Getting around Sydney: Transit, taxis and rental cars | finder.com
finder US
US
Aus
NZ
UK
US
Aus
NZ
UK
Exclusive Offers
finder.com > Destinations > Australia
Advertiser Disclosure
Getting around Sydney, Australia

Getting around Sydney: Public transit, taxis and other options

We value our editorial independence, basing our comparison results, content and reviews on objective analysis without bias. But we may receive compensation when you click links on our site. Learn more about how we make money from our partners.

Your Sydney transportation options in a nutshell.

Spread out across more than 7,500 square miles, you might feel overwhelmed visiting Australia’s largest city, but it’s interesting to note that the city’s central business district, which is home to the majority of Sydney’s tourist attractions, is relatively compact.

The city center itself is highly walkable. However, if you’re seeking public or private transportation throughout the city, this guide can help you navigate your way around with ease so you can maximize your vacation and minimize your stress.

Sydney public transit

Types of transportation: Sydney has a vast network of trains and buses across the city and to surrounding areas like Wollongong, Newcastle and the Blue Mountains. Trams and ferries also service the central business district (CBD) and certain outer suburbs. Expand the sections below for coverage maps.

Paying for transit: The Opal card is Sydney’s electronic transportation ticket. It can be purchased from train stations as well as select convenience stores and 7-Elevens, and it’s free to obtain with a minimum load amount. The Opal card allows you to ride all forms of public transit (trains, buses, trams and ferries) by pre-loading it with funds. Individual tickets can still be purchased; however, these are priced higher than what you will be charged for using an Opal card. Certain services will not issue on-the-spot paper tickets during peak periods, so the Opal card is a good investment to avoid this potential hassle. You can find more information about the Opal card here.

Best apps for getting around: There is no official app for Sydney Transport; however, is a popular trip planning app that features timetables for both Sydney and Melbourne’s transit systems.

Taxis and Uber

Taxi: Taxis can be hailed off the street or pre-booked for a fee. Watch for taxis with their lights on, as this symbolizes that they are available to hail. Designated taxi pools can be found outside the terminal at the Sydney airport, with fares to the CBD estimated at $35-$42 in addition to an airport toll.

Uber: The ride-sharing service Uber is available throughout Sydney and can be used to get to and from the airport. The Uber website estimates fares from the Sydney airport to the CBD at $26-$29.

It looks like we don't have any coupons at the moment.

Sydney car rental companies

AvisLogo

HertzLogo

EuropcarLogo

BudgetLogo

Rental car desks for major services, including Avis, Hertz and Europcar, can be found on the arrivals level at both the domestic and international terminals of the Sydney airport. Redspot is also available in addition to the car rental options above.

While you can rent a car on the spot, it’s recommended that you book in advance to ensure you get the car you prefer and to ensure a car will be waiting for you when you arrive.

Sydney rental car deals

It looks like we don't have any coupons at the moment.

CruiseDirect CruiseDirect

10 night Caribbean cruises from $769 on Princess Cruises

Plus free specialty dining and up to $1,750 to spend on board. T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

CruiseDirect CruiseDirect

15 night Panama canal cruises from $799 on Holland America

Plus up to $1,500 to spend on board and 10% off shore excursions. T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

CruiseDirect CruiseDirect

12 night Europe cruises from $849 on MSC with 2-for-1 rates

Plus up to $1,500 to spend on board. T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

CruiseDirect CruiseDirect

12 night Europe cruises from $849 on MSC with 2-for-1 rates

Plus up to $1,500 to spend on board. T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

CruiseDirect CruiseDirect

3 night Bahamas cruises from $329 on Norwegian

Plus all inclusive cruises with free open bar and well pay your tips on board. T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

CruiseDirect CruiseDirect

7 night Mediterranean cruises from $445 on Costa Cruises

Plus Costa exclusive amenities including free drinks, plus massive discounts. T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

