Sydney Metro is not a conventional subway system but underground extensions that have been added to the main suburban train line. The owner of the subway network is Railcorp Sydney and almost all sections are operated by Sydney Trains.
Sydney Metro lines and stations
Sydney metro has 4 underground sections or subway lines:
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The circular line or Circle City . It is the oldest section, which opened in 1926 and serves the Central Business District (the city center) touring 6 stations: Central, Town Hall, Wynyard, Circular Quay, St James and Museum. Central station, a termini, is at surface level. Circular Quay is elevated. All the others stations are underground. The length of the Circle City route is 6 kilometers. It’s the cheapest way to visit the city for tourists as it takes you the most interesting sites of Sydney. The Central station is a junction of several transport systems. From this station subways, suburban and national trains depart. Near this station there are points of interest such as the famous Paddy’s Markets, Sydney Entertainment Centre, Powerhouse Museum … Given that is a central hub for communications is easy to find accommodation in this area. It’s an strategic point to reach other areas of Sydney. Another highlight is Townhall station. This stations is located near the main shopping area and very close to attractions such as the Darling Harbour and Queen Victoria Building. Here it is the transfer between Kings Cross / Bondi Junction lines. Circular Quay station reaches the Sydney Harbour. From here you can access The Rocks, Sydney Opera House and the Royal Botanic Gardens, St. James and Museum are close to Hyde Park.
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The second line or section is Eastern Suburbs Railway. Opened in 1979. It serves the following 7 stations: Redfern, Central, Town Hall, Martin Place, Kings Cross, Edgecliff, Woollahra and Bondi Junction. In peak hours frequency is about 3-5 minutes. At all other times and on weekends, from 8 to 10 minutes. All stations of this line are underground. The two terminal stations of Eastern Suburbs Railway line are Redfern and Bondi Junction. Total length of this route is 7 kilometers.
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The metro line from the airport ( Airport Link ) was the third section to be inaugurated there in 2000 for the Sydney Olympics. Officially known as the New Southern Railway. This line links the airport to the center of Sydney (Sydney Central Business District) and the southwestern districts. Although the owner of this line, as the others is the RailCorp, this is operated by a different company: Airport Link Company. The line has a total of 6 stations and a length of 10kms. Most of the route is underground. Its stations are: Central, Green Square, Mascot, Domestic Airport, International Airport, Wolli Creek.
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The last line to be opened was Epping to Chatswood . There are 5 stations in 13 kilometers: Epping, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, North Ryde and Chatswood. Runs entirely underground through the northern districts of Sydney. It began operating in 2009. It is the newest station.
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There was a proposal for a fifth metro line, the North West Metro, canceled in October 2008 by economic problems.
Sydney Metro Map
Curious facts
At its lowest level, parts of the City Circle are below sea level.
The Eastern Suburbs line was inaugurated in 1979, about 50 years after his first plan and 31 years after its construction works began. The pace of construction was about 250 meters per year.
Smoking is prohibited in indoor and/or closed areas in any station. And so does drinking alcohol. There are penalties for those who violate this rule.
Hours and frequency
City Rail frequency is 3-5 min.
City Rail line works from 4:00 am to 12:00 am
Fares and tickets
These rates may be outdated as they are from 2008. Tickets must be validated in barrier machines.
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One-way: 2.20 australian dollars within the city and 6.40 dolars the rest.
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Daily pass: 22.00. australian dollars.
Tickets can be purchased at vending machines. They usually accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and other debit cards. It is important to have bought the ticket before entering the metro, because otherwise you expose yourself to a fine. Fees can be calculated on its official website
Ticket Calculator
Children rates
Children up to three years travel free and do not need ticket for travel in Sydney Trains services.
They have special prices reduced to 50% of the normal adult fare for children aged 4 to 15 years
There are also discounts for students and seniors.
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