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Sydney travel guide

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Get a 10% discount when you book online, or up to 20% discount when you book 5 or more days in advance. Conditions apply.

Discount is exclusive to tickets bought through this website and applies to seasonal Adult fares.

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Find a timetable and route map for your service

Help with planning

Use our guides for tips on planning your trip

Sydney is a vibrant and diverse travel destination, known for its iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, as well as its stunning beaches and world-class cuisine. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply a relaxing getaway, Sydney offers something for everyone. Plan your next trip to this dynamic city and discover all it has to offer.

Getting to Sydney

All NSW TrainLink North Coast, North West, Western and Southern train services (with connecting coaches where relevant) run to Sydney and back. 

Book your seat

NSW TrainLink’s Intercity services connect the city with the greater Sydney surrounds and nearby major cities like Newcastle and the Hunter Valley region to the north, Wollongong to the south and the Blue Mountains to the west.

Getting to and from the airport

If you are coming by plane, there are public transport options to  get to and from Sydney Airport .

Getting around Sydney

Best ways to pay

To catch public transport in Sydney and surrounding areas you can pay with a contactless card or device, an Opal card or an Opal single ticket.

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Check out upcoming events in Sydney and surrounding areas.

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All the latest news and updates about transport in Sydney and surrounds.

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Getting Around Sydney: Guide to Public Transportation

As a sprawling, beachside state capital with more than five million residents, public transport is essential for Sydney. The city is Australia's leading public transport hub, with 20.9 percent of residents using it to travel to work in 2016, compared to 13.4 percent of Melbourne residents. The public transport in Sydney has steadily improved over the past decade as the city has become less reliant on driving.

Sydney's public transport network is made up of regular trains, buses, ferries, light rail, and the newly opened driverless Metro line. Local trains offer extensive coverage across the city, mainly via above-ground lines, although many beaches (including tourist hotspot Bondi) are best reached by buses. A free, pre-loadable card called an Opal allows visitors to use all public transport through a tap-on tap-off system.

If you have a contactless Visa debit or credit card, you can also use it to pay at the Opal card readers. (Adult Opal fare prices are charged using this method, including daily and weekly fare caps.) However, be aware that your bank may charge international transaction fees on each transaction. If you are traveling in a group, each person will need to use a different Opal card or credit card to tap on and off.

At some stations, you can still buy single tickets, but buying an Opal card as soon as you land in Sydney (at the airport or a nearby retailer) is probably the best bet for a stress-free trip. At the airport train stations, the minimum Opal top up is $35. At all other points of sale, the minimum is $10 for adults and $5 for children. You can use this credit and then top up your Opal when you run out, either online, via the Opal Travel app , through a ticket machine, or at an Opal retailer .

How to Ride Sydney Trains

Sydney's trains are the most popular and easiest way to get around. Since the first passenger railway was built in New South Wales in 1855 , the network has expanded across the city with nine lines that meet at Central Station, including an airport line, a light rail line, and the fully-automated Metro line. The train is also a great way to avoid peak hour traffic.

If you're thinking about venturing further afield, NSW TrainLink trains depart from Central station and connect Sydney to regional centers including the Blue Mountains, the Central Coast, Newcastle, Wollongong, Canberra and the Southern Highlands.

