
If you're wondering how to master the Sydney Ferry for the first time, where to grab an Opal Card, or how to calculate the fares—this guide unlocks it all. Get ready to ride with confidence and uncover the Harbour City like a local!
Sydney Ferry Map 2026

Source from Transportnsw Info
Sydney Ferries is the public ferry service operating in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, serving Sydney Harbour and the connected Parramatta River. Managed by Transport for NSW, the service is a fully integrated part of the Opal card ticketing system. In the 2017–18 financial year, a total of 15.3 million passengers utilized the ferry network. The service is currently operated by Transdev Sydney Ferries.
What are the Sydney Ferry Main Routes?

Discover The Very Best Sydney Ferry Rides | Sydney Expert
Line | Name | Best For... | Key Highlights |
F1 | Manly | The Must-Do Trip | Huge iconic ferries, ocean swells, and 30 mins of harbor views. Ends at Manly Beach. |
F2 | Families | A quick 12-minute hop. Offers the best "postcard view" of the Opera House and Bridge. | |
F3 | Parramatta River | Sightseeing | A long, winding river cruise passing under the Bridge toward Sydney’s historic second CBD. |
F4 | Pyrmont Bay | Entertainment | Stops at Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, and near the Maritime Museum/Casino. |
F8 | Cockatoo Island | History | Leads to a UNESCO World Heritage-listed convict site and industrial wasteland in the harbor. |
F9 | Dining | Takes you to the famous Doyles seafood restaurant and "The Gap" coastal cliffs. |





Summary of Best Ferry Trips in Sydney

The Queenscliff ferry will be back on Sydney Harbour
The Sydney ferry network is more than just public transport; it is one of the most scenic ways to experience the Harbour City. Most routes depart from the bustling hub of Circular Quay.





Sydney Ferry | Circular Quay to Manly
- The Experience: This is Sydney's most famous ferry ride. It takes you past the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, through the heads of the harbor, and across to the seaside suburb of Manly.
- Duration: Approximately 30 minutes (or 18-20 minutes via Fast Ferry).
- Highlights: Stunning views of the harbor entrance, coastal walks to Shelly Beach, and waterfront dining at Manly Wharf.





Sydney Ferry | Circular Quay to Watsons Bay
- The Experience: A picturesque trip gliding past the affluent eastern suburbs like Rose Bay and Double Bay.
- Highlights: Arrival at a historic fishing village. Visitors love enjoying fish and chips at Doyles, walking the South Head Heritage Trail, and seeing "The Gap" cliffs.
Sydney Ferry | Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo
- The Experience: A short, 12-minute hop across the water that offers a "postcard-perfect" view of the Sydney skyline.
- Highlights: The ferry docks right at the zoo's entrance, where you can take a cable car up the hill for incredible animal encounters and city views.
Sydney Ferry | Circular Quay to Parramatta
- The Experience: A longer journey that follows the Parramatta River, passing under the Harbour Bridge and moving through mangroves and historic riverside suburbs.
- Highlights: Exploring Sydney’s colonial history at Elizabeth Farm and dining along "Eat Street" in Parramatta.
Sydney Ferry | Circular Quay to Cockatoo Island
- The Experience: A trip to a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site in the middle of the harbor.
- Highlights: Exploring convict history, old industrial shipyards, and even overnight camping (glamping) right on the harbor.


Sydney Ferry Tickets & Fares

Circular Quay Ferry: Manly & Taronga Zoo | Captain Cook Cruises Sydney
Sydney Ferries utilize a distance-based fare system via Opal cards or contactless credit/debit cards. Passengers must "Tap on" when boarding and "Tap off" when disembarking. Fares depend on the distance traveled and the time of day (Peak vs. Off-peak), with daily and weekly spending caps in place. Real-time fares can be checked via the Transport for NSW website, the official app, or ticket machines located at the wharves.
Sydney Ferry | Fare Calculation & Payment
- Tap On & Tap Off: You must tap your card at the wharf gates or onboard readers both at the start and end of your journey. Failure to tap off will result in being charged the highest possible fare for that route.
- Payment Options: You can use an Opal card, a contactless-enabled credit/debit card, or a mobile wallet (Apple Pay/Google Pay).
Sydney Ferry | Fare Structure
- Distance: Fares are tiered; the longer the distance traveled, the higher the cost.
- Time of Day: Traveling during Off-peak hours usually offers a 30% discount compared to peak period fares.
- Price Caps: The system features daily and weekly caps. Once your total spending reaches these limits, all subsequent travel for that period is free.
Sydney Ferry | Important Reminders
While crossing different transport zones will affect the fare, the Opal system automatically calculates the most cost-effective price for your journey.



Sydney Transport Card: Opal Card

Opal | transportnsw.info
The Opal Card is your all-access pass to New South Wales public transport. Much like Tokyo’s Suica or Taiwan’s EasyCard, it is a must-have for anyone exploring Sydney. This single card works seamlessly across trains, buses, ferries, and light rail. The Opal network is extensive, reaching beyond the city to the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, the Hunter, and the Illawarra. Depending on your eligibility, you can choose between Adult, Child/Youth, Senior/Pensioner, or Concession card types.

Sydney Ferry | 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 Ferry | Where to buy an Opal Card?
- Sydney Airport: Head to the arrivals hall in either terminal; you'll find dedicated sales desks and kiosks there.
- Railway Stations: Service windows and machines are available at nearly all city and suburban stations.
- Interchanges: Automated machines are typically found at high-traffic light rail and bus hubs.
- Local Shops: Stop by a 7-Eleven, newsagent, or supermarket. Simply ask the cashier to assist you with a new card or top-up.
- Note on Online Orders: While available online, mailing times are impractical for visitors. Buying in person is the fastest method, taking only a few minutes.
Sydney Hotel Recommendation
Sydney Hotels
5 star
Business travel
Family friendly
Hot spring
Gym
Swimming pool
Breakfast
FAQs about Sydney Ferry
Where do ferries go from Sydney?
Hop on board to visit landmarks including Luna Park, Taronga Zoo, Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Sydney's main ferry hub is Circular Quay with routes fanning out from here west up the Parramatta River, north to Manly and far east to Watsons Bay. Explore many of the city's most iconic sights with these ferry trips.How do you pay for the Sydney ferry?
You can pay your fare with your Opal card or contactless card payments such as American Express, Mastercard or Visa debit or credit card (one card per person). You can also purchase Opal single tickets for your travel on the ferries network. We check tickets and concession entitlements every day.What is the cheapest day to go on a ferry?
The cheapest days to travel by ferry are typically midweek (Tuesdays, Wednesdays) and during off-peak seasons, avoiding weekends, holidays, and summer months when demand is highest. You can find significant savings by booking in advance, being flexible with travel times (off-peak hours), and taking advantage of company-specific discounts, but always compare prices for your specific route as rates vary by company and location.Do I need an Opal card for the ferry?
If you don't have your Opal card you can use an Opal single trip ticket or a contactless credit or debit card or linked device to tap on and tap off. With contactless payments you will be charged the same as an Adult Opal fare and Adult Opal benefits will apply.





















6325 booked

