For those new to Australia, due to the high cost of taxis, public transport is usually the preferred mode of transportation. This post will guide you through how to use public transport in the three major Australian cities. If you’re in need, make sure to read on!
Public Transport Cards
Different states in Australia may use different types of public transport cards. Here are some commonly used public transport card types in major Australian cities:
- New South Wales — Opal
- Victoria — Myki
- Queensland — Go Card
- Australian Capital Territory — MyWay
- South Australia — MetroCARD
- Western Australia — SmartRider
- Tasmania — GreenCard
Public Transports in Melbourne
Subway and Bus
Using the Myki card is a must for taking the subway or bus, especially if you’re heading to the Puffing Billy steam train station. Without a taxi, you’ll need a Myki card for subway and bus rides. Adult card costs $6, child card costs $3, and the card fee is non-refundable!
On weekdays, the daily deduction limit is around $10, and on holidays, it’s $7.2 (if you swipe the card and board within 2 hours, it only deducts once).
Tram
If you only take the Tram, you can actually ride for free if it’s within the Free Tram Zone at the starting or ending point. So, you can decide whether to purchase Myki based on your needs.
Skybus
Skybus is a bus from the airport to Melbourne city centre; tickets need to be purchased separately for round trips or one-way trips. (Accepts Visa/Master Card/UnionPay). For those asking about the Great Ocean Road, renting a car, hiring a car, or joining a day tour are currently available options.
Public Transports in Sydney
Metro, Train, Bus, Ferry and Light Rail
Uses the Opal card (refund process can be cumbersome), and credit cards are accepted (download the form from transportnsw, sign, provide personal information, Australian address, and bank account details, mail it to the Opal office, and wait for it to be processed within 60 working days). Applicable for: Metro, Train, Bus, Ferry, and Light Rail.
Adult daily cap on weekdays is $16.8, weekly cap is $50, and on weekends or public holidays, it’s capped at $8.4.
Except for the Ferry, on weekends, holidays, or off-peak hours, the fare is automatically discounted by 30% (but the price varies depending on the distance).
After using Opal or contactless credit card payment eight times a week, the fare is halved. When traveling on different types of public transport within the city circle, you can get a $2 discount within 60 minutes.
Although Sydney is not small, if you prefer walking, going to several attractions without a card is no problem at all!
Public Transports in Brisbane, Gold Coast and Cairns
Gold Coast and Brisbane use the Go Card & Go Explore (available at the airport WHSmith supermarket stations, and you can return the card at the airport WHSmith).
Go Card is universal for Brisbane & Gold Coast, with a $10 deposit; you can also use it for round-trip train travel between the two places. Go Explore allows unlimited bus and tram rides on the Gold Coast for $10 a day. Go Card is 30% cheaper than a single ticket, and after riding more than 8 times a week, you get a half-price discount, and an additional 20% off during off-peak hours.
In Cairns, there is no public transport card, and card payments are not accepted, only cash! (But the town is not big, so no need to worry too much; taxi fares are not very expensive!)
Public Transports in Adelaide
Adelaide Metro connects the city and its surrounding areas, you can find schedule, fare, and route information on their website.
Some tram and bus routes offer free rides. Bus routes 98A, 98C, 99A, and 99C are free of charge.
Public transport generally operates from 5:00 AM in the morning until midnight.
All of these can be used with the Metro Card, a public transport card. Just swipe your card once when boarding. You can make unlimited free transfers within a two-hour period!
Public Transports in Perth
You can get a SmartRider transport card at any major station in Perth. The card has a $10 issuance fee, and the initial recharge starts from $10. Perth’s public transport service desks may have relatively short operating hours. If you’re new to Perth and plan to take the bus in the evening, you might need to pay the driver in cash.
You can use your SmartRider card on buses, trains, or ferries.
When boarding a vehicle or entering a station, place the card on the card reader. The screen will display “Accepted.” When alighting or leaving the station, swipe the card again, and the screen will show your travel cost and card balance. If the balance is insufficient, remember to recharge!
Public Transports in Tasmania
You can use the GreenCard for public transportation (bus or ferry) or buy a single journey ticket with cash upon boarding. The former offers a 20% discount compared to the latter, and there is a daily fare cap, providing free rides once exceeded.
You can also download the Metro Tas App which allows checking schedules and planning travel routes.