Sydney Transport Tips
Helpful tips for trouble free trips on Sydney Public Transport
Sydney can have its share of rainy weather, so check the forecast and wear or bring along appropriate clothing. While train stations are underground or sheltered and many bus stops have some shelter, travelling on public transport always involves some walking and waiting.
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Always double check where you sat just before exiting any public transport vehicle to ensure you've left nothing behind. People are always loosing their wallets, purses, cellphones, umbrellas, jewellery, or bus passes on the seats of buses and trains. Loosing something like this can really spoil your day, if not your vacation, so always double check to make sure that you have all your belongings with you before getting off. If you do loose something try to remember the bus, ferry, train, or train route, direction of travel and time of day when it was lost. For you convenience we have included information about the various Lost Property Offices below.
The Lost Property Office for Sydney and Intercity Trains is across from Platform 1 in the main concourse of Central Station. Hours are from: 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Phone: (02) 9379 3341 The Lost Property Office for Sydney Ferries is located at Wharf 3 Circular Quay . Hours are from: 7:30am to 4pm Monday to Friday. Lost Property Offices for Sydney Buses are at the Depot the bus route is operated from. Hours are from 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday. To locate the appropriate depot for a given route visit Lost property contacts and click on the Bus tab. For Lost Property Enquires on Sydney Light Rail contact: Transdev Sydney Operators of Sydney Light Rail 190 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont NSW 2009 Phone: +61 2 8584 5288
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Quick Train Tips: Most train stations in the Central Business District are below grade so look for the entry sign at street level. If possible avoid the busiest part of the weekday rush hour from 8 to 9am and 5 to 6pm. If you are taking the train during peak periods consider taking a non-express train and try to board a car near the front or back of the train as they tend to be less crowded. Always stand well behind the yellow line on train platforms and be careful of the gap between the platform and the train when boarding.
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Bus Tips: Be sure you are standing at the correct bus stop. Not all buses stop at all stops as they may be express. Most stops served by more than one route have the route numbers and names listed on the bus stop sign. Do not remain sitting on the bus shelter bench as your bus approaches. In Sydney you are expected to signal to the driver that you want the bus otherwise he/she may pass by. During rush hour buses sometimes fill up, but service is very frequent and another bus will be along within a few minutes.
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Make sure you catch your bus going in the right direction. Don't just go by the route number. People often catch buses going in the wrong direction when travelling in unfamiliar surroundings. To avoid going out of your way ask the operator as soon as you board if the bus goes to your destination or transfer point.
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Some bus routes are express, having limited stops through all or a portion of their route. This is good for getting you somewhere quickly, but not so good if the bus doesn't stop where you are going. It's always a good idea to confirm with the driver that the bus stops at or near your intended destination.
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Late Night Travel: When travelling later at night remember that service frequency is significantly reduced so you may have much longer waits. Sydney Trains generally don't run after midnight through to 4am so you should plan on taking one of the NightRide buses instead. By late evening Ferry service is also reduced and then stopped. The last departure times vary by route and the day of week so be sure you check the appropriate timetable if you are planning to travel by ferry in the later evening hours. Plan your trips accordingly.
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You can also use the NSW Transport Trip Planner to help plan your trip.
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Study the route maps and plan ahead. A little time spent doing this ahead of your days outing will help you save a lot of time and frustration. If in doubt ask questions at the start of your trip, not later when you may have to backtrack.
