Sydney Opal Card: Do You Need One and How Does It Work?
Sydney is a city where getting around can become part of the holiday. A ferry across the harbour brings the Opera House into view, while a trip out to the beaches can turn a free afternoon into the highlight of a weekend away. Between trains, buses, ferries and light rail, there’s plenty of scope to explore beyond your hotel’s neighbourhood.
Before you set off, it helps to get familiar with how you’ll pay for those journeys. This guide explains Sydney’s Opal card system, from choosing a payment method and finding somewhere to buy a card to understanding fares, airport charges and travelling with the family.
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Do You Need an Opal Card in Sydney?
Most adults don’t need a physical Opal card to travel around Sydney. Nowadays, you can tap on and off your chosen transport using a compatible contactless Visa, Mastercard, or American Express card. Any of these cards can also be loaded onto a mobile wallet on your phone, meaning you can also use your phone to tap on and off.
Using these contactless payments, adults will pay the same fares as if you were travelling with an Adult Opal card, and you’re also eligible for the same fare caps and discounts that apply.
A physical Opal card is a reusable travel card that you can load up with credit before you travel in Sydney. It’s useful if you’re planning to keep your spending on transport separate from your regular spending, or just don’t have a suitable contactless payment option.
For an adult visiting for a weekend, I’d definitely recommend going contactless just for the conveniences. But if you already have an Opal card, there’s no need to change it just for the trip.
If you’re travelling with children aged between four and 15, you’ll need to top up a Child/Youth Opal card for them to use, giving them access to those discounted fares. More on that in the sections below.
Image from Transport NSW
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Where Can You Buy a Sydney Opal Card?
You can buy both Adult and Child/Youth Opal cards at participating Opal retailers, which include convenience stores, newsagents, and selected transport customer service centres and Service NSW locations across the state. Transport NSW publishes an interactive map that shows where you can purchase them in person.
You can also order your Opal Card online from the official Opal website. If you’re planning on visiting from interstate and want to buy an Opal Card, this is the best option.
How Much Does an Opal Card Cost?
The Opal card itself is free. But when purchasing it new, you are required to load it with some travel credits. The usual minimum top-up is AU $10 for an Adult Opal card and AU $5 for a Child/Youth card as well as the Concession card and Senior/Pensioner card.
Can You Buy an Opal Card at Sydney Airport?
Yes, you can buy your Opal card at Sydney Airport. You can purchase Opal cards at both the Domestic and International airport train stations. However, there’s a AU $35 minimum top-up when you obtain your Opal card from one of these stations.
Can You Use an Opal Card on the Sydney Airport Train?
Yes, you can use your Opal Card for the Sydney Airport Train, but the fare sits outside the regular daily and weekly travel caps.
The fare itself is also split into two parts: you’ll pay the train fare, and also an airport station access fee, which makes it more expensive than a regular journey.
Fare type | Standard airport station access fee, added to the train fare |
Adult using Opal or contactless | AU $18.61 |
Child/Youth, eligible Concession or Senior/Pensioner | AU $16.64 |
If you’re travelling as a family or even a couple, I’d recommend looking into a private airport transfer for getting into the city, which is far more convenient for getting to your hotel and not that much more expensive.
What are the Sydney Opal Fares and Daily Caps?
Opal is a pay-as-you-go system, with set fares as well as daily and weekly caps. The fare will depend on several different factors, including the type of transport you’re using, how far you travel, the category of the fare, and any applicable discounts.
Single-Journey Fares
The table below shows adult fares paid with an Opal card or contactless bank card or device, before transfer discounts or travel caps apply. Shorter journeys fall towards the lower end of each range.
Transport | Adult peak fare (AU$) | Adult off-peak fare (AU$) |
Metro and trains | $4.33–$10.66 | $3.03–$7.46 |
Buses | $3.30–$5.77 | $2.31–$4.03 |
Light rail | $3.30–$5.77 | $2.31–$4.03 |
Sydney ferries | $7.35–$9.20 | Same fares; no off-peak discount |
Off-peak fares apply on Fridays, weekends and public holidays, as well as outside peak hours from Monday to Thursday.
Daily and Weekly Fare Caps
Fare caps are the maximum you pay for eligible travel during a particular day or week. If your journeys cost less than the cap, you only pay for the travel you make.
