi Danny If you are based in Macquarie Park I am guessing you will need an Opal to explore the city. It does actually save you money on each fare and I would imagine you would get value from it unless you have friends taking you around sightseeing by car. Travelling from the airport to Macquarie Park will be cheapest by train. There is also a fare cap of $15 per day.

Yes yes..thank you for reminding me about the ferry. I should put that in my itinerary to get the nicest view of the opera house 🙂

Thanks for the information. Is there any limitation on the number and size of the luggage that I can bring on board the train? Are there any storage area for the luggage? Thank you.

Hi Eric, there is no limitation to what you can bring on the train and there are lifts at all stations. However, if you have a large amount of luggage I would recommend that you don’t take a train in peak hour. There is no special luggage area but there is an open area inside the doorway – just be sure to move right inside and don’t block the doorways as this really upsets the locals. Uber now operate from the airport so this could be a good option to consider.

Hi we are going on a family cruise in march 2009 and will be in Sydney the preceding three days.I understand most of the opal system from reading your blog but don’t fully understand the ferry system could you please clarify a few things. ie are they the same price as buses and trains. Are they included in a trip or journey cost and if so how can you tell which ones are. Are some more expensive than others. Thanx in advance Craig.

Hi Craig, sorry for the delay, I am currently travelling myself. Buse, trains, light rail and ferries all have different pricing structures. On Sundays, you get unlimed travel on all 3 types of services for just $2.60. On other days individual prices remain. All services count toward your daily caps ($15 max a day) and your weekly travel benefit (after 8 trips all trips are half price). Ferries have 2 tiers of pricing – inner Harbour ferries are $5.88 and longer trips are $7.60 (more without an Opal card). You can find all the fares here. https://transportnsw.info/tickets-opal/opal/fares-payments/adult-fares

Hi, My wife and I will be in Sydney centre and plan to do a lot of walking. However, we will be going to the HARS museum, Albion Park by train just for the day. Can we both just buy tickets at Central Station without the OPAL card?

Yes you can Clive. Single tickets are available from the machines at the train station. It will cost a little extra but it is not much of a difference for only 1 trip usually

I will be arriving in Sydney with my two teens and a 7 yr old. We will have 3 25kg luggages plus carry-on bags. What is the best and cheapest transportation from the airport to Meriton Suites Waterloo?

Hi I am from England, a senior and retired, I will be in Sydney for a 3 month holiday. Will I be entitled to a concession on my bus fares. I will need to fetch my grandchildren from daycare 3 times a week

Hi Eli I would probably book an Uber – do you use them in your city? If so you can order one when you get to the arrivals hall and follow the signs to the uber pickup area. If not download the app and set it up before you leave home. The train for 4 people would cost more.

My understanding is that you must be an Australian citizen to access the senior prices sadly.

Hello thanks for all the info – can you advise which is the most efficient way for a family of five to travel from the Airport to Darling Harbour? Thank you

Hi Shelley I would imagine that an uber or other ride share service would be the cheapest option. There are several operators in Sydney and a designated priority pick up area for these services. Download Taxify or Ola if you are not an Uber user already as I find them more reliable. Public transport to Darling Harbour is not ideal. It involves changing from the train to the light rail at Central and probably too much with a family in tow.

Hi. I’m travelling to Sydney next week for 5 days.

I have one question to ask. My question is : may I know for daily travel caps, can I top up AUD80 at once instead of daily top up AUD15.80 ? As I know, the minimum amount top up for an adult is AUD10. Therefore, it is more easier to top up once instead of topping up AUD15.80 daily.

Hi Suphansa You can top up with as much credit as you like. The weekly cap is just under $65 so if you are only here a week don’t put more than that as you will not be charged over that. It is very difficult to get any unused credit refunded.

Hi,we are visiting Sydney in October and staying for a few days. I was born and brought up at Bronte Beach. I am an ex Serviceman and on a vet affairs TPI(Gold Card)Pension living in QLD. I am not 60 till December this year, so not entitled to seniors card. In QLD I have a Translink Card which entitles me to free Buses, Ferry’s, Trains. But I don’t seem to be entitled to any concession in NSW. My wife is my carer and she applied and got a senior/pensioner Opal card. Just seems strange that I am the one with the disability and I have to pay full fare. Any help on this one? Thanks in advance. Peter

Hi, Me and my wife will be going to Sydney in mid september. We will be staying in circular quay area and planning to visit taronga zoo, st mary cathedral, chinatown, Queen Victoria Building, Luna Park , Bondi Beach just to name a few. Will the Opal card save us some cost travelling using the bus/train/ferry?

Sorry Peter I missed your question earlier. I have had a look and you may be entitled to a discounted opal here. Have you seen the information on this page? https://www.opal.com.au/en/about-opal/opal_for_veterans/

Yes you will save money by getting an Opal card. How many days will you be here? How happy are you walking? You can easily walk from the Quay to Chinatown, QVB and the Cathedral for example. You can even walk over the bridge to Luna Park but you will want to take a bus or train to Bondi and at least one ferry, perhaps back from Luna Park. I would also suggest a ferry to Manly or Watson’s Bay.

