Sydney, Australia, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that attracts millions of tourists annually. If you’re traveling to Sydney, knowing the best ways to get around the city is essential. Fortunately, Sydney has a comprehensive public transportation system that makes exploring the city and its many attractions easy.
Whether traveling by boat, train, subway, or car, you can quickly get anywhere you need. In this blog post, we’ll cover travel tips and advice you need to know about traveling in Sydney by public transport and other ways of getting around. We enjoyed public transport in Sydney before going to New Zealand on a 14-day Holland America cruise.
Taking the public ferry transportation system in sydney
One of the best ways to experience Sydney is by taking the ferry. The Sydney Harbour is the main attraction, and plenty of ferries will take you around the harbor to various destinations. The iconic ferry ride to Manly Beach is something that every tourist should experience.
You can also take ferries to Watsons Bay, Darling Harbour, and Taronga Zoo. Transport NSW operates the ferry system in Sydney, and the best way to pay for your rides is by using the Opal card.
Suppose you’re planning on taking a lot of ferries during your trip. In that case, consider getting a MyMulti Day Pass, which gives you unlimited public transport access, including ferries, for a set number of days.
Taking the public train transportation system in sydney
Sydney has an extensive train network that covers most of the city and its suburbs. The trains in Sydney are modern and comfortable, and they operate on a regular schedule. The train is an efficient way to get around the city, often faster than taking the bus or driving. We traveled by train (one-way) to Port Stephens at roughly $12 AUD per passenger for a three hour trip.
The best way to pay for your train rides is with an Opal card, which you can purchase at any train station. The opal card itself is free, and you add money to the card to use on public transport. A single adult fare ranges from $4.60 to $6.12 AUD, depending on your travel distance. If you’re traveling with children under 16, they can travel free on weekends and public holidays using public transportation.
Taking the public bus transportation system in sydney
While the train system is efficient, taking the public bus transportation is sometimes a better option. Sydney has an extensive bus network that covers areas the train network doesn’t. The buses are comfortable and air-conditioned, making them a great way to get around the city.
A single adult fare ranges from $2.20 to $4.60 AUD, depending on how far you’re traveling. If you’re traveling with children under 16, they can travel free on weekends and public holidays.
One great activity near Sydney is taking a public bus to the Featherdale Wildlife Park. Before you go, read about our experience at Featherdale Wildlife Park. Our family also took public transportation via train to go to Port Stephens. Some of the best things we did in Port Stephens were taking surf lessons, sandboarding in Stockton Beach, and camel riding at Anna Bay.
Note: For something to do near Sydney via public transport, consider going swimming at Bondi Icebergs Swimming Club
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Taking a car in sydney
If public transportation isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other ways to get around Sydney. Uber is a popular option in Sydney, and plenty of drivers are available at all hours of the day.
The cost of an Uber ride depends on the distance you’re traveling, but it’s usually more expensive than public transport. Remember that driving in Sydney can be challenging, especially if you need to get used to driving on the left side of the road.
Sydney is a lively and exciting city that offers plenty of opportunities for exploration. While there are many different ways to get around the city, public transportation is the most convenient and cost-effective option.
Remember to purchase an Opal card, which will allow you to pay for your rides on all public transport in Sydney and save money on fares. With this guide, you can confidently navigate Sydney’s public transport system and enjoy everything the city offers.
