When you arrive in Sydney, one of the first things you’ll want to figure out is how to get around.
Luckily, there are lots of options to explore, from walking to rideshare and the city’s fantastic public transport network.
To help you get where you need to go faster, here’s our handy guide to getting around in Sydney.
How to get around Sydney
How much does transport cost in Sydney?
Public transport fares in Sydney (external link) vary by type and distance. For example, you could pay $2.31 for a short trip on light rail, or $9.20 for a ferry ride longer than 9km.
You pay for your fare with an Opal card, which you can get from an approved retailer, such as a newsagent, or from a machine. The card itself is free, but you’ll have to load $20 to activate it.
Daily caps help keep your transport costs down. On the Opal network, fares are capped at:
- $19.30 per day from Monday to Thursday
- $9.65 on Fridays, weekends and public holidays
- $50 total per week.
Taxis and rideshare
Taxi fares can vary a lot. If you catch a taxi from a cab rank or hail one from the street, the fare you pay is regulated (external link). Pre-booked taxis will advise the cost of your ride at the time of booking.
For rideshare, you’ll see the cost of your trip on your app before you confirm your ride. Rideshare operators often apply surge pricing at busy times.
Private car
In Sydney, second-hand cars generally cost anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000. You’ll also have to factor in the other costs of car ownership (external link) in Australia, such as registration, insurance, maintenance, petrol and parking.
Walking or cycling
Thankfully, walking around our beautiful city is free!
If you’d prefer to cycle, there are a few options. You can rent a bicycle by the hour from any of Sydney’s bike share providers, Lime, HelloRide and Ario. If you plan to cycle a lot, you can look to purchase your own bike. Don’t forget to buy a helmet, as it’s against the law to ride without one.
Is public transport safe in Sydney?
Sydney is a safe city, and our transport network is no exception. However, there are a few tips that can help make your trip more comfortable.
Stay alert and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in busy areas, and avoid distractions such as using your phone while walking.
Wear a seatbelt; it's compulsory in Australia. If you're travelling by car, taxi or rideshare, make sure your seatbelt is fastened.
Travel safely at night by staying in well-lit areas and, where possible, sit near the train guard, bus driver or an emergency help point.
Drive safely and follow all the rules of the road (external link).
Getting to campus
Getting to UTS is easy thanks to Sydney’s extensive public transport network. Most campuses are within walking distance of major train, light rail and bus services.
Trip planner
Ready to go? Just put your destination into the trip planner (external link) to find route options and real-time updates on the network.
Getting around Sydney FAQs
Contact us
- Call: +61 2 8806 0230
- Email: international@uts.edu.au
- WhatsApp: +61 489 089 375 (messages only)
- Make an enquiry through our online form
- Find an approved agent in your country
Information is correct as of the date of publication but may change over time.