Hi. My wife and I will travel to Sydney from overseas (USA) in November. We plan to use the Opal card primarily to get from the airport to Darling Harbor hotel and back. We will rent a car for mid-trip travel outside Sydney, but we’ll have a couple days in Sydney itself at the beginning and end of our stay. Should we go online to order our cards or would you suggest buy our cards at the airport when we arrive? Once our cards are activated, my understanding is the unused balance is refunded ONLY to an Australia bank account. True? Or is it possible, after 60 days of non-use, to have the balance refunded back to our credit/debit card? Thank you for your help.

We are arriving Sydney on a cruise ship and staying in Prymont dec 1-4. We will be just taking the bus or light train to China town and Sydney town hall for free city walk and taking the train to airport to Melbourne. Is it worthwhile for 8 of us to buy Opal card?

Hi, We are going to Sydney in November. Arriving Sydney early in the morning, after check into the hotel, we might have half a day left for sightseeing on the first day and a full 2nd day before we leave Sydney on the third day. We plan to visit Manly beach and around Sydney the first day. 2nd day will be to other beaches you recommended. The third day we might have a few hours left in Sydney. Since $15 max per day using opal car, do you think $30 should be enough for the first two day use. Thank you.

That should be plenty CK. You can get exact prices for each trip here https://transportnsw.info/tickets-opal/opal/fares-payments/adult-fares

Prices change between peak and off-peak travel.

I would suggest you probably will save money with an Opal card (you will need one each) as the distance from Prymont to the rest of the city is a bit of a walk and after a day’s sightseeing. It would also save the hassle of having to buy individual tickets for each trip before you travel. You can not pay on buses or light rail so you would have to buy single-use Opal tickets each time. Use the calculator here https://transportnsw.info/tickets-opal/opal/fares-payments/adult-fares to work out how much money to put on the cards.

My understanding is that funds can only be returned to Australian bank accounts so I assume that would also be cards but I might be wrong. If you are only taking the airport train you can just buy single use tickets from the airport. If you decide you need cards I would buy on arrival and not order in advance. You may find you don’t use them enough to bother. Single use tickets are available from convenience stores or train stations in the case of trains.

Hi, we are 1 adult & 1 child. will be in sydney for 7 Night. Should we get the opal card ? I confuse between weekly cap $60-65 WITH After 8 trips in a week the rest of your travel is free for that week. If this means, if my single trip cost $4.40 x 8 trips = $35.20, is that the maximum amount that will cost me because the rest of the week is free ? So i don’t have to top up $65 cause maybe $40 is enough ? And we will stay at my friend place at Wolli Creek, what is the best way to get out from the airport ? Thanks a lot for your response later.

My husband and i will arrive at Sydney’s Domestic Airport at 11am and need to get to the Overseas Passenger terminal at The Rocks.What would be the best way to travel there?

I have purchased one opal card. Can I use this one card for both myself and my wife?

No William, you need one each, however, they are free to get so just load enough credit on each to cover your travel. If you are not sure there is a fare calculator ( https://transportnsw.info/ ) that will help you get a rough idea. If you need more help pop over and join the FB group and someone will certainly help you calculate your trips.

The quickest way, if you can manage your luggage without too much trouble, would be to take the train directly from the Airpor to Circular Quay. There are elevators at both stations and its a very short, flat walk to the terminal.

Hi Kiki, There is no free travel after 8 trips, it is half price travel only. Sundays are $2.70 max for all day travel. Tickets are less than $4.40 outside peak hour. I would suggest only putting $40 on and topping up later if needed. The airport to Wolli Creek will be best done in an Uber. It’s very close.

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Gold Opal Card for Seniors Card holders

Unlimited travel for $2.50 a day  - get around as much as you want on metro, trains, buses, ferries and light rail in Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Hunter and the Illawarra. (Excludes Sydney Airport Station Access Fee)

Senior Savers Card holders working more than 20 hours a week in paid employment are not eligible for Gold Opal transport concessions

You deserve the best transport discounts around

That's exactly what you get when you use the Gold Opal Card you're eligible for as a Seniors Card member. ( Please note:  Senior Savers Card holders working more than 20 hours a week in paid employment are not eligible for Gold Opal transport concessions).

Your Gold Opal gives you:

• Unlimited travel for $2.50 a day  - get around as much as you want on metro, trains, buses, ferries and light rail in Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Hunter and the Illawarra. (Excludes Sydney Airport Station Access Fee). Find out more about  Opal  or plan a trip using  Trip Planner.
• Convenient, reusable smartcard  - so much easier than buying paper Excursion Tickets each time you travel. Just load and go - or set it up for auto top-up so you never have to reach for cash again.
• Protection -  even if your card is lost or stolen, your balance is safe and secure, and can be transferred to a new card.
• Transport concessions Australia-wide  - check the Seniors Card website for the state or territory you're visiting for details on how to qualify.

You must carry your Seniors Card when travelling on a concession fare as  proof of entitlement  or you may be fined.

INTERSTATE SENIORS CAN HAVE A GOLD OPAL TOO!

If you're an Australian resident and have a valid Seniors Card issued by an Australian State or Territory Government, you too can enjoy our best transport discounts with a Gold Opal Card.

Note:  You must have a  state or territory   government  Seniors Card. Other cards including the National Seniors Card, Queensland Seniors Business Discount Card, Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card and New Zealand SuperGold Card do not qualify.

