Sydney Transport - Buses

Sydney transport is a hot topic for debate, as the city covers a huge area and roads can get rather crowded at peak hours.

It is better to use the public transport. The main options are buses, the cityrail and the ferries.

Sydney buses cover a radius of about 20 km from the centre and then a bit further to the northern Pittwater.

Different bus services run in the other areas of Greater Sydney.

How to recognise a bus stop?

Some bus stops have a shelter with timetables and maps on its walls.

Other stops have a pole with a bus sign and the timetable.

sydney buses stop Central Sydney buses stop on George Street, near Central Stations

But in the suburbs the bus stops signs can hang on a power pole. And there's no timetable.

Buses run rather often during peak hours but have limited services off peak. In the outer suburbs of Sydney the off peak buses are quite scarce.

Pick a bus timetable and route map at a ticket shop. You will then know how much you have to wait and where the bus will take you.

The route number is on the front of the bus. Wave your hand so that the driver knows that you want to get on the bus, otherwise they will not stop. To get off the bus look for a red stop button on the walls or on handrails and press it.

Enter through the front door and insert your ticket into the ticket machine or pay to the driver in cash. Exit from the rear door. Some buses are prepaid - you need to purchase your ticket in advance.

If you want to travel around the City for business or shopping then there is a free shuttle bus that runs around CBD (Central Business District) and you can use during the day. Check the time as it runs in the morning and early afternoon on week days and a bit longer on weekends.