• Fares:   Opal fares can be a little tricky to understand at first as they are determined by distance traveled. Train fares range from AU$3.61 for up to ten kilometers to AU$8.86 for 65 kilometers or more. If you go during off-peak times (weekends, public holidays and outside of 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6.30 p.m.), you will be charged 30 percent less than these prices. Fares are capped at AU$16.10 a day, AU$50 a week, or AU$8.05 on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, meaning you will not pay more than this amount no matter how many trips you take. (This does not include the Sydney Airport station access fee of AU$14.87, which has a separate cap of two visits per week.) If you forget to tap off, you will be charged the maximum fare for that trip.  
• Concessions: Adult fares apply to those aged 16 years and older, except for local students and those eligible for a  concession . Children and those eligible for concession fares will need to purchase a specific Opal card to access these prices, which are usually around half of the adult fares. Children under four years of age travel free.
• Routes and Hours: Sydney's trains usually run every 5 to 15 minutes, with trains every couple of minutes in the city center and during peak times. Train services run from 4 a.m. to around midnight on most lines. Many bus routes operate 24/7, and NightRide buses replace most train services during the early hours of the morning. The City Circle at the heart of Sydney's train network is precisely what it sounds like; a route that passes underground from Central to the city's most frequented stations in the Central Business District and back to Central again.
• Service Alerts:  Sydney's trains generally run on time, but delays and changes do occur. Track work, especially on weekends, can also disrupt service. You can find information about service changes on the Transport NSW website . 
• Transfers:  Transfers between Sydney Metro, Sydney Trains, and NSW TrainLink Intercity services are automatic, so there is no need to tap off and on again between them. All other transfers made within 60 minutes will be charged as a single journey. The Sydney Ferries Manly service is the only exception, with 130 minutes from when you tap on to transfer to another service.
• Accessibility:  All trains and ferries in Sydney are accessible, with boarding ramps available on request. However, some  train stations have stairs that restrict access, as do some ferry wharves. Accessible buses, with ramps and curbside kneeling capacity, can be identified with the international wheelchair symbol. These buses also have priority seating and extra space inside. You can visit the  Transport NSW website or call 131 500 for more information on accessibility.

How to Ride Sydney Buses

Like many cities, Sydney's buses are mainly used late at night and to connect between train stations. They are also particularly useful in coastal neighborhoods, like the Northern Beaches and the Eastern Suburbs, and outer suburbs that lack rail connections. With hundreds of routes crisscrossing the city, buses are often the quickest way to get where you're going if you're familiar with the city.

• Fares: The same daily and weekly caps apply across all forms of public transport. Bus fares range from AU$2.24 for under three kilometers of off-peak travel to AU$4.80 for eight kilometers or more.
• Routes: The large number of bus routes in Sydney can be overwhelming. Check the Transport NSW website for maps or the TripView app to figure out your nearest bus stop.
• Hours: Most buses run 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Other Transit Options

Sydney is sandwiched between the sea and the mountains, meaning there are some places that the local bus and train routes can't reach. Sometimes, ferries, bike- and ride-shares or rental cars might be a more straightforward choice.

Catching the Ferry

As a harbor city, Sydney's ferries are an important (and scenic) form of public transport. There are seven ferry routes, with essential services running from Manly and Mosman on the northern side of the harbor to Circular Quay. Ferries can be accessed using your Opal card and are a little more expensive than the train. Check the ferry timetable on the NSW Transport website in advance, as service can be scattered.

Riding a Bike

Biking is becoming increasingly popular in Sydney for commuters, with some dedicated bike paths and bike lanes available. There are no public bike-sharing programs, but Lime e-bikes are popular. It is illegal to ride a bike without a helmet, but only some of the Lime bikes come with helmets attached. If you're planning to cycle, also keep in mind that some parts of the city are quite hilly and the weather can be uncomfortably hot in summer.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing Apps

If you're in a rush or far from a train station, Sydney has plenty of taxis and ride-sharing apps like Uber to help you out. These operate all over the city and may even work out cheaper for groups, especially to and from the airport. Many locals prefer ride-sharing apps over taxis, which can be expensive, hard to find, and may refuse rides the driver deems too short.

Renting a Car

If you're planning to make a day trip or two outside of Sydney to visit the countryside or the Blue Mountains, a car will probably be necessary. However, parking in the city center can be costly, as can tolls to use certain roads, and peak hour traffic is a hassle, so most visitors can get by on public transport during their stay in Sydney.

