As an expat, it is useful to be informed about the easiest, most practical ways to commute to and from work or university. The most popular form of public transportation in Sydney is trains, but driving and car ownership are very common in Sydney, with more than half of the population commuting by car to work. People also use car share services, buses, bikes, taxis, ferries, and their own two feet. There really is no wrong way to travel in Sydney, it just depends on where you live and where you are trying to go.
Public transportation in Sydney
Sydney's extensive public transportation network is operated by Transport for NSW. The network includes trains, buses, light rail, and ferries and is generally considered to be reliable and efficient. The train network covers a large part of the city, with major stations in the CBD and connecting suburbs.
The "City Circle" in Sydney refers to a loop of railway lines that encircles the central business district (CBD) of the city. It is part of the Sydney Trains network and consists of six stations: Central, Museum, St James, Circular Quay, Wynyard, and Town Hall. The trains run in both clockwise and anticlockwise directions, providing efficient transportation options for residents and tourists alike.
Buses are available throughout Sydney, serving both inner and outer suburbs. The light rail operates in the CBD and nearby areas. Ferries are another particularly fun and iconic mode of transportation in Sydney, offering trips across the Sydney Harbour and the Parramatta River.
The public transport system is well-integrated, and users are able to use Opal cards for fare payment across all modes of public transportation. Getting an Opal card is easy – you can visit a retailer, order one online, or go to an Opal card dispensing machine. Topping them up is easy, too, and can be done with either cash or a card.
Cycling in Sydney
Though Sydney hasn't always had a great reputation for cyclists, the City of Sails has a growing network of cycling paths and bike-friendly infrastructure. Many major roads have designated bike lanes, and there are shared paths in parks and along the coast. Cycling can be a quick and healthy way to commute, especially for shorter distances. Bike-sharing services and bike rental options are also available for those who don't own a bicycle. Lime, Sydney Bike Share, Sydney Cycleways, and Neuron Mobility all offer different bike-sharing services if you want to try out cycling before investing in a bike of your own. If you do buy a bike, there are lots of options, from road bikes to commuter options and e-bikes. These can be found secondhand on sites like Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace, or you can go to one of Sydney's many bike stores for bike advice.
Cars in Sydney
Cars are the most popular option for the work commute in Sydney; however, expats who are new to Sydney should first explore the pros and cons of owning a car. Of course, having your own car is the most flexible option, but it comes with the burden of upkeep, road costs, parking, and fuel. If your home is near your work or near a good bus or train line, you may be able to forgo owning a car altogether. As car-sharing options like GoGet, Pop Car, and Turo are gaining popularity, you have the option of accessing vehicles for short periods, providing the convenience of a car without the long-term commitment and expenses of ownership. This way, you can access a car for a weekend plan out of the city or for picking up a large item but don't have the stress of ongoing ownership.
Taxis in Sydney
There are other options like taxis and rideshare options like Uber, Lyft, and Ola, which are obviously more comfortable but can be pricey. These options are mostly used by commuters who do not want to drive or have an emergency or want to reach their destination early. Tourists also go for this mode of commute to explore the city because it's easy and convenient, but it's a little too expensive to be an everyday option.
Sydney's walkability
If you're living in certain parts of Sydney, like the CBD and inner suburbs, and are lucky enough to work nearby, then you may find Sydney to be a fairly walkable city. However, most people will not live within walking distance of work or university and may need a combination of walking and public transport to get there if they wish to use their legs. Walk Score is a tool that assesses the walkability of cities, and by their metrics, Sydney has an overall Walk Score of 65, which is considered "somewhat walkable." Compared to the city design of European cities, which tend to be more walkable, Sydney may seem to be unfriendly to pedestrians, but compared with some American or Asian cities, it isn't too bad.
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