Exploring a new city can be an exciting adventure, and mastering its public transport system is a great way to get around and discover local life. At Remitly, we’re here to make your transition smoother, whether you’re visiting or settling into one of Australia’s vibrant urban centres.
From Sydney’s efficient train network to Melbourne’s iconic trams, this guide will help you with everything you need to know about public transport in Australia’s biggest cities.
Using public transportation in Sydney
Sydney, Australia’s most populous city, has a comprehensive public transport network. It boasts buses, trains, metros, ferries, and light rail. It has the highest public transport usage rate among Australian capitals, with over 50 million rides taken in 2024.
The train network includes both older trains and newer metros, with almost 200 stations across the city and the wider area. Most lines operate from 4:00 or 5:00 am until midnight.
The bus system is extensive too, with more than 600 routes and 25,000 stops throughout the city. Some of these routes operate around the clock.
Sydney’s light rail system, reintroduced in the 1990s, includes three lines that pass through the central business district (CBD). Ferries, the oldest form of public transport in Sydney, operate around Sydney Harbour and the Parramatta River.
Ticketing options and Opal Cards
You can pay for all forms of public transport in Sydney using a contactless bank card or digital wallet. The system withdraws money from your bank account at the end of each week.
If you prefer not to use contactless payment, the system offers Opal Cards and single-trip Opal tickets. Opal Cards are available all over the city at locations including supermarkets, transport stations, and the airport. The card is free, but you must load a minimum of $20 AUD for an adult card (sometimes, like at the airport, the minimum is $35 AUD) or $10 AUD for a child card.
Daily fees with both Opal Cards and contactless payment are capped at:
- $18.70 AUD a day Monday–Thursday
- $9.35 AUD Fridays–Sundays and public holidays
- $50 AUD per week
Don’t forget to tap your card on the automatic reader when you start your journey and tap off when you finish. If not, you’ll be charged the maximum single-ride fare. However, if this happens, you can always call the Opal helpline at 13 67 25, and see if they can help you.
Single ride fares are based on the distance you travel. There’s a 30% fare discount when travelling outside peak times. Fares vary from $2.24 AUD for short (0–3 kilometre) off-peak bus or light rail rides up to $10.33 AUD for a peak-time, 65+ kilometre train or metro ride.
All public transport modes are connected in Sydney, so you can easily change from one mode to another. Single-trip Opal tickets are available, but you might have to buy another single ticket if you switch transport modes.
Recommended routes for tourists and new residents
Some of Sydney’s public transport routes will take you to the most popular tourist spots or attractions in the city.
- 333 bus: From Circular Quay to Bondi, this is the busiest bus route in the city.
- Blue Mountain Train: Central Station to Parramatta and Blue Mountain National Park. Train lines 5 and 2 also reach Parramatta.
- Ferry line 1: Circular Quay to Manly Beach
- Ferry line 8: Circular Quay to Cockatoo Island
- 190X bus: From the city centre all the out to Palm Beach
Understanding Melbourne’s public transport network
Melbourne is famous for its trams, with over 250 kilometres of tramways forming the largest tram network in the world. Trams are free in the CBD’s Free Tram Zone, which is great for tourists and commuters alike.
Greater Melbourne is also served by nearly 300 bus and 16 rail lines. They connect the city centre and outer suburbs, and you’re more likely to take them if you live outside the heart of the city.
The Night Network operates all-night train, tram, and bus lines on Friday and Saturday nights. It even connects to some regional cities like Geelong and Seymour.
myki card: where to buy and how to use
You can’t use a contactless bank card to pay for public transport in Melbourne. Instead, you’ll need a myki card. They’re simple to use—just tap on when you start travelling and tap off when you finish, like the Opal cards in Sydney.
You can buy a myki at various locations, including;
- All 7-Eleven shops in Melbourne
- myki machines at some public transport stations
- Online (allow ten days to receive the card in the mail)
- On the phone, by calling 1800 800 007
- If you have an Android phone, you can download the Mobile myki app to get a digital card instantly in your Google wallet.
You register your myki card to top up via the Public Transport Victoria mobile app or website, and can then add either money for one-off fares or weekly, monthly, or annual passes to your card. Fares are also capped at $11 per day during the week and $7.60 on weekends and public holidays at time of writing.
Melbourne is divided into two zones, and fares increase if you change between them. But you don’t have to try to work this out yourself; your myki card will automatically calculate the lowest fare possible based on your trip. Concessions are available for many people, including children, international students, and seniors.
