Sydney is a big city with spectacular sites, world-class restaurants and cafes, and stunning scenery to enjoy. But seeing all the highlights doesn’t have to eat into your travel funds. With Sydney’s huge network of public transport and easy-to-use taxi and ridesharing services, you can conveniently experience the best the city has to offer.
Opal Cards
If you’re planning on being in Sydney for a few days or more, it’s worth picking up an Opal Card. Using the card on Sydney’s trains, buses, and ferries is simple, worry-free, and secure, with the added bonus that you won’t need to be frantically rummaging around in your bag for loose change. You can buy an Opal Card online before you arrive, at the airport, or at one of many Opal Card retailers around Sydney. When using your Opal Card, always remember to tap on as you enter the station or board the bus or ferry and tap off on your way out.
Don’t worry if you can’t get your hand on an Opal. You can also use other contactless payment methods such as your debit/credit card the same way as you would with an Opal card.
Ferries
Catching a ferry is more than just a great way to get from A to B – it can also be a fantastic way to see some of the city’s most iconic sights. From your Meriton Suites hotel suite, make your way to Sydney’s famous wharf at Circular Quay and hop on one of the ferries for a scenic and relaxing ride to your destination. Head to the world-famous Taronga Zoo, go west along the Parramatta River, hop across the bay to Milsons Point wharf for Luna Park, or see the Opera House and Harbour Bridge when you take the ferry across to the beach suburb of Manly.
Trains
Sydney’s trains are easy to use and offer a quick way to get around the city or explore some of the city’s vibrant multicultural neighbourhoods. Catching the train from Sydney’s International or Domestic airports into the city is also a simple and efficient way to get to your Meriton Suites accommodation. Trains arrive regularly, so there’s no stress and no worry about being overcharged.
Staying close to major transport hubs like Town Hall, Museum, or Central stations makes jumping on a train and seeing the city so much easier. For a unique experience, cross the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge when you catch a train from the city headed towards Milsons Point.
Light Rail
The L2/L3 lines connect hotel guests with frequent services in the city, extending from Circular Quay along George Street to Central Station, then continuing through Surry Hills to Moore Park precinct which includes Sydney Cricket Ground. After this it travels to Kensington and Kingsford via Anzac Parade, and to Randwick via Alison Road and High Street, taking in the racecourse, the University of NSW, and the Prince of Wales Hospital.
Catching the L1 light rail to Darling Harbour and beyond is a great option for sightseeing as you can hop on and off at multiple attractions, including the bustling Paddy’s Markets, the vibrant Exhibition Centre, or even the glitzy Star Casino.
Buses
If there’s not a train station near your destination, then there’s almost definitely going to be a bus. Sydney’s buses run frequently and the network covers most of the CBD, inner suburbs, and even further out.
If you’re a night owl and enjoy experiencing Sydney’s exciting nightlife, you’ll find many bus routes run 24/7. If you happen to get caught out and miss your last train, don’t worry, the NightRide bus service runs from midnight to 4:30am and stops at most major train stations.
Taxis and Ridesharing
If you’re heading into the CBD from the airport, then there’s no simpler, more direct and convenient way than by catching a taxi. The taxi rank at the airport is easy to access and has people on hand to assist during peak periods. If you prefer using a ridesharing app then you’ll need to follow the green signs and head towards the Priority Pick-up zone where your driver will pick you up.
Similarly, catching taxis and rideshare services to get around the city in a hurry can be convenient, however during peak periods within the CBD, keep in mind that it can sometimes be quicker to travel by train.
Planning your journey around Sydney is easy! Visit transportnsw.info for more information about timetables and transport methods.