Travel period | Adult (AU$) | Child/Youth and Concession (AU$) | Gold Senior/Pensioner (AU$) |
Monday–Thursday, excluding public holidays | $19.30 a day | $9.65 a day | $2.50 a day |
Friday–Sunday and public holidays | $9.65 a day | $4.80 a day | $2.50 a day |
Monday–Sunday week | $50 | $25 | $17.50 |
How the Weekly Cap Works
It’s important to note that the Opal weekly cap relates only from Monday to Sunday, rather than seven days from your first trip. So if you’re visiting over a long weekend, say Thursday-to-Tuesday, you’re actually visiting over two separate weekly caps.
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The Best Hotels in Sydney
5 star
Very Good558 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Sydney|0.49km from downtown
I booked connecting rooms for four nights, originally one king and one twin, but they gave me two king rooms, saying they had no other availability for the weekend. I just asked for an extra blanket since the duvet was a bit thick and I got a little warm sleeping. The location is very convenient, right across from QVB. The soundproofing in the room was a bit poor. I didn't order breakfast, but everything else was good.FromINR 21,915
Very Good354 Reviews
Sydney|0.94km from downtown
First time in Sydney and I snagged a fantastic hotel! The location is pretty central with great transport links and a ton of restaurants and drink shops nearby (McDonald's, KFC, Jasmine Milk Tea, Super Tea, etc.). There are also two supermarkets, Woolworths and Coles, both within easy reach, making grocery runs super convenient. Plus, it's just a few minutes' walk to Town Hall, Town Hall train station, and the light rail station.
The hygiene was good too; they cleaned the room every three days, and if we had any trash, we'd just take it to the rubbish room ourselves.
The only downside was the strong cooking smell from the restaurant at night, especially on Fridays, which would waft into the room even with the door closed. After we mentioned it to the hotel, they offered to move us to a higher floor.FromINR 16,450
Great880 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Sydney|0.08km from downtown
Everything was perfect! The blend of old architecture and modern high-rises is stunning, and breakfast every morning was a real treat. The room was spacious, clean, and well-equipped with all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay. So cozy! 😌FromINR 19,974
Great798 Reviews
Darling Harbour Sydney|0.97km from downtown
I had a wonderful stay at Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour. From the moment I arrived, everything was well taken care of. The room was clean, comfortable and beautifully appointed, with a great view of Darling Harbour.
The location is excellent, with plenty of restaurants, attractions and transport options within easy reach. The hotel itself has a very welcoming atmosphere, and the staff were friendly, professional and attentive throughout my stay.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my experience and was very happy with my choice of hotel. It was a comfortable and memorable stay, and I would definitely consider staying at Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour again on my next visit to Sydney.FromINR 18,005
Great297 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Sydney|0.29km from downtown
I arrived at the hotel at 10 AM for an early flight, and to my surprise, they already let me check in! This is the first time in dozens of international trips that I've been able to check in so early, which left a fantastic first impression. I booked for four nights. There was a construction site right opposite my room. For the first two nights, which were the weekend, they only worked during the day, so my sleep wasn't disturbed. However, on the third day, a weekday, to my utter disbelief, this thundering Sydney decided not to do construction during the day in the CBD, but instead worked all night long!!... I couldn't sleep a wink and called the front desk to ask for a room change. So, for the last night, they even upgraded my room type. Overall, the hotel's location is excellent, within a 15-minute walk to most popular spots, and not far from Circular Quay. The building's architecture strongly resembles the Wukang Building in Shanghai, which gives it a familiar and comforting feel. All the staff were incredibly friendly and kind. If I visit Sydney again, I would definitely choose to stay here!FromINR 21,144
Business travel
Very Good229 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Sydney|0.55km from downtown
The location of this hotel is excellent—it’s very convenient to get around. The staff were also very friendly and welcoming throughout our stay. The only downside was that the room was quite small, making it difficult to find enough space for our luggage. Overall, it was still a pleasant stay.FromINR 12,541
Great129 Reviews
Darling Harbour Sydney|0.58km from downtown