Popular routes and tips in Melbourne
Melbourne is famous for its trams, with some of the routes taking you to the city’s main tourist attractions.
- Tram Route 35 (City Circle): A free heritage tram with audio commentary through the central business district.
- Bus 684: Connects to Lake Eildon national park. Keep in mind that this is a long trip, so it’s more about staying the night if you’re taking the bus; there are only two trips a day.
- Train to Ballarat: Visit Sovereign Hill and learn about Australia’s gold rush history.
- Tram 96: Going from St. Kilda to northern neighbourhoods, it’s a vibrant route through Melbourne’s eclectic suburbs.
Some top tips to make you feel like a local on Melbourne’s public transport:
- You don’t need to tap on or off trams in the Free Tram Zone.
- Your myki card works on V/Line trains and coaches and charges the same fares as within Melbourne, so you can easily get out of the city and explore greater Victoria.
- Trams can stop and start suddenly, so hold on!
- On public holidays, many buses and trains run on a Saturday or Sunday schedule, and some don’t run at all. So if you’re heading out for a day out on a public holiday, check the routes you’re taking to be sure.
Brisbane’s public transport system
Brisbane boasts an extensive public network of buses, trains, and ferries; the Queensland Rail Citytrain network has 152 train stations on 13 suburban rail lines.
But the bus is by far the most popular way to get around on public transport in Brisbane. The “Brisbane Metro” is a high-frequency, 24-hour, rapid-transit bus system that began operation in 2024 and is being upgraded in 2025.
If you have to cross the Brisbane River that flows through the city, three ferry services operate different routes, both along and across the water.
Essentials and purchasing guide for the go card
The go card is the main way people pay for public transport in Brisbane. The city is also rolling out contactless card payment systems, but not every mode of transport has them installed at the time of writing. Where it is in operation, just like in other cities you simply tap on and tap off the card readers on whatever transport you’re using.
It is possible to use go cards on all Translink bus, train, ferry, and tram services throughout South East Queensland. You can buy go cards online, at convenience stores and transport stations, or by calling 13 12 30. You can also register the card online to top up, set up an automatic top-up, check your balance, or report a lost or stolen card.
Concessions are available for many people, including seniors and children under 15.
Tourists or day visitors can purchase the go explore card, which affords them unlimited travel for up to eight days for $1.50 AUD a day. The card must be purchased in person.
Brisbane’s most popular routes for commuters and visitors
- City centre free loops: These free buses loop around the CBD and Spring Hill.
- Ferry to South Bank: Take the CityCat ferry to see this neighbourhood’s galleries, parks, cafés, and its man-made beach.
- Buses 598/599: The Great Circle route connects suburbs and major shopping centres.
- BDVL and BRVL trains to the Gold Coast: Want to experience the region’s famous beaches and surfing? It’s just a 45-minute train ride from the city centre.
Exploring Perth’s public transport infrastructure
Modes of transport
Perth’s public transport system includes eight train lines, an extensive bus network, and a ferry route that connects the Perth CBD and South Perth.
The Free Transit Zone covers all bus and train trips that start and finish in the city centre. A network of free Central Area Transit (CAT) buses also takes you to major city centre destinations.
SmartRider card: benefits and purchase locations
You can pay for public transport fares using SmartRider cards, single-ride tickets, or cash on buses and ferries. SmartRider cards can be purchased at any Transperth InfoCentre, the airport, or select retailers. The card costs $10 AUD and has a minimum initial load of $10 AUD, but the card offers several discounts that make it worth it for the city’s residents:
- Card fares are 10% cheaper than cash fares.
- If you set up autoload on your card, you receive a 20% discount on most fares.
- On Sundays, travel is free for all SmartRider users.
- Perth often runs free transport summers, where the entire public transport network is free for all SmartRider users for two or three months.
- Concessions are available for many users, including seniors, pensioners, and students.
Getting to the tourist hotspots
- Elizabeth Quay Train Station: An underground railway station right in the Free Transit Zone that’s well connected to many of the city’s popular sites.
- Fremantle Line: Access Cottesloe Beach or Fremantle Markets from central Perth.
- Perth City Busport: This central bus hub connects you to many useful routes for getting around the wider area.
Getting around Adelaide using public transport
Adelaide has an integrated network of bus, tram, and train services throughout the metropolitan area.
Buses are Adelaide’s primary mode of public transport. Its network includes the O-Bahn guided busway, which was once the world’s longest busway and is still the fastest. Adelaide also has seven suburban railway lines and one tram line.
