City guide

Sydney, Australia 🇦🇺

Status: ready

Last refresh: 2026-02-22 08:07 UTC

Groundwork icon

Authorities

1

Transport modes

4

Payment methods

3

Airport links

4

Transport Authorities

Getting Around

Mode Operator Notes
train Sydney Trains Frequent services in CBD, to suburbs, airport. NightRide buses after midnight.
ferry Sydney Ferries Harbour routes to key spots like Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Watsons Bay. Reliable, scenic.
light_rail Light Rail CBD to southeast (Randwick, Kingsford), inner west (Dulwich Hill). Stops at convention centre, Chinatown.
bus State Transit Authority City and suburban routes. NightRide for late services.

Paying for Transport

  • Opal Card Contactless smartcard for all public transport. Tap on/off. Adult weekly cap AU$50. Top up at stations, app, retailers. Open
  • Contactless Credit/Debit Pay with international cards directly. Same fares and caps as Opal. Open
  • Opal Single Ticket Backup for one-way trips if no card/contactless. Metro/train/ferry/light rail only. Open

Operating Hours

  • Weekday Trains/ferries/light rail ~5am-midnight, frequent in peaks.
  • Weekend Reduced frequency, starts later ~6am-midnight. NightRide buses 24/7 connect to train stations.
  • Night service NightRide buses replace trains post-midnight, stop near stations.

Rideshare & Taxis

  • Uber Available Available citywide, airport priority pickup. Also Ola, DiDi.

Airport Connections

  • train - Airport Link (T8) ~13 min to Central, 20 min CBD, AU$19.20 one-way (Opal/contactless), AU$17.20 off-peak
  • light_rail - L1 to International ~15 min to Exhibition Centre, Included in Opal fare
  • bus - Airport Express (590/592) ~20 min to CBD, AU$19.20
  • rideshare - To CBD 25-40 min, AU$45-60

Live Delay Info

Local Tips

Use contactless payment or buy Opal card on arrival. Weekly cap AU$50 ideal for 2-5 days CBD/suburbs. Plan via transportnsw.info Trip Planner. Walk CBD. Airport train efficient but high single fare. Ferries reliable for harbour. Light rail for southeast. Rideshare evenings/luggage.