Sydney transportation in nutshell
Getting around Sydney
As an expatriate, it is important to find out the easiest and most convenient ways to get around, whether it is to get to work, to school or for leisure. The most popular means of transportation in Sydney is by train. Driving is also very common in Sydney, with over half of the population driving to work.
Residents also turn to carpooling, buses and VTCs. Cycling and walking are less popular, however, due to Sydney's many hills! Cars, ferries, trains, streetcars and buses are popular means of transportation in Sydney. Public transportation is generally on time, reliable and clean.
Getting around Sydney by car
Cars are the most favorable option for getting to work. However, people new to Sydney should first explore the pros and cons of owning a car. Australians have a preference for Japanese branded vehicles such as Toyota, Mazda and Mitsubishi.
Using your car rather than public transport offers greater flexibility, but the high cost of parking is a consideration. Some employers in Sydney or Australia prefer to hire a candidate with a driver's license and a vehicle for transportation. When you arrive, consider installing a GPS navigation device in your vehicle.
Good to know: The public transportation system works with a card called "Opal" that can easily be credited at stores throughout Sydney or at train stations (ticket office or machine). It can be used on trains, ferries, buses and streetcars. There are daily and weekly caps on the Opal network, which means you can travel as much as you like within the Opal network and never pay more than the capped fare.
You can also pay with contactless-enabled credit or debit cards such as American Express, Mastercard or Visa by tapping Opal readers at the entrance and exit. Peak hours are from 7am to 9am, but the cost of a trip is generally cheaper after these hours until 4pm. Then the evening rush hour begins and fares rise again, dropping off after 6pm.
Trains in Sydney
The train is the second most preferred means of transportation in Sydney. The train system is not only much faster, but also easy to use and covers the suburbs well. Sydney residents often prefer the train because of the difficulty of finding parking. Trains are great for expats working in the inner city. Students also find them safer and more convenient.
Buses in Sydney
Buses are another option for your morning commute, although they are less reliable in terms of scheduling compared to trains. Buses generally take longer and can be very crowded during rush hour. On the other hand, they are a safe and generally cheaper way to travel than trains. They also connect all areas of the city, including those without rail or water transportation. There are "Night Ride" services that replace most train lines between midnight and 4am.
Cabs and VTCs in Sydney
There are other options such as cabs and VTCs which are obviously more comfortable, but can be expensive. These options are mostly used by those who don't like or know how to drive, those who have an emergency or those who want to get to their destination quickly. Tourists usually prefer to take a cab to explore the city due to lack of knowledge.