For more information, please visit the  website .

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Guide to Using the Opal Card in Sydney

Posted by Lauren | Expat Life in Sydney

Table of Contents

Navigating Sydney's Public Transport with the Opal Card

If you are moving from the UK, then the Opal Card is Sydney's version of the Oyster Card. Or, if you're moving from Seattle as we did, the Opal Card is similar to the Orcas Card.

The truth is it doesn't matter where you're moving from, get an Opal Card, even if you're a tourist in Sydney.

I'm going to cover the basics of the Opal Card in this post, but the actual Opal Card website includes pretty much everything you need to know. I recommend checking it out if you have any further questions but hopefully, after reading this you won't. :-)

The Basics of Sydney's Opal Card

This is a free public transport card that you load value onto so you can travel conveniently on all public transport systems (train, bus, ferries, and light rail) in Sydney. Kind of like a Starbucks card but for public transport.

While it is a free card, the minimum cost is $10 for the adult card and $5 for the child's cards. The whole amount can be used for any travel on Sydney's public transport.

To get an Opal Card, you can order online and have it sent to you or pick one up at a newsagent, supermarket, or convenience store. There are over 2000 retailers that sell Opal Cards. There are also Opal Cards available from selected Transport Customer Service Centers and Shops.

Be aware that some of the retailers may have credit card fees for purchases under a certain amount. To avoid these extra fees just load up your card above the amount to avoid this fee. This goes for when you're topping up your card too.

You can also pick up a card at Sydney's International Airport too at the arrival terminal. Not a bad idea if you are considering using the train to get to the city when you arrive. If that is something that you are considering doing then be aware that there is a Sydney Airport Station Access Fee of $13.50 for adults and $12.00 for Gold Senior/Pensioner, Concession, and Child/Youth Opal cardholders . So be sure you load up your card to cover this fee.

You can use the Opal Card outside of the Sydney Metropolitan Transport when you travel to the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Hunter, Illawarra, and the Southern Highlands . One of the reasons this is a good option for tourists, not to mention getting to and from the airport.

There are five different types of Opal Cards.

Adult Opal Card – 16 years of age or older

Child/ Youth Opal Card – aged 4 – 15 years of age including full-time NSW/ACT school students aged 16 years and older with an NSW Senior Secondary Student Concession Card that is issued by their school.

School Opal Card – NSW school students are eligible for free travel or subsidized travel on public transport.

Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal Card – to be eligible for this care you must have either an NSW Seniors Card, Pensioner Concession Card, or an NSW War Widow/ers Card. Interstate seniors and asylum seekers may also be eligible for this card. For these last two circumstances, please go to the Opal Card website to apply.

Concession Opal Card – there is a full list of participating universities and tertiary institutions here.

The Opal Card is easy to use.

All you need to do is to load value onto the card and tap it on a designated Opal card reader before you travel and again when you arrive at your destination. The Opal Card system will automatically deduct the fare from the amount that you have on your card.

Taping on and taping off when you travel.

Be sure you always tap on before you start your journey on Sydney's public transport. Even if the gate is open and you can just walk straight in.

This is important because if you forget, or just plain don't tap on, you will essentially be traveling without a valid ticket and therefore subjected to fines.

Now if you forget to tap off it's not as bad, but you will be charged the maximum fare.

Special Note: When you arrive at the Manly ferry terminal, there is no tap-off because there is only one possible stop.

What about when changing trains or ferries or buses?

You will need to tap off between train stations. For example, let's say you are going from Circular Quay station to Bondi Junction. You tap on at Circular Quay, but you do not tap off at Town Hall when changing trains because you are not leaving the station, but you will tap off at Bondi Junction, the final destination of your trip.

Does that make sense?

For ferries, it's pretty much the same. You tap off when you leave the wharf. An example here would be taking the Neutral Bay Ferry to Circular Quay then hopping on the Cremorne Ferry. Since you didn't leave the wharf to change ferries, you don't need to tap off until you arrive at the Cremorne Ferry Wharf.

One exception is the Circular Quay Wharf.

Going with the example above but instead of changing to the Cremorne Ferry, you want to go to Balmain. This requires you to tap off and tap on again to change wharves which is fine because at Circular Quay Wharf you can do so within 60 minutes and the Opal Card knows you're just changing ferries and not starting a new trip.

For buses, it's more obvious since you are exiting a bus to hop on another bus and therefore will be tapping on and tapping off of each bus. Again, the Opal network knows you are changing buses if you do so within 60 minutes and therefore will calculate your trip in its entirety instead of two separate trips.

Note: Due to the tap on, tap off the system, two people cannot use the same card.

How to load up and check your Opal Card balance.

Your balance is displayed on the screen of the card reader every time you use the card which is a nice way to stay on top of it.

You can top up your card, or check your balance, with the Opal Travel App , probably what most people use. If you get an Opal Card, chances are you will also download the app.

Or if you're on your desktop at work or home you can check your balance and top up that way. Now if you're old school, you can call 13 67 25 (13 OPAL) to get your balance.

You can also visit any Opal retailers (don't forget about the credit/debit card fees for certain amounts at certain retailers) or use an Opal top-up machine in any selected train, light rail stations, or ferry wharves that are in the Opal Card network.

