
If you're wondering how to master the Sydney Metro for the first time, where to grab an Opal Card, or which iconic attractions like the Opera House or Bondi Beach each station serves—this guide unlocks it all. Get ready to ride with confidence and uncover the Harbour City like a local!
Sydney Metro Map 2026
Sydney Rapid Transit Map - Redesigned
As Australia's first fully automated driverless container rail system, the Sydney Metro is a rapid transit network serving the Greater Sydney metropolitan area. Its first line, the Metro North West Line, opened in 2019. Today, the system operates 2 lines (North West & City) following the landmark opening of the city section under Sydney Harbour in 2024. With over 100 kilometers of new rail across projects like Metro West and Metro Western Sydney Airport currently under construction, the system now features 44 stations in operation, significantly transforming urban connectivity across the city.
How to Take Sydney Metro

New chief for Sydney Metro operator
Riding the Sydney Metro is incredibly convenient. The system is primarily accessed using an Opal Card or Contactless Payment (Credit/Debit cards). You must "tap on" at the start of your journey and "tap off" at the end. The Metro integrates seamlessly with Sydney’s existing trains, buses, light rails, and ferries, providing a fast and efficient way to reach key areas of the city—making it the perfect choice for exploring Sydney.
Sydney Metro | Step-by-Step Guide
1. Choose Your Payment Method:
- Opal Card: Purchase and top up a physical card. These are available at newsagents, convenience stores, supermarkets, Sydney Airport, or top-up machines at train stations.
- Contactless Payment: Use a chip-enabled credit/debit card or a mobile device (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.) directly at the gate.
2. Tap On: Locate the ticket gates at the station entrance. Place your Opal card or contactless device on the reader until it "beeps" and the gate opens.
3. Board the Train: Head to the platform for your destination. The Sydney Metro is fully automated and driverless, offering faster and more frequent service than the traditional rail network.
4. Tap Off: When you reach your destination, tap your card or device again at the exit gate. The system will automatically calculate and deduct the correct fare based on your distance traveled.
Sydney Metro | Travel Rewards & Discounts
- Weekend & Holiday Caps: Enjoy a lower daily fare cap on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays (meaning you won't be charged more than a set maximum amount for the whole day).
- Off-Peak Discount: Receive a 30% discount on your fare when traveling during off-peak hours.
- Transfer Discount: If you switch between different modes of transport (e.g., from a train to a bus) within 60 minutes, you will receive a $2 discount on your transfer.



Sydney Transport Card: Opal Card

Opal | transportnsw.info
Sydney Metro | Introduction to the Opal Card
The Opal Card is the smartcard ticketing system for public transport in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Similar to Taiwan’s EasyCard or Japan’s Suica, it is an essential item for anyone traveling in Sydney. It can be used across the entire public transport network, including trains, buses, light rail, and ferries.
Sydney Metro | Where can I use the Opal Card?
The Opal network covers Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, the Hunter, and the Illawarra regions.
Sydney Metro | The 4 Types of Opal Cards & How to Buy Them
There are four types of Opal cards: Adult, Child/Youth, Senior/Pensioner, and Concession.

Sydney Metro | Minimum Top-up Amounts
The card itself is free, but a minimum initial top-up is required at the time of purchase. Note that the minimum top-up amount varies depending on whether you use a physical machine or the online app (Opal Travel app:iOS/Android).
Card Type | Eligibility | Top-up Machine (Min) | Online/App (Min) |
Adult | Adults aged 16+ | $20 | $10 |
Child/Youth | Ages 4–15 (Proof of age may be required). Under 4s travel free. | $10 | $5 |
Concession | Tertiary students with a valid Australian ID (Not applicable to international tourists). | $10 | $5 |
Senior | NSW Seniors aged 60+ (Requires Australian govt. proof; not applicable to tourists). | $10 | $5 |
One Day Pass | Only available to specific government or non-profit agencies. | N/A | N/A |
Sydney Metro | Where to buy an Opal Card?
- Sydney Airport: Sales counters and ticket machines are located in the arrivals area of both the International and Domestic terminals.
- Train Stations: Most stations in the Sydney CBD and surrounding suburbs have service counters or automated machines.
- Bus & Light Rail Stops: Major stops and interchanges often feature automated ticket machines.
- Convenience Stores & Supermarkets: Most convenience stores (like 7-Eleven) and supermarkets sell and top up Opal cards. Just ask the staff at the counter.
- Online: While you can buy them on the official website and have them mailed to an Australian address, it is not recommended for tourists as it takes too long. Buying in person takes less than 3 minutes.
Sydney Metro Fares

