brisbane public transport travel card

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GETTING around Brisbane

Brisbane prides itself on being green and its sustainability, so it’s no wonder that public transport is one of the best ways to get around the city. With the TransLink go card you can travel seamlessly on all TransLink bus, ferry and rail services across south-east Queensland. It’s the perfect travel companion. Get your go card from selected retailers and QR stations, online or over the phone, and top up your card balance like a prepaid mobile phone whenever it suits you. Are you looking for public transport information in your language? Are you expecting international visitors? The Translink website has updated its online translations to include public transport information in 17 different languages.

Go Card  

Want to know the easiest way to get around town? Pick up a TransLink go card and travel seamlessly on all TransLink bus, ferry and rail services across South East Queensland. The perfect travel companion, go cards are available from attended Queensland Rail stations, online , over the phone, any 7-Eleven or Night Owl store and selected retailers displaying the 'buy' symbol. Top up the card balance like a prepaid mobile phone whenever it suits. Find out more here .  

Free Transport  

Hail a bus for free in the inner city. The City Loop and Spring Hill Loop bus services circle the city every 10 minutes and stop at destinations in the CBD and Spring Hill precincts between 7am to 6pm weekdays. Glide between Brisbane’s inner-city precincts by hopping on the free CityHopper ferry service, which travels along the river from North Quay to Sydney Street, New Farm. For any inquiries regarding public transport, please contact Translink on 13 12 30 or visit the website .  

Ferries  

Let the river be your guide. Brisbane’s ferries, affectionately known as CityCats, are one of the most enjoyable ways to explore The City. Glide along the river with CityCat and ferry services, perfect for sight-seeing and accessing key city spots. A go card is required to travel on a CityCat or Cross River ferry. Hop on board the free CityHopper ferry service to get round inner-city precincts for free. For any inquiries regarding public transport, please contact Translink on 13 12 30 or visit the website .  

Buses  

Explore Brisbane’s neighbourhoods through a comprehensive bus service that runs throughout the city, connecting the outer and inner suburbs to the CBD, major shopping centres, entertainment and dining precincts, railway stations and ferry terminals. Take advantage of special NightLink bus services running after midnight on Fridays and Saturdays for late-night travellers. Or get around the inner city with the free City Loop and Spring Hill Loop. Plan your trip now on Translink’s journey planner. For any inquiries regarding public transport, please contact Translink on 13 12 30 or visit the website .  

Trains  

Brisbane’s speedy network of electric trains has the Greater Brisbane region covered and provides direct access to the city, quirky neighbourhood precincts and outer suburbs. There is also a handy Airtrain service that is completely integrated into the Queensland Rail suburban network, with regular trains running from Brisbane Airport directly to Brisbane City and the Gold Coast. Travel on a single ticket from any station in South East Queensland to Brisbane Airport. For any inquiries regarding public transport, please contact Translink on 13 12 30 or visit the website .  

Taxis  

Taxi ranks are available at the Brisbane international and domestic airports, as well as throughout The City and inner-city precincts. Jump in a taxi to be assured of a quick and efficient way of getting around. A standard taxi will cater for four passengers or fewer. For wheel-chair access or to transport five to 10 passengers, it’s best to order a Multi Passenger Taxi. Contact Black & White Cabs on 133 222 and 13cabs 13 22 27. 

Rideshare  

Brisbane is home to Uber, DiDi, Ola, Lyft and GoCatch. 

Driving  

You are permitted to drive in Queensland if you hold a valid Australian or foreign licence. If your licence is in a language other than English, you should carry an English translation of it when driving. 

Bikes & Scooters   

Make the most of Brisbane’s wonderful outdoor climate by biking or scootering around town. There are extensive bicycle paths running throughout the city and pedal-power offers a healthy and inexpensive way of getting around. Download the Neuron and Beam apps to hire handy e-bikes and e-scooters to navigate Brisbane with ease. Don’t forget to wear your helmet and follow all speed limits!  

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South Bank, Brisbane, Queensland © Tourism & Events Queensland

Getting around Brisbane

With riverside expressways and an extensive public transport system, getting around Brisbane is straightforward and efficient.

By Mark Sariban

Brisbane is an easy city to get around. The metropolitan area has a great range of options for public transport, driving, cycling and walking. Here’s how to move around the city with ease.