Now when looking at your balance for the week's activities, you need to know that the Opal week starts on Monday. Makes sense for regular commuters.

One nice thing about the Opal Card and keeping track of your balance is setting up auto top-up.

When your card falls below $10 it will automatically top up. Nice right?

Now, what happens if you tap on to the Opal Network and that trip will put you below the $10 mark by the time you tap off?

No worries. The Opal Network will calculate the default fare and, if that fare puts you below the $10 mark, it will top up automatically.

Ok, by now you should be thinking that the Opal Card is the way to go for getting around Sydney, and you're right, it is but, in case, you're still not convinced let's go over a few of the benefits to having an Opal Card.

Benefits of Using Sydney's Opal Card

First of all, you will never pay more than $15 a day as you travel on trains, buses, ferries, and light rail trains. Children will never pay more than $7.50 a day. Yeah, that does sound like a lot for public transport but if you're a tourist, getting to the $15 mark is easy. If you're a local and have a big night out and only use public transport, you could easily hit the $15 mark but on an average day, probably not.

Opal fares are also capped each week at $60 for adults and $30 for children. Don't forget an Opal week runs from Monday to Sunday. After eight paid journeys using the card, you will qualify to travel for free for the rest of the week. You will also save 30 percent when you travel during off-peak times.

For tourists that plan on coming back to Sydney, you can keep your card for your next visit. You can also lend it or get a refund. Just complete a form and return your card to the Transport for NSW.

That's it. Like I said at the beginning of this post, the Opal Card website has all the info you need plus some silly videos about tapping on and tapping off.

What Are You Shipping to Sydney When You Move?

Do you know yet.

The truth is you don’t need to know right now, for sure, what’s going with you.

But you have to get your shipping quote ASAP, especially now.

Why? Because international shipping companies need to schedule your shipment to Australia far in advance, some ask for 6 months in advance . Yes, COVID has changed everything, including international shipping .

When filling out the contact form below…

• You don’t need a street address for where you’re moving to, only the city and country. What they really want to know is the major shipping port.
• You don’t need exact dates right now. Go with your best guess.
• Studio or 1 Bedroom —> 20 m3
• 2 Bedroom —> 25 m3
• 3 Bedroom —> 30 m3
• 4 Bedroom or 3 Bedroom + Car —> 50 m3
• Use your “real” contact details for BOTH phone and email. Yes, the form is secure. If you don’t use your real contact details, then they can’t get in touch with you for your quote. Makes sense, right?

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About The Author

Hi, I’m Lauren, and I've helped thousands of people from all over the world move to Australia since starting my blog back in 2009. You can read more about me here , but Sydney Moving Guide isn't about me. IT'S ABOUT YOU. So, I have one question for you. How can I help you with your move to Australia? Let me know in the comments below and don't forget to grab my moving checklist before you go .

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Opal Travel 4+

Transport for nsw, designed for ipad, screenshots, description.

Opal Travel is the official app for managing your travel across the public transport network in Sydney (Australia), and surrounding regions. Use the app to plan trips, top up your Opal balance, view trip and transaction history, and access other useful information all on your Apple device Opal Travel can be used with both registered and unregistered Opal cards. With this app you can: - Plan trips and see fare estimates - View and top up your Opal balance on the go - Register your Opal card or credit/debit card you use to catch public transport - View travel history and transactions for both Opal and credit/debit card tap ons - Set up automatic balance top ups - Report an Opal card as lost or stolen and transfer the balance to another Opal card - Get location-based alerts when approaching your stop - Get notifications about delays and disruptions specific to your trip - Check weekly travel rewards - Scan your Opal card with your device to check tap on status, account balance and weekly travel rewards (requires NFC and iOS 13 or higher) - Ask Siri to help you with your trip (requires iOS 12 or higher) - See Opal retailer locations on a map Note: Opal card scanning may not work on all devices. Designed for use with Adult, Child/Youth, Concession and Senior/Pensioner Opal cards, and American Express, MasterCard and Visa only. Not compatible with jailbroken iOS devices. By installing Opal Travel you acknowledge and accept the Opal Travel app Terms of Use and agree to receive those Terms of Use and any amendments electronically via the Apple App Store. You acknowledge that Transport for NSW will not send you a paper copy. For more information visit https://transportnsw.info/apps/opal-travel

Version 9.9.1

- Bug fix to resolve issue with location search in the Trip Planner.

App Privacy

The developer, Transport for NSW , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

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Privacy practices may vary based on, for example, the features you use or your age. Learn More

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Get things done within this app using just your voice.

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Opal Card Vs. Credit Card

Sydney is one of the places where you can use your credit card on buses , trains, ferries and light rail. Not every state accepts credit or debit card tap-on payments on public transport, but New South Wales (NSW) does. While this makes for convenient boarding, is it the best way to pay for public transport in Sydney? When comparing the Opal card vs. a credit card, the benefits depend on where you’re travelling to and from, how often you use it, and if you’re a local or a visitor. 

» MORE:   Where can you tap on with a credit card to board a train?

Payment options on Sydney’s public transport system 

Transport for NSW is the public transport provider in Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, the Hunter and the Illawarra. The network card is the Opal, which is the most popular payment method for public transport tickets. 

