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  Public Transport in Sydney - Getting there and about

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Transportation
Guide to Public Transport in Sydney

Buses
Sydney has a great bus system. Buses are coloured blue and white and all bear their destination and route number on the front. You should rely on this rather than any sense of direction you may pick up while in the city. The one-way system means that often the bus takes a rather circuitous route out of the city centre, but the destination is always correct. Fares vary according to destination, working on a zonal basis. The minimum fare is AUD1.70. You pay the driver when you board and they'll issue your ticket. If you don't know how much to pay drivers should be able to help you if you state your destination. Although it's hardly ever required that you have the exact money to hand, it is an idea to keep some small change handy for hopping on and off public transport.

Travelcards can be purchased from newsagents and must be shown or punched at the machine behind the door on boarding the bus. Bus routes cover the whole city, and leave from streets all over Sydney. Circular Quay is a popular destination and probably the one you'll travel to most often. Journey times can be affected at peak hours and you should allow plenty of extra travelling time if you choose to take the bus.

An enjoyable way to travel around Sydney is to sit on the top deck of the Hop On-Hop Off City Sightseeing bus. The 22-stop Sydney Tour takes around 90 minutes to complete, however you are free to leave and get on the bus whenever you like during the validity period of your ticket. Bondi Tour is an additional circuit offered in the price. Bus stops along the route are clearly indicated. Buses run daily and cost:

24-hour ticket: AUD30, adults; AUD15, children

Monorail
Sydney's monorail shuttles people from the city centre to the tourist hotspot of Darling Harbour. It can be useful to access the attractions that are located in Darling but naturally with one route it won't be something you use very often. Some people think the monorail something of an eyesore as well but tourists who don't have to live with it more often than not find it a good experience, especially for the elevated views it provides.

Trains
Sydney's suburban train system is quite extensive, reasonably reliable and, best of all, avoids Sydney's amazingly complicated one-way road system. Fares vary according to how far you are going but tend to be pretty reasonable. Central Station is the main hub from where routes extend out to the suburbs. There are notable gaps on the network immediately surrounding the central area, but the tourist shouldn't be greatly inconvenienced by these as they are mainly residential areas of the city. A colour-coded map simplifies the network and should help you to navigate. The underground loop connects most places of note in the city centre.

Four principal stops around the loop are: Central Station on the southern edge of the city centre, Wynyard (George Street near Martin Place), Circular Quay, and Museum (Elizabeth Street at Liverpool Street) and back to Central. The Olympic village and stadium of 2000 is linked to the network by a fast train service with connections at Central and Wynyard. Tickets must be bought before you travel. A return journey in the city centre at off-peak times costs AUD5.60.

Ferries
Of course there are the ferries as well, probably the most pleasant way to travel around the city. All ferry routes start at Circular Quay, and go out to over 30 destinations. The ferry to Manly is a great way to see Sydney - or if you're in a rush, get the more expensive JetCat. At Manly and Circular Quay, buy your tickets at the office, at other stops buy them on board. Water taxis operate in the harbour too, but are liable to get a bit pricey and should be booked well in advance (Tel: 13-1500).

Driving
Tourists driving in Australia must carry their national driving licence and passport at all times. If the licence is not in English, you must also carry an International Driving Permit or a translation of the licence into English. These must be carried along with your national driving licence. Driving is on the left and you must overtake on the right. Seat belts must be worn where fitted. In general the speed limit is 60km per hour (35mph) in cities, and 80-110km per hour (50-68mph) on highways unless otherwise stated. Slightly different regulations apply state to state so you should check as you move about the country, and carefully observe roadsigns. Note that left turning on red lights is permitted only where roadsigns indicate it.

Australia is a country of car-owners - although the city transport options are good, a car is better for exploring outside of Sydney.

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Taxis
Taxis are common and easy to catch from ranks around the city centre or can be hailed in the street. If a taxi is available for hire it will have its roof mounted orange light switched on. Prices are quite reasonable but taxis become rarer in the evenings when pubs shut, and you should ideally book if you need a cab around then.

 

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