Guide to getting around Sydney

One of the most traveller-friendly cities on the planet, Sydney provides visitors with a dazzling array of options to get around the city. With a thriving, and easy-to-use public transport system, together with various private options, visitors and locals can easily explore this buzzing city.

From buses, ferries, uber or train here’s a comprehensive guide to navigating your way around Sydney!

Sydney Public Transport & Opal Card

Image courtesy of Pixabay

The heartbeat of the city is its extensive public transportation system. Its buses, trains, ferries, and light rail systems operate from a central ticketing system, the Opal card. If you arrive by air, you can purchase an Opal card at the airport. Otherwise, you can get one online or at an approved retailer.

Image via: Opal

With your Opal Card, you can enjoy all the perks of Sydney’s fabulous public transport system. Each type of public transportation, though, has its own specific advantages. Here’s a rundown of your options:

• Ferries: These graceful boats are the best way to get to seaside attractions, such as the Opera House and Darling Harbour. Feel the sea breeze in your hair and get a better view when you arrive by ferry.
• Buses: With nearly 24/7 service, buses can take you throughout the city and to areas beyond. You must have an Opal Card or a prepaid ticket, however, to ride. Buses do not accept contactless credit cards.
• Light rail: This service is a convenient way to get anywhere from a central location, such as Central Station. Reliable and on time, light rail is the Sydney commuter’s top choice.
• Train: Trains, too, are a cost-efficient way to see the city and mingle with the locals. If you plan to take a side trip to some of the nearby sights around the rest of New South Wales (NSW), a train is your best bet.

Hop-on, hop-off buses

Image via Viator

Besides public transportation options, there are plenty of other ways to see Sydney. If you’re short on time and long on things you want to see, the Big Bus hop-on, hop-off bus is a fantastic option. 

For a single ticket price—either a 24-hour or a 48-hour ticket—you can see as many of the local high points you can fit into your trip with Sydney’s hop-on-hop-off buses. Buses run every 20 to 30 minutes, and you can hop on and off as many times as you please to explore the sights. This bus service ends at 6:30 p.m.

Image via Pixabay

Your fare covers two tours, the Bondi Beach tour and the city tour. This gives you the option to see everything on your must-see list, including the Opera House, Darling Harbour, the Harbour Bridge, the Royal Botanical Gardens, and many more!

During your tour, you can listen to an insightful narrative describing the scenery in eight different languages. Or, if you prefer, catch up on the latest news on your mobile device with the free WI-FI.

Uber, taxi, limos, car rentals and ride-sharing services

Image via Unsplash

Whether you choose a taxi, a limo, or a ride-sharing service like Uber you can catch a ride to almost anywhere in Sydney and its surrounds.

If you arrived by air, you can rent a car at the airport. Several major car hire companies have desks in the various terminals. Many aren’t open after 11:00 p.m., so plan to arrive before then if you plan to rent a car. You can also book one of Sydney’s taxi cab services, Premier Cabs or 13cabs.

Explore Sydney by foot

Image via I'm Free Sydney

If you prefer to get in your daily exercise as you discover all Sydney has to offer, free tours to help you find the city’s high spots. A self-guided tour is also an option when you want to see sights at your leisure.

Quick Guide to Sydney

Image courtesy of Pexels

While there are many more attractions in the Sydney area than there is space on a page, there are several in particular that you won’t want to miss. And they’re all easily accessible from Cambridge Hotel!

• Sydney Harbour Bridge - one of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks
• Sydney Opera House - an architectural masterpiece famous all around the world
• Darling Harbour - a vibrant waterside hub full of amazing eateries and shops
• Taronga Zoo -  a not-for-profit zoo with harbourside views featuring animals from Australia and all over the world
• The Rocks- a historic precinct with spectacular views of the bridge, quirky cafes and boutiques
• Museum of Contemporary Art - harbourside museum with cutting-edge art on a local and international level
• The Royal Botanic Garden - an oasis of spectacular flora in the heart of the city
• Bondi Beach - here you’ll find the instagrammable ocean pool, and Australia’s most infamous beach
• The Art Gallery of New South Wales - home to amazing collections of European, Asian and Australian art.

Getting to Cambridge Hotel

Conveniently located in the heart of Surry Hills, Cambridge Hotel is one of the best places to launch your Sydney adventure.

To get to the Cambridge Hotel from the airport, the quickest route is by train, taxi, or rideshare. Although the train is by far the most cost-effective, they don’t run late at night.

However you get here, you’ll receive a warm welcome—and superb tips on where to find the best dining, entertainment, and sightseeing options around town.

Book your stay at Cambridge Hotel today!