Frommer's Australia from $50 a Day 13th Edition - To Parent Directory

GETTING AROUND 97
2 Getting Around
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
State Transit operates the city’s buses and the ferry network, CityRail runs the
urban and suburban trains, and Sydney Ferries runs the public passenger ferries.
Some private bus lines operate buses in the outer suburbs. In addition, a monorail
connects the city center to Darling Harbour and a light rail line (tram) runs
between Central Station and Wentworth Park in Pyrmont.
MONEY-SAVING TRANSIT PASSES Several passes are available for visitors
who will be using public transportation frequently—all work out to be much
cheaper than buying individual tickets. Ticket prices change frequently, so use
the prices below as a guide.
The SydneyPass includes return Airport Express transfers, unlimited travel
on Sydney Explorer coaches and Bondi & Bay Explorer coaches, unlimited
travel on any of four Sydney Harbour cruises (see “What to See & Do in Sydney”
later in this chapter), unlimited travel on the JetCat to Manly and the highspeed
RiverCat to Parramatta (linking the city center to this important heritage
and business center along a historic waterway), and unlimited travel on all Sydney
buses, Sydney ferries, and CityRail trains (within the “Red TravelPass” travel
zone, which includes the entire city center, as well as to Bondi Junction). The
SydneyPass costs A$90 (US$59) for adults and A$45 (US$29) for children for
3 days travel over a 7-day period; A$120 (US$78) for adults and A$60 (US$39)
for children for 5 days over a 7-day period; and A$140 (US$91) for adults and
A$70 (US$45) for children for 7-days’ consecutive travel. Family fairs are also
available. Buy tickets at the Airport Express offices at the airport, the Transit-
Shop at Circular Quay (outside McDonald’s), from the Sydney Ferries ticket
office, Wharf 4, Circular Quay, or from Explorer bus drivers.
A Weekly Travel Pass allows unlimited travel on buses, trains, and ferries.
There are six different passes (denoted by color) depending on the distance you
need to travel. The passes most commonly used by visitors are the Red Pass and
the Green Pass. The Red Pass costs A$30 (US$20) for adults and A$15
(US$9.75) for kids and covers all transportation within the city center and near
surroundings. This pass will get you aboard inner harbor ferries, for example,
but not the ferry to Manly. The Green Pass, which costs A$38 (US$25) for
adults and A$19 (US$12) for kids, will take you to more far-flung destinations,
including Manly (aboard the ferry but not the JetCat before 7pm). You can buy
either pass at newsagents or bus, train, and ferry ticket outlets.
The Day Tripper ticket gives you unlimited bus, train, and ferry travel for 1
day. Tickets cost A$13.40 (US$8.70) for adults and A$6.70 (US$4.30) for children.
The pass is available at all bus, train, and ferry ticket outlets.
Tips Transit Information
For timetable information on buses, ferries, and trains, call Infoline at
& 13 15 00 daily from 6am to 10pm. Otherwise check the website for Sydney
buses and ferries (www.sydneybuses.nsw.gov.au), or CityRail (www.
staterail.nsw.gov.au). Pick up a Sydney Transport Map (a guide to train,
bus, and ferry services) at any rail, bus, or ferry office.