It was my first time in Sydney, and I chose Meriton over a traditional hotel, opting for a suite instead, which was definitely the right decision. My child had plenty of space to play in the 700 sq ft area, unlike a small hotel room. Although it doesn't offer traditional hotel services, the Meriton staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. If you need anything, like coffee or toiletries, you can simply scan a QR code and have them delivered to your room, which is super convenient. No wonder Meriton is expanding so rapidly!FromINR 13,026
Very Good284 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Sydney|0.45km from downtown
The hotel's amenities are really subpar; it's nothing like a 4-star hotel. Sofitel properties in China are much better configured. I stayed at their hotels in Sydney and Gold Coast this trip, and I definitely won't be staying with this brand again. The bathroom sink was like something out of a hostel – small, single basin, and so low and shallow that when you wash your face or hands, water splashes all over your waist and stomach. We arrived quite late on the first day, and the air conditioning wasn't central, it was very noisy, and the fridge also made a lot of noise. Plus, we were at the end of a hallway. I contacted Ctrip customer service; we couldn't switch rooms on the second day, but they moved us on the third. However, in the new room, the toilet seat didn't have a soft-close mechanism, so it would either slam shut or just fall down. The towels were placed on a tiny shelf – I don't know if that's a deliberate design choice by the hotel? Anyway, it's hard to put into words… all the rooms are at the end of hallways. I absolutely will not stay at any Sofitel brand hotels again… This is my second time in Australia this year, and it's winter, the off-season. Hotel prices were higher than what I booked in February, and my experiences in Gold Coast and Sydney were disappointing… Cairns was even worse, essentially a hostel-level hotel by Chinese standards, with twin beds less than 1 meter wide each… When booking a hotel, it really has to be an international brand, but Sofitel is a chain, and the one in Sydney was truly bad…FromINR 20,388
Very Good513 Reviews
Darling Harbour Sydney|0.63km from downtown
Pros:
1. **Convenient Location:** Very close to QVB and Town Hall, less than 5 minutes away. It's incredibly easy to switch to the train, bus, or light rail.
2. **Complimentary Coffee:** Free coffee is available in the lobby on the ground floor every morning.
3. **Smart TVs:** Two TVs with YouTube connectivity are very convenient for watching videos.
4. **Universal Sockets and USB Ports:** No need to worry if you forget your adapters, as universal sockets and USB ports are provided.
5. **Fully Equipped Kitchen:** Comes with an oven, gas stove, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, and plenty of utensils, which is very convenient.
6. **Early Check-in:** We had an early flight and were allowed to check in at noon, which we greatly appreciated. 🙏
7. **Friendly Housekeeping:** There's a Cantonese-speaking housekeeper who is kind and diligent.
Cons:
1. **Unstable Beds:** The two beds near the window wobble when you turn over.
2. **Inconsistent Water Temperature:** The shower water fluctuates between hot and cold.
3. **Dated Facilities:** The equipment feels a bit old, but it's still functional.
4. **Missing Baking Tray:** The oven doesn't come with a baking tray, which makes baking inconvenient.FromINR 17,734
Great100 Reviews
Sydney|0.93km from downtown
An excellent hotel with complete and new facilities. The included breakfast is made-to-order, and you can cook in your room. Sydney Harbour is just downstairs, and the train station and ferry terminal are very close. It's only a few minutes' walk to the Opera House, and you can easily walk to the commercial center and Chinatown. My child left their watch in the room, and the hotel proactively emailed us and shipped it back very quickly. Communication was very smooth, and of course, Trip.com also provided a lot of support in the communication process.FromINR 41,746
Family friendly
Great605 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Sydney|0.18km from downtown
We stayed here as a family of three and were really happy with our choice! The room was spacious and large, easily enough for three people. We had two Queen beds that were incredibly comfortable — we slept perfectly every night. There was also an extra bed provided, which worked well and was comfortable too. The only small thing: one pillow felt a little firm, but we just swapped it for one from the other bed and that was no trouble at all 😊
The minibar was replenished daily — they always had sodas, apple juice, and water available! One small thing that felt a little odd though: since we were three people, we noticed they only left two bottles of water. When we asked, they explained they couldn’t provide a third one — nothing against them at all, just their policy, so that’s totally understandable.
WiFi was great — each room had its own connection for the days of your stay, and it was fast and reliable. You could register as many devices as you needed, which was really convenient for all our phones and tablets.
The bathroom was excellent — the shower is fantastic! Both the rainfall and handheld options were super comfortable, with strong water pressure and consistent temperature. Absolutely no complaints there.
