The Opal card system and other payment methods for public transportation in Sydney.

Sections

Sydney’s public transportation system, including trains, buses, ferries, and light rail, uses a simple and integrated payment system. You can choose from the following options to pay for your trips:

Opal Card

Getting an Opal Card

Purchase Points:
- Buy an Opal card at train stations, convenience stores, supermarkets, or online via the Opal website.
Types of Opal Cards:
- Adult Opal Card: For most travelers.
- Child/Youth Opal Card: For children aged 4–15 or full-time students under 16.
- Senior/Pensioner Opal Card: For seniors and pensioners.
- Concession Opal Card: For eligible concession holders.

Charging (Topping Up) Your Opal Card

Top-Up Methods:
- At Opal top-up machines at train stations.
- In-person at participating retailers.
- Online or via the Opal Travel app.
- Set up auto top-up for convenience.
Minimum Top-Up Amounts:
- $10 for Adults and $5 for Child/Youth or Concessions.

Using the Opal Card

Tapping On and Off:
- At Train Stations: Tap your Opal card on the reader at the entrance gates when you begin your trip and again at the exit gates when you finish.
- On Buses: Tap the reader near the bus entrance when boarding and before alighting.
- On Ferries and Light Rail: Tap the reader located at wharves or stops at the start and end of your journey.
Why Tap Off?
- To ensure you’re charged the correct fare based on the distance traveled.

Benefits and Discounts

Daily and Weekly Caps:
- Daily cap: Maximum fare is $16.80 for Adults (as of 2024).
- Weekly cap: Maximum fare is $50 for Adults.
Off-Peak Discounts:
- Lower fares on trains during off-peak hours.
Weekend Cap:
- Travel all day on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays for a maximum of $8.40.
Transfers:
- Reduced fares when transferring between modes (e.g., train to bus) within 60 minutes.

Checking Your Balance

Tap on the reader to see your current balance.
Use the Opal Travel app or log into the Opal website to check your balance and travel history.

What Happens If You Forget to Tap Off?

You’ll be charged the maximum fare for the route. If this happens, you can contact Opal customer care to resolve the issue.

Using Contactless Payment

If you don’t have an Opal card, you can use a contactless-enabled credit or debit card or mobile payment app (like Apple Pay or Google Pay) as an alternative. It will charge you the same fares and offer similar benefits as the Adult Opal Card.

Travel Tips

Keep your Opal card handy for quick tapping.
Check the Transport for NSW Trip Planner for real-time service updates and route planning.
If traveling with family, ensure each person has their own Opal card (except for children under 4, who travel free).

Contactless Payment (Credit/Debit Card or Mobile Payment)

Check Compatibility:
- Ensure your credit or debit card has contactless payment capability (look for the wireless symbol on the card).
- Mobile payment apps like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are also supported.
Tapping On and Off:
- Tap On: Hold your card or mobile device near the Opal reader at the station gates when entering.
- Tap Off: Tap the reader again when exiting at your destination to ensure you're charged the correct fare.
No Additional Setup:
- You don’t need to register your card or create an account to use contactless payment. Simply tap and go.

Benefits of Using a Credit Card

Same Fares as an Adult Opal Card:
- You’ll be charged the same fares as an Adult Opal Card, including off-peak discounts and daily/weekly caps.
Convenience:
- No need to carry or top up an Opal card.
- Great for occasional travelers or tourists.
Travel Caps:
- Daily Cap: $16.80 for Adults (as of 2024).
- Weekly Cap: $50 for Adults.
- Weekend/Public Holiday Cap: $8.40 per day.

Limitations

No Child, Concession, or Senior Discounts:
- Contactless payment charges only Adult Opal fares, so it’s not suitable for children, students, or seniors seeking discounted fares.
Ensure One Card Per Person:
- Each traveler must use their own credit card or device to tap on and off.
Watch for Foreign Transaction Fees:
- If you’re using an international credit card, check with your bank to see if foreign transaction fees apply.

Supported Transport Modes

Sydney Trains
Buses
Light Rail
Ferries

Checking Your Payment History

You can view your travel charges by checking your credit card statement or through the Transport for NSW Contactless Payment Portal.

Other Options

1. Buy Single Trip Tickets

Availability: Visitors can purchase single-use Opal tickets at train stations.
Where to Buy:
- Ticket vending machines at train stations.
- Retailers that sell Opal cards.
How to Use:
- Insert the ticket into the gate at the station entrance and exit. The ticket is valid for a one-way trip to your destination.
Limitations:
- Single trip tickets may be slightly more expensive than using an Opal card or contactless payment.

2. Use Travel Passes

NSW TrainLink Regional Services:
- For visitors traveling to regional areas, paper tickets can be purchased for intercity and regional train services.
How to Buy:
- Book in advance online, by phone, or at staffed train stations.
- Visit the NSW TrainLink website.

3. Cash Payment on Buses or Light Rail

While trains require an Opal card or contactless payment, some regional buses and light rail services may accept cash payments directly to the driver or operator.

4. Visitor Travel Passes (If Available)

In some cases, visitor passes are available for unlimited travel on public transport for a set period.
Check with the Transport for NSW customer service center or visitor information desks.

Tips for Visitors:

Plan your trip using the Transport for NSW Trip Planner to find stations with ticket vending machines and check fares.
Keep some Australian dollars handy in case cash payments are required for non-train transport modes.

Sydney

Ticketing