Getting Around Sydney

Although its expanse is large at approximately 12,000 square kilometres, getting around Sydney is remarkably easy, thanks to the city’s extensive public transport network and roadways, as well as many walking and cycling tracks. Exploring Sydney offers a great way to really get to know the city – including its numerous bustling job hubs as well as the natural beauty of its beaches and iconic Sydney Harbour.

Sydney public transport

Public transport in Sydney is comprised of a comprehensive network of train, bus, and ferry services, as well as complementary light rail lines and the airport link train from Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport to the CBD.

The Sydney public transport system uses Opal cards, which can be used throughout the Greater Sydney region and the Blue Mountains. Opal cards are smartcard tickets that you keep, reload and reuse to pay for travel on public transport. You can also buy single-use Opal tickets from ticket machines at train stations and some retailers such as newsagents.

To help plan your public transport trip around Sydney, take a look at the Transport NSW website.

Taxis can also be used to get around the city – simply flag one down in the CBD area, or you can book ahead by calling 131 008 or visiting http://www.131008.com/. The rideshare service Uber is also readily available in most areas – you’ll need to download the app to book a ride.

Driving in Sydney

While Sydney’s public transport system covers the vast majority of the metropolitan area, the city also has an extensive roads network that includes the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Harbour Tunnel, and motorways in and around the region. Be sure to leave ample time to get to your destination, especially during peak times in the morning and evening, as city roads can become congested.

The toll roads in Sydney are the M2, M4, M5, and M7, the Lane Cove Tunnel, Falcon Street Gateway, Eastern Distributor, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Tunnel and the Cross City Tunnel. It’s recommended that you get an E-toll Pass ahead of time, as not all toll roads accept cash payments.

Getting a NSW driver’s licence

When moving to Sydney on a work visa or as a permanent resident, you can drive in Sydney on a current overseas licence for a maximum of three months after arriving in Australia. New Zealand licence holders, regardless of whether you are a permanent or temporary resident, must obtain a NSW licence within three months of living in Sydney or stop driving.

To apply for a NSW licence, you’ll need to go to a Roads & Maritime Services centre in person and bring your overseas licence with you. If you don’t have an overseas licence with you when you arrive in Australia, you’ll need to provide a letter from your licence’s issuing authority or a relevant consulate or diplomatic office, confirming that your licence details may be accepted. If the letter isn’t in English, you’ll also need to provide an official translation.

To get a NSW licence, you’ll need to:

  • Provide proof of your identity
  • Provide proof of your Australian permanent residency (if you can’t provide this, you will be issued with a Temporary Overseas Visitor licence)
  • Complete a licence application form
  • Pass an eyesight test
  • Pass a knowledge test for each class of licence you require, unless you are exempt
  • Pass a driving or riding test for each class of licence you require, unless you are exempt
  • Pay the relevant licence fee

For more information on test exemptions and getting a NSW licence, see the RMS guide on moving to NSW.

Hire cars in Sydney

If you’re only planning to drive in Sydney on an infrequent basis, hire cars can be a convenient alternative. There are lots of different hire options, with vehicles such as cars, vans, and trucks available for rental.

Sydney is also home to the GoGet car share service, with cars parked all over the city that can be used by anyone with a GoGet membership. Cars can be booked via the GoGet website or app.