Easy Read: How to Get an Opal Card

Pay for public transport

An Opal card stores money for your trips.

You can use it on buses, trains, light rail and ferries.

Tap on and tap off

Tap your card on the reader when you start your trip.

Tap it again when you finish.

The reader works out the correct fare.

Adult Opal card or contactless payment

Most adults can use an adult Opal card. You can also tap an accepted bank card or phone instead.

Contactless payment means you pay by tapping without inserting or swiping a card.

Child and youth Opal card

Children aged 4 to 15 can use a child and youth Opal card.

This card charges a lower fare than an adult card.

School Opal card

Some school and TAFE students can get free travel between home and their place of study.

The card is for approved trips on school days during the school term.

Concession Opal card

Some students, apprentices, trainees and other eligible people can use a concession Opal card.

It charges a lower fare.

You must meet the rules before you apply.

Gold Opal card

Eligible seniors and pensioners can use a Gold Opal card.

The card limits how much they pay for public transport each day.

Other eligible people may also be able to apply.

Free travel card

Some people who are blind or have low vision can receive free travel.

Some people who meet disability or Australian Defence Force rules may also receive free travel.

You must show that you meet the rules.

Further education students

If you study at TAFE, university or college, check whether your institution supports concession travel.

You may need to allow the institution to share your enrolment details with Transport for NSW.

Apprentices and trainees

Apprentices and trainees may qualify for concession travel.

You may need the identification number from your training contract when you apply.

Buy an adult or child card in a store

You can get adult and child cards from participating retailers and some customer service locations.

Ask the retailer which cards are available.

Order a card online

You can order some Opal cards online.

Enter your delivery address carefully.

Your card will be sent to you.

Apply for a school card

Apply for school travel using the school student travel service.

Your school may need to confirm your enrolment.

Get an entitlement card first

Get a Transport Concession Entitlement Card before applying for a concession Opal card.

The entitlement card proves that you meet the concession rules.

Apply for a Gold or free travel card

Use the application option that matches your eligibility.

You may need a Seniors Card, Pensioner Concession Card, travel pass or other evidence. Check which evidence applies to you before you start.

Carry both cards

Carry your entitlement card and concession Opal card together.

A transport officer may ask to see both cards.

Apply before your visit

Older visitors to New South Wales should apply for a Gold Opal card before their trip.

Allow at least 3 weeks for the application and delivery.

Ask for language or communication support

Ask for information in another language or an accessible format if you need it.

You can use the Translating and Interpreting Service or ask someone you trust for support.

Contact Transport for NSW

Contact Transport for NSW if you are not sure which card to get.

Call 13 77 88 or use the Transport for NSW contact service.