The Free City Connector bus (routes 99A, 99C, 98A, and 98C) offers free services in the Adelaide central business district and North Adelaide. They connect many of the city’s most popular attractions so if you’re heading out shopping or dining, or going to one of Adelaide’s educational institutions, you can travel free. The tram is free as well, at least between the South Terrace and Botanic Gardens stops.
The city is testing some on-demand public transport options, so Adelaide Hills and Gawler residents can order door-to-door public transport services. Prices and other restrictions can apply, so check out their website for more information.
Getting and using a metroCARD
On all Adelaide public transport, you can pay with a metroCARD, a contactless bank card (not available on some trains), or the Buy & Go mobile ticket app. Fares are the same on all modes of transport and are cheaper at off-peak travel times. Concessions are available for older people and students.remit
The metroCARD is a rechargeable plastic card you can use on buses, trains, and trams, and fares are cheaper than with single tickets. You can buy and recharge them in person at many retailers. The cards are $5 AUD with a minimum credit load of $5 AUD.
With a physical metroCARD, you can purchase 14-day or 28-day passes as well as single rides or day passes. You can register it online to top it up, or set up auto reload if you’re going to be using the city’s public transport regularly.
Must-see destinations
- Bus 157: Gets you out to Largs and Semaphore, two of Adelaide’s most popular beaches.
- NOAR train line: Provides some beautifully scenic ocean views.
- OUTHA Train: Port Adelaide’s museums, weekend markets, and wharfs
- Bus 864: A scenic ride to Mount Barker.
Saving money on public transport across Australia
In a country as expensive to live as Australia, every penny (well, cent) counts. So to get the most out of the country’s extensive and pretty modern public transport network;
-
- Get your city’s local transport pass. They offer discounts over single fares pretty much everywhere.
- See if you’re eligible for any public transport concessions where you live.
- Travel off-peak if you can; most public transport offers reduced fares during less busy times.
- Use any free transport available in your area.
-
- Always tap on and tap off to get the cheapest fare.
-
- See if your workplace partners with the local transport authority to offer discount passes.
Best mobile apps for navigating Australian cities
If you’re still getting to grips with a new city, the route maps and changing circumstances like maintenance shut-downs can be a bit baffling. Like with many other modern challenges, apps can be the way to make your life easier.
- Google Maps: provides reliable journey planning.
- AnyTrip: Live transit tracking in most major Australian cities except Perth.
- Moovit: Real-time public transport alerts and directions.
- Most of Australia’s major cities offer their own local Transit apps too:
- Sydney: TripView
- Melbourne: PTV
- Brisbane: MyTranslink
- Perth: Transperth
Recommendations for intercity travel
We’ve said this before, but Australia is huge. The major cities Down Under are spread far and wide, and most people fly between them. Melbourne and Adelaide are two of the closest major cities, for example, and they’re 726 kilometres apart. Perth is considered the most isolated major city in the world.
So while there are plenty of options for intercity travel as well as flying, expect them to take some time.
Air: The Sydney to Melbourne air route is the second-busiest passenger route in the world. With more budget operators now, prices have decreased, but still fluctuate depending on the season.
Train: Australia doesn’t have high-speed rail, but trains are often more comfortable and faster than coaches. They can often get fully booked, though, so buy early. Each state operates its own network, and the southeast has a pretty comprehensive rail service from Cairns to Adelaide.
Bus: The coach bus network easily reaches small towns that trains and planes won’t go to. Many bus companies also offer passes for unlimited bus travel over a certain period.
So while the cities are spread far and wide, public transport will get you around Down Under, both within and beyond the major urban areas. Enjoy exploring!
FAQs
Which city has the highest rate of public transport users in Australia?
Sydney has the most transport trips taken in a calendar year, with more than 500 million taken in 2024. Some 27% of commuters use public transport regularly to get to work, the highest of any Australian city. Melbourne ranked second, with 400 million trips taken.
Which city in Australia has the best public transport?
Sydney is widely regarded as having the best public transport in Australia. And it’s no surprise when you realise that 67.2% of Sydneysiders—the most in Australia—live in areas with all-day frequent public transport available under 800 metres from their home.
How can you travel between cities in Australia?
There are plane, train, and coach options to get you between cities in Australia, but no cross-country high-speed rail network. Planes are the fastest and aren’t very expensive. Trains are typically more comfortable, but coaches are the only ones that reach smaller or further-out cities and towns.