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Transport

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. 

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 as far as Bathurst, Bomaderry (Greater Wollongong) and Dungog and Scone (Greater Newcastle,) as well as buses, ferries, light rail, and metro train lines throughout Greater Sydney. View the public transport Opal Network map. You can purchase or top-up your Opal card from machines at train stations, most newsagents and convenience stores, or you can purchase and top-up online. You can also buy single-use Opal tickets, in an emergency. 

You can also use American Express, Mastercard, Visa credit or debit cards or a linked device (phone) 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. 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 AusAID). 

No – if you are: 

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

If you are not sure of your eligibility you should apply for a concession Opal card. 

Timetables and trip planning 

Transport NSW has online timetables and trip-planning tools on their website. They can also recommend transport apps 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 high – up to $200. During semester, ticket inspectors often wait at bus stops near the University. More information on fines. 

E-bikes and e-scooters

E-bikes that meet the requirements for permitted use can be used on public roads and road-related areas in NSW. E-scooters (that are not part of a valid NSW trial) and hoverboards are illegal to use in NSW off private property. You cannot use them on roads or footpaths, and you may face fines if you do. If you receive a fine and you disagree with it, you can contact our Legal Service for advice. 

Village to Village bus 

The free Village to Village bus services run on Thursdays and Fridays within the City of Sydney, and close to Darlington campus. There are 3 routes available:  

1. Redfern to Woolloomooloo via China Town  
2. Redfern to Broadway via Glebe 
3. Redfern to Broadway via Green Square. 

Free campus shuttle bus 

The University operates several free shuttle bus services: 

1. Fisher Library to Redfern station: 4–10:30pm, all year round, apart from weekends, public holidays and the Christmas shut down period  
2. Camperdown campus to Australian Technology Park: during semesters only
3. Camperdown campus to Mallet Street 
4. Camden campus to Camden CBD and Campbelltown station.  

Free campus shuttle bus timetable and information. 

Accessibility on campus 

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. 

Cycling  

The University website features information on the best and safest cycle routes to Camperdown campus and Lidcombe campus. 

Parking your bike on 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. 

Driving 

Parking is extremely limited around most Usyd campuses, but students can pay as you go with CellOPark app. More information on parking can be found here. 

Buying a car 

If you need to buy a car, NSW Fair Trading has some useful information, and so does Service NSW. 

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Written by SUPRA Postgraduate Advocacy Service March 2023

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