Transport in Brisbane

River City Cruises, Brisbane, Queensland © Tourism Australia

• Airport Transfers
• Accessibility

Brisbane has an extensive public transport system of buses, trains and ferries. To use the network, it’s recommended that you purchase a TransLink Go Card . You can also purchase pre-paid paper tickets at stations and fare machines before boarding a bus, train or ferry service.

• Use a Go Card on the TransLink network throughout southeast Queensland, including services from Brisbane to the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast .
• Purchase a Go Card and load it with funds at designated retailers at Brisbane Airport and convenience stores, and at train stations throughout the city. Go Card also has specific offers for visitors and tourists. You can add money to the card at fare machines and Go Card retailers across the city.
• Tap your Go Card on the reader when you board your selected mode of transport and be sure to tap off when you disembark.
• You can also pay for selected train fares with contactless credit cards, debit cards and mobile devices, with smart ticketing being rolled out across the public transport network. 

Tip: If you are using a credit card, debit card or mobile device instead of a Go Card, be sure to use the same payment method when you tap on and tap off.

Brisbane is serviced by domestic and international terminals at Brisbane Airport (BNE). There are several options for reaching the city from the airport.

• The Airtrain runs from the domestic and international terminals to stations in Brisbane’s city centre. Travel time between the airport and the city is around 20 minutes, with services running every 15–30 minutes. Use a Go Card for your fare or purchase single tickets for travel. Purchase your tickets in advance through the Airtrain website for discounted fares.
• You’ll find taxi ranks and rideshare pick-up areas at the front of each terminal – simply follow the signage. The journey from the airport to the city takes around 20 minutes outside of peak periods. 
• If you’re travelling with a lot of luggage, you can book a door-to-door airport transfer with Con-X-ion .

Tip: Even if you’re travelling in a group of four or more, it will be less expensive to travel to the city by Airtrain than taxi or rideshare.

In Australia, airlines, trains, buses and ferries have accessible options for people using mobility devices, as well as services for hearing and vision impaired travellers.

• Brisbane Airport provides special assistance for people with disabilities and can help with baggage, getting around the airport, and getting on and off the plane. 
• The majority of trains have accessible options – check the TransLink website for information on using public transport before your trip.
• All Brisbane City Council buses have low floors providing level access, as well a wheelchair ramps.
• All CityCat ferries and most terminals are fully accessible. However, CityHopper and Cross River Ferry services are not accessible.

Getting around Brisbane on public transport

City Cat, Brisbane, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland

Brisbane’s rail network is a great way to visit attractions across the city and reach the surrounding suburbs. Use the Journey Planner tool to map your route.

• Major stations in the city include Central Station and Roma Street Station. From either of these stations, you can catch a train to reach attractions including the Queensland Museum or the Gallery of Modern Art , and destinations such as South Bank or Fortitude Valley.

Brisbane has a number of busways that separate buses from other traffic on the roads. The bus network is an efficient way of hopping around Brisbane and its neighbourhoods. Use the Journey Planner tool to map your route.

• Free City Loop and Spring Hill Loop bus services operate in the city centre. These bus loops run in both clockwise and anti-clockwise directions, and depart every 10 minutes between 7am and 6pm. 
• CityGlider bus services pass through the city centre on two routes: from West End to Teneriffe; and from Ashgrove to Coorparoo. These services run every 5–15 minutes.

The Brisbane River makes its way through the centre of Brisbane, so ferries are a popular way to get around. 

• The free CityHopper ferry operates between North Quay terminal in South Bank and Sydney Street wharf in New Farm. You can use this service to travel to the Howard Smith Wharves dining and entertainment precinct. 
• Use a Go Card to catch the CityCat ferry , which will take you to attractions like Eat Street Northshore and the City Botanic Gardens.

Getting around Brisbane by car

James Street, Brisbane, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland

Driving in Brisbane is straightforward and safe, but you may want to check whether your hotel charges a daily parking fee. 

• Brisbane City Council operates two centrally located car parks , at King George Square and Wickham Terrace. 
• You can also book tours to many of the stunning destinations outside of Brisbane and leave the driving to someone else.

Brisbane is serviced by two major taxi companies, 13cabs and Black & White Cabs . 

• You can hail a taxi on the street or at taxi ranks in built-up areas. 
• Secure taxi ranks operate late at night on Fridays and Saturdays in busy locations. 
• You can also book a taxi by phoning individual companies, downloading their apps or using the GoCatch app.

Most major ridesharing platforms operate in Brisbane, including Uber , Ola and DiDi , as well as local operator GoCatch .