Tips for Getting Around Sydney

• Split an Uber from the airport if you're traveling with a group rather than paying the AU$14.87 station access fee (plus the standard Opal fare) per person to take the train.
• Allow extra time for your journey late at night and on weekends, as trains are often replaced by buses due to trackwork.
• Stand on the left side of the escalator and walk on the right if you want to stay in Sydneysiders' good graces.
• Talking is prohibited in 'quiet carriages' which will be well-signposted. They are usually the first and last carriages of the train.
• Hold your hand out to hail the bus you want to catch; otherwise the driver will likely continue on their route right past you. 
• Travel on Sundays , especially on the ferry, to make the most of the AU$8.05 Opal card cap.
• Avoid the north-south drive across the Harbour Bridge (or through the Harbour Tunnel) during morning traffic, from around 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Centenary Drive, Lane Cove Road, Epping Road, Homebush Bay Drive, the Eastern Distributor, and Cahill Expressway are also notoriously slow before and after work.

Once you've got an Opal card, you'll be all set to get around Sydney on public transport. You can download the TripView app or use the trip planner on the Transport NSW website to plan your journey and get real-time service updates.

Related Articles

More related articles.

Sydney Transport: Bus & Rail 4+

Nsw trip planner, train, metro, transit now ltd.

• 4.5 • 7.5K Ratings
• Offers In-App Purchases

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Description.

Live bus and train times, step-by-step navigation, stop announcements, service alerts and more - all in one app. ► Live directions – plan your trip with up to five ways to your destination ► Share your journey details with friends and family - they don't even need the app! ► Get Off Alerts – we'll let you know when it's time to transfer ► Live countdown boards for buses and trains ► See exactly where you bus or train is on the map right now ► Service Alerts - Find out about delays and diversions before you leave ► Save your favorite stops and stations ► Full seven-day schedules ► Schedule alarms and get reminders before your bus or train arrives. ► Quickly see the last train or bus arriving tonight ► Live and offline route maps ► One-tap ‘get me home’ journey planning ► Simple and clean - we only show you what you need to know We love feedback! Get in touch with us at [email protected] or follow us on Twitter at @TalkToWhiz. Please note that the app requires data access and works best with GPS / location on. Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life. Background GPS is only used when you have a Get Off Alert turned on. Check out our Privacy Policy at https://travelwhiz.app/privacy and our Terms of Use at https://travelwhiz.app/terms

Version 2024.4.5

This release includes a number of bug fixes and improvements to the app, including: • Improved translations, especially for our Chinese travellers • If a trip includes different agencies or operators, we'll show their names below the route names • Better re-ordering of items in the Faves screen • You can now search for journeys up to 6 hours in the past • Improvements to the Trip map - which now includes stop labels and transfer details Your feedback means a lot - if you have any suggestions, or run into any issues, just tap on the Settings button and get in touch with us. If you can spare a moment, we'd love it if you could leave a review on the App Store - it means so much to us to hear from you, our customer. Thanks for using the app!

Ratings and Reviews

7.5K Ratings

Great app. Needs constant info updates

This is a great app which I use when travelling to new or familiar destinations by bus and train/metro. However it gets frustrating because platform numbers in train stations are often wrong and I have my recommended train many times because of that. Which during the recently many disrupted schedules results in a long waste of time. So please make an urgent revision to update these info and keep checking for updates.

It’s ok. Better than nothing

I only use this for busses. It’s good because it shows you the different bus routes you can take to get to your destination and the rough timings for each route. However the frustrating part for me is tracking where the bus is. It’s not real time. The location of the bus sometimes doesn’t update for a few minutes and when it does it’s location can jump significantly. Eg: I usually catch the bus at a certain time. It takes about a 5 minute walk to the bus stop so I can usually time it right when the bus is 6 minutes away. But one day I opened the app and the bus location was about 10 minutes away. So I thought I had time. It didn’t update for 5 minutes and when it finally did it was 3 minutes away and I wouldn’t have been able to get there in time. I just don’t get how Uber/uber eats and all these other apps can have real time tracking for but I can’t track a public bus