Check-in staff were a little quiet and reserved at first, and we did need to ask for an extra key since there were three of us, which was sorted without any problem. Everywhere else — whether we needed a coffee, a glass, or help with anything — the team was warm, friendly, and really helpful. It’s just that front desk felt a little more formal, nothing negative at all, just different from what we’re used to elsewhere.
Location is absolutely perfect! Easy to get around, and everything we needed was close by. All in all a wonderful stay — I’d highly recommend this hotel and would definitely come back!FromINR 18,462
Very Good1024 Reviews
Sydney|1.88km from downtown
Overall, a top-tier experience. The location is excellent, the bed is large, and the room is spacious and comfortable. The outdoor view is also pleasant. The staff are generally kind. The hand soap smells good, and the lobby's aroma is also nice.
Areas for improvement:
1. The elevators smell bad, especially the one at the very end.
2. I don't know about other floors, but the hallway on the 14th floor also smells bad.
3. The room wasn't very clean; there was a lot of dust that wasn't wiped away.
4. The gym is very, very small.
5. The breakfast fruits were delicious. Only the fruits were good, haha.
6. Soundproofing is mediocre.FromINR 13,411
Great158 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Sydney|0.34km from downtown
We recently stayed at Amora Jamison Sydney as a group of six colleagues for 3 nights of client meetings in the CBD, and the experience was seamless. The location near Wynyard Station made commuting effortless, and the rooms were quiet, spacious, and well-appointed for working in the evenings.
Having great on-site dining and bars (especially Silo Bar and Croft for breakfast) made team syncs hassle-free without needing advance dinner reservations every night. Staff were efficient and accommodated our group billing without a hitch. We will definitely keep Amora at the top of our corporate booking list for future Sydney trips.FromINR 18,120
Great741 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Sydney|0.52km from downtown
The room decor is beautiful, clean, and tidy, and it's great that they replenish the mineral water daily. The hotel's location is excellent; the train station is just a few steps away, and it's only one stop to the Opera House, which is super convenient. Myer, DJ, and Chemist Warehouse are all nearby, making shopping easy. Several famous restaurants like Totti's and Encasa are also within walking distance. I highly recommend staying here when you visit Sydney; it's truly convenient and comfortable!FromINR 21,201
Very Good383 Reviews
Darling Harbour Sydney|0.75km from downtown
The room was spacious and comfortable, and the hotel breakfast was excellent. Our family of three stayed for 3 nights, and it was very close to Chinatown and Darling Harbour, perfect for a city walk. A successful blind booking!FromINR 20,659
Hot spring
Very Good132 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Sydney|0.67km from downtown
The room was nice, but it was a bit noisy being so close to the main street. However, the location is excellent and the price was right, making it pretty good value for money! It's super close to the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Art Gallery, and Library!FromINR 12,698
Great61 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Sydney|1.2km from downtown
The hostel is a lot smaller than expected, I was shook upon arrival. Fortunately the rooms are large enough with ample sized pods. Shower stalls are designed well with a sectioned space for putting clothing/phone and there is toilet seat sanitizer in the bathroom. It’s not the most quiet hostel but the bathrooms and rooms are cleaned daily which was nice. One thing to note, when coming from the airport, I suggest to use a bus service instead of taking the train if you have luggage, because the nearest train station (Museum station) is old and has two long staircases. Because of this I took a DART bus to the airport on the day I left, they offer hotel pickups but it needs to be reserve online 24 hours ahead of time- otherwise the closest pickup spot is right in front of the Vibe Hotel on Goulburn street, which is a very short walk from the Pod Sydney.FromINR 5,093
14 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Sydney|0.25km from downtown
The location is in the middle of the CBD and it is convenient to go to the sights. The room is a bit old and the WIFI signal is weak. The elevator has to manually open and close the door. The elevator has to open the door once and the floor of the first floor is not aligned. It is necessary to bend over and step on the way, which is terrible! Be careful of safety incidents. There is a waitress who doesn't care.35 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Sydney|0.2km from downtown
Clean and tidy, the location is the best. But there are stairs, and there is no waiter to help, which is a bit difficult!FromINR 10,943
Very Good72 Reviews
Darling Harbour Sydney|0.32km from downtown
The location is exceptionally good, right in the city centre and close to all attraction; only a short walk. The apartment is good for a family; there is no parking but you can get parking in nearby place.FromINR 13,839
Gym
Very Good371 Reviews
Sydney|0.57km from downtown
The hotel's location is excellent, very close to Circular Quay, within a 5-minute walk. It's incredibly convenient for taking the tram or train, and also great for shopping.
