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 Good338 Reviews
Sydney|0.94km from downtown
Like: location is perfect, lots of good restaurants around within walking distance.
Dislike: be aware of what street the room facing. It’s loud at night, ppl talk and laugh can hear very clearly.
Services: overall are good, I’ve been staying meriton many times in many locations, but this one Meriton on Kent was disappointing. I’ve asked baby amenities before my trip start but never got any as they promised they’ve been noted and prepared.
Special note: at the checked in they gave us a small room facing loud street and construction site( we booked a higher price of room and staying 5 nights)。
They had originally agreed to change our room. However, due to a communication gap among the staff the next day, it took quite a long time to resolve the misunderstanding before the room change was finally completed.
*the cafe next to Meriton has the best fresh squeeze juice ever, we bought it every morning! And the muffins are my babies favorite!FromMYR 563
Great851 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Sydney|0.08km from downtown
I booked the cheapest twin room on the 26th floor, offering a direct view of the Bell Tower from above. The room was incredibly spacious, probably over 50 square meters, and even had a bathtub. While the furniture was quite basic, the front desk service was absolutely excellent. I also visited the gym. The building itself is a former Sydney Post Office, so many people come to take photos. There are even two free daily tours about the building, but I didn't have time to join. Overall, staying here was a great experience. It definitely gave off a 'old money' vibe.FromMYR 899
Great773 Reviews
Darling Harbour Sydney|0.97km from downtown
I was a bit worried before my trip, but after experiencing it, I can honestly say it was fantastic. All of the hotel staff were incredibly warm and welcoming, even the parking attendants at the entrance would greet you with a smile every time you entered or exited. My English isn't great, but the lady who checked me in was so patient and didn't show any prejudice towards me as a Chinese guest. The room and floor she assigned me were excellent. Originally, I had a six-day stay, but the voucher I bought on Trip.com was only for five days, so I booked a standard room for the last night. I managed to communicate this with my broken English, and the front desk staff who checked me in upgraded my room for free, saving me the hassle of changing rooms. I was fully prepared to pay the difference, so getting it for free was a wonderful surprise. I'm truly grateful for the hotel's service! Oh, and I saw some previous comments about rooms not being cleaned or staff entering without permission. Actually, there's a button by the door; you need to press it when you want your room cleaned. If you don't, the hotel won't enter your room proactively. All in all, my experience at this hotel was perfect. Plus, the location is super convenient; it's close to everything.FromMYR 829
Great271 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Sydney|0.29km from downtown
The transportation is incredibly convenient. There's a bus stop right outside the door, and it's easy to get to the subway and train stations. There are also several convenience stores nearby. If you need a larger supermarket, it's just two bus stops away. I'll definitely stay here again next time I visit!FromMYR 846
Very Good490 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.FromMYR 745
Business travel
Very Good231 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Sydney|0.55km from downtown
Staff are so friendly, and the location is just perfect for accessing everything. Chinatown is a 5-min walk (Asian like me, perfect). Town Hall station is just a 1-minute walk, Trams is within 100 steps. This hotel's location is just amazing and very quiet for sleeping. RecomendedFromMYR 550
Great127 Reviews
Darling Harbour Sydney|0.58km from downtown
It is located downhill so it may not be very convenient for wheelchair users as we have to travel uphill a lot
But the staffs here are very helpful and kind. Special mention and heartfelt thanks to staff Dylan who helped us through our check in and change of room to have a better window view of the darling harbour and because of him, we have a pleasant and wonderful stay.FromMYR 919
Great273 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…FromMYR 797
Very Good497 Reviews
Darling Harbour Sydney|0.63km from downtown
If you have any standards, I honestly wouldn't recommend staying here. It's clearly an old building converted into a hotel, and the renovation is basic. The window glass isn't very soundproof; you can still hear traffic outside even when the windows are closed. Cleanliness is lacking; there were several hairs on the bathroom floor. However, the staff were polite and immediately arranged a room change once they understood the situation. The hotel's location is genuinely excellent. It's incredibly convenient to walk to both Darling Harbour and QVB.FromMYR 516
Great96 Reviews
Sydney|0.93km from downtown
Booked a twin room with breakfast (including breakfast for two children) through Trip.com. The front desk initially claimed there was no breakfast, then gave us a room on the lowest floor. When checking out, it was pouring rain, and we had a ton of luggage, plus elderly and children. The concierge not only didn't help with an umbrella, but was also hesitant about lending one for us to get to the car.