Initially it was ok. But lately it has been showing multiple error: - ghost bus (not late. Bus didnt even exist even when I wait 15 mins before and after the schedule) - incorrect time or train route. Imagine you need to get to a station, but then the train suggested by this app didnt even stop at that station. - bus location is not updated. I will always be suspicious when the app said “scheduled location”. - bus that was suggested to take suddenly missing from the arrival tab and the app suggested something else. This happened multiple times. Imagine that you thought you lost my 9 mins away bus coz the app said it’s not exist, decided to wait the next bus coming in 30 mins while you are getting coffee, and suddenly the bus passed by. I dont know... try something else.

App Privacy

The developer, Transit Now ltd , 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:

• Identifiers
• Diagnostics

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

Information

English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Traditional Chinese

• Yearly Plan $29.99
• Monthly Plan $4.99
• Sydney+ Annual $39.00
• Premium - Annual Subscription $14.99
• Sydney+ Monthly $5.00
• Sydney+ Annual $49.00
• Premium - Monthly $3.49
• Secret Discount $7.99
• Lifetime Pass $79.99
• Sydney+ Monthly $8.00
• Developer Website
• App Support
• Privacy Policy

Family Sharing

Some in‑app purchases, including subscriptions, may be shareable with your family group when family sharing is enabled., more by this developer.

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Getting around Sydney

An efficient network of transport options connects the attractions and suburbs of Sydney and regional NSW, including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.  

Sydney public transport 

Transport for NSW provides a variety of ways to get around the city, as well as information for motorists. Use the trip planner at  transportnsw.info  to plan your travel. 

Opal card info  

The Opal card is an easy, convenient way of paying for your travel on public transport in Sydney. It can be used on all public transport, including trains, ferries, buses and light rail. There are daily and weekly caps on the Opal network, meaning you can travel as much as you like within the Opal network and you never pay more than the capped fare. The Sydney Airport station access fee isn’t included in the travel caps.  

Opal cards can be obtained from train stations and the domestic and international airport, as well as many  retailers across the city. For more information, visit  opal.com.au.  

You can also pay with contactless-enabled American Express, Mastercard or Visa credit or debit cards or a linked device, by tapping on and tapping off at Opal readers. Contactless payments are available on all public transport in the Opal network and you will receive the same travel benefits of an Adult Opal card. 

Ferries on Sydney Harbour

Sydney buses 

Buses form a key part of Sydney’s public transport system, connecting all areas of the city, including those without rail or water transport. There are also NightRide services replacing most train routes between midnight and 4:30am. 

Key bus routes include: 

• 333 – Connecting Circular Quay to Bondi 
• B1 – Wynyard to Mona Vale 
• 373 – Connecting Museum to Coogee 
• 380 - Watsons Bay to Bondi Junction 

Family enjoying a guided tour of Sydney with Big Red Bus Tours, Sydney

Sydney rail  

Sydney's main terminus for local and regional trains and buses is Central Station at Railway Square, close to Chinatown. Trains operate North to the CBD and across the harbour to North Sydney and beyond, as well as east to Bondi Junction and South past and including Sydney Airport. Sydney train maps and train timetables can be found at  Transport NSW .    

Sydney light rail 

The L1 Inner West Light Rail network operates in both directions between Central Station and Dulwich Hill in Sydney’s West. The CBD and South East Light Rail includes the L2 Randwick Line connecting Circular Quay to Randwick and the L3 Kingsford Line between Circular Quay and Junior Kingsford.  Visit Transport NSW for more information and for a Sydney Light Rail map.      

Tramlines running down George Street, Sydney CBD 

Sydney ferries 

Ferries provide a fast and convenient way to cross the harbour, as well as offering a fantastic vantage point of the city. From Circular Quay you can take the Manly Fast Ferry or F1 to Manly, the F2 to Taronga Zoo and the F4 to Watsons Bay and Rose Bay. 

