As an expat in a new city, knowing how to get around is crucial. Thankfully, there are various ways to travel around Sydney, with an efficient public transport system that encompasses buses, trains, light rail, and ferries, too.
Australians love their cars, and while a large number of people drive to work, Sydney's public transport system is efficient and dependable and known as one of the best in the country. Sydneysiders use buses, trains, ferries, light rail, car share services, bikes, taxis, Uber, and their own two feet to get around. There's no right or wrong way to travel around Sydney; it just depends on where you live and where you're trying to get to.听 听
Public transportation in Sydney
Sydney's extensive public transportation network听is operated by
and is generally considered to be a reliable way to travel. The听Sydney train network听covers a large part of the city, with major stations in the central business district and connecting suburbs.
The 'City Circle' rail loop is also part of the听Sydney train network听and encircles the CBD. It consists of six stations: Central, Museum, St James, Circular Quay, Wynyard, and Town Hall. The trains run in both clockwise and anticlockwise directions, providing efficient transportation options for residents and tourists, connecting them to all the major landmarks.
Australia's biggest public transport project is currently underway across Sydney, with the offering commuters a fast, frequent, and reliable way to get to and from the city. Some of the services have already opened, and once complete, the country's most advanced railway will comprise 46 stations, with the capacity to serve 40,000 customers each hour. The fully accessible, driverless trains are part of a multi-billion-dollar project that will slash travel times and connect the city to the outer suburbs.
Buses are also available throughout Sydney and are a popular mode of transportation, serving both inner-city and outer-suburban areas. Additionally, Sydney has a light rail (tram) network that connects the outer suburbs of Sydney to the CBD. And a fun and unique way to get around town is by using the famous Sydney ferries. This iconic mode of transportation offers several routes across stunning Sydney Harbour and the Parramatta River, allowing you to enjoy incredible views without the peak-hour queues.
Getting your Opal card
Before you travel, make sure you're prepared for your journey with an . This convenient pre-paid card is used听for fare payment across all modes of public transportation in Sydney.听
听is easy: you can visit a , order one online, or use an Opal card dispensing machine at selected train stations, ferry wharves or light rail stops. is easy, too, and can be done with either cash or card. And you also receive benefits with your Opal card! There is a 30% discount for off-peak travel, there's a daily and weekly cap on fares, and there is a $2 discount for adult fares when you switch between modes within an hour of the last tap-off during the one journey鈥攆or instance, swapping from bus to train to get to your destination.
Cars in Sydney
Cars听are one of the most popular choices for the听work commute in Sydney; however, expats new to Sydney should explore the pros and cons of owning a car before parting with their cash. Having your own vehicle is convenient and offers freedom and flexibility, but it also comes with the burden of upkeep, road costs, parking, and fuel expenses. If you live close to your workplace or a reliable bus or train line, you might be able to forgo owning a car altogether.
If you'd like your own car, is a flexible car subscription service that allows you to enjoy the latest model vehicles for a weekly or monthly fee, with no long-term commitment. Motopool accepts most international driver's licenses, so whether you're a skilled worker on a long-term visa, an international student, or on a working holiday visa, you have the flexibility to choose a subscription that suits your length of stay.
If you need to move house, pick up white goods, or collect a new couch to help furnish your new home, then consider car-sharing services in Sydney. Companies like and allow you to book cars or vans near you by the hour or day, providing the convenience of a car without the long-term commitment or expenses. However, if you need a car for a weekend getaway or you're planning a road trip to another part of the country, then a traditional car rental company might be a more cost-effective way to travel. You'll find all the major car rental companies in Sydney, such as , , and . However, don't forget to conduct thorough research by reading customer reviews and comparing prices before you commit.
Taxis in Sydney
A more comfortable but more expensive way to get around Sydney is by taking a taxi or an Uber. Several taxi companies operate across the city, and you'll find in different locations across town. You can book a taxi in advance or flag one down on the street. Travelling by is also popular and can sometimes work out cheaper than a taxi. You can book your ride through the Uber app. Sydneysiders will opt for a taxi or Uber if they're going out for the night and want to drink, if they're in a rush, or if it's raining heavily and they don't want to get wet waiting for public transport.
Cycling in Sydney
Sydney has a growing network of cycling paths and bike-friendly infrastructure to help alleviate road congestion and reduce dependence on cars. Many major roads have听designated bike lanes, and you'll also find shared paths throughout the city's parks. If you don't own a bicycle, bike-sharing services听and听bike rental options听are available through , and , where you can also now hire e-scooters, as well. It's a great way to try out cycling around Sydney before investing in your own bike. But if you are ready to buy, you'll find plenty of secondhand options on Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace, or you can splash out on a brand-new set of wheels at one of Sydney's many bike stores. It's a healthy way to get to work each day!
Walking around Sydney
If you're living in the inner suburbs or the CBD and you work nearby, Sydney is a relatively easy city to navigate on foot. However, Australia's largest city spans a vast area, and the majority of people reside in the outer suburbs, where a combination of walking and public transport is often required for their daily commute. is a tool that assesses the walkability of cities, and by their metrics, Sydney has an overall Walk Score of 63, which is considered "somewhat walkable." Compared to the design of some European cities, which tend to be more walkable, Sydney may seem unfriendly to pedestrians, but it isn't as bad as some American or Asian cities and is a magical place to discover on foot.
Moving house in Sydney
Chances are you'll move house more than once during your stay in Sydney, and if none of your mates has a large vehicle to help you move your things, have no fear! There are numerous ways to transport your belongings from A to B. If you have a supportive social circle, you might consider hiring a truck or a van and moving house with a little help from your friends. As mentioned earlier, you can use companies like GoGet and Pop Car for short rental periods. For more DIY moving options in Sydney, well-known companies like and have an extensive range of moving vans and cargo vans to choose from.
However, if you have a lot to transport and would like some professional assistance, there are several moving companies in Sydney that can help with relocating your belongings within the city and across the country. Companies like , and will load, transport and unload your goods at their final destination, or you could choose a 'white glove' service instead. , , and all offer a premium 'butler' service, packing your belongings with utmost care before transporting them to your final destination, helping to make the whole experience as stress-free as possible.
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