I called the hotel's customer service through Trip.com, and the breakfast issue was resolved. As for the other 'software' aspects, it's really an issue of quality for an old five-star hotel. Chinese guests booking through Trip.com likely face discrimination and difficulties at this hotel.
The location is on the row closest to the Opera House, facing the Harbour Bridge in the front and the Botanic Garden in the back. The surroundings are right in the heart of the tourist hustle, but I personally prefer the garden view side. Breakfast is purely Continental, a la carte.FromMYR 1,242
Family friendly
Great559 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Sydney|0.18km from downtown
The biggest plus of this hotel is the daily minibar. It's replenished daily with mineral water, sparkling water, milk, Coke, and juice. In the mornings, someone even proactively asks if you need more complimentary mineral water.
The front desk service was decent and straightforward. Room service was also quite good.
The location is a bit far from the main transportation hub, but there are so many shops along the way that the walk doesn't feel long or boring. It's in a bustling commercial area, making shopping and dining very convenient.FromMYR 784
Great153 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Sydney|0.34km from downtown
The hotel is in a great location. Central to circular quay and darling harbour. Very close to wynards train station. Although on a steep road it’s not too far to walk from York street. Everything about the hotel was spotless from having the doors open everytime you entered or left the hotel. The only disappointment for us was the breakfast. We felt for what you are paying for the food wasn’t value for money. All in all a very nice hotel and would reccommend.FromMYR 810
Great729 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Sydney|0.52km from downtown
Location: The hotel's location is absolutely fantastic! It's super convenient to get everywhere, whether by walking, train, bus, or light rail. Coming from the airport, you just get off at the subway station, cross the road, and you're there – so easy even with luggage. 👍
Environment: The room is spacious, and the bathroom is also quite large, plus it even has a walk-in closet. My first impression was that it felt like a renovated old building, especially with the very vintage-looking windows. We booked a twin room, and the beds were a bit small. Overall, it was very clean with great attention to detail. Basic toiletries were provided, and the shower had strong water pressure and heated up quickly – perfect for a refreshing shower after a long day out.
Service: I absolutely love this Chinese-friendly hotel! On our first day, a Chinese guy helped me check in and patiently and kindly answered all my questions on the spot. It really set a great tone for our self-guided tour! 👍
PS: Bottled water was replenished daily!!!! That was a really nice touch.FromMYR 874
Very Good377 Reviews
Darling Harbour Sydney|0.75km from downtown
It’s in a good location at Darling Harbour. It’s very accessible to both harbour area and central business district, but at the same time it is situated along a relatively quiet street. The train station is 5-10 minutes away. Our room was spacious and there’s a water station per floor. Staff were friendly and helpful.
My only negative comment is that room cleaning can take some time. Once I left my room at 8am and returned at 2pm, hoping to get some rest, only to find out that room cleaning had just started. I had to wait in the hotel lobby to give more time for the service to finish.FromMYR 720
Very Good304 Reviews
Sydney|0.96km from downtown
Excellent! Initially, I was a bit worried after reading reviews about it being unfriendly and noisy, but I found that wasn't the case. The hotel is cleaned daily and is very tidy. The room was spacious and had a balcony. It's true there's a bar downstairs, and if you leave the windows open at night, it can be a bit loud. However, the balcony has double-glazed windows, and once closed, it's quiet. One thing to note is that the hotel rooms with kitchens have an induction hob where the pot automatically heats up if it's not removed, and you can't just turn it off directly, which is different from what I'm used to. One day, the alarm went off because a neighbor burnt something, which gave us quite a fright. Thankfully, it was a false alarm. Overall, the room was large and comfortable, and it's very close to Darling Harbour, so you can enjoy the night view. The value for money is really high.FromMYR 695
Hot spring
Very Good127 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Sydney|0.67km from downtown
This hotel is centrally located, making transportation incredibly convenient with train, light rail, and bus stops all nearby. There's also a supermarket close by for easy shopping. The room was clean and comfortable, and the kitchenware was well-stocked. The staff were all very kind and polite.FromMYR 477
Great55 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Sydney|1.2km from downtown
I stayed here for 3 nights during my solo trip to Sydney.
The location is excellent—it’s only a 10-minute walk to Central Station, making it so easy to get around. The whole place was spotless, and I was really impressed by the staff's attitude—they were so welcoming and helpful! As it’s a hostel, I was surprised by how spacious the beds were; it made my stay very comfortable. Best of all, it's incredibly affordable.