Captain Cook also operates ferries between various locations including between Watsons Bay and Manly, Circular Quay and Clifton Gardens and from Circular Quay to Shark Island.  

View at sunrise of Goat Island , Sydney Harbour

River ferries

The river ferry travels up the Parramatta River from Circular Quay to Parramatta, with stops along the way including Cockatoo Island, Cabarita and Sydney Olympic Park. The full journey takes about 90 minutes depending on stops. 

Friendship Ferry cruising under Sydney Harbour Bridge , Sydney Harbour

Cycling 

A bicycle is a great way to get around Sydney. Cyclists use kerbside bike lanes and are permitted on most of Sydney's multi-lane roads.  Find Sydney cycle maps, routes and more information . 

Bonza Bike Tours , Royal Botanic Garden

Driving in Sydney 

Australians drive on the left-hand side of the road. If you’re travelling from overseas, you are able to drive in Australia with your foreign driver's licence for three months, as long as that licence is in English. If your licence is not in English, you will need to attain an International Drivers Permit (IDP) to use in Australia. 

Seat belts are compulsory in Australia, with the driver responsible for ensuring all passengers are wearing them. Using hand-held mobile phones is prohibited. The blood alcohol limit is 0.05% throughout Australia and is enforced with random breath tests. Pay attention to speed limits – speed cameras are used across Sydney and NSW. 

Shops and cafes lined up along Oxford Street, Paddington

Parking in Sydney 

Parking can be limited and expensive in the CBD and close to popular beaches. Many of Sydney’s streets are restricted to permit holders, with time limits applied to non-permit holders or with metered parking. Fees range from $2.50 to $8 per hour depending on the location and time of day. 

The cheapest way to park in the city centre is to pre-book online.  Secure  and  Wilson  parking offer cheaper advance rates and  parkopedia.com  is also a useful resource when looking for parking. If parking on the street, ensure you park in line with traffic. 

Jacaranda trees in full bloom along McDougall Street, Kirribilli

Toll roads 

Sydney has a number of toll roads and tunnels, including the Harbour Bridge, Harbour Tunnel, Cross City Tunnel and Eastern Distributor. This is charged via an electronic system. If you have a rental car, it will most likely have an e-tag installed and you will be billed at a later date. If you don’t have an e-tag, you can obtain one from the following websites: 

roam.com.au  

linkt.com.au  

myetoll.com.au  

If you pass through a toll road without a tag, ensure you call the number advertised to pay the toll, otherwise, you may incur a fine. 

The Cahill Expressway, Sydney CBD

Car rentals in Sydney 

You’ll find a range of car rental options in Sydney, including car, 4WD, campervan and classic car  hire .     

Electric vehicle charging points 

Electric vehicle charging points can be found across Sydney and NSW. Make sure you check their locations before setting out on your journey. You can find a full list on the  Electric Vehicle Council website . 

Electric car charger at Mountain Ridge Wines, Coolangatta 

Taxis & private transport 

Taxis and water taxis are a convenient way to get around Sydney. Rideshare services also operate in Sydney and include Uber, Ola and Didi. 

• Legion Cabs : 13 14 51 
• Premier Cabs : 13 10 17 
• Silver Service Cabs : 13 31 00 
• St George Cabs : 13 21 66 
• 13CABS : 13 22 27 
• Wheelchair Accessible Taxis (WATS)  
• Water Taxis Combined : 02 9555 8888 
• V.I.P Water Taxis : 0418 847 777   
• Majestic Water Taxi : 0439 625 377 

Family enjoying the views aboard a Majestic Water Taxi, Sydney Harbour

Travelling beyond Sydney  

Sydney airport .

Sydney Airport  is located about 9 kilometres south of Sydney's city centre in the suburb of Mascot. 

