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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 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.

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 smart device.

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.

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 4 routes available:

• Redfern to Broadway and the Fish Markets via Alexandria and Newtown
• Redfern to Broadway via Glebe
• Woolloomooloo to Redfern and Broadway via Kings Cross, Surry Hills, and Central Station
• Broadway to Haymarket via Millers Point.

Free campus shuttle bus

The University operates several free shuttle bus services:

• Camperdown/Darlington campus to Redfern station
• Camperdown campus to Australian Technology Park
• Camperdown campus to Mallet Street
• 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 buy a virtual permit to park on main campus.

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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Last updated April 2022

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