The hotel service is thoughtful and warm. One day, I didn't ask the housekeeper to clean the room, but she still left a little note with some kind wishes inside the room.
The hotel breakfast is very rich with many choices. Every morning, the staff would come over and ask if you'd like coffee, brew it for you, and bring it to your table. The taste was superb. The only minor downside is that the bed is a bit soft, otherwise, everything else is fantastic.FromINR 22,414
Very Good496 Reviews
Darling Harbour Sydney|0.42km from downtown
I had an excellent stay at Hyatt. It’s definitely one of the best choices if you’re looking for comfort and convenience. The rooms were clean, spacious, and well-maintained, and the staff were professional and very welcoming.
The location is a big advantage—everything you need is nearby, including restaurants, shops, and transport options, which makes getting around very easy. The overall experience was smooth and relaxing, from check-in to check-out.
Highly recommended for anyone visiting the area. I would definitely stay here again.FromINR 20,659
Great167 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Sydney|0.26km from downtown
The hotel's location is fantastic, right above Wynyard Station on the airport line, making it a quick 20-minute journey. It's also within walking distance to famous attractions and great restaurants. The decor is modern and stylish, and the place is very clean. The service was exceptional; Crystal at the front desk checked us in and thoughtfully informed us about the complimentary water, coffee, tea, and co-working space available upstairs. Our room was tidied promptly and kept clean daily. My only minor gripe is that getting in and out of the bed was a bit inconvenient for the person sleeping on the inside. Overall, highly recommended!FromINR 19,133
Great868 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Sydney|0.31km from downtown
The front desk staff on the first floor were very friendly, and luggage storage was very convenient. The G lobby on the ninth floor has a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. The hotel's location is excellent, with great transportation access and amenities nearby.
However, the gym is a bit small and gets very crowded daily, making the workout experience less than ideal. Also, despite requesting a high-floor room before check-in and being a Trip.com Diamond member, I was assigned a room on the 13th floor with no view, which was disappointing.
Additionally, the spa and pool are on the 10th floor, but their operating hours are quite short. I wasn't able to find time to experience them during my stay, which was a shame. Overall, it was a good stay, but it would be even better if room assignments and the flexibility of leisure facility usage could be improved.FromINR 16,022
Very Good78 Reviews
Sydney|0.89km from downtown
Realty great location, super easy to get around the city from there. I stayed 2 nights, first room small but lovely and clean. The second night I moved into a bigger room and it was spectacular. Great reception service and over all vibe of hotel is very funky.
I had breakfast on the morning I left and it was great.FromINR 13,055
Swimming pool
Great147 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Sydney|0.75km from downtown
Great stay. 3 mins walk to the train station. Nearby to grocers like Coles and Woolworths. While the stove might be near the bed, the smell is easily dispersed by the cooking hood. Remember to bring your own tooth brush and tooth paste. Also, bring extra footwear if going to the swimming pool or gym as it is at a different level. Highlight for this meriton branch is gym 24/7. Recommended for people who like to cook.FromINR 14,424
Great49 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Sydney|0.38km from downtown
It was a lovely stay. The hotel has very chic design in public areas and rooms. Staff are friendly. Location is great and very convenient. The restaurants are pretty good too.FromINR 18,833
Very Good177 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Sydney|1.01km from downtown
I deliberated for a long time before booking this place because I saw some bad reviews online saying it was dirty. Here's my honest opinion:
**Hygiene:** It was very clean! I didn't see any bugs or dust at all. 👍
**Facilities:** It has everything you need: an oven, microwave, kettle (Westhouse brand), and a fridge.
**Environment:** The surroundings are amazing! It's right in Chinatown, and there's a big supermarket nearby, making it extremely convenient.
**Service:** As a hotel apartment, cleaning (and refilling toiletries) is done every 3 days. However, we stayed for 4 days, and our room was already quite messy, so we didn't want anyone to clean it, haha. (We brought all our own essentials, so we didn't need them to replenish anything).