It was a wonderful experience overall. Without a doubt, I'll stay here again next time I visit Sydney!FromMYR 177
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.34 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!FromMYR 480
Very Good73 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.FromMYR 669
Gym
Great855 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Sydney|0.31km from downtown
The hotel boasts an excellent location, right in the bustling heart of the city. Many attractions are within walking distance, including Hyde Park, and you can easily reach the Sydney Opera House on foot or by public transport. The breakfast selection is incredibly diverse, and they even offer coffee in disposable cups to take away, plus a wide variety of fresh fruit. Check-in was handled in a very friendly and professional manner, and it was super fast. Compared to other hotels and apartments during our Australia trip, this one offered exceptional value for money. The bed was also very large, making it quite family-friendly. After checking out, we realized our child's plush toy was left behind. When we returned, the staff were incredibly friendly and patient, helping us find it and even packing it up for us. All in all, you can't go wrong choosing this hotel for your Sydney stay, but I'd recommend booking about a month in advance for the best rates.FromMYR 700
Very Good82 Reviews
Sydney|0.89km from downtown
I stayed in a room where the door was a heavy fire exit door that had been converted. There was also a connecting door to the adjacent room, making the soundproofing quite poor. As a solo female traveler, I would feel quite unsafe. The bathroom facilities were basic, and the wet/dry separation made no sense. There was no light above the desk, so I had to work in the dark. All in all, I felt this was a specially partitioned-off space and not worth the price.FromMYR 579
Great46 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Sydney|0.38km from downtown
QT Sydney has a dark, edgy vibe throughout! The rooms are spacious, but the lighting is a bit dim. The two beds can be pushed together, easily accommodating three people! This time, due to a last-minute change in my itinerary, the hotel was very accommodating and promptly refunded the unused nights. The hotel's location is super convenient, right next to the Queen Victoria Building! It's easy to get anywhere from here!FromMYR 673
Very Good346 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Sydney|0.27km from downtown
I stayed for five nights, and the hotel's location is excellent. Everything listed below is within a 10-minute walk: Sydney's bustling pedestrian streets, QVB (Queen Victoria Building) for shopping, luxury stores near Sydney Tower, Circular Quay ⛵️, Darling Harbour, museums, art galleries, the Botanical Garden, and Sydney University… all very close. A taxi to the Fish Market cost 33 AUD and took 8 minutes. Alternatively, it's a 30-minute walk. The only downside to the room was its size; with two suitcases, there was hardly any space to move. There were no slippers or toothbrushes, but these could be obtained from the front desk; we brought our own. There are several convenience stores downstairs. In Sydney, convenience stores without a liquor license cannot sell alcohol, so if you want a drink, head to a bar or buy alcohol beforehand from a licensed store to avoid searching later. We found one such store at Circular Quay. Manly Beach is accessible from Circular Quay and offers beautiful scenery. There's also a good Chinese restaurant nearby called 'Mr. Huang's shop'.FromMYR 601
Very Good106 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Sydney|0.83km from downtown
The gym, sauna, and pool here are all great. The location is super convenient for transportation and dining. The room is also very comfortable, and the service is good. It's a hotel that makes you want to stay again.FromMYR 772
Swimming pool
Great115 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.FromMYR 855
Very Good201 Reviews
Sydney|1.61km from downtown
I visited three cities during my trip to Australia: Melbourne, Gold Coast, and Sydney. For Melbourne and Gold Coast, I booked Airbnb accommodations, but for Sydney, I opted for a hotel. I initially expected the hotel room to be small, especially since it's in the city center. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how spacious it was, with plenty of room for luggage. Cleanliness is very important to me, and this hotel was spotless. My only minor issue was with the room service; we waited an hour for our order to arrive, which was a bit slow and could be improved.FromMYR 481
Amazing120 Reviews
Windsor|1.05km from downtown
Really nice hotel with great facilities. The drinks and food at the barracks bar were well priced and delicious (I recommend the salted caramel espresso martini). Rooms were large, clean and the bed was extremely comfy.FromMYR 468
Very Good107 Reviews
Sydney Eastern Suburbs Double Bay|0.24km from downtown
On the plus side: we upgraded ourselves to a village suite and the size was spacious. Breakfast was fabulous and something to look forward to, although 7am start is a bit late for us.. Most of the staff were lovely and well trained. Room was cosy and quiet at night. Fresh towels and clean bathroom. Easy and convenient location outside of CBD. This is the only big hotel in the area and there are some great restaurants nearby - Carmela, Margaret, Bill’s etc. usefully close to Chemist Warehouse for essentials you’ve forgotten.
