Opal for visitors

Opal makes getting around easy

To catch trains, buses, ferries and light rail in Sydney and surrounding areas you will need an Opal card or Opal single ticket.

The Opal network covers all of Sydney, north to Newcastle, west to the Blue Mountains and south to Wollongong and the Southern Highlands.

If you are taking more than one trip on public transport, using an Opal Card is the most convenient and affordable way to pay for your fares. Simply tap on and off as you go.


Adult Opal cards are for everyone aged 16 years and over who normally pays an adult fare.	Children aged 4 - 15 years are entitled to concession fares. Eligible secondary students aged 16 years and older with a NSW Senior Secondary Student Concession card are also entitled to concession fares.

Quick guide to get started

If you are in Sydney pick up an Adult or Child/Youth Opal card and add value at any of our Opal card retailers*
Download the Opal Travel app to top up your Opal card and plan your trip
Look for nearby train, bus, ferry or light rail services
Tap on to start your trip. Tap off to finish your trip to pay the correct fare.

Download the Sydney Visitor Guide to find out more about exploring Sydney on public transport.

How to top up

You can make one off top ups:

*Some retailers require their customers to pay minimum transaction values or a service fee to cover credit/debit card merchant fees.

How much to top up

The Opal Daily and Weekly Caps below give you an idea of how much value you should add to your Opal card. Find out more about the top up options and values available.

$15.80 Daily Cap for adults*

$7.90 Daily Cap for children*

$63.20 Weekly Cap for adults*

$31.60 Weekly Cap for children*

*Capped fare excludes Sydney Airport station access fee: Adult $14.30, Child/Youth $12.80 as the airport stations are privately owned

What to do with your Opal card at the end of your stay

If you have credit remaining on your Opal card you can:

Keep it until your next visit
Lend it to friends or family
Get a refund on your Opal card. You'll need to complete the form, return it with your Opal card to Transport for NSW and have an Australian bank account and address

Need help in your language?

Visit our multicultural support page.

Opal for visitors