Transport

Getting around Sydney can require planning ahead. This article outlines some of the transport options available to you in Sydney.

Public transport

Most students prefer to travel to the University by public transport – such as buses, trains, the light rail and ferries – to avoid traffic and parking hassles. Below are some things to keep in mind when using public transport. 

The Opal card

The Opal card is a smartcard used to pay for public transport in Greater Sydney. It can be used on trains when travelling as far as Bathurst, Bomaderry (Greater Wollongong) and Dungog and Scone (Greater Newcastle), as well as on buses, ferries, light rail, and metro train lines throughout Greater Sydney.

You can purchase and top up your Opal card at train stations, at most newsagents and convenience stores, or online. You can also buy single-use Opal tickets. 

You can also make pay your transport fare by making a contactless payment with an American Express, Mastercard or Visa credit or debit card, or a linked device such as a phone. Bank cards are charged adult fares. If you use the same card throughout the week, you receive the same discounts as an Opal card.

Find out more about the Opal card and fees. 

Can I get a concession Opal card?

Yes – if you are: 

• a full-time domestic student, or 
• an international student with a specified government-funded scholarship (such as an Australia Award or Research Training Program stipend), or
• a student enrolled part time on the basis of a disability.

No – if you are: 

• a part-time domestic student, or 
• a self-funded international student or an international student on any other form of scholarship. 

If you are not sure if you are eligible, you should apply for a concession Opal card. 

Fair fares campaign 

For many years, SUPRA and the SRC have fought to extend the transport concession scheme to international students and part-time students. In 2024, the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) formally recommended that the NSW Government extend concessions to these students, and we are now pushing the Government to implement the recommendation.

Visit our website to read more about our campaign and to get involved.

Timetables and trip planning

Transport NSW have timetables and trip-planning tools on their website. You can also download the Opal Travel app for your phone.

Fines

Always pay the correct fare for your travel. The fines for being caught with the wrong card or ticket on public transport can be up to $550. During semester, ticket inspectors often wait at bus stops near the University. Read our fines article for more information. 

E-bikes and e-scooters

E-bikes can be used on public roads and road-related areas in NSW if they meet the requirements for permitted use.

E-scooters and hoverboards are illegal to use on roads or footpaths in NSW. You can only use them on private property. The only exception is if you hire an e-scooter as part of a valid NSW trial. If you are fined for riding an e-scooter or hoverboard illegally, you can contact our Legal Service for advice. 

Village to Village bus

The free Village to Village bus service runs on Thursdays and Fridays and stops near Darlington campus. There are 3 routes available:  

1. Redfern to Woolloomooloo via Chinatown  
2. Redfern to Pyrmont via RPAH and Broadway
3. Redfern to Broadway via Green Square and RPAH. 

Free campus shuttle bus

The University operates two free shuttle bus services: 

1. Fisher Library to Redfern station
2. Camden campus to Camden CBD and Campbelltown station.  

You can access the free shuttle bus timetables on the University website, or you can download the app Transport Me and select Big Bus Co. as the operator to track where the bus is at any given time.

The shuttle bus between Redfern station and Camperdown/Darlington campus has wheelchair access on all services.  

Driving

Camperdown/Darlington campus has limited paid parking. To pay for parking, download the CelloPark app on your phone and register your vehicle’s licence plate and credit card. The cost for Pay As You Go (PAYG) parking is maximum $5 a day. Alternatively, casual parking rates are $4 per hour.

Students with a valid Transport NSW Mobility Parking Permit can park in accessible parking bays. They can also park for free in any of the numbered parking bays, except for those marked ‘University Owned Vehicles Only’ or ‘Loading Zone’.  

To find parking spaces on the Camperdown/Darlington campus, go to Campus maps and select the icon for ‘Car Parking’, ‘Motorbike Parking' or ‘Accessible Parking’.

Free timed and untimed parking spaces can also be found on streets surrounding the Camperdown/Darlington campus. Make sure that you read the parking signs and obey any restrictions shown on the signs to avoid getting a parking fine.

For emergency transport needs on Camperdown/Darlington campus, contact Campus Security on 9351 3333 and request a vehicle with a full hydraulic wheelchair lift. 

Buying a car

If you need to buy a car, check out the information provided by NSW Fair Trading and Service NSW before you commit to a purchase.

Cycling

The University website provides information for students wishing to cycle to campus, including information about showers, lockers, changing rooms and bike fix it stations. These services can be located using Campus maps.

You can find the best cycle routes to and from campus using Transport for NSW’s Cycleway Finder map.

Parking your bike on campus

Campus maps also shows the locations of bike parking stations. Be careful to park only in designated bike parking areas or your bike may be removed and taken to Campus Security. Make sure you also lock your bike correctly and use a high-quality lock, as university campuses are common targets for bike thieves. 

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Written by SUPRA Postgraduate Advocacy Service September 2025