The three passenger terminals at Sydney Airport are: 

• T1: International Terminal is used for international flights. 
• T2: Domestic Terminal is used by domestic and regional airlines including  Jetstar ,  Rex ,  Virgin Australia  and  FlyPelican . 
• T3: Domestic Terminal is used for  Qantas  and QantasLink domestic flights. 

Transport services such as buses, taxis, car hire, rail and shuttle bus services are conveniently located at Sydney Airport. 

Qantas plane taking off from the airport, Sydney Airport 

Sydney cruise terminals 

There are two  cruise ship terminals  in Sydney Harbour. The main  Overseas Passenger Terminal  is on Circular Quay’s western side in the historic Rocks and opposite the Sydney Opera House. The  White Bay Cruise Terminal  is near Anzac Bridge and is best accessed from James Craig Road in Rozelle. 

The Sea Princess cruise, Sydney Harbour

Intercity & Country NSW trains 

Trains depart Central Station for many NSW destinations, including the South Coast, Blue Mountains, Southern Highlands, Central Coast, North Coast, Country NSW and Outback NSW. Travelling long distances is easy and affordable on  regional train and coach services .   

Regional bus services 

Private bus companies run daily services along the coast and to regional NSW, as well as to other states from Sydney CBD and Central Station.  

• Firefly Express : 1300 730 740 within Australia 
• Greyhound : +61 13 14 99 
• Murrays : +61 13 22 51 
• Priors Scenic Express : 1800 816 234 within Australia 

Accessible transport

All ferries, trains and new buses in NSW are wheelchair accessible, providing easy access for prams and other mobility devices. You can ask for assistance boarding or leaving transport. Visit Transport for NSW’s  accessible travel  web page for more information.

Opal Card FAQs

How does the opal card work.

Opal cards are essentially smartcard tickets used to pay for travel on public transport in Sydney. To use the Opal card, you must first load value onto it. Then at the start of your journey, you tap on at a designated Opal card reader. When you arrive at your destination, you tap off, in the same way that you tapped on, and the designated Opal card reader will display your fare. The fare is calculated according to the distance you have travelled and it is automatically deducted from the value on your Opal card account (or charged to your contactless payment card). Opal cards are reusable and must be reloaded once your account reaches low figures to continue using public transport in the Opal system network.   

How much is an Opal card?

There is no charge for an Opal card. However, when obtaining an Adult Opal card, the minimum value of $20 must be loaded onto the card. This amount is then used to pay future fares on the Opal network. The minimum value for a Child/Youth Opal card is $10 and this amount can also be used in the same way as an Adult Opal Card, to pay for future fares on the Opal network.

Where can I buy an Opal card?

Opal cards can be purchased over the counter from Opal retailers, this includes convenience stores, grocery stores, newsagents and pharmacies. Look for the Opal symbol at shops in your area to locate an Opal card retailer. 

How do I top up my Opal card?

There are many ways to top up your Opal card. The most convenient way is by logging into your account or through the Opal Travel app, registering your Opal card to your account, adding a debit or credit card and setting up an automatic top up. When your Opal card balance reaches a certain minimum value, it will automatically add a set amount by charging your card. If you prefer to do manual top ups, this can also be done through the Opal Travel app or by logging onto your account. Additionally, you can top up your Opal card over the counter at Opal retailers or the Opal top up machines available at selected stations, stops and wharves. 

Can I use my credit card instead of my Opal card?

Yes, you can use your credit card to tap on and off the Opal network system as an alternative to travelling with an Adult Opal card. American Express, Mastercard and Visa debit cards with the contactless payment symbol are also other accepted forms of contactless payments. Using any of these payment methods, you will be charged the same Adult Opal fare as you would be charged using your Opal card.  

If you have more than one payment method on your mobile device, ensure you use the same card to tap on and off the Opal system to avoid being charged the maximum default fare. 

Can you use your phone as an Opal card?