**Note:** Make sure to bring your own slippers and toiletries. That should cover most things. It's also best to bring a disposable four-piece bedding set, as the duvet cover tends to slide around, and the duvet often slips out, haha.
Photo 2 is the view from the room.
Photo 3 shows the tram stop right outside, which goes directly to QVB and is very convenient (you can also walk there).FromINR 20,759
Great119 Reviews
Sydney|0.65km from downtown
Almost no view to speak of.
Location: Less than a 10-minute walk to Circular Quay.
Room Type: 1 bedroom, 1 living room, 1 bathroom. You can request two single beds by communicating with the hotel in advance. The washer and dryer are located near the room entrance, away from the bedroom, to minimize noise.
Dining: Breakfast is a small buffet, and each person can order one main dish. The restaurant offers à la carte dinner service; it's not busy, so no reservation is needed.
Cons: The overall service was quite cold; no one greeted us when we entered or left. Most of the restaurant staff looked Chinese but only spoke English.FromINR 20,131
Very Good209 Reviews
Sydney|1.61km from downtown
The hotel's location is excellent, and the reception service is very welcoming! It's very close to both bus and subway stations, with plenty of dining options nearby, and Chinatown is also within easy reach. You can walk to Circular Quay to see the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, and take a ferry to Taronga Zoo. It's also very convenient to reach landmarks like the Royal Botanic Garden, St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney Tower, Hyde Park, and Darling Harbour for whale watching cruises, all within about a 2km walk! When we went on a tour to Hunter Valley for a hot air balloon ride, the travel agency's pick-up and drop-off service was also very convenient. All in all, everything was great! Highly recommend staying here!FromINR 16,165
Breakfast
Very Good12 Reviews
Sydney|0.87km from downtown
Breakfast, excellent location
It's the old hotel, it's very old... Very good, feel the quaint feeling. Family hotel. Very suitable for feeling different customs.
Hygiene: very goodFromINR 12,898
Very Good58 Reviews
Macquarie Park|2.22km from downtown
What a gem!! A peaceful setting yet so convenient to get to the city with the metro stop (North Ryde) only a short walking distance away and only four stops from city central - less than 25 minutes! Kitchen is well stocked and we easily cooked for our family of four. It’s a great option for families looking for the flexibility to eat in, enjoy peaceful nights, and getting to the city hassle free.FromINR 11,200
Great108 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Sydney|0.38km from downtown
酒店環境一流，去 ipera house qvb 都極方便，The Sydney Opera House is a multi-venue performing arts centre in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Located on the foreshore of Sydney Harbour.FromINR 13,811
Good254 Reviews
Sydney|1.47km from downtown
There are two bathrooms, living room and kitchen, hardware equipment is good, suitable for family living. But the sink in the toilet is relatively narrow, and washing your face often makes the floor full of water.
The table can be checked-in at three o'clock. When the time arrived, there was still no key in the post box. Later, they called and replied that they had not cleaned it. During the process of living, some spare parts were used up, and they were made up the next day, but the more troublesome thing was that the person who came to make up did not have a key and needed to make an appointment with the tenant. In addition, pay attention to airbnb can't store luggage, you have to find a nearby store to pay for it.71 Reviews
Villawood|0.37km from downtown
The hotel is less than a 10-minute walk from the station. There's a supermarket and restaurants at the station. The room was clean, but the walls were thin. I was woken up by someone screaming in the next room.FromINR 6,620
How to Use an Opal Card in Sydney?
Using an Opal Card or contactless for getting around in Sydney is simple:
- Tap on before travelling. Look for the Opal reader at the train and ferry stations or on buses. Hold your Opal card, contactless bank card, or phone against the reader and make sure the tap succeeds.
- Make your journey. You’re now tapped on. Simply make the journey you need to and keep your payment method handy for the exit or any ticket inspection.
- Tap off at the end. Make sure to tap off when you’ve finished your journey, using the same card or device you tapped on with.
A successful tap will show a green light on the reader and a single ding. If you’re using a physical Opal card, an Opal reader will also display your current balance on the card, helping you to know whether you need to top it up or not.
Tapping on and off as you travel around Sydney, you might reach the daily or weekly cap. That doesn’t mean you can stop tapping on and off though; continue to do so, and you won’t be charged.
