Getting around Sydney requires planning. Most students prefer travelling to the University by public transport to avoid traffic and parking hassles. Train, bus and ferry rides can be convenient if you use an Opal card or bank card
The Opal card is a smartcard used to pay for public transport in Sydney, and as far as Katoomba, Wollongong and Newcastle. You can buy single-use Opal tickets, or a reusable card that can be topped up and offers better value for money. You can purchase or top-up your Opal card from machines at train stations, most newsagents and convenience stores like 7-Eleven, or purchase and top-up online.
You can also use American Express, Mastercard, Visa credit or debit cards, or a linked device, to make contactless payments. Bank cards are charged adult fares. If you use the same card throughout the week, you receive the same discounts as an Opal card.
Yes – if you are:
No – if you are:
If you are not sure of your eligibility you should apply for a concession Opal card.
Transport NSW has online timetables and trip-planning tools on their website. They can also recommend transport apps for your smart device.
Always pay the correct fare for your travel. The fines for being caught with the wrong card or ticket on public transport can be high – up to $200. During semester ticket inspectors often wait at bus stops near the University. More information on fines.
The free Village to Village bus services run on Thursdays and Fridays within the City of Sydney, and close to Darlington campus. There are 4 routes available:
The University operates several free shuttle bus services:
Free campus shuttle bus timetable and information.
The shuttle bus between Redfern station and Camperdown/Darlington campus has wheelchair access on all services.
Students with a valid Transport NSW Mobility Parking Permit may park in accessible parking bays, as well as park for free in any of the numbered parking bays, except for those marked ‘University Owned Vehicles Only’ or ‘Loading Zone’.
For emergency transport needs on Camperdown/Darlington campus, students can contact Campus Security on 9351 3333 and request a vehicle with full hydraulic wheelchair lift.
The University website features information on the best and safest cycle routes to Camperdown campus and Lidcombe campus.
Campus maps can show you the locations of bike parking stations. Be careful to park only in designated bike parking or your bike may be removed and taken to Campus Security. Make sure you lock your bike correctly and use a high-quality lock, as university campuses are common targets for bike thieves.
Parking is extremely limited around most Usyd campuses, but students can buy a virtual permit to park on main campus.
If you need to buy a car, NSW Fair Trading has some useful information, and so does Service NSW.
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Last updated April 2022
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