Opal cards do not come in a digital form, but you can use your iPhone (or other smart device) to tap on and off the Opal system network and pay for the fare from your digital wallets using contactless payments. Select the card you want to charge the fare to in your digital wallet and tap onto the designated Opal card reader. The Opal reader will show a “tap success” message to signify that payment has been accepted. At the end of your journey, hold the same device you tapped on with over the Opal reader until you see the confirmation that payment has been accepted.   

Is there a discount for children using Opal cards?

Yes, there are Child/Youth Opal cards that are available for children aged 4-15 years of age. Child/Youth Opal cards can also be used by full time NSW and ACT students, aged 16 and older, with a current NSW secondary student concession card. Child/Youth Opal cards can be purchased from Opal retailers or can be applied for online. The Child/Youth Opal cards provides children with discounted fares on the Opal system network. Children under the age of three travel for free on the Opal network. Contactless fares are charged at the equivalent of an Adult Opal ticket, even if used by a child or youth.  

What happens if I forget to tap on or tap off with my Opal card?

If you forget to tap on at the beginning of your journey, but tap off at the end of your trip, you will be charged the default fare for an incomplete trip. Similarly, if you tap on, but do not tap off at the end of your journey, you will also be charged the default fare amount.  

The amount of a default fare varies depending on the transportation taken: 

The default bus fare is $4.71.

The default fare on the ferry is $7.51.

The default fare using the light rail is $3.66.

The default fare for trains is $8.69.

Can two people use the same Opal card?

Only one Opal card can be used on one trip at a time. You must not tap on twice with the same Opal card to pay for another person’s trip. Technically, you can share an Opal card as long as you are not riding on the same trip. Two individual cards are needed if you plan to travel at the same time. 

What happens if I lose my Opal card?

If your registered Opal card has been lost, stolen or damaged, you can transfer the balance to another Opal card that is also registered to you. However, if you do not obtain a new Opal card and register it to your account, you will only be able to block the original lost, stolen or damaged Opal card.  

Once you have your new Opal card, you can request the balance from the lost, stolen or damaged Opal card to be transferred to your new card. Call 13 67 25 to request the balance from the original card to be transferred to your new card.

Does Opal offer any discounts?

Yes, there are a number of benefits when you travel in the Opal network with an Opal card or credit or debit card.  

Daily travel caps - travel all day in the Opal network and never pay more than $16.80 a day for Adult, $8.40 a day for Child/Youth and Concession and $2.50 a day for Gold Senior/Pensioner. 

Weekly travel caps - travel all week in the Opal network and never pay more than $50 a week for Adult, $25 a week for Child/Youth and Concession and $17.50 a week for Gold Senior/Pensioner 

Weekend travel cap - travel all day on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays and never pay more than $8.40 a day for Adult, $4.20 a day for Child/Youth or Concession and $2.50 a day for Gold Senior/Pensioner 

Weekly Travel Rewards - if you have paid for eight journeys in one week (Monday to Sunday), your fares will be half price for the rest of the week. 

30% discount with off-peak metro/train/bus/light rail fares - when you travel outside of peak times with your Opal card. 

Opal Transfer Discount - when travelling with more than one mode of transport on the same journey (train, ferry, bus or light rail), a $2 discount (adults) is applied to each transfer, within 60 minutes from the last tap off. 

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Free bus travel as T3 undergoes major Metro upgrade works

Published: 29 August 2024

Released by: Minister for Transport

After the successful opening of the Sydney Metro City line, the Minns Labor Government is today announcing the closure of the T3 Bankstown line for metro upgrade works will begin on Monday 30 September 2024.

When the conversion is complete, passengers will have access to a 21st century high-tech metro line with a train every 4 minutes during the peak, along with fully accessible stations and services.

The NSW Government is also announcing the travel on replacement bus services, known as Southwest Link, will be free for all passengers.

We are also acknowledging that the conversion period will be difficult and disruptive for many passengers, and we thank the community for their patience as we work as quickly as possible to covert the line to a transformative metro.

Fare free travel on Southwest Link buses will begin on day one and continue for the entire conversion period, until the estimated completion date of late 2025.

