Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, here’s our guide to navigating the city and deciding if a car is the right choice for you.
Sydney is a lively, sun-soaked city where culture, adventure, and incredible food collide. Whether you’re soaking up the coastal views, diving into the local music and arts scene, or simply chasing the best flat white in town, there’s never a dull moment. With famous landmarks, hidden gems, and plenty of opportunities to kick off your shoes at a gorgeous beach, Sydney is the kind of place that keeps visitors coming back for more.
Whether you’re hopping on a ferry from Circular Quay, catching a train to the beaches, or weaving through the city’s streets in search of the best coffee, heading for a big night out, or taking in the city’s abundance of cultural sites and tourist attractions, knowing the best way to navigate a city as big and diverse as Sydney is a must.
But what is the best way to do that?
You’ve got a multitude of options! From trains, metro services, light rail, ferries, and water taxis to the humble motor vehicle, the city’s transit network has you covered. Though you’ll need an Opal Card, a smart card ticketing system used to pay for travel on public transport in Sydney and beyond.
So do you really need a car to get around Sydney? For many, a car is essential, while others seem to manage easily with public transport. If you’re planning to stick to the main attractions, public transport will get you there with ease. But if you’re keen to head beyond the city, from exploring the many delights of Sydney’s diverse suburbs to heading out to explore places like the Blue Mountains or Lake Macquarie, a car might be your best bet.
Sydney’s public transport system
Sydney has a well-developed public transport network, including trains, buses, ferries, metro services, and a growing light rail system. Public transport is a popular, sustainable, and reliable way to get around, whether you’re a local commuting to work or a visitor exploring the city’s top attractions, heading to some of Sydney’s most famous beaches, or even travelling interstate.
1. Train
The train system in Sydney is very extensive and covers most major suburbs, as well as the Sydney CBD, the airport, and some beaches. Trains run throughout the day, from early morning to late at night, and are generally reliable, especially for commuting to and from the city. That said, they can be crowded during peak hours, and you might have trouble finding a seat. Additionally, service disruptions do occur from time to time, which can delay your journey time.
2. Buses
Buses complement the train network and service most areas that trains do not. While Sydney’s buses are frequent and widely available, they can sometimes be slow due to traffic congestion or accidents, particularly in the city and inner suburbs. So, if you’re visiting an area with limited bus services, you might find it difficult to get around without a car.
3. Ferries
A sightseeing tour and a transport option all in one, Sydney Ferries are hands down one of the best ways to get around Sydney. Hop on, feel the sea breeze in your hair, the salt spray on your face, and soak up those million-dollar views of Sydney Harbour. Whether you’re cruising to Manly for fish and chips, gliding up the Parramatta River, or making your way to Watsons Bay for a waterfront sundowner, ferries are generally reliable and a fantastic way to see the city, though they do stick to limited routes and can be more expensive than buses or trains. But seriously, can you really put a price on those views?
4. Light Rail
Sydney’s light rail network is a tram service that connects key areas such as the inner west, the CBD, and southeastern suburbs. For these places, it provides a convenient way to reach them. But, as the network is still expanding, many areas remain underserved.
5. Sydney Metro
The Sydney Metro is the city’s newest public transport option. Fast, reliable, and fully automated train – no drivers, just smooth rides – the Metro, currently from Chatswood to Sydenham, has introduced several new stations, including Crows Nest, Victoria Cross, Barangaroo, Martin Place, Gadigal, and Waterloo. It also features a brand-new underground platform at Central and upgraded platforms at Sydenham, making travel through the city smoother and more convenient. And there’s more to come! The line has been extended through the CBD to Sydenham, and further expansion to Bankstown is underway, scheduled for completion in 2025. The Western Sydney Airport metro, from St Marys to Bradfield via the new Western Sydney International Airport, is set to open for passenger services in 2026, and future expansion will link the CBD to Westmead, with stations at key locations like Parramatta and Sydney Olympic.
Do you need a car in Sydney?
According to the 2021 census, over 56% of households in Sydney have at least one car but given the comprehensive public transport network, it is understandable that some visitors are unsure whether they need access to a private vehicle to get around Sydney.
For those who wish to venture beyond the city’s main attractions or explore nearby regions, car rentals, for a short or long period of time, offer a convenient option. Popular and reliable services like the Australian car hire company Redspot is one of many vehicle rental businesses operating in the city, with a presence in the metropolitan area and domestic and international airports, and they offer the flexibility to explore Sydney and beyond at your own pace.
While not necessary, a car makes journeying around Sydney much more enjoyable and comfortable giving you the option to play your own tunes, travel with your luggage and items more easily, and come and go when you want.
What Factors Determine Whether You Need a Car?
It is a personal choice as to whether or not you need a car in Sydney. But here are some of the main things to consider.
1. Where you’re staying
If you’re setting up camp in the CBD or inner suburbs (such as Surry Hills, Newtown, or Pyrmont), you may not need a car. Not only is the public transport system excellent, but there are also several very good bike paths and walking paths you can traverse.
However, if you’re staying in outer suburbs like Penrith, Cabramatta, Campbelltown, or on the Northern Beaches, public transport can be less convenient, so you might rely more on a car.
If you plan on travelling long distances or at irregular hours that involve you having to commute very early in the morning or late at night, a car rental can be more practical. Additionally, if you have young children, having a car can be a significant advantage over public transport to lug all the extra gear and save tired little feet (and your sanity).
2. Lifestyle Travel
Sydney is a city that has plenty to see and do, beyond the CBD and a car can provide you with much greater freedom and flexibility to take road trips to destinations like the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, or Jervis Bay.
3. Daily realities
If Sydney is your home, or you plan on staying on a longer basis, having a car often have a significant advantage over public transport.
For those whose workplace is near a train station or on a major bus route, public transport may be sufficient. But, if you work in an area with limited transport options, drive long distances, or have irregular hours that involve you having to commute very early in the morning or late at night, owning a car can be more practical.
And if you have young children who attend school, you might prefer to drive them there, as opposed to letting them take public transport on their own. Equally if you or your kids play sports or music that means transporting heavy or cumbersome items like cricket equipment or guitars, a car is essential. And when it comes to grocery or sales shopping, it is much easier to carry these items home in a car than on public transportation.
What’s the verdict?
Ultimately, whether you need a car in Sydney depends on your budget and lifestyle. For visitors, renting a car offers convenience and flexibility, allowing you to explore the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. And if you live in Sydney, there are undoubted benefits to owning one. That said, owning a vehicle can be expensive, particularly when you consider the cost of petrol, car registration, services and repairs, insurance, and car repayments (if you didn’t buy it outright).
So, for many the best solution is to just hire a car as needed, enjoying the convenience and benefits of having a vehicle without the ongoing expenses and need for regular maintenance.
An award-winning travel writer and photographer, Aleney de Winter was fresh from school when she first set off to explore the far reaches of Australia with a two-man tent and a beaten-up Kingswood for company. Three decades, and two kids later, and she's still on the go, with her itchy-footed offspring in tow. 