CruiseDirect CruiseDirect

7 night Bermuda cruises from $624 on Celebrity Cruises

Plus free drinks, free tips and free parking. T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

CruiseDirect CruiseDirect

7 night Caribbean cruises from $369 on Carnival

Plus $99 deposits and up to $1,000 to spend on board. T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

CruiseDirect CruiseDirect

3 night Bahamas cruises from $672 on Disney cruises

Plus exclusive disney autograph book and up to $500 to spend on board. T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

CruiseDirect CruiseDirect

7 night cruises from $399 on Norwegian all inclusive with free open bar

T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

CruiseDirect CruiseDirect

3 night Bahamas cruises from $672 on Disney Cruises with exclusive Disney autograph book

Plus up to $500 to spend on board. T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

CruiseDirect CruiseDirect

7 night Caribbean cruises from $423 on Royal Caribbean with kids sail free and 60% off 2nd guest

Plus up to $1,000 to spend on board. T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

CruiseDirect CruiseDirect

7 night Caribbean cruises from $919 on Celebrity Cruises

T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

CruiseDirect CruiseDirect

4 night baja Mexico cruises from $189 on Carnival

Plus up to $500 to spend on board and 50% reduced deposit. T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

CruiseDirect CruiseDirect

7 night Alaska cruises from $720 on Royal Caribbean

Plus 60% off 2nd guest and up to $1,000 to spend on board. T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Orbitz Orbitz

Extra 10% off select hotel deals

T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Trafalgar Tours Trafalgar Tours

Be My Guest offer: save $200 per couple on 2019 Italy trips when booked by 28 feb 2019

T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Trafalgar Tours Trafalgar Tours

Save $500 per couple with the Be My Guest offer on 2019 Italy trips

must book by February 28

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Tours4fun Tours4fun

Up to 15% off boat and cruise tours in Asia, Oceania, and African regions

T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

CruiseDirect CruiseDirect

7 night cuba Cruises from $409 on MSC

Plus free drinks and wifi at sea and up to $1,000 to spend on board. T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

CruiseDirect CruiseDirect

7 night Alaska cruises from $499 on Holland America

Plus $99 deposits, and up to $1,200 to spend on board. T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

CruiseDirect CruiseDirect

7 night Caribbean cruises from $399 on Norwegian, all inclusive with free open bar

Plus exclusive: well pay your tips on board.T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

CruiseDirect CruiseDirect

4 night baja Mexico cruises from $199 on Carnival

Up to $500 to spend on board, plus 50% reduced deposit. T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

CruiseDirect CruiseDirect

7 night Europe cruises from $699 on Royal Caribbean

Kids sail free and 60% off 2nd guest, plus up to $1,000 to spend on board. T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

CruiseDirect CruiseDirect

7 night transatlantic cruises from $888 on Cunard

Free balcony upgrades, plus up to $1,000 to spend on board. T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Hotels.com Hotels.com

Save $25 when you spend $250 and over

Travel by 3/24/19

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Hotels.com Hotels.com

Up to 40% off

Plus an extra 7% off. Travel by 3/24/19

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Hotels.com Hotels.com

Save $25 when you spend $250 or more

Travel by 3/24/19.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Expedia.com Expedia.com

Students 40% off select hotels

Plus 10% off hotel stays $100 and over. When student email is verified

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Trafalgar Tours Trafalgar Tours

Up to 10% off select 2019 USA and Canada trips

When booked by 28 February 2019

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Hotels.com Hotels.com

Book a beach getaway and save up to 40%

T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Hotels.com Hotels.com

Valentines Day deal: up to 40% off on beach destinations

T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Trafalgar Tours Trafalgar Tours

Book early and get 10% off Europe and Britain trips

T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Trafalgar Tours Trafalgar Tours

Book early and get 10% off trips worldwide

T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

CruiseDirect CruiseDirect

7 night Bermuda cruises from $624 on Celebrity Cruises

Plus free drinks, free tips and save up to $400. T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

