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Vivid Sydney Vivid Sydney

Friday 24 May to Saturday 15 June Friday 24 May to Saturday 15 June

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Train replacement bus services during the final conversion period of the T3 Bankstown Line Train replacement bus services during the final conversion period of the T3 Bankstown Line

Parramatta Light Rail is now being tested Parramatta Light Rail is now being tested

Stay safe around the new light rail Stay safe around the new light rail

Getting Sydney back on track Getting Sydney back on track

View the latest rail repair trackwork updates View the latest rail repair trackwork updates

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Open 11am | Close 6pm | Wednesday close 9pm

Biennale of Sydney - Rozelle

Plan your trip to the Biennale of Sydney at White Bay Power Station in Rozelle from Saturday 9 March to Sunday 10 June. Buses run regularly to the venue.

Lights on 6pm | Lights off 11pm

Vivid Sydney

Vivid Sydney returns to light up the city from Friday 24 May to Saturday 15 June. Plenty of extra public transport services will run so leave the car at home and plan your trip by transport instead.

Gates open 09:00 | Gates close 05:00

Central Coast Air Show

Plan your trip to the Central Coast Air Show on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 May. For safety reasons, there will be NO parking on site, or on Sparks Road, and no pedestrian access to the Central Coast Air Show. Attendees can ONLY enter the event by catching a FREE shuttle bus.

Transport news

GoGet car share now at Wollongong and Katoomba stations

Travel by train to Wollongong or Katoomba and then hire a GoGet car right at the station.

South Mosman Wharf temporary closure

From Monday 3 June, South Mosman Wharf is being upgraded to improve accessibility and will be closed to the public for around eight months.

Check your next departure with the new Opal Travel App widget

Opal Travel app now has a new widget for Apple iOS users providing rapid rolling updates on your favourite routes direct from your homescreen.

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Popular searches.

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Stay up to date on the go with the Opal Travel app

Keeping up to date with changes to your trip is now even easier with the Opal Travel App.

Stay up to date with travel alert notifications now available within the app, notificatoins no longer expire until you have seen them. Now you can also set up personalised notifications for your regular trips to be notified of any delays or disruption that might impact your normal travel.

With the Opal Travel app, you can also:

• plan your journey using public transport
• view your Opal or contactless card travel activities and payments
• set Opal card auto top ups

Opal Travel app is the only official Transport for NSW transport app and is free to download from Apple’s App Store or Google’s Play Store.

Learn more and download the latest version of Opal Travel app now

Opal Travel 4+

Transport for nsw, designed for ipad.

• 4.3 • 150 Ratings

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.

Ratings and Reviews

150 Ratings

travel planner quite helpful, overall pretty good

App is stuck in some weird “less walking” setting

For some reason the app has started only showing me directions that minimize walking. So now if I’m trying to check timetables for my usual commute, which was usually a ferry + 30 mins walking or a bus + 20 mins walking, it’s now only showing routes that involve 5 mins or less of walking. There seems to be no place in the app to change this preference and it’s basically useless to get directions that add 30 minutes to my commute and three extra transport methods just to shave 20 mins off a walk. Super frustrating!

Trip Planner needs work

Google maps does a better job of listing Opal route options than this app does. Unlike website search, this app doesn’t let you set route options. It always picks the “fastest” route, which is often just walking. For older folks who would prefer to ride despite taking longer, this app is useless. Ended up using Uber instead of the Opal service several times!

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:

• Identifiers
• Diagnostics

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

Information

• App Support
• Privacy Policy

Get things done within this app using just your voice.

More by this developer.

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Come along to the Hamilton Depot Community Open Day - Saturday 25 May

Home Plan your trip Transport apps

Everyone travels differently.

Find an app that suits the way you travel.

Transport apps are your one stop shop to help you plan your trip, access real-time travel information, and let you know about travel disruptions. Explore the apps below and use the links to download.

By Function:

Feedback2Go

With the new Feedback2Go app you can provide us feedback on public transport, roads and waterways.

Available from:

Opal Travel

Plan your trip on the go, top up your Opal card, follow your bus in real-time and receive notifications when you’re approaching your destination

Compares all travel options from real time travel options, provides live directions, travel alerts, stop alerts and notifications for service delays.

