How to get travel card in Sydney?

Opal card info The Sydney Airport station access fee isn't included in the travel caps. Opal cards can be obtained from train stations and the domestic and international airport, as well as many retailers across the city. For more information, visit opal.com.au.



To use public transport in Sydney, you need an Opal card or a contactless payment method. You can get an "Adult" or "Child/Youth" Opal card over the counter at thousands of retailers, including convenience stores (like 7-Eleven or EzyMart), newsagents, and major supermarkets. There is no fee for the card itself, but you must "load" it with a minimum value (usually $10–$20) at the time of purchase. For most tourists in 2026, the easiest method is to simply "Tap on and Tap off" using your own contactless credit or debit card (or a digital wallet on your phone/watch). This gives you the same "Opal" benefits, including daily and weekly fare caps, without the need to find a store or manage a separate card balance. If you are a senior or student, however, you must apply for a specific "Concession" Opal card online in advance, as these require proof of eligibility and cannot be bought over the counter.

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Depending on the city, you can also buy the cards at vending machines, convenience stores, such as 7-Eleven, newsagents, bus stations, train stations, ferry piers, pharmacies and supermarkets.

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Daily and Weekly Caps $17.80 a day (Mondays to Thursdays), $8.90 on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. $50 a week.

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The station is located at the northern end of the terminal and accessible from the Arrivals level. To use this service, you can either purchase an Opal Card from the station or WH Smith, or tap on with your Amex, Visa or Mastercard.

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To use the network, you'll need to either purchase an Opal card or use a contactless credit card, debit card or mobile device. Use an Opal card or your preferred payment method on public transport services in Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Hunter Valley, Illawarra and the Southern Highlands.

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Sydney Airport is located just 13 minutes by train from the city. Airport Link offers a fast and convenient way to reach the city and suburbs, with trains running approximately every 10 minutes. The station is located at the northern end of the terminal and accessible from the Arrivals level.

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Travel as much as you want on metro, train, bus, ferry and light rail services within the Opal network and you never pay more than: $17.80 a day (Mondays to Thursdays), $8.90 on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. $50 a week.

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If you don't have an Opal card, you can use a contactless payment card such as an American Express, Visa or Mastercard for the same fare and benefits of an Adult Opal card. Don't forget, it is an offence to travel on public transport in NSW without being in possession of a valid ticket.

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Simply tap on and tap off with your contactless card or device on the Opal reader to pay the Adult fare and receive all the same travel benefits. Contactless payments are available on all public transport in the Opal network. Reduced travel fares are not currently available using contactless payments.

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To avoid paying Sydney Airport's $16 'station access fee', you can walk to Mascot station and board the Airport Link train from there. The walk is about 20-25 minutes, or you can take a bus from Sydney Airport to Mascot station.

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