CruiseDirect CruiseDirect

7 night Caribbean cruises from $919 on Celebrity Cruises

Plus newest ship. T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

CruiseDirect CruiseDirect

7 night Alaska cruises from $489 on Princess Cruises

Plus free specialty dining and up to $1,450 to spend on board. T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

CruiseDirect CruiseDirect

7 night Caribbean cruises from $429 on MSC

Plus free drinks and wifi at sea, plus up to $1,000 to spend on board. T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

CruiseDirect CruiseDirect

7 night Europe cruises from $329 on MSC

Plus 2-for-1 rates and up to $1,000 to spend on board. T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

CruiseDirect CruiseDirect

7 night Mexico cruises from $599 on Princess Cruises

Plus up to $1,000 to spend on board and 10% off shore excursions. T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

CruiseDirect CruiseDirect

7 night Caribbean cruises from $549 on Holland America

Plus up to $1,000 to spend on board and 10% off shore excursions. T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

CruiseDirect CruiseDirect

7 night Caribbean cruises from $441 on Royal Caribbean

Plus 60% off 2nd guest and kids sail free. T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

CruiseDirect CruiseDirect

7 night Caribbean cruises from $399 on Carnival and up to $1,000 to spend on board

Plus 50% reduced deposit. T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

CruiseDirect CruiseDirect

4 night Bahamas cruises from $279 on Norwegian with free open bar

Plus up to $500 to spend on board. T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

CruiseDirect CruiseDirect

3 night Mexican riviera cruises from $741 on Disney cruises

Plus Disney autograph book and up to $500 to spend on board. T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

CruiseDirect CruiseDirect

7 night Caribbean cruises from $429 on Norwegian

Plus free open bar and up to $1,000 to spend on board. T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Popular Travel coupon codes

Last checked Code description Code
6 Feb 2019 Newest and most popular European tours from across the region EUR****
15 Jan 2019 $150 off $2000 and over flight and hotel bookings SIG****
31 May 2018 $15 off everything when you spend $79 and over EXT****
15 Feb 2019 10 night Caribbean cruises from $769 on Princess Cruises ********
15 Feb 2019 15 night Panama canal cruises from $799 on Holland America ********

Popular Car Hire coupon codes

Last checked Code description Code
15 Jan 2019 $150 off $2000 and over flight and hotel bookings SIG****
31 May 2018 $15 off everything when you spend $79 and over EXT****
14 Feb 2019 Extra 10% off select hotel deals ********
12 Feb 2019 Students 40% off select hotels ********
18 Nov 2018 Save up to 30% off worldwide car rentals ********

Airport transfers

If you’d prefer not to drive yourself or take public transit, you can pre-book airport transfers for a smoother ride from the airport right to the door of your accommodation.

Companies like Viator offer a range of affordable shuttle options, including shared rides to save more money and airport-to-cruise-port transfers.

Stephanie Yip

Stef is the Travel Editor at finder.com.au and has been writing about travel for over a decade. She's visited over 50 countries and has had some incredible experiences, including hot air ballooning over Cappadocia, hitchhiking across Romania and seeing the Northern Lights (twice!). And while she’d never say no to a luxury escape, she's far more likely to stretch her travel dollars as far as they can go by keeping her ear to the ground for unbeatable travel bargains. And she'll tell you all about them, too! Stef has had articles featured on Travel Weekly, Escape and Hostelworld.

Was this content helpful to you? No  Yes

Ask an Expert

You are about to post a question on finder.com:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder.com provides guides and information on a range of products and services. Because our content is not financial advice, we suggest talking with a professional before you make any decision.

By submitting your comment or question, you agree to our Privacy and Cookies Policy and Terms of Use.

Questions and responses on finder.com are not provided, paid for or otherwise endorsed by any bank or brand. These banks and brands are not responsible for ensuring that comments are answered or accurate.