General information
The Sydney Metro is Australia’s first fully driverless metro. The operating line is M1: from Tallawong in the northwest to Sydenham in the south, tunnelling under the harbour and the CBD. All stations have platform screen doors, level access and clear signage; trains are open-gangway with real-time information.
Essential facts
- Type: driverless metro (GoA4) with platform doors.
- Line in service: M1 (Tallawong ↔ Sydenham via Chatswood–CBD).
- Connectivity: easy interchanges with suburban trains, Light Rail and ferries.
- Payment: Opal or contactless (same core benefits for adults).
- Frequency: “turn up and go” most of the day.
Main lines
Today the M1 runs across the CBD with brand-new stations (Martin Place, Gadigal, Barangaroo, Victoria Cross, Central, Waterloo). Under construction/planning: Metro West (Parramatta–CBD) and Western Sydney Airport (St Marys–WSI–Bradfield).
| Line | Short alignment | Termini | Status | Typical headways |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M1 | Tallawong – Chatswood – (tunnels beneath harbour & CBD) – Central – Waterloo – Sydenham | Tallawong ↔ Sydenham | In service | ~4 min peak; 5 min inter-peak; ~10 min other times* |
| Metro West | Greater Parramatta ↔ Hunter Street (CBD) | Westmead/Parramatta ↔ Hunter Street | Under construction | — |
| Western Sydney Airport | St Marys ↔ Western Sydney International (WSI) ↔ Bradfield | St Marys ↔ Bradfield | Under construction | — |
*Official frequencies: ~4 min (peak), ~5 min (weekday inter-peak), ~10 min (other times).
Connections to other systems
- Sydney Trains (suburban): Chatswood (north), Martin Place & Central (CBD), Sydenham (south/airport).
- Light Rail: Central (L1/L2/L3) and a short walk from Barangaroo to L1.
- Ferries: Barangaroo wharves (one stop to Circular Quay).
- Intercity (NSW TrainLink): connections at Central.
How to pay (Opal & contactless)
- Options: Opal card or contactless card/phone (Visa/Mastercard/Amex; Apple/Google/Samsung Pay). Same core adult benefits.
- Always tap: tap on to enter and tap off to exit. Transfers within 60 min get a transfer discount (adult −$2).
- Discounts: 30% off-peak (Fridays, weekends/holidays and outside peak hours). Daily/weekly caps apply.
Indicative fares & caps (examples)
| Typical trip | What applies | Indicative cost | Where to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short CBD metro ride (2–5 km) | Distance fare + −30% if off-peak | Varies by band (use Planner) | Official Trip Planner |
| Transfer Metro → Light Rail | Transfer discount −$2 (adult) within 60 min | Auto-applied | Opal benefits |
| All-day travel (Mon–Thu) | Adult daily cap | $19.30 max/day | Adult Opal fares |
| Friday/weekend “all you can ride” | Friday/holiday cap | $9.65 max/day | Adult Opal fares |
| Airport (T8) from Central/Sydenham | Train fare + station access fee | Airport fee per trip: $17.92† | Official notice 14/07/2025 |
| Several airport trips in one week | Weekly cap on airport fee | Max airport fee/week: $36.36 | Official notice 14/07/2025 |
† The airport station access fee does not count towards general daily/weekly caps.
Hours & frequency
This is a “turn up and go” system: trains run about every 4 min at peak, ~5 min inter-peak on weekdays and around 10 min at other times. For first/last services at your station, use the official Trip Planner.
Indicative first/last services: Tallawong ~04:08, Sydenham ~04:54; last trains up to ~01:24 on Fridays/Saturdays.
Rules & good manners
- Safety: platform screen doors at every station; follow light and audio signals.
- Animals: accredited assistance animals only inside the metro.
- Bikes & strollers: use multi-purpose areas; expect limited space at peak times.
- Etiquette: stand right on escalators, offer priority seats and avoid strong-smelling food.
Airport connection
Current airport (SYD – Domestic/International)
From Central or Sydenham transfer to suburban line T8 for the airport stations. A separate station access fee applies there (see table above).
New airport (WSI)
The Western Sydney Airport Metro line will link the new WSI airport with St Marys and Bradfield when it opens.
Extensions & projects
- City & Southwest (M1): CBD–Sydenham segment operating; conversion towards Bankstown continues.
- Metro West: east–west corridor (Greater Parramatta–Hunter Street) under construction.
- Western Sydney Airport: link to the new WSI airport and Bradfield, under construction.
What to see using the Metro
- Barangaroo: waterfront walks, parks and dining; ferries to Circular Quay.
- Martin Place: finance heart, galleries; an easy walk to The Domain and Hyde Park.
- Gadigal (Town Hall area): QVB, Town Hall, Chinatown via L2/L3.
- Victoria Cross (North Sydney): Harbour Bridge viewpoints and Luna Park.
- Waterloo: cafés, galleries and a creative vibe (South Eveleigh nearby).
- Chatswood: shopping and North Shore connections.
Metro map
Night & weekend service
Regular headways until near midnight (varies by day). On Fridays and Saturdays service runs later; for very early/late trips, check your station’s first/last train in the Trip Planner.
Accessibility
- Step-free access and platform doors at all metro stations.
- Multi-purpose spaces on every train; tactile guidance and audio-visual alerts.
- Staffed assistance points at key stations.
Luggage & lockers
Trains have multi-purpose areas that fit medium luggage and strollers. No metro-specific left-luggage; look for options at Central or private services in the CBD.
Practical tips
- Avoid peak hours in the CBD if carrying suitcases (weekday mornings & late afternoon).
- On the platform, keep door lines clear (floor markers) and let people off first.
- Contactless: don’t swap between cards/phones mid-day or you may lose caps/discounts.
- For Northern Beaches: change at Victoria Cross to buses to Mosman/Manly; for Bondi, take T4 to Bondi Junction + bus.
Typical routes
- Harbour views in 1 hour: Victoria Cross → walk to Kirribilli → photos of the Harbour Bridge → ferry to Circular Quay → Barangaroo for dinner.
- CBD without getting lost: Barangaroo ↔ Martin Place (galleries, Pitt St Mall, The Domain).
- Tech & cafés: Waterloo ↔ Central (South Eveleigh, Central Park, Spice Alley).
- Airport: Metro to Central/Sydenham → T8 (airport station access fee applies).
FAQs
Can I pay with a bank card or my phone?
Yes. Contactless works like Opal for adults (caps/discounts included). Use the same method to tap on/off so caps apply correctly.
Do I need to check timetables?
Usually no: it’s high frequency. Use the official Trip Planner only for very early or very late trips.
Is there an off-peak discount?
Yes: 30% off-peak and daily/weekly caps.
Are pets allowed?
Only accredited assistance animals inside the metro.
How do I get to the airport?
Take the Metro to Central or Sydenham and change to T8 for the airport stations. A separate station access fee applies at the airport.
With kids & with luggage
Travelling with kids
- Free: children 3 and under travel free.
- Child fares: ages 4–15 (and 16+ students with entitlement) use Child/Youth Opal.
- Strollers: welcome; use lifts and multi-purpose areas and lock wheels on the platform.
Luggage & strollers
- Multi-purpose areas on all trains; level boarding and platform doors make it easy with bags.
- At peak times, spread out along the train to keep doorways clear.
- For groups, use wide gates at barriers and signed lifts.