Plan your travel using a combination of transport modes, real-time info and travel alerts. It also let’s you know how to get to places in the fastest, cheapest and most environmentally friendly way.

Plan your trip with real-time data and see next departures from your current location. Also includes offline timetables and maps.

City Mapper

A multimodal journey planner offering info on departures, service delays, trip costs across all modes including: bus, train, ferry, light rail, taxi, car share, cycling and walking.

NextThere displays when the next public transport services are due to depart from where you currently are. It can show you which services will get you to your chosen destination most efficiently.

Stop Announcer

Designed to assist vision impaired customers navigate their way on public transport using a clear, high-contrast display and uses GPS to track your device’s location and announce stops along your route.

The Newcastle Transport On Demand app enables you to book a bus to and from anywhere within the “on demand” area, matching customers going in the same direction as you via a customised and flexible route.

Newcastle Transport On Demand operates in south eastern Lake Macquarie.  Find out if On Demand is available in your area.

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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

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)  
• Fantasea Yellow Water Taxis : 1800 326 822 
• 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. 

Travel apps & information 

Live traffic nsw app .

Receive up to the minute news of road incidents and conditions that may affect your journey in Sydney and the NSW regions. 

Download  the Live Traffic NSW App from the App Store 

Download  the Live Traffic NSW App from Google Play 

TripView displays Sydney train, bus, ferry and light rail timetables, showing your next services. By TripView Pty Ltd. 

Download  TripView from the App Store  

Download  TripView from Google Play  

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How can we help you today?

Popular searches.

• Contactless payments
• Routes and timetables
• Concessions
• School student travel
• Opal Travel app
• Tickets and Opal
• Fares and payments
• Senior and pensioner fares

opal Senior and pensioner fares

Senior and pensioner fares are for eligible:

• asylum seekers
• DVA Gold Card holders
• NSW war widows and widowers.

Check your eligibility and apply for a Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal card  

DVA Gold Card holders apply at transport.nsw.gov.au/CECApply .

When travelling on a Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal card you must also carry your proof of entitlement card. If not, you you must pay an Adult fare using an Adult Opal card  or  contactless payment or purchase an  Opal single ticket  to avoid fines. 

Don't forget to tap off, or you will be charged a default fare .  For Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal cardholders, it's never more than your $2.50 daily cap.

You can use the Trip Planner or Opal Travel app to plan your trip and estimate your fares.

Learn how Opal fares work .

opal Daily and Weekly Caps

With a Senior/Pensioner Gold Opal card you can travel as much as you want on metro, train, bus, ferry and light rail services within the Opal network and you never pay more than $2.50 a day (weekdays or weekend days).

Please note that:

• The Opal week runs from Monday to Sunday.
• The Sydney Airport station access fee isn’t included in the Daily or Weekly Travel Caps however there is a separate weekly cap on the station access fee.

opal Peak and off-peak times

You will receive a 30% fare discount on metro/train, bus and light rail services when travelling on Fridays, weekends, public holidays and outside of the peak times. Find out more .

metro train Metro and train fares

Sydney airport.

When travelling to the airport train stations, the Sydney Airport station access fee  is added on to the cost of your fare.

bus Bus fares

Ferry ferry fares, private ferries.

Gold Opal card holders who live full-time in areas which are primarily only accessible by the ferry services listed below, can contact the ferry operator to check their eligibility for subsidised travel to the mainland.

• Cronulla and National Park Ferry  servicing Bundeena and Malabar
• Church Point Ferry  servicing Scotland Island, Morning Bay, Lovett Bay and Elvina Bay
• Brooklyn Ferry  servicing Dangar Island and Little Wobby
• Palm Beach Ferry  servicing Great Mackerel Beach, Coasters Retreat and Currawong Beach

Opal cards are accepted on some private ferries with OpalPay , wherever you see 'OpalPay accepted here'. With OpalPay, you can use your Opal card to pay your fare.

• OpalPay fares are not the same as standard Opal fares. Fares and ticket terms and conditions are set by the operator.
• Concession fares are not offered on all services. Check with staff before you tap to pay.
• OpalPay will not contribute to your Opal travel benefits or discounts .

lightrail Light rail fares