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: Ferries can get busy during peak hours and weekends, so travel off-peak if you want a more relaxed ride.
The train and Sydney Metro
Sydney’s rail network has come a long way since the first passenger train line was built back in 1855. Today, nine train lines operate out of the city’s Central Station hub, quickly connecting you around the CBD, to the airport, and 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. If you’re heading beyond the city, trains run frequently to the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Southern Highlands, and even Canberra. Fares are based on distance and capped at $25 per week for concession card holders; $9.35 per day (Mondays to Thursdays) for concessions; and Friday to Sunday and public holidays capped at $4.65. Plus, off-peak travel gets an automatic 30% discount.
Sydney Metro is the city’s fully automated, high-frequency rail service, making it even easier to get around. The Metro now extends from Tallawong in the northwest through Chatswood and the CBD to Sydenham, offering a fast and reliable way to move across the city. New lines are under construction to further expand the network west to Parramatta, southwest to Bankstown, and out to the future Western Sydney Airport. With trains every four minutes during peak hours and no need for timetables, the Metro is one of the most efficient ways to get around Sydney.
Good to know: Watch out for the official quiet carriages on Sydney Trains, where talking is forbidden! Avoid the first and last carriage, and you can chat away to your heart’s content. On the Metro, every carriage is a talking zone—so no need to worry about staying silent.
The light rail
Sydney’s light rail is a convenient way to get around the inner city and beyond, especially if you’re travelling between key locations like Central Station, Chinatown, Darling Harbour, Haymarket, Surry Hills, and the University of New South Wales (UNSW). With three main lines—the L1 Dulwich Hill Line, the L2 Randwick Line, and the L3 Kingsford Line—the network runs frequently throughout the day and integrates easily with trains, Metro and buses. It’s a reliable option for day-to-day travel and a great way to explore the city without relying on a car.
Good to know: Just like other public transport in Sydney, you can tap on and off the light rail with an Opal card or contactless payment.
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. 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 also 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 7 Amazing Walks in Sydney for more ideas.
Getting to Iglu on public transport – Quick station guide
| Iglu Property | Nearest Train station | Nearest Metro station | Nearest Light Rail stop |
| Iglu Central (Chippendale) | Central – 3 min walk | Central – 3 min walk | Haymarket – 7 min walk |
| Iglu Central Park (Chippendale) | Central – 10 min walk | Central – 10 min walk | Haymarket – 10 min walk |
| Iglu Broadway (Chippendale) | Central – 4 min walk | Central – 4 min walk | Haymarket – 10 min walk |
| Iglu Chatswood (Chatswood) | Chatswood – 1 min walk | Chatswood – 1 min walk | |
| Iglu Mascot (Mascot) | Mascot – 2 min walk | Sydenham – 19 min by bus | UNSW Anzac Parade – 21 mins by bus |
| Iglu Redfern (Redfern) | Redfern – 2 min walk | Waterloo – 8 min walk | Central Chalmers – 17 min walk |
| Iglu Summer Hill (Summer Hill) | Summer Hill – 2 min walk | Lewisham – 11 min walk |
Good to know: All Sydney trains, Metro services and light-rail lines use Opal/contactless payments, so one tap covers every Iglu location.
Photo by Jonathan Jato on Unsplash
