Quick Facts
- Opened
- 26 May 2019 (Metro Northwest)
- Operator
- Transport for NSW
- Stations
- 46 (growing — Metro West under construction)
- Lines
- 3 (Metro Northwest, City & Southwest, West)
- Daily riders
- ~300,000
- Network
- 77 km (expanding)
- Airport
- Sydney Airport on City & Southwest line
- Payment
- Opal card, contactless bank card, Apple/Google Pay
The Sydney Metro is Australia's first fully automated rapid transit network. Opened on 26 May 2019 with the Metro Northwest, it has rapidly expanded to 46 stations across three lines and continues to grow — the Metro West extension connecting the CBD to Parramatta is under construction.
The metro is operated by Transport for NSW and integrates seamlessly with Sydney Trains (commuter rail), light rail, and buses under the Opal card system. Being fully automated and driverless, the Sydney Metro uses platform screen doors throughout and runs trains every 4–5 minutes at peak times.
Sydney's older rail network is Sydney Trains — an extensive commuter rail system that predates the metro and covers the suburbs. The Metro (M) and Train (T) lines together form Sydney's integrated transit network. The Opal card covers both.
The key Metro lines are: Metro Northwest (Tallawong to Chatswood), Metro City & Southwest (Chatswood through the CBD tunnels to Bankstown), and the new Metro West (under construction to Parramatta from 2025 onwards).
Paying for Sydney Metro uses the Opal card — a rechargeable contactless smartcard. Single-use contactless payment (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, or mobile wallet) also works directly on all Opal readers. The fare is distance-based with daily, weekly, and Sunday caps making unlimited weekend travel very affordable.
How to Pay
Payment methods: Opal card · Contactless Visa/Mastercard/Amex · Apple Pay · Google Pay · Samsung Pay.
💡 Tap on with any contactless bank card or phone — no Opal card needed. The daily cap ($50 adult) and Sunday cap ($2.80) make weekend travel extraordinarily cheap. The weekly cap ($50 from Monday) kicks in after 8 trips, making all further rides free for the week.
Peak hours: Peak fares: 07:00–09:00 and 16:00–18:30 Mon–Fri. Off-peak: all other times. Airport stations have a $15.40 surcharge (one-way). — fares are higher during these times. Travel off-peak where possible to save money.
Sydney Metro Lines
Key Stations on the Sydney Metro
Ticket Prices
Payment methods: Opal card, Contactless Visa/Mastercard/Amex, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay.
💡 Tap on with any contactless bank card or phone — no Opal card needed. The daily cap ($50 adult) and Sunday cap ($2.80) make weekend travel extraordinarily cheap. The weekly cap ($50 from Monday) kicks in after 8 trips, making all further rides free for the week.
| Journey | Off-Peak (AUD) | Peak (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Single trip (1–3 zones) | $2.69 | $3.22 |
| Single trip (4–8 zones) | $4.87 | $5.85 |
| Airport surcharge (T1/T2/T3) | $15.40 | $15.40 |
| Daily cap (adult) | $50.00 | $50.00 |
| Sunday cap | $2.80 | $2.80 |
| Weekly cap (Mon–Sun) | $50.00 | $50.00 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an Opal card for Sydney Metro?
No — any contactless Visa, Mastercard, or Amex bank card or mobile wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay) works directly on all Opal readers. You tap on at the start and tap off at the end. An Opal card is only needed if you want a named card with trip history or concession fares.
How do I get from Sydney Airport to the city?
Metro City & Southwest serves both domestic (T2/T3) and international (T1) terminals. To Martin Place or Central Station is about 13–20 minutes. Standard metro fare applies PLUS a $15.40 airport surcharge for journeys that include the airport stations. Total cost is about $18–$20 one way.
What is the airport surcharge?
A $15.40 one-way surcharge applies whenever you pass through Sydney Airport station (T1, T2, or T3). It applies in addition to the standard distance fare. The surcharge is charged once per journey — entering at T1 and exiting at T2 counts as one surcharge, not two.
What is the Sunday cap on Opal?
On Sundays, all trips across the entire Opal network (metro, trains, buses, ferries, light rail) are capped at $2.80 for the day. After spending $2.80 on Sunday, all further trips are free. Excellent for tourist sightseeing days. The airport surcharge still applies on Sundays.
Is Sydney Metro the same as Sydney Trains?
No — Sydney Metro (M lines) is the newer fully automated metro system. Sydney Trains (T lines) is the older commuter rail network with drivers. Both use the Opal card and integrate at key interchange stations like Central, Town Hall, Wynyard, and Chatswood.
Does the Metro go to the Northern Beaches or Manly?
No — the Metro currently serves the North West, CBD, and Southwest. Northern Beaches and Manly are served by ferry (from Circular Quay) and buses. A Metro extension to the Northern Beaches has been proposed but is not yet approved.
What time does Sydney Metro run?
Metro City & Southwest runs from approximately 05:00 to midnight, with services every 4–5 minutes at peak times and every 10 minutes off-peak. Metro Northwest runs similar hours. No overnight metro service.
Can I bring a bicycle on the Sydney Metro?
Full-sized bicycles are not permitted on Metro trains. Folded bicycles (in bags) are allowed. This differs from Sydney Trains where bicycles are allowed with restrictions. Bike share (Lime, Neuron) docking at many Metro stations is a popular alternative.
Source: Transport for NSW and Wikipedia. Always verify fares with the official operator.