Tip: Female travellers can also book a ride with Shebah , a rideshare service with all-women drivers catering to women. (Adult men can use the service if they need to transport a child who requires an approved child safety seat.)

Make the most of your time in Brisbane with a guided tour. There are numerous tour operators providing customisable half-day and full-day tours of the city and surrounds, including Prestige Day Tours and, for foodies, Delectable Tours . 

• Enjoy an emissions-free sightseeing tour of Brisbane by pedicab with Green Cabs . 
• See the sights of Brisbane by Segway with Kangaroo Segway Tours .

12 of the best hotels in Brisbane

Other forms of transport in Brisbane

River Walk, Brisbane, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland

• Cycling & scooting

Joining a sightseeing river cruise is a great way to get to know Brisbane. 

• River City Cruises offers daily sightseeing cruises along the Brisbane River. 
• Mirimar Cruises runs Koala and Brisbane River Cruises that include a visit to nearby Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary . 
• Both cruise companies operate from the Cultural Centre Pontoon, South Bank.

With an extensive network of separated bike paths , including along the riverbanks surrounding the city centre, cycling around Brisbane is easy. 

• The CityLink Cycleway provides protected bike lanes through the heart of the city.
• Download an app from Beam or Neuron to access a pool of shared e-bikes and e-scooters across Brisbane.

Tip: E-bikes and other e-mobility devices are not permitted on roads in the city centre, however, you can ride them on the CityLink Cycleway.

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How to Use a Go Card in Brisbane

If you're planning to explore the vibrant city of Brisbane, Australia, using public transportation, then you'll want to familiarise yourself with the Go Card system. The Go Card is an essential tool for getting around the city efficiently and cost-effectively. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about using a Go Card in Brisbane.

Not all transport requires a Go Card, you can use your debit card on most train lines in Brisbane.

What is a Go Card?

A Go Card is a smart card that allows for convenient and cashless travel on Brisbane's public transportation network, including buses, ferries, and trains. It's similar to the Oyster card in London or the MetroCard in New York City. The card can be loaded with funds and used for seamless travel throughout the TransLink network, making it a must-have for both locals and tourists.

How to Get a Go Card

Getting a Go Card is easy, and there are several ways to obtain one:

Online: You can order a Go Card online through the official TransLink website ( https://translink.com.au/ ). After ordering, the card will be mailed to your address. This option is especially convenient if you're planning your trip in advance.

In-Person: Go Cards are available at numerous retailers and select train stations across Brisbane. Look for the distinctive green and yellow Go Card signs at retail locations, including 7-Eleven and convenience stores.

Ticket Machines: You can also purchase a Go Card from ticket machines at major train stations and ferry terminals.

Registering Your Go Card

While it's not mandatory, registering your Go Card offers added benefits, such as balance protection if your card is lost or stolen. To register your card, visit the TransLink website and follow the instructions provided.

How to Load Credit onto Your Go Card

Before you start your journey, you'll need to load credit onto your Go Card. You can do this in various ways:

Online: Visit the TransLink website and log in to your account to top up your card using a credit or debit card.

In-Person: You can add credit to your Go Card at selected retailers, including 7-Eleven stores and train station ticket machines. Simply follow the on-screen prompts.

Auto Top-Up: For added convenience, you can set up an auto top-up option linked to your credit or debit card. This ensures your card always has enough credit for your travels.

Using Your Go Card

Using a Go Card is simple and straightforward:

Tap On: When boarding a bus, ferry, or train, locate the card reader and tap your Go Card on the reader. You'll hear a beep to confirm your card has been accepted.

Tap Off: When exiting your chosen mode of transport, be sure to tap your Go Card again to complete your journey. This ensures you're charged the correct fare.

Fares and Zones

Brisbane's public transportation network is divided into zones, and fares are calculated based on the number of zones you travel through. The farther you travel, the more zones you pass through, and the higher your fare will be. It's essential to check the TransLink website or the interactive map for information on fares and zones to plan your journey accurately.

Additional Tips for Using Your Go Card

Always ensure you have enough credit on your Go Card before starting your journey.

Keep your Go Card separate from other cards, as multiple cards in your wallet can interfere with the card reader.

If you encounter any issues with your Go Card, you can seek assistance from TransLink's customer service or visit a Go Card retailer.

The Go Card is your key to exploring the beautiful city of Brisbane with ease and convenience. By following this comprehensive guide on how to use a Go Card, you'll be ready to navigate the city's public transportation network like a local, saving both time and money as you discover all that Brisbane has to offer.