There is one exception to the tapping off part, and that’s the F1 Manly Ferry, where you only need to tap on. The fare is charged when you board.
Stick With the Same Card or Device
Make sure to choose one payment method for your stay, and stick with it throughout your time in Sydney. If you’re tapping on with your phone, use it to tap off as well; don’t swap to a physical bank card or a smartwatch for example, even when they’re linked to the same bank account.
Also note that each traveller needs their own Opal card or contactless card/device. You can’t tap one card to pay for the whole family or cover your friend.
How to Top Up and Check Your Opal Balance
If you want to add credit to your Opal card, you can do so via the Opal website, their official app, participating retailers, or at the top-up machines you can find at selected stations, stops and ferry wharves.
If you’re topping up online, you do need to allow up to 60 minutes for the amount to be credited to your card. If you need to travel immediately, it’s better to add money in person at a retailer or a top-up machine, which will be credited to your card straight away.
To check your balance, you can also use the app, login to your online account, or visit a top-up machine or an Opal retailer. It will also show when you tap on and off.
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Opal Cards for Children, Seniors and Concession Travellers
Kids, seniors/pensioners, and other types of travellers are all eligible for reduced fares while travelling across Sydney’s public transport system.
Travelling With Children
If your child is aged three and under, they travel for free; no need to tap on or off for them. When kids turn four and up to 15, they will travel using the discounted Child/Youth fares. To do so, you’ll need to obtain a Child/Youth Opal card and top it up.
From age 16, full-time students enrolled in a school or TAFE course in NSW or the ACT are eligible for discounted concession fares. But this only applies to students in NSW and the ACT; if you’re a 16 year-old visiting from Victoria or Queensland, you’ll be required to pay the full adult fare.
Visiting From Interstate With a Seniors Card
If you’re a holder of an Australia Seniors Card, you’re eligible for the Gold Senior/Pensioner fares, which caps out at AU $2.50 a day (excluding those airport station access fees).
NSW and ACT seniors have online options for Gold Opal or contactless concessions. For the contactless payment, you’ll need to have a Transport Connect account set up before you travel. Doing this, and you’ll be able to access those discounted Senior fares with your contactless bank card or mobile wallet.
Interstate seniors are also eligible, but will need to apply for the physical Gold Opal card.
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Using Opal for Sydney Sightseeing
Once you’ve sorted your payment method, it’s easy to build a day around public transport. Here are some common examples of what you’ll pay using Sydney’s public transport for some of the big sights.
Sightseeing outing | Outbound fare (AU$) | Return fare actually charged (AU$) | Total transport cost (AU$) | When does the cap apply? |
Saturday in Manly: F1 from Circular Quay, returning after an afternoon at the beach | $9.20 | $0.45 | $9.65 | Reached on the return ferry |
Saturday in the Blue Mountains: train from Central to Katoomba, returning later that day | $7.46 | $2.19 | $9.65 | Reached on the return train |
Tuesday at Taronga Zoo: F2 from Circular Quay, returning after several hours at the zoo | $7.35 | $7.35 | $14.70 | Not reached; the weekday adult cap is $19.30 |
The Best Things to do in Sydney
Blue Mountains National Park
4.6/5
216 reviewsThe most unforgettable part of my visit to Sydney's Blue Mountains National Park was the breathtaking view of the Three Sisters peaks and Jamison Valley from Echo Point. The blue mountain mists at dawn, the layered sandstone cliffs, and the vast forests evoked a sense of nature's grandeur and tranquility. The cable car experience within the park was also fantastic: a glass-bottomed cable car traversed the valley, offering expansive views of deep gorges and waterfalls below; another cable car provided a close-up view of the rainforest and rock walls, both thrilling and relaxing. This trip allowed me to experience the unique charm of Australia's natural heritage and is definitely worth a return visit.
Sydney Tower Eye
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232 reviewsThe night view was really beautiful, but the entrance was hard to find.
Sydney Harbour Bridge
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640 reviewsI'm uploading a photo of the Thaddeus Harbour Bridge I took long before the COVID-19 pandemic began. It's still so beautiful, even when I look at it again.
FAQs About Sydney Opal Card
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Can you use your phone instead of an Opal Card?
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Can you get an Opal Card refund if there’s money leftover?
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What happens if you forget to tap on or off?
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