Transportation

Taking the bus is the slower method of transportation in comparison to the rail. However, buses in Sydney have a great hop-on, hop-off policy for those not sure of where to go or who simply want to tour the city at their own pace. Bus tickets can be purchased from the driver.

Ferry rides are a must, particularly around the Sydney Harbor Bridge. There are approximately 30 destinations in the ferry system on a daily basis. Tickets can be purchased on board or at ferry stops or machines.

This is the fastest method of transportation to get around Sydney. However, taking the train may not be the most scenic way to travel and nor is the train system without its lapses. For instance, taking the train is most useful when heading west, because of the area's well-developed transportation system. On the other hand, when traveling to the south shore, you may find some ill-developed routes. Also, though these trains are efficient, they are not very accommodating to tourists because they are meant for rapid transit between the city and the suburbs (most tourists just stay in the city centre).

The monorail is more accommodating to tourists because it allows for a pleasant view since it is an elevated shuttle train that travels between the city centre, Darling Harbor, and the Chinatown areas. Besides scenery, the monorail also offers efficiency since it arrives every three to five minutes.

Taxis can be the better alternative to renting a car in Sydney. The city center hosts so many drivers that finding a parking spot can become a journey in itself. Also, the street system can get a bit tricky and at times frustrating with its plenitude of one-way streets. On the other hand, taxis are very easy to spot in the city center and are found parked in most bus spots, hotels, and rail stations. However, it can get a bit pricey if you plan on catching cabs everywhere. For instance, cabs usually start off at A$2.65 and then increase about A$3 per mile. Taxi Operators: Taxis Combined Services

For the tourist not on a budget, limousine services are available with an added city commentary. Moreover, pick-ups from the airport are approximately A$60.

Taxis can be the better alternative to renting a car in Sydney. The city center hosts so many drivers that finding a parking spot can become a journey in itself. Also, the street system can get a bit tricky and at times frustrating with its plenitude of one-way streets. On the other hand, taxis are very easy to spot in the city center and are found parked in most bus spots, hotels, and rail stations. However, it can get a bit pricey if you plan on catching cabs everywhere. For instance, cabs usually start off at A$2.65 and then increase about A$3 per mile. Taxi Operators: Taxis Combined Services

Driving around Sydney is fairly easy. During off peak hours, driving takes as much time as any other means of transport. Keep an eye out for directions as roads are well sign-posted. Driving is on the left side of the road. Stay alert for speed limit changes, as roads usually drop speed through shopping centers and areas with pedestrian activity. Speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour. Although parking in the central business district of the city is possible, it is fairly expensive and even reduced early bird rates are very high.