Happy travels!

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Brisbane   Travel Guide

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Getting Around Brisbane

The best way to get around Brisbane is by public transportation. Thanks to the combination of buses, ferries, trams and trains operated by TransLink, the central business district and outer suburbs are easy to reach. You can even take a train from the Brisbane Airport (BNE) to the central business district via the city's Airtrain system. (The airport is located about 11 miles northeast of the downtown area.) Or, rely on your own two feet to get around the city. Brisbane's compact size lends itself well to biking and walking, especially along the many paths that follow the river's winding curves. Only rent a car if you plan to drive to Brisbane's outer regions, like Moreton Bay or the Redlands; you won't need your own set of wheels with this city's reliable public transportation.

To effortlessly transfer between the various public transportation modes, use a frequent rider pass, like a go card or seeQ card. A seeQ card allows you to use any TransLink bus, train, tram or ferry for three or five consecutive days. With this card, you can travel throughout Brisbane. Plus, the card includes two Airtrain trips. A go card differs from a seeQ card in that you can choose how much money to put on the card. You can refill the balance of your card online, at go card locations and at fare machines in train stations and select bus stations. Fares for Brisbane's public transportation are determined on a zone system. There are eight zones, but most of the top attractions in Brisbane are situated within Zone 1.

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Brisbane residents may soon be able to ditch their Go Cards with smartphone, bank card trial expanded

Train commuters in Brisbane may soon have the option to ditch their Go Cards, with a new smart ticketing system being trialled in the north-western suburbs.

Key points:

• The new payment system, which was introduced on the Gold Coast light rail network in 2020, is similar to the ones in Sydney and London
• The Transport Minister said regional commuters "loved" smart ticketing because they could travel to metropolitan areas without having to change payment systems
• The next phase of the rollout will involve extending it to south-east Queensland buses

From Monday, passengers on the Ferny Grove train line will be able to use their credit and debit cards to pay for transport, including smart devices with card payment apps.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey said the trial was part of a four-year program to unite 18 different payment systems across Queensland.

"What we know from other systems where this has been implemented is you're able to, as a provider, give more services with the number of trains and drivers that you have because the boarding is so much quicker," he said.

"So investment in technology is an investment in the increases of frequency over time, and a better public transport system."

The new payment system, which was introduced on the Gold Coast light rail network in 2020, is similar to the ones used in Sydney and London.

[Qld local edition teaser]

Mr Bailey said the rollout is taking time because of the "epic" scale of the program.

"But we're progressing very well and we're now quite advanced," he said.

"People have adopted it in large numbers and they're finding it really easy."

Mr Bailey said regional commuters "loved" smart ticketing because they could travel to metropolitan areas without having to change payment systems.

The next phase of the rollout will involve extending it to south-east Queensland buses, which will require 13,500 installations.

Once all public transport networks have been integrated, Mr Bailey said Queensland will be the largest geographic area in the world to have the one payment system.

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Save 50% with tertiary concession fares

Are you starting university or post-secondary soon? Eligible students can apply for cheaper public transport travel!

Are you eligible?

• ✔ I live in Queensland.
• ✔ I’m enrolled at an approved Queensland institution.
• ✔ I’m a full-time university, TAFE, or post-secondary student.
• ✔ I attend face-to-to face or on-campus teaching classes, tutorials or practicals.

If you ticked yes to all of these, apply online to travel on concession fares in South East Queensland.

It’s easy—you just need an adult go card and your student ID number to apply.

Click here for more info .

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A Review of Australia Public Transport Cards

Michela Australia Travel Planning Getting Around Australia 5

When it comes to make a travel plan and figure out all travel expenses for travelling to Australia, Public transport is also something you need to include in your budget. Australian cities are spread out, and going from A to B implies long distances. These tips will help you maximise your stay in Australian cities.

Table of Contents

Why use public transport cards in Australia

All main Australian cities like Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide offer public transport cards that you can purchase everywhere. While purchasing a travel card may seem very practical, it’s not always the best choice. If you stay 2-3 days in cities, getting a day-rider is probably the best choice.

But if you plan to stay longer, then getting a public transport card is the best way to save money on your trip. The average cost of purchasing the ticket is between 2 and 10 Australian dollars.

Pros and Cons of using Australia Public Transport Cards

The big advantage of using an Australian public transport card is the save-money aspect. If you plan to get about by public transport on a regular, daily basis, you will need a ticket.