The other accepted payment methods include credit and debit cards, including virtual cards , as well as mobile wallets, tablets, and wearable devices. Contactless payments accrue the same benefits and savings as the Opal card. But what about comparing the costs of the Opal card and a credit card? Is the Opal Card cheaper than a credit card? It might not be the same for everyone. 

How does an Opal card work? 

An Opal card is a reloadable travel card that gives you access to the public transport network in Sydney and regional hubs. Instead of buying single tickets for each trip, tap your Opal card on the device as you step on the bus, train or ferry. You can top up your card via the Opal Travel App, on the Transport for NSW website, at a pay station or at an Opal retailer. Keep in mind some third-party retailers charge a merchant fee for credit or debit card payments. 

The most popular Opal card is the adult (+16) card, but there are also options for students, children, seniors, people on Centrelink, and passengers with disabilities. Each card has its own fee structure. For example, children aged four to 15 are entitled to concession fares. 

When you tap on, the cost of your ticket is determined by your Opal card type and how far you’ve travelled. Fare discounts and caps are automatically applied to the card. The Opal card is cheaper than a standard single ticket. 

Check your balance regularly to avoid dropping under the minimum amount needed for your next trip. 

🤓  Nerdy Tip

Having a designated app for your public transport — with a quick view of your travel, benefits and past fares — is more convenient than checking a credit card statement . Credit card transactions can also stay pending on a statement for a couple of days, so it might not reflect in your balance on the day you travel.   

» MORE: How old do you have to be to get a credit card in Australia?

Opal card vs. credit card 

When getting around Sydney and its surroundings, there are a few details to consider. 

Opal card benefits: caps, discounts & rewards 

The Opal card has weekly caps for adult fares, which means you’ll never pay more than $50 per week. That weekly cap is broken down into daily, weekly and weekend travel caps:

• $17.80 per day (Mondays to Thursdays)
• $8.90 on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

The card also offers off-peak fare perks and a discount on transfers. These include:

• A 30% fare discount when travelling on Fridays, weekends, public holidays and outside of peak times.
• A $2 discount for every transfer between modes as part of one journey (excluding light rail to Sydney Ferries, except at Circular Quay).

When you use a credit or debit card or another kind of contactless device instead of an Opal card, you’ll get the same perks and discounts at the rate of an adult Opal fare. This includes fare discounts as well as daily and weekly caps that apply to every tip.

It’s worth emphasising that you cannot claim a concession fare when using a contactless card or device . So, if you plan to travel with family — and have children or students in your group — foregoing the Opal card in favour of contactless options will cost you more, as everyone will have to pay the Adult fare.

Credit card benefits: skip the minimum load amount  

Contactless payments using a credit or debit card receive the same fare and benefits as the Opal card. These benefits also apply to digital wallets. However, concession fares aren’t available using contactless payments. 

With the adult Opal card, there’s a minimum load value of $10 on the app and $20 at a retailer. If you don’t take public transport frequently, paying with a credit card could be more affordable. If you travel short distances a couple of times a month, you could save that loading fee and just pay as you go with a credit card. 

Paying with a credit card or mobile wallet is convenient because you don’t need anything extra than you’d normally carry to get on public transport. You always have your wallet and phone, and you don’t have to remember to top up your Opal. Using a credit card instead of an Opal is another way to build reward points. 

However, multiple passengers cannot share the same credit or debit card. For example, you can’t pass the same card back to a partner or friend for them to tap on, too. You’ll have to use a separate bank card. 

If you use Sydney public transport daily or weekly, you’re probably better off with an Opal card. If you’re visiting or don’t use your Opal card frequently, contactless credit card payments could be the better option. 

» MORE: Pros and cons of using credit cards

How to use a credit card to recharge the Opal card 

You can choose to use the Opal card and the credit card. Tap on with an Opal card, but load it with your credit card. That way, you can still earn credit card points if that’s a goal for your personal finances. 

Whether you’re reloading on the website, app, at a pay station, retailer or service centre, you can use a credit or debit card. As with any credit card usage, pay it off by the end of the month to avoid incurring interest . 

Just make sure if you use a credit card for everyday expenses (like public transport), it’s backed with a strategy — such as earning points or building your credit score . Add reviewing your transport costs into your regular financial budgeting sessions and look for ways to cut costs and maximise benefits. 

Transport costs are one of the biggest expenses, so anywhere you can save will have a huge impact on your finances. Travel out of peak hours when possible, use the Trip Planner function, and earn points when you pay on a credit card.

Frequently asked questions

Like a credit card, a debit card is considered a contactless payment and comes with the same benefits as using the Opal. 

About the Author

Amanda Smith is a freelance reporter, journalist, and cultural commentator. She covers culture + society, travel, LGBTQ+, human interest, and business. Amanda has written stories about planning for retirement for…

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NSW Government - Opal

Get an Opal card

Customer care, find an opal card top up machine.

Top up machines can be found at selected stations, light rail stops and ferry wharves across the Opal network. Search for an Opal top up machine or retailer near you .

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Check the balance on your Opal card

Introduction.

An Opal card reader shows your card balance when you tap on or off.

You can also check the balance on your Opal card at a top up machine, an Opal retailer, on the Opal Travel app, or online.

What you need

• your Opal account username and password, or
• your Opal card number and security code (if your card is unregistered).

