The Iglu Guide | Blog
Getting around Sydney
Whether you prefer bus, train or bike, you need to know how to get around the city, and fast. Whether you’re heading out for the night or off to study with friends, the good news for students is that you have a number of different travel options available. Getting around in Sydney is both easy and flexible. All you need is an Opal card, a bank card or a phone for contactless payment, and you’re good to go. Need to know more? Here’s how.
The ferry
Synonymous with Sydney living and a truly indulgent way to travel around the city, Sydney is well known for her iconic ferry service. One of the best ways to experience the spectacular harbour setting, you will feel like you are sailing right through the middle of a picture postcard. Operating across 9 different routes, the ferries take you in and around the harbour as far north as Manly, and back down the river towards Paramatta. Avoid the traffic and feel like you’re on holiday with this scenic, practical and efficient travel option.
Good to know: You only need to tap your Opal card once before you board the ferry. No need to tap off again!
The train
Sydney’s trains have come a long way since the first passenger trainline was built back in 1855. Today, nine lines operate out of the city’s Central Station hub and can quickly connect you around the CBD, out to the airport as well as much further afield. Looping around Central, Museum, St James, Town Hall, Wynyard, Circular Quay and Martin Place, the City Circle does exactly as it promises and is the easiest way to navigate the city centre. For those wanting to journey further afield into the Blue Mountains, the Central Coast, the Southern Highlands or even Canberra, trains run every 5-15 minutes and are incredibly efficient. Fares are determined by how far you travel and are capped at $16.10 per day. Weekends and public holidays are capped at the lower rate of $8.05 – and travelling in off-peak times is automatically discounted by 30%.
Good to know: Watch out for the official quiet carriages where talking is forbidden! Avoid the first and last carriage and you can chat away to your heart’s content.
The light rail
The latest addition to the city’s growing transport family has finally arrived with three light rail services running through the heart of the city and beyond. Connecting the CBD to Kingsford, Randwick and Dulwich Hill, the light rail passes many popular tourist destinations along the way. Jump out and browse around Paddy’s Market or have a peek inside the Fish Market. Explore Chinatown or have some fun in Darling Harbour. Running every 10 minutes complete with air conditioning, the Light Rail is a welcome addition to the inner-city network and is already proving a popular and easy travel option.
Good to know: Did we mention the air-conditioning?
The bus
In a coastal city such as Sydney, buses are the perfect way to get you in and out of those interesting nooks and crannies where train networks can find it hard to reach. And they are often the quickest and easiest way to get around. Whether you want to nip across town or head up to Palm Beach, Sydney’s well-oiled bus service has endless routes that criss-cross the city both by day and by night. Check out the best bus route and plan your journey before you go. Remember to tap on and off the bus to take advantage of the best available fares. For night owls, the handy NightRide service replaces most trains between 12-4.30am.
Good to know: When you’re waiting for your bus, don’t forget to stick your hand out for the driver so he knows to stop the bus for you.
By bike
A popular transport option across the world, community bike-share schemes have really taken off in recent years. Getting around the city on your own schedule means you can avoid traffic, be kinder to the environment – and best of all, travel in the fresh open air. With a few different providers to choose from, Sydney’s bikeshare schemes are a great option for when your legs are complaining, or you just want to get somewhere a bit faster. All you need is a smartphone and a few dollars – and before you know it, you’re powering around the streets for just 30 cents a minute. Avoid any parking issues by using a dockless provider. These types of bikes can simply be locked and left in an appropriate place.
Good to know: Bike helmets are a legal requirement for all bike riders in Sydney – don’t get caught short.
On foot
Getting around on foot is genuinely one of the best ways to really get to know a city. And with traffic mayhem in peak travel times it could well be faster – as well as being a pretty good option for your health. Not only is walking completely free of charge, our brains get a boost along the way as we take in all of our exciting surroundings. Start out by skipping a small part of your journey and replacing it with a short walk instead. You’ll certainly feel the difference in your energy levels – and you’ll definitely feel the savings in your pocket!
Good to know: Walking enthusiasts have so much more to see – check out Sydney’s best coastal walks for more ideas.
Photo by Jonathan Jato on Unsplash