On the negative: It should be classed as 4* - quite cheaply constructed and maintained. Not what you might consider to be luxury. Rooms are dark, with poorly thought out lighting; the carpet rarely vacuumed (if at all) during our five night stay. Hand held shower head spray nozzles were blocked, bathtub drain was also blocked. Sinks not very clean. Windows in room and dining room very dirty. Big construction site adjacent so we moved rooms to get away from the noise and view of the cranes. Overpriced hotel offering when you consider we could have booked the Capella in CBD at nearly the same rate as our suite, but nice to be away from the city.FromMYR 862
Great135 Reviews
Castle Hill|2.96km from downtown
I booked this stay at the last minute and was glad they were able to accommodate my request. I also found that booking through Trip.com was cheaper than booking directly with the lodge.
Overall, it was a pleasant stay. However, there was one concerning incident. While I was taking a shower, the water suddenly became extremely hot, which resulted in burns to my chest, stomach, and wrist. I mentioned this to the front desk when I checked out, but unfortunately, there wasn’t much of a response other than an apology.
I hope the lodge investigates the issue with the shower, as the sudden change in water temperature could be a serious safety concern for future guests.FromMYR 511
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 goodFromMYR 734
4 Reviews
Parramatta|0.46km from downtown
Parramatta City Motel offers top-notch services and amenities, ensuring guests experience utmost comfort.Share your photos and respond to emails at your convenience, thanks to the free Wi-Fi internet access offered by hotel. Visitors can take advantage of the accessible parking options directly at the hotel.The accommodating team at the reception will aid you with amenities such as luggage storage.Traveling with minimal luggage is achievable at Parramatta City Motel due to the hotel's laundry service ensuring your garments stay fresh.Room amenities feature daily housekeeping, allowing you to unwind and make the most of your visit.The hotel maintains a completely smoke-free zone, providing a breathable atmosphere. Smoking is limited to specified smoking zones. Throughout the day and evening, grab a bite to eat from hotel's self-service vending machines whenever you please.Parramatta City Motel provides a superb assortment of leisure amenities for guests to enjoy. Each day at hotel, immerse yourself in the invigorating waters of the pool, perfect for a rejuvenating plunge or a series of revitalizing laps.Very Good59 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.Great106 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.FromMYR 585
Good241 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.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
Sydney Opera House
4.7/5
1785 reviewsSeeing is believing. The Sydney Opera House, the pinnacle of opera houses, is the place every dreamer aspires to visit!
Sydney Whale Watching Cruise
4.4/5
109 reviewsThe scheduled time was four hours, but the time flew by. There was a very decent buffet, an unexpectedly large selection, and all the essentials. The staff was very friendly, but that's not the most important part of the trip. The main thing was that we managed to see three whales, and it was an incredible experience. Of course, I imagined they would be closer or jumping like a circus 😅, but this isn't a waterway, so it was truly captivating and unforgettable when the whales actually showed up! I highly recommend this cruise and this crew; everything was as promised, and I was left with a wonderful impression. Thank you.
Blue Mountains National Park
4.6/5
216 reviewsThe Blue Mountains National Park is a must-visit natural gem in Australia! Just a two-hour drive from Sydney's city center, this World Heritage site is within easy reach. The most famous Three Sisters peaks stand majestically under the sunlight, and cable cars and skywalks offer breathtaking views of the stunning gorges and waterfalls. Stroll through the eucalyptus forests, breathe in the fresh air, and witness the unforgettable spectacle of blue mist swirling around you. I joined a local day tour; the guide's explanations were engaging, and the transportation was convenient. On the way back, I stopped by the town of Laura to enjoy the local cuisine. Whether you're hiking, taking photos, or simply relaxing, the Blue Mountains have something for everyone. I highly recommend allocating a full day to explore it at your own pace—it's definitely worth the ticket price!
Sydney Tower Eye
4.6/5
236 reviewsThe most important sights, the Opera House and Sydney Bridge, seem to be missing. The entrance to the observation deck was hard to find; it took me half an hour. The address wasn't on the fifth floor, nor were there any signs.
Sydney Harbour Bridge
4.7/5
644 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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