How to check

• Select the 'Check online' button.
• Log in to your Opal account, or enter your card number and security code.
• Your balance should now be displayed on the overview screen.

More information

Transactions on your Opal activity statement are processed within 48 hours.

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Unregistered Opal cards

View your card details, top up, see your travel and payment history.

Create an account

Register your Opal card for auto top-up and more

Options to top up your Opal card

Tap on and off

Or risk being fined or overcharged for your trip

If you haven't registered your Opal card, you can top up online and access your recent travel and payment history.

You'll need to enter the 16 digit number and 4 digit security code on the back of your Opal card.

With an unregistered card you can only see the last 10 activities for that card, including trips, top-ups and reversals.

Register your Opal card

If you already have an Opal account, you can register and link a new Opal card by logging into your account or via the Opal Travel app . Otherwise, you can create a new Opal account online .

Benefits of registering your Opal card

A registered Opal card has your personal information linked to the card. This means you can:

• Protect your balance - You can block your card if it becomes lost or stolen, so no one else can use your funds.
• Transfer the balance to another Opal card - If your Opal card becomes lost, damaged or stolen, you can transfer the balance to another Opal card.
• Set up auto top up - Registered cards can be set to automatically top up when your balance becomes low, so you don't need to remember to top up manually.
• View and download your activity statement - See up to 18 months of Opal card activity to help you keep track of how much you spend. You can also download your activity statement to share with a third party, like your employer or accountant.
• Set SMS or email alerts - Choose to have notifications sent via SMS or email if your balance gets low or when an auto-top-up has been applied.
• Link multiple Opal cards - Multiple Opal cards can be linked to one account to keep track of them all in one place so you can view and manage all the Opal cards for your family or household.

Reading your Opal activity statement

Your Opal activity is a record of the transactions made with your Opal card. It shows your trips, journeys , top ups and  adjustments , so you can keep track of your spend, check you paid the correct fare and use the statement for tracking business travel for tax purposes.

It can take up to 48 hours to show all activities and balance on the website activity statement. 

If you haven't tapped on or off , the origin or destination will be 'Unknown' and you will be charged the maximum 'default' fare.

You can recognise any Opal transactions, such as card top ups, on your bank statement if ‘TfNSW’ and ‘Opal’ is listed in the transaction description.

See how Opal fares are calculated .

Fare adjustments and refunds

To request an adjustment for a default fare on a unregistered Opal card, go to the Opal website and submit your information through the enquiries and feedback form on the Opal website .

Select 'Complaint - Opal fares' under 'Enquiry Type' and add your information to the form.

Find out more about Opal fare adjustment and refunds .

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The 83+ best Memorial Day sales: Shop deals on tech, bedding, beauty and more

Memorial Day weekend is here, and many of our favorite brands and retailers are offering sitewide discounts on bestsellers we love. The holiday is a great time to save on a new mattress, fresh sheets or off-season apparel, according to experts in our Memorial Day shopping guide .

As someone who frequently covers sales for shopping events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Prime Day , I know how to parse good deals from lackluster ones. I’m also a seasoned tech reporter who frequently tests and reviews headphones , TVs and other products often on sale. Below, I rounded up our team's favorite on-sale items across every major category. I’ll continue to update this list with new deals — prices and inventory may change throughout the weekend.

SKIP AHEAD Best Memorial Day 2024 deals | Kitchen and appliance deals | Mattress and bedding deals | Travel deals | Beauty and wellness deals | Tech deals | Apparel and shoe deals | More deals to shop

select Memorial Day is the worst time to buy summer essentials — what to shop instead

The best memorial day 2024 deals to shop now.

All our recommendations are based on previous coverage, NBC Select staff favorites or expert-recommendations.

Best home, kitchen and appliance sales

Dyson purifier cool gen1 purifying fan.

4.2-star average rating from 358 reviews on Amazon

Lowest price ever

Why have an air purifier or a fan when you can have both? This Dyson tower pulls unfiltered air from all around its base, then blows clean air out across your space. The fan can oscillate nearly 360 degrees, a useful feature if you want to place it in a corner or the center of a room. It also has a night mode that keeps the fan at its quietest speed.

Hydro Flask All Around Travel Tumbler

4.7-star average rating from 5,001 reviews on Amazon

This water bottle is a daily staple at Malin’s desk and in workout classes. It holds more than enough water, and keeps any beverage temperature controlled for hours, she says. “I love the squishy straw and how easily the top pops off when I need to refill it.”

Material Mini ReBoard

4.9-star average rating from 518 reviews on Material Kitchen

NBC Select editor Lindsay Schneider received this double-sided, dishwasher-safe cutting board from the brand and it still looks clean and fresh after years of use. “It’s held up so well — I have a bunch of them that I alternate between,” she says. “They’re the perfect size too. I hate having to dirty a huge board when I just want to cut something small like a cucumber. These are perfect for that,” she says.

Material is having a sitewide sale for Memorial Day that includes other kitchen items we love like its Salt Sphere and Resting Stone .

Best mattress and bedding sales

Brooklinen classic percale core sheet set.

