Getting around Sydney
Sydney's public transport system is well developed and efficient. Transport NSW (tel: 131 500, in Australia only; www.transportnsw.info) operates Sydney's network of buses, ferries and trains that run between the suburbs and the city.
As of 2016, most paper tickets (other than single-journey tickets) have been phased out. The most economical way to travel is by using a reloadable Opal smartcard. These are available from retailers across the city as well as online (www.opal.com.au).
Taxis run on meters, with a 20% surcharge added between 2200-0600. Tipping is not expected, although fares are generally rounded up to the nearest dollar. Recommended taxi firms include Taxis Combined (tel: 133 300, in Australia only) and Premier Cabs (tel: 131 017, in Australia only).
Taxis are generally in good supply, although on busy nights with numerous events on simultaneously across the city, expect a wait. Generally speaking, if the light on top of the vehicle is on, the taxi is available for hire.
Sydney drivers are renowned for their speed and intolerance, and parking is invariably difficult and/or expensive. In many cases, unless you’re heading to the outer suburbs, using Sydney’s public transport is faster and easier. Many of Sydney's motorways are tolled and fully electronic, so you have to arrange a pass before or shortly after your trip - see www.rms.nsw.gov.au for details.
The minimum age for hiring a car is often 25 years. Minimum third-party insurance is required.
Recommended car hire firms include Avis (tel: +61 2 9353 9000; www.avis.com.au), Budget (tel: +61 2 9353 9399; www.budget.com.au) and Hertz (tel: +61 2 9360 6621; www.hertz.com.au)
Sydney's many steep hills make cycling a challenge, but Sydney is a cycle-friendly city, with numerous well-maintained bike paths. The beachside suburb of Manly has mostly flat bike paths, but it’s hard to beat the popular Centennial Park for space and scenery.
Recommended bike hire companies include Centennial Park Cycles, 50 Clovelly Road, Randwick (tel: +61 2 9398 5027; www.cyclehire.com.au), and Inner City Cycles, 151 Glebe Point Road, Glebe (tel: +61 2 9660 6605; www.innercitycycles.com.au).
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