Opal Card — Sydney (NSW)
The Opal card is used across all public transport in Greater Sydney, including trains, buses, ferries, and light rail. You can buy an Adult Opal card at convenience stores, newsagencies, and Opal retailers across Sydney. There is no purchase cost for the card itself, but you need a minimum top-up of $10. You can top up online, at retail outlets, or at Opal top-up machines at train stations.
Register your card online at opal.com.au to protect your balance if the card is lost, track your travel history, and set up auto top-up. Opal offers daily, weekly, and Sunday caps to limit how much you spend. On Sundays, your travel is capped at $8.40 regardless of how many trips you take, making it the cheapest day to explore.
Myki — Melbourne (VIC)
Myki is the transport card for Melbourne and regional Victoria, covering trains, trams, and buses. A Myki card costs $6 and can be purchased at 7-Eleven stores, train stations, and online. Top up at machines, retail outlets, or via the PTV app. Melbourne trams are free within the CBD Free Tram Zone, so you only need to tap on outside this area.
Myki uses a zone-based system: Zone 1 covers inner Melbourne and Zone 2 covers outer suburbs. A daily cap applies so you never pay more than a day pass regardless of trips. Register at ptv.vic.gov.au for balance protection and auto top-up.
Go Card — Brisbane (QLD)
The Go Card covers buses, trains, ferries, and trams in South East Queensland including Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast. Cards cost $10 (refundable deposit of $5 plus $5 travel credit). Buy at convenience stores, train stations, and online. You save about 30% compared to buying paper tickets.
MetroCard — Adelaide (SA)
The MetroCard covers all Adelaide Metro buses, trains, and trams. Cards cost $5 and can be purchased at the Adelaide Metro InfoCentre or retail outlets. Adelaide also offers free tram travel within the CBD, similar to Melbourne.
Concession Cards
If you are a full-time student, senior, or hold a Health Care Card, you are eligible for concession fares which are typically half the adult fare. International students may be eligible for concession in some states (check your state transport authority). To get a concession card, you usually need to apply online with proof of your concession eligibility.
Tips for New Arrivals
- Buy your transport card on day one — it saves money compared to single tickets
- Register online immediately to protect your balance
- Set up auto top-up to avoid running out of credit
- Download the official transport app for your city (Opal Travel, PTV, TransLink)
- Google Maps works well for route planning across all Australian cities