The program of works to transform the 130-year-old line, between Sydenham and Bankstown, for modern metro trains is a complex and difficult task, meaning it could take longer than 12 months to complete.

Major work includes:

• Installing platform screen doors at all stations between Marrickville and Bankstown  
• Installing the remaining 81 (of 170) gap filler between platforms and trains across eight stations 
• Refurbishing station buildings and platform surfaces  
• Installing new security barriers at 81 locations along the alignment
• Removing and replacing fencing
• Final platform works including installation of signage
• Final adjustments to overhead wiring and tracks to metro standards 
• Station services and systems installations such as help points, CCTV cameras and passenger information displays  
• Public domain finishes including landscaping, footpath rectification works, bike parking and new lighting
• Heavy vehicle management bollard installation for station security at station entrances  
• Finishing works at stations including painting and repairs to refresh stations 
• Rigorous testing and commissioning of the metro trains and station equipment. 

Southwest Link is a key part of the interim transport plan to help the tens of thousands of impacted commuters move around during this disruptive time.

All bus driver positions have been filled to support the 100 buses that will run from early in the morning to late at night seven days a week. The timetable aims for a service every 2-4 minutes in the peak.

Fare free travel will apply on the three dedicated bus routes known as SW1 (all stops), SW2 (limited stops) and SW3 (limited stops), which passengers will be able to catch from their local station:

• SW1 – Sydenham, Marrickville, Dulwich Hill, Hurlstone Park, Canterbury, Campsie, Belmore, Lakemba, Wiley Park, Punchbowl, Bankstown.
• SW2 – Sydenham, Belmore, Lakemba, Wiley Park, Punchbowl, Bankstown.
• SW3 – Sydenham, Canterbury, Campsie.

The T6 train line will also become available at the same time as Southwest Link, to support passengers during the conversion. However, preparatory works will begin on 21 September, meaning part of the line between Campsie and Bankstown will be shut from then. The T6 will connect Bankstown to Lidcombe Station via Yagoona, Birrong, Regents Park and Berala. Once complete, this final section of the metro line will eventually be known as the M1 Northwest & Bankstown Line, completing the 30km alignment between Bankstown and Tallawong. Quotes attributable to Transport Minister Jo Haylen:

“We absolutely acknowledge this is going to be disruptive time for the people of Canterbury Bankstown and for the Inner West but there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

“When this section of the metro is complete, they will get a train every four minutes. That’s a massive increase in train services, because right now there are stations on the T3 Line that only receive four trains an hour in the peak.

“The fair thing to do is not charge a fare on our dedicated Southwest Link bus services because this will be a really tough time for passengers in Canterbury Bankstown and the Inner West.” Quotes attributable to Transport for NSW Coordinator-General Howard Collins:

“Our pink Southwest Link buses will be easily recognisable services with plenty of signage and our ‘pink shirts’ will be on the ground to help people get on the right, fare-free service.

“We expect the free Southwest Link services will be in high demand, while our bus marshals will work very hard to assist with a smooth service, we do anticipate there will be some delays and longer wait times.

“Metro needs to install mechanical gap filler, improve and heighten pedestrian fences around 15 bridges, install platform screen doors and security fencing along the entire line, and then test and commission a new railway, all on an existing corridor that’s 130 years old.”

Quotes attributable to Metro Southwest Project Director Alia Karaman: “The disruption on the Bankstown line is going to be really hard, but when the work is complete, south west Sydney will be connected to the CBD like never before.

“What we’re seeing now with Metro from Sydenham is 5 minute journeys into Central Station and a train every 4 minutes. With the Metro conversion, those benefits will be shared along the line to Bankstown.

“A train every 4 minutes in the peak so you’re not waiting on the platform, fast travel times so you get where you want to go sooner and safe, gap-free boarding. That’s what passengers have to look forward to when this challenging and disruptive work is complete.”

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