4.4-star average rating from 17,679 reviews on Brooklinen

Our staff voted these the best bed sheets in our Bed and Bath Awards — particularly for their cooling properties. “As a hot sleeper, I felt cool and comfortable sleeping on these — they definitely don’t absorb my body heat like others do,” says NBC Select associate updates editor Zoe Malin . They feel a bit stiff to start, but soften up after a wash or two, in our experience.

Bear Pro Hybrid Mattress

4.4-star average rating from 55 reviews on Bear

NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brown says this hybrid mattress (which she received from the brand years ago) relieves her sore muscles post-workout more than other ones she’s tried. She is a back and side sleeper, and finds both positions comfortable — the mattress hits a great balance between firm and cushioned. It’s made with a cooling gel memory foam that makes the mattress extra breathable and has a lifetime warranty, according to the brand. 

The Citizenry Stonewashed Linen Sheet Set

4.5-star average rating from 538 reviews on The Citizenry

These are our favorite linen sheets because they’re soft, lightweight and cooling. “I’m a hot sleeper and these feel so light — I didn’t feel hot or sweaty once throughout the night,” says NBC Select editorial projects manager Rebecca Rodriguez . They’re available in more than ten colors and come with a linen bag for storage if you want to swap them out for something heavier during wintertime.

Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress

4.5-star average rating from 6,857 reviews on Helix

Helix is one of our favorite brands for both firm and soft mattresses. This model is a medium-firm mattress ideal for side-sleepers, according to the brand. It’s 13.5-inches tall (a little taller than a standard piece of printing paper) with six foams layers wrapped around a central layer of coils. It comes included with two pillows during this Memorial Day sale.

To get the discount, use code MEMDAY30 for 30% off. (The website currently defaults to inputting the code MEMDAY25 for 25% off.)

Best travel sales

Bagsmart hanging toiletry bag.

Bagsmart Toiletry Bag

4.8-star average rating from 53,829 reviews on Amazon

This travel toiletry bag does double duty for NBC Select editor Mili Godio , who also uses it as a makeup organizer . It has compartments big and small, folds up to a relatively small size and has a convenient top handle for carrying, too, according to Godio.

Samsonite Freeform Medium Spinner

4.5-star average rating from 3,199 reviews on Samsonite

This spinner is lightweight yet indestructible, according to NBC Select managing editor Leah Ginsberg. You can expand this four-wheeled hard-shell suitcase by 1.5 inches when needed (via zipper). It comes in multiple colors — I have a similar model in lavender and it’s easy to spot at baggage claim among the sea of black suitcases. (It also has a built-in ID tag .)

Everlane Renew Transit Weekender

4.7-star average rating from 242 reviews on Everlane

A weekender bag is the perfect size for a quick getaway without the bulk or needing to  roll a carry-on suitcase . This is one of our favorites; it’s made with recycled polyester from recycled plastic bottles and has a padded interior laptop sleeve, two water bottle holders, an outside zip pocket and an adjustable shoulder strap, according to EVerlane. All in all, it has a 33 liter carrying capacity.

Best beauty and wellness sales

Supergoop unseen sunscreen.

Supergoop! Mineral Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

5-star average rating from 3,615 reviews on Supergoop

Supergoop makes some of the best sunscreens — our editors love its clear, glossy consistency that goes on without stickiness. “It never leaves me oily, which I consider a huge pro when it comes to SPFS,” says Schneider, who's been using it for years. “It’s completely clear and also works as a great primer under makeup.”

EltaMD UV Sport Sunscreen Lotion

4.7-star average rating from 10,139 reviews on Amazon

This gentle sunscreen is one of the best for acne-prone skin and rosacea . Godio, who has rosacea, thought she was allergic to sunscreen before trying sunscreen from EltaMD — it doesn’t irritate her skin at all. The formula is water-resistant, noncomedogenic, oil-free and fragrance-free.

Best tech sales

Apple ipad air (5th gen).

4.7-star average rating from 631 reviews on Walmart

Apple released new iPads earlier this month, which might be why this 5th Generation model is at its lowest price ever. It originally launched in 2022, and still remains an excellent tablet with a bright screen, zippy performance and great stereo speakers on each side. I love traveling with it — it is thin and light, and barely adds weight to my travel backpack . 

Roku Streaming Stick 4K

4.7-star average rating from 74,807 reviews on Amazon

This is one of the easiest streaming devices to use in my experience. Both NBC Select editorial operations manager Shari Uyehara and I use it to watch our favorite shows on Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV+ and more. Of all the smart home devices I’ve used, I find Roku the easiest to install and navigate — it took me less than five minutes to set this one up.

Apple Airpods (2nd Gen)

4.7-star average rating from 614,990 reviews on Amazon

There is a reason so many iPhone owners use AirPods — they pair seamlessly with Apple devices without causing headaches around setup. This second generation model is great for people who don’t like earbuds blocking their ear canal — they have a slightly open fit with no rubber eartip attached. They come with a charging case that, when paired with the earbuds, give them more than 24 hours of battery life, according to the brand. 

Best apparel and shoe sales 

Parachute cloud cotton robe.

4.2-star average rating from 2,380 reviews on Parachute

Voted best robe in our Bed and Bath Awards, this 100% long-staple Turkish cotton unisex robe is comfortable, soft and warm, but not too thick or fluffy, in our experience. It falls just below the knees, and is easily adjustable with the attached tie. It’s a great all-season robe, says Malin.