Public transportation in cities is the only sustainable way that allows you to travel cheaply on long distances within metropolitan areas and city suburbia. It’s also an environmental way of exploring a city, and it’s better than using a rental car and paying high parking fees. You can read more here on how to save money in Australian cities .

All Australian public transport cards under-the-lens

In my solo trips around Australia , I had the opportunity to try out all public transport cards in 6 different Australian cities. Here you can read about my detailed portrait of each travel card with all features, benefits and prices.

How Australian travel cards work

All Australian Transport Cards work more or less the same way. After purchasing the card, you can add money to it and use it on all city public transport services. You can top-up your card whenever you want, and there is no limitation concerning money and time of use. Usually, cards do not expire so that you can keep them for future city trips.

Tag-on-Tag-off also plays an important role. If you accidentally forget to tag off your card, the system will automatically charge the card with the highest daily ride fare. Each public transportation network has its website to consult for info about fares, train and buses timetables. Furthermore, each public transport city website offers a useful journey planner page, which I highly recommend if you are a first time traveller to Australian cities.

The Go-Card for Brisbane and Gold Coast City Public Transport

This is one of the last 2 Australian transport cards I have tried. I could use it during my five weeks in the Gold Coast of Australia . It costs 2 dollars, and the highlight of this card is that you can top it up on all buses, so you don’t need to go to a newsagent or use the counter or the automatic machine.

That’s a plus, as you can hop on a bus and top it up immediately. Ticket fares are structured according to peak time and low-traffic time, so from 7-9 am and 3 pm, it is more expensive to travel with public transport than during the day’s core hours. You can use it to go to the airport from and to Brisbane and the whole metropolitan area. Another benefit is that if you make 8 journeys a week, you’ll pay half-price for all other journeys.

The Opal Card for Sydney Public Transport

In June this year, I tried out the Opal Card for Sydney . The Opal Card is the only one in Australia to be free. You can get it at the airport, train stations or any newsagent shop at zero cost. You can add money and top it up like all other cards. You can also use a contactless credit/debit card or linked Apple Pay or Google Pay devices. The contactless is very useful if you have a card that doesn’t have international exchange fees. The card can be used on the entire metropolitan transport network, with tag-on and tag-off as usual.

This card’s great benefits are the daily, weekly, Saturday, and Sunday caps. There used to be a 2.50 AUD Sunday cap, but this increased to 8.15 AUD on all public transport, including the Sydney Ferries. There is the same cap for Saturday. For the day cap, the price is 16.30 AUD, and the weekly cap is 50 AUD.

Over the weekend, you can travel wide and far within the Sydney metropolitan transport network for half-prices of the daily cap. It includes cruising the Sydney harbour on all public ferries.

On top of that, there are more benefits to using the Opal card for airport transport. You will get a free return ticket for frequent flyers leaving on Monday and returning before Sunday. You get a 2 dollars discount on transit mode (switching from rail to ferry), and if you make 8 journeys in a week, you’ll pay half price for the rest of your journeys.

I’d say this is the least complicated Australian transport card. Moreover, the fact that it is free is a huge benefit for short-term visitors to Sydney.

The Myki Card – Melbourne Public Transport

The Miky Card was the first card I purchased in Melbourne . As I stayed with friends in Melbourne, eastern suburbia, I needed a transport card to save money on travelling around. The Myki Card is very popular among locals and travellers alike. After purchasing it for 10 Dollars, you can top it up everywhere. You can use the digital mobile version on Android/Google Pay.

You can do the Myki Recharge at the Top-Up machines , but if you want, you can activate the online top-up too . However, the automated top-up doesn’t bring any bonus nor discounted transport fares.

Melbourne public transport ‘s fares work upon travel zones, and the maximum you will spend on a day is 7.80 Dollars, the same fare as a day rider. Although this may sound expensive, you must consider that all Melbourne trams are free within Melbourne CBD (since Jan 2015).

Moreover to travel long distances across various zones is not expensive. I remember going for 2,5 hours from Eastern Melbourne to the northern suburbs for 7.80 dollars, both ways.

That’s cheap about the travel distances covered. So, the Myki card fares will save you money on long travel distances. On this page, you can read more about the Myki Card . The MyKi Card is free for early birds travelling between 5 am and 7.15 am from Monday to Friday.

I know Australians are unhappy with public Transport and often complain about it being expensive. While there is something that could be improved , I didn’t find the Australian public transport system so bad at all.

