Getting around town from your Sydney accommodation is easy. There are multiple travel options for public transport, as well as private car, motorcycle, and bicycle. You can even reach some tourist spots on foot!
Plan your route before heading out of your Sydney accommodation. If you are using public transport, pick up an Opal card along the way.
The Opal card
The Opal makes getting around easy. It’s a smart card system that works with the public transport network in all of Sydney, north to Newcastle, west to the Blue Mountains, and south to Wollongong and the Southern Highlands.
The Opal card is the most convenient way to pay for your fares when getting on the train, bus, ferry or light rail. Simply tap and go.
Travel options from your Sydney accommodation
The best way to get around Sydney is by train. It’s fast, convenient, and easy to navigate. Although Sydney has a reliable bus system, four-wheel travel is at the mercy of often very heavy traffic.
If you plan to rent a car, do note that Aussies drive on the left side of the road. Taking the ferry is a great option for viewing the picturesque harbour. Moreover, while walking can be enjoyable – and healthy – it is impossible to cover all the sights of Sydney on foot alone.
Train
From your Sydney accommodation, take the City Circle line to see The Rocks, the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Sydney Opera House, and many more attractions.
Trains run from around 5am to midnight, after which they are replaced by NightRide buses. Sydney trains are significantly more expensive and crowded at peak hours.
Bus
Public buses are a convenient way to move around the city but beware of frequent traffic jams and delays especially during rush hour.
Sydney buses operate from around 5am to midnight. Less frequent NightRide services are available after that.
Tram
Trams run between Central Station and Dulwich Hill with stops at Chinatown, Darling Harbour, The Star casino, Sydney Fish Market, Glebe, and Leichhardt.
A second light rail line due to open in 2019 will run from Circular Quay down to George Street, through the city centre to Central Station, Surry Hills, Sydney Football Stadium, and Kingsford.
Taxi
Metered taxis are easy to flag down from any Sydney accommodation within the central business district and the suburbs. Please note that changeover times are 3am and 3pm.
Taxi fare is determined by the number of kilometres travelled, plus additional surcharges if you are traveling during peak hours or on weekends. You could hail a taxi right on the street or book one through telephone.
The ride-sharing app Uber has become quite popular in Sydney. Other booking apps such as GoCatch can be handy at night.
Water taxis
Water taxis are the best way to travel around the harbour if you are in a group. You’ll be able to go from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay in less than 15 minutes. Pick-up points along the harbour and the river are also available for private jetties and other boats.
Car
Taking a private car is not an option that we recommend for city travel. Traffic can be horrible, the one-way street system can be confusing, and parking is difficult and expensive.
Car travel is best for day trips to the beach and other locations outside of Sydney. If you are planning to visit multiple Aussie cities, consider renting a car.
Bicycle
Bicycles are the middle ground for those who want to see the sights on their own pace but do not like to walk. In recent years there have been an increasing number of bike lanes in Sydney. You can take your bike with you on the suburban train or ferry for free. Bicycles, however, are not allowed on buses.
On foot
Grab a map and check the sights that you want to see. If they are within walking distance, then ditch public transport and get moving. Walking can be an enjoyable way to view tourist attractions from your nearby accommodation Sydney. If you get tired, just hop on the bus or train to your next destination.
Book your Sydney accommodation today!
If you are looking for Sydney accommodation that offers the best value for your money, then book at the Savoy Hotel. Strategically located in Double Bay, you can easily access all the wonderful sights that Sydney has to offer in your chosen mode of transport!