Cotopaxi Teca Fleece Full-Zip Jacket

4.6-star average rating from 339 reviews on Cotopaxi

Cotopaxi’s jackets help me get through the cold New York City winter in comfort and style. This fleece layer is made with a 100% recycled polyester fleece and has elastic bindings around the hem and cuffs. It has two front hand pockets, and is available in men’s and women’s sizing.

Feetures Elite Max Cushion No Show Socks

4.8-star average rating from 860 reviews on Feetures

These socks are great for walking, running, lounging and everything in-between. They are cushioned without being stuffy, and have reinforced fabric around the heel to pull them on and off more easily. They are available in men’s and women’s sizing.

select Apple AirPods 2 are on sale for just $80 on Amazon

More memorial day 2024 sales to shop now, best retailers sales.

• Amazon : Up to 50% off Amazon devices like Fire tablets and Blink cameras
• Macy’s : Up to 50% home goods and apparel off with code MEMDAY
• REI : Up to 40% off camping gear, apparel and more. Members get 20% off one eligible full-price item and one outlet store item with code ANNI24.
• Best Buy : Up to 45% off major appliances
• Lowe’s : Up to 40% off select major appliances
• Crate & Barrel : Up to 60% select off kitchen, furniture and decor

Best furniture and home sales

• Burrow : Up to 60% off sitewide
• Article : Up to 30% off indoor and outdoor furniture
• Design Within Reach : Up to 30% off select outdoor furniture
• Floyd : Up to 30% off sections and other furniture
• Ruggable : Up to 20% off sitewide with code MDW24
• Outer : Up to 20% off seating, dining and fire pits
• Etúhome : Up to 20% off sitewide with code MEM20
• Apt2B : 15% off sitewide, with further discounts on larger purchases
• The Company Store : Up to 35% off with code SUMMER24
• Casper : 30% off all mattresses and 10% off sitewide
• Tuft & Needle : Up to 27% off mattresses, bedding and more
• Buffy : 20% off sitewide
• Sijo : 20% off sitewide
• Brooklyn Bedding : 25% off sitewide with code SPRING25
• Helix Sleep : 25% off sitewide, 30% off Luxe and Elite products using code MEMDAY30
• Birch Living : 25% off sitewide with code MEMDAY25
• Essentia : 25% off select mattresses and bedding
• Parachute : Up to 25% off sitewide
• The Citizenry : 20% off sitewide
• Avocado : Up to 20% off mattresses and 10% off sitewide
• Purple : Up to 20% off pillows and bedding and up to $800 mattresses and bases
• Supergoop : Up to 50% off select product and up to 20% off sitewide
• Therabody : 15% off sitewide
• Dermstore : 20% off EltaMD products with code SUN
• Vegamour : Up to 50% off sitewide with code HEYSUMMER
• Violet Grey : Up to 50% off brands like La Mer, 111Skin, Act + Acre, La Bouche Rouge and more
• Acure : 30% off sitewide with code Memorial30 (except oils, kits and deodorants)
• Omorovicza : 25% off sitewide with code GLOWING
• Nécessaire : 20% off sitewide
• Ami Colé : Up to 20% off sitewide
• Shopbob : 15% off beauty aisle with code BEAUTY15
• Violette_Fr : 15% off all sets

Best kitchen and appliance sales

• LG : Up to 55% off select appliances
• Solo Stove : Up to 30% off sitewide
• Soda Stream : 30% off sitewide with code MEMORIAL30 (excluding gas)
• Great Jones : 25% off sitewide with code HOTDOG
• Material Kitchen : Up to 20% off sitewide
• Truff : 20% off sitewide with code MDAY20
• Hedley and Bennet : 20% off sitewide with code WEEKLONG20
• Purple Carrot : 50% off first week of meal deliveries with code MEMDAY50 (new customers only)

Best apparel and shoe sales

• Old Navy : Up to 50% off sitewide
• Lands’ End : 50% off all orders with code MEMORIAL
• Cotopaxi : Up to 50% off past season gear and more
• Hurley : Up to 40% off sitewide
• Anthropologie : Up to 40% off select sale apparel
• Everlane : 25% off sitewide
• Vera Bradley : Up to 30% off sitewide
• Sperry : Up to 30% off summer shoes and more
• Blundstone : Up to 25% off clearance boots
• Feetures : 20% off sitewide
• Caddis : 20% off with the code SEESTUFF24
• Anker : Up to 33% off bestselling chargers
• Soundcore : Up to 33% off bestselling headphones and earbuds
• Belkin : Up to 20% off sitewide with code MEM24
• Bagsmart : Up to 40% off sitewide
• Samsonite : 30% off sitewide
• July Luggage : Up to 20% off sitewide

Best pet sales

• Wild One : 20% off sitewide
• Approved by Fritz : Up to 50% off sample sale products
• Diggs : 15% off sitewide with code SUMMER15

Why trust NBC Select?

Harry Rabinowitz is a reporter for NBC Select who has covered deals and sales for over two years. To round up the best Memorial Day deals, he found discounted products and brand sales across categories, including recommendations from previous coverage.

Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance , tech and tools , wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.

Harry Rabinowitz is a reporter for Select on NBC News.