TK Elevator enhances Sydney Metro City Line with new mobility and ...
How Sydney Metro Fares are Calculated
- Distance-Based: Fares depend on how far you travel (calculated automatically when you tap on and off).
- Capped Daily/Weekly Fares: Your fare caps after reaching a set amount per day (Monday–Sunday) or week (Monday–Sunday).
- Adult Daily Cap: 18.80 (Mon−Fri),16.80 (Sat), AU$8.40 (Sun/public holidays).
- Adult Weekly Cap: AU$50.00 (After 8 paid journeys Mon-Sun, rest free).
- Peak vs. Off-Peak Discounts (30%):
- Peak: Weekdays 6:30 AM - 10:00 AM & 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM.
- Off-Peak: All other times (weekends, public holidays, midday weekdays, evenings after 7 PM). 30% cheaper than peak fares.
0-10 km | 10-20 km | 20-35km | 35-65 km | 65 km+ | |
Adult cards & contactless (peak) | $4.20 | $5.22 | $6.01 | $8.03 | $10.33 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Adult cards & contactless (off-peak) | $2.94 | $3.65 | $4.20 | $5.62 | $7.23 |
Other cards (peak) | $2.10 | $2.61 | $3.00 | $4.01 | $5.16 |
Other cards (off-peak) | $1.47 | $1.82 | $2.10 | $2.80 | $3.61 |
Sydney Metro General Operating Hours

Sydney Metro - ALSTOM | CETEST
Sydney Metro trains run frequently 7 days a week.
Day | First Trains (Approx) | Last Departures (Approx) |
Monday - Thursday | 04:00 - 04:30 AM | 00:00 (midnight) |
Friday | 04:00 - 04:30 AM | 01:00 AM (Sat) |
Saturday | 06:00 AM | 01:00 AM (Sun) |
Sunday & Public Holidays | 07:00 - 08:00 AM | 00:00 (midnight) |
The Guide to Sydney Metro's Top Attractions & How to Reach Them
Sydney Metro | Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House, Australia’s most iconic landmark, is a UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece renowned for its soaring, sail-like architecture. Designed by Jørn Utzon, this world-class performing arts venue juts dramatically over Sydney Harbour, hosting opera, theater, and concerts. Its stunning white shells and prime waterfront location make it a must-visit for photos, tours, or waterfront dining.
- Nearest Metro Station: Martin Place (City & Southwest Line).
- How to Reach:
- Alight at Martin Place, then walk 15 mins southeast through the Royal Botanic Garden.
- Alternative: Transfer to Circular Quay Station (Sydney Trains T2/T3 line) from Central Station Metro, then walk 5 mins to the Opera House.





Sydney Metro | Sydney Harbour Bridge

Dubbed "The Coathanger" for its iconic arched silhouette, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a marvel of 20th-century engineering and Australia’s most recognizable landmark. Completed in 1932 after nine years of construction, this steel leviathan stretches 1,149 meters across Sydney Harbour, connecting the CBD to the North Shore.
Beyond its vital transport role, the bridge offers unforgettable experiences:
⭐ BridgeClimb: Scale its upper arch for 360° views of Sydney Opera House and the harbour.
⭐ Pylon Lookout: Explore history exhibits and a lookout deck atop the southeast pylon.
⭐ New Year’s Eve: Its frame transforms into a pyrotechnic canvas for Earth’s most watched fireworks.
- Nearest Metro Station: Barangaroo (City & Southwest Line).
- How to Reach:
- From Barangaroo Station, walk 20 mins west via Hickson Road to the bridge’s southern entrance.
- Tip: Combine with Opera House—walk from Circular Quay after arriving via train transfer.





Sydney Metro | Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is Australia’s most famous coastline, renowned for its golden crescent of sand, vibrant surf culture, and electric beachside atmosphere. Located just 7km east of Sydney’s CBD, this 1-kilometer stretch offers more than scenic beauty—it embodies Sydney’s laid-back coastal lifestyle.
Access via Metro + Train/Bus:
- Take Metro to Central Station (City & Southwest Line).
- Transfer to Eastern Suburbs Line to Bondi Junction Station.
- Board Bus #333 (10 mins) or walk 30 mins downhill to the beach.





Sydney Metro | Taronga Zoo

Nestled on the picturesque shores of Sydney Harbour, Taronga Zoo is one of Australia’s oldest and most revered zoological institutions. Established in 1916, the zoo spans 70 acres (28 hectares) of clifftop land in Mosman, offering breathtaking views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Home to over 4,000 animals representing 350+ species, it combines world-class exhibits with cutting-edge conservation initiatives, drawing 1.5 million visitors annually.
- Access via Metro + Ferry:
- Take Metro to Wynyard or Martin Place (City & Southwest Line).
- Walk/transfer to Circular Quay Wharf (5–10 mins).
- Take Taronga Zoo Ferry (12-min ride). Included in Opal Card fare!





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FAQs about Sydney Metro Map
Where does the Sydney Metro start and finish?
The Sydney Metro is an automated rapid transit system in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It currently consists of one route, the Metro North West & Bankstown Line, running between Tallawong and Sydenham and consisting of 21 stations on 52 km (32 mi) of twin tracks, mostly underground.How do you pay for the metro in Sydney?
There are a range of options to pay for your travel on public transport, including credit/debit cards, digital wallets, and Opal cards. Simply tap on at the start and tap off at the end of your trip.Is Sydney Metro the same as Sydney trains?
Metro is driverless and not time-tabled - there should be a train every 4 minutes during peak times, 5 minutes between peak periods on week days and 10 minutes at other times. Trains are time tabled - I think the peak frequency is 6 services per hour in peak.







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