Should I Get an Opal Card? One Week in Sydney

subywagon on 26/02/2017 - 12:59

I'm going to be in Sydney for a week and most likely using public transport, should I consider getting an Opal card? I'm assuming it's better value than purchasing one off tickets?

I have no idea!

Thanks

Travel

Related Stores

Opal Card - NSW Government
Opal Card - NSW Government

Comments

  • holdenmg on 26/02/2017 - 13:02
    +3

    https://www.opal.com.au/en/about-opal/opal_for_visitors/

    What to do with your Opal card at the end of your stay

    If you have credit remaining on your Opal card you can:

    Keep it until your next visit
Lend it to friends or family
Get a refund on your Opal card.
https://www.opal.com.au/en/opal-fares/opal_refunds/

    You'll need to complete the form, return it with your Opal card to Transport for NSW and have an Australian bank account and address

  • subywagon on 26/02/2017 - 13:02

    May as well delete, just discovered it's only available to NSW residents :(

    ah ok, I didn't see the card for visitors!

    • ronnknee on 26/02/2017 - 13:09
      +4

      It's not limited to NSW residents.

    • R-Man on 26/02/2017 - 13:19
      +1

      Hey mate anyone can get an Opal, regardless of residency. You buy one at woolworths or a newsagent, convenience store etc. at a minimum of $10.

      There is no opal card for visitors, just buy the normal adult Opal (black colour) if you're over 16 years old.

      As per the comment above you can refund your leftover Opal credit :) do not buy single trip tickets (white coloured).

  • pao2x on 26/02/2017 - 13:02
    +3

    Yes get one. Its a hassle getting tickets and a lot of stations dont sell them. A lot of buses are prepay only

  • subywagon on 26/02/2017 - 13:05
    +1

    Thanks for the advice everyone!

  • trex on 26/02/2017 - 14:01
    +1

    There's another benefit to using Opal cards, cap on the usage as explained in https://www.opal.com.au/en/about-opal/benefits-of-travelling…

    If you're traveling to/from international/domestic airport, a Sydney Airport station access fee is charged but using an Opal card, it is capped at $27 per week (Adult) instead of $13.80 per trip.

    The card doesn't cost anything. Money paid is fully loaded as credit to be used for fares. So it's definitely recommended that you get one.

  • outlander on 26/02/2017 - 14:44
    +2

    No question! Unlike melbourne, opal cards give you the value of the card with purchase. So if you buy it for $5, it comes with $5 credit

  • [Deactivated] on 26/02/2017 - 19:22
    +1

    arnt all tickets a bit cheaper with opal card anyway, I'd definitely get one it will be worth the slight hassle.

  • juventino on 26/02/2017 - 19:32
    +1

    Whenever I travel..I always buy the card…i can always keep it as memento or use it next time.

  • foxmulder on 26/02/2017 - 20:13
    +2

    If I'm not mistaken if you buy paper tickets you will be around 30% more expensive than the opal one. Don't forget to use unlimited ride on Sunday for $2.50.

    • subywagon on 26/02/2017 - 20:44

      Do you just use the opal card on Sunday and you're only charged $2.50?

      • retiredfeline on 26/02/2017 - 20:50
        +1

        Capped at $2.50. Good day to catch a ferry, for example.

        • subywagon on 26/02/2017 - 23:11

          Thanks for the advice. Sunday may be the only day with no rain while I'm up there unfortunately, so it will probably be the day I use the ferry.

          Thanks

  • pgcs on 27/02/2017 - 07:56
    +1

    Sunday is also a good day for long trips - bounded by Goulburn, Wollongong, Lithgow, Newcastle.

  • powerhead on 27/02/2017 - 12:11

    this topic reminded me to get refunds for our 2 opal cards from our last Sydney visit

    anyone knows how long it usually takes to get the refund?

  • HeWhoKnows on 27/02/2017 - 12:43

    Definitely yes. You will be stranded without it as many buses services don't accept cash any more. Also much quicker at train stations.

  • goodcopbadcop on 27/02/2017 - 17:33

    Get one and just put $10 on it if you are not sure you want money on it and don't want to have the hassle of claiming a refund. I must get around more than I thought as I have one for every state that has a card system for public transport. I keep just enough on it at the end of the visit so that my first trip next time is covered as usually I am getting into the city and don't want to have to think about topping up the card. I can catch the bus or train and get where I need to go without any hassle and a whole lot cheaper than a taxi. It is worth purchasing for sure.

  • Brendoo on 27/02/2017 - 21:31

    And after the 8th journey all fares for the rest of the week are half price (except Sunday, capped at $2.50 all day as mentioned).

    And $2 discount for mode of transport changes at all times. e.g. catch the train to Bondi Junction then catch a bus to Bondi Beach, the bus will cost 10 cents (or 5 cents if after 8 journeys) due to it being $2 off, or vice versa.

    And the most important thing of all - "Don't forget to tap off!". Forgetting to tap off will result in you being charged the maximum fare possible ($8 or so).

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