How To Reach Sydney

The capital city of New South Wales, and home to the harbour front Sydney Opera House, Sydney is one of the largest cities in Australia. The harbour city of Sydney is the oldest and most cosmopolitan city of Australia. It is among the more diverse cities and will ensure an enjoyable experience for all. Travelling to this amazing city is easy now. You can hop onto a plane or take a luxurious cruise. In either case, you are bound to reach a great holiday destination. Below are the details to reach Sydney, easy as it is today, from anywhere in the world.

The Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport is the busiest international airport of Australia. The city is well connected by flights to major metropolises across the world. India alone has over 10 flights a week connecting it to Sydney with one from Air India being a direct long-haul flight aboard an Airbus Dreamliner. Some major carriers that fly to Sydney are Air India, Thai Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific as well as Quantas, Australia’s national carrier.

Sydney International Airport is situated 8 km away from the main city and is very well connected to other domestic as well as international airports within Australia. You can always take the public transport or get onto a shuttle run by the airport administration which will drop you to your destination in the city. Suburban trains can also be boarded from the station for the same.

Cruises from nearby Pacific countries connect Sydney among other Australian cities. While they take longer than a flight, the journey itself is one that is unforgettable. Sailing across the Pacific Ocean along with friends and family on a cruise, enjoying the many luxuries is an experience you should not miss. Some of the cruises that sail to Sydney are the Pacific Eden, the Pacific Explorer, the Carnival Spirit, the Majestic Princess, the Sea Princess, the Celebrity Solstice, the Golden Princess and the Radiance of the Seas among others. These cruise ships general dock at the Circular Quay or the White Bay Cruise Terminal.

While you cannot enter Australia via rail, within the country you can reach Sydney via the New South Wales Trainlink Regional. Daily services connect Sydney to Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne among other places. One way fare ranges between $50 and $120 for standard class seats. For long-distance trains, the fares may go up to as high as $2000. Other trains connecting to Sydney are the NSW Trainlink Intercity and the Indian Pacific. All long-distance trains to Sydney terminate at the Central Station in Sydney.

However, people generally prefer intercity travel by flights or cars as they are faster and turn out to be cheaper.

Australia’s excellent network of roads connect Sydney to all other major cities. There are regular intercity and interstate buses that connect Sydney to Brisbane, Melbourne, Canberra and other state capitals. The public transport is convenient to travel to even the remote parts of the city due to its excellent connectivity. Buses and Taxis are easily available across the city. The Greyhound Coaches are the most extensively connected bus service in Sydney. These coaches terminate adjacent to the Sydney Central Station. You will have to pay a toll when entering Sydney from other cities.

As a tourist, you may even be able to drive by yourself if you possess an International Driving Licence. 

Sydney’s well connected public transport system may be confusing for a first timer. However, with apps like Moovit, TripView and Arrivo Sydney, travelling by public transport will be a cakewalk. Moovit is the best app if you do not know the route and need a stop by stop information of the route you’re travelling. Google Maps also has real-time updates for the timetables.

Sydney’s public transport system consists of trains, buses, ferries, and light rails and has a common ticketing system called Opal. You can purchase a free rechargeable Opal card to make all your travel payments. Recharge can be done on public transport stops or in Opal retail outlets. You can also recharge via the Opal app, however, the recharge takes an hour to reflect into your account. Recharge can be done by cash or card.

While in Sydney, make sure to tour the Opera House and the Sydney Tower, along with the Royal Botanic Garden.