City in New South Wales, Australia
Getting around Sydney
How to get around Sydney
Trains, light rail, Metro and ferries use one Opal tap-on system with a daily cap; ferries to Manly are the scenic option. Walk or ride for the center.
Ways to get around Sydney
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Trains and Metro | About A$3–6 per trip, daily cap applies | Tap on with a contactless card or phone; no ticket needed |
| Ferries | About A$7–10 per trip | Circular Quay to Manly or Watsons Bay; same Opal tap |
| Light rail | About A$3–6 per trip | CBD to Surry Hills, Randwick and the Inner West |
| Buses | About A$3–4 per trip | Only way to Bondi Beach and many coastal suburbs |
Ride-hailing apps in Sydney
A 5 km ride costs about A$18–32 ($13–22).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber | Most reliable and widely used |
| DiDi | Often cheaper; fewer drivers late |
| 13cabs | Metered taxis, bookable in the app |
- Licensed taxis use meters and accept cards; airport rides add a fee. Surge pricing hits Uber on weekend nights.
Arriving in Sydney
Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD)
Airport line train to Central about A$20, 13 min; Uber or taxi A$55–85, 25–45 min depending on traffic.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Not used for visitors; mopeds are rare to rent. Shared e-scooters are limited to some council areas.
- Driving: on the left. Visitors can drive on a valid foreign licence; carry an IDP or official English translation if it isn't in English.
- Onward travel in Australia: Distances are huge, so fly between capitals (Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar). Greyhound coaches run the east coast; long-distance trains are scenic but slow. Rent a car for the outback.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Sydney?
Yes. Apps that work here: Uber, DiDi, 13cabs.
What's the best way to get around Sydney?
Trains, light rail, Metro and ferries use one Opal tap-on system with a daily cap; ferries to Manly are the scenic option. Walk or ride for the center.
How do I get from the airport to Sydney?
Airport line train to Central about A$20, 13 min; Uber or taxi A$55–85, 25–45 min depending on traffic.
Is Sydney walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Sydney
Going to Sydney solo?
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Sources
- Greyhound Australia
- Journey Beyond Rail (The Ghan, Indian Pacific)
- Transport for NSW (NSW TrainLink)
- Queensland Rail Travel
- Sydney Airport
- Destination NSW (Sydney)
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.