Sydney, Australia

Getting around Sydney

How to travel around Sydney — 5 options, what they cost, and which booking apps fix the fare before you go.

Last updated 2026-08-08

1. Opal and contactless

Tap a bank card or phone on trains, buses, light rail and ferries; fares cap daily and weekly.

Cost: Daily cap around AUD 18, lower on Sundays

2. Ferries

Public ferries across the harbour — the best-value sightseeing in the city.

Cost: Standard Opal fare
Tip: The Manly ferry covers the same water as a harbour cruise for a fraction of the price.

3. Trains

Double-decker suburban rail, including the direct airport link.

Tip: The airport stations carry a large access fee on top of the fare.

4. Light rail and buses

Fill the gaps between the rail lines, particularly to the eastern beaches.

5. Walking the harbour

The bridge walkway, the botanic gardens and the Bondi to Coogee path are all free.

Cost: Free

Booking apps in Australia

Agreeing the fare in an app before you travel removes the argument at the end of the journey, which is where most transport scams happen. Links go to each app's official page — lookalike apps are themselves a scam.

Uber

Nationwide ride-hailing with fares shown before booking.

Coverage: All major cities and many regional centres.
Why it helps: Fare is agreed in the app before the trip, and the route is recorded — which removes the refused meter, the tampered meter and the fixed 'foreigner price' in one move.

DiDi

Frequently the cheapest option in Australian cities.

Coverage: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and others.
Why it helps: Fare is agreed in the app before the trip, and the route is recorded — which removes the refused meter, the tampered meter and the fixed 'foreigner price' in one move.

Opal / Myki

State transit cards; most networks now also accept contactless bank cards directly.

Coverage: Opal in New South Wales, Myki in Victoria.