Adelaide Metro Card – the most complicated card

When I touched base in Adelaide , I was unsure whether the Adelaide Metro Card was something for me. After spending 5 dollars on bus fare to travel within the city, I thought the metro card would save money. In Adelaide, public transport consists mainly of buses and trams.

There is no underground. I found the Adelaide Metro Card fares expensive regarding travel distances (within the city), and the transport fare structure is somewhat complicated.

It differentiates fares from weekdays from weekends. Peak time is around office time and is the most expensive; if you don’t have the Metro Card , a ride on a Saturday will cost you 5.10 dollars (the most expensive day) while Sunday is the cheapest, only 1.80 dollars.

The Adelaide Metro Card itself is cheaper than in other Australian cities, but because Adelaide’s public transport is mainly buses and trams, it could improve service and fare structure.

Smart Rider Perth – the most rewarding card

Perth was the last Australian city and where I spent the longest time, nearly seven weeks. If you stay in the town, you will not probably need a Smart Rider because the Perth free buses : The yellow Cat, the Red Cat and the Blue Cat cover the Perth CBD and suburban areas.

If you stay in Perth’s outskirts, then you need a SmartRider. The Smart Rider Perth Card works at all major public transport cards in Australia, with a topping-up to recharge the card and the tag-on-tag-off charge system.

However, the SmartRider card offers some extra perks. a 15% discount on all Perth transport fares and a 25% if you decide to activate the online Smartrider Autoload . How does this work? You need to register your card with your details and credit cards to allow an automated top-up whenever your card has reached the minimum of around 4 dollars.

That’s helpful because you don’t have to rush to the counter or queue at the top-up machines. The autoloading system does that for you, automatically entitles you to a 25% discount on all transport fares.

I have calculated that I saved 40-50 dollars on autoloading for only over one month. The Smart Rider Perth card is the most rewarding, easier to use than other cards, with an excellent public transport network service (most trains ride every 15 minutes).

Perth public transport network is cheaper concerning travel distances. I travelled with my SmartRider Card from Perth to Mandurah for only 8 dollars considering there are 75 km, the train ride was cheap.

Darwin Public Transport – Tap and Ride Card – 20 dollars 7 day-ride

While Darwin is not always easy to get information as a traveller, it is built for locals, which often disregards travellers’ needs.

I learned about this great Darwin Card in August and got the connected card . You can purchase the card for seven days at 20 Dollars for unlimited use. Considering Darwin is a very spread-out city, you need a card to get around.

If you don’t want to hire a car, then this card is a must. The Darwin bus network is good, and it covers all of Darwin attractions and much of the city suburbs worth visiting. So, definitely, I give a thumbs-up to this card. By the way, you can also use the Tap & Ride Darwin Car in Alice Spring.

Final thoughts about public transport cards in Australia

I find Australia public transport is excellent regarding networks and services. Among these six city transport cards, the best cards are the Opal Card Sydney and the Smartrider Card in Perth for the smooth and rewarding fare system, the network and the train timetables.

The second place is Myki Card in Melbourne , and the Go-Card in Brisbane , as they offer a great value public transport card to travellers. The third place is Darwin, and the last is Adelaide, where I think there could be room for improvement. Brisbane and Adelaide are soon moving to contactless payment for their transport cards.

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First published in June 2018 – last updated in February 2024 – Thanks to our reader, Dean Le, for sending the precious updates!

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Paula March 10, 2016 @ 9:00 pm

Thanks for this really helpful post. I love using public transport when I travel. Sounds to me that Sydney’s Opal card is most like Adelaide’s with a pretty complex pricing structure and a lot of rules. The best thing for travellers is that after 8 trips in a week travel is free so if you plan your time carefully you can visit the Blue Mountains for nothing! I wrote a long post about it on my blog to try to make it easy for visitors to understand.

Rocky Travel Australia November 16, 2016 @ 3:11 pm

Hi Paula, that’s a great tip. I didn’t know about the Opal Card either. I knew about the 2.50 dollars cap. Thanks for adding it to this list.

Charles McCool December 19, 2016 @ 5:32 am

Very useful travel resource for Australian public transportation. Thank you.

Ian mcdonald September 19, 2019 @ 11:01 am

To get a metro card in Adelaide if you hold a interstate seniors card go to Adelaide central railway station and present your seniors card and get fourteen days free travel on the public transport system I rang up Adelaide this afternoon and that’s what I got told

Rocky Travel Australia September 20, 2019 @ 1:52 pm

Thanks for adding this piece of information! That’s great to know about it.

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