Student Life

Transport Guide: Getting Around Australia

Public transport in Australia for students: Opal, Myki, Go Card, concession eligibility, bike share and tips for cheap travel between Sydney, Melbourne and beyond.

Published 2025-08-30 · Updated 2026-02-14 · 8 min read

Each Australian city has its own transport system. Here's how to navigate them all.

Sydney

Opal Card

What it covers: Trains, buses, ferries, light rail

Get it at:

  • Opal retailers (convenience stores)
  • Train station top-up machines
  • Online (delivered)

Registration: Register at opal.com.au to protect your balance and get usage history.

Key Features

  • Tap on AND off (you're charged per trip)
  • Daily cap: ~$17.80 (then free for the rest of the day)
  • Weekly cap: ~$50 (Mon-Sun)
  • Off-peak discount (before 6:30am, 9:30am-4pm, 7pm onwards)

Concession

Student concession requires:

  • Australian resident status OR
  • Specific state-approved student status
  • International students generally pay adult fares

Tips

  • Always tap off — you'll be charged maximum fare otherwise
  • Weekly cap makes unlimited travel affordable
  • Light rail is good for Eastern Suburbs/UNSW

Melbourne

Myki Card

What it covers: Trams, trains, buses

Get it at:

  • Myki machines at stations
  • 7-Eleven, newsagents
  • Online (myki.com.au)

Key Features

  • Tap on and off (trains/buses)
  • Tap on only for trams (zone-based)
  • Daily cap: ~$10.60 (Zone 1+2)
  • Free Tram Zone: CBD area — no need to tap at all

Concession

  • International students: Check with your institution
  • Some universities have arrangements for concession
  • Otherwise adult fares apply

Tips

  • Free Tram Zone is great for exploring CBD
  • Myki Money vs Myki Pass (pass is better for heavy users)
  • Register to recover lost card balance

Brisbane

Go Card

What it covers: Buses, trains, ferries (CityCat)

Get it at:

  • Go card retailers
  • Train stations
  • Online (translink.com.au)

Key Features

  • Zone-based pricing
  • Off-peak discount (8:30am-3:30pm, 7pm onwards)
  • 50% discount after 9 journeys in a week

Concession

  • Tertiary students may qualify
  • Check eligibility at translink.com.au

Tips

  • CityCat ferries are scenic and practical
  • Busways are faster than regular bus routes
  • Register your card for protection

Perth

SmartRider

What it covers: Trains, buses

Get it at:

  • Transperth InfoCentres
  • Some train stations
  • Selected retailers

Key Features

  • Zone-based pricing
  • Free Transit Zone in CBD (trains and blue CAT buses)
  • Autoload available

Concession

  • Student concession available for some students
  • Check Transperth website for eligibility

Tips

  • Free CAT buses are great for getting around the city
  • Airport line connects to suburbs
  • Register for autoload

Adelaide

Metro Card

What it covers: Buses, trains, trams

Get it at:

  • Adelaide Metro InfoCentres
  • Retail outlets
  • Online (adelaidemetro.com.au)

Key Features

  • Flat fare (2-hour validity for transfers)
  • Free tram in CBD and to Glenelg
  • Daypass available

Concession

  • Concession fares available for eligible students

Tips

  • The free tram to Glenelg beach is great
  • Adelaide is very walkable in the city centre
  • Validate every time you board

Alternative Transport

Bike Sharing

Available in major cities:

  • Various schemes (check locally)
  • Download apps for unlock/payment
  • Check for helmet requirements (mandatory in Australia)

Rideshare

  • Uber, Ola, DiDi available
  • Good for nights out or airport trips
  • Split with friends to save

Walking

Australian cities have good footpaths and pedestrian infrastructure. Many inner suburbs are very walkable.

Key tip: Get your transport card on Day 1 and register it immediately. It's the key to getting around efficiently.