Public Transport Fares & Smartcard Systems in Australia
Everything you need to know about Opal, myki, go card, SmartRider, metroCARD, MyWay+, contactless card tap-on rules, and daily travel caps across all states.
Can I tap my Visa, Mastercard or Apple/Google Pay?
In NSW (Sydney), QLD (Brisbane & Gold Coast), SA (Adelaide Trams & Buses), and ACT (Canberra), you do not need to buy a local transit card! Simply tap your contactless debit card, credit card, or smartphone wallet on any gate or reader.
50-Cent Flat Public Transport Fare
Applies across all Translink buses, trains, Gold Coast G:link trams, and Brisbane CityCat ferries throughout South East Queensland and regional Translink bus networks.
Distance-based Fares with Daily & Weekly Caps
Off-peak discount of 30% applies outside 6:30am-10:00am and 3:00pm-7:00pm weekdays on train, metro, and bus.
Zone 1+2 Flat 2-Hour Fare & Daily Cap
V/Line regional passenger train fares capped at the Melbourne daily metropolitan rate ($10.60 standard) across all of regional Victoria.
Zonal System with 2-Zone Maximum Fare Cap
Transperth allows unlimited transfers within the validity window (2 hours for 1-2 zones, 3 hours for 3+ zones).
Peak & Off-Peak 2-Hour Integrated Fares
Includes transfers between Adelaide Metro trains, Glenelg tram, O-Bahn guided busway, and suburban buses for 2 hours.
Modern Account-Based Ticketing & Free Transfers
Automatic fare capping prevents overcharging regardless of how many journeys are made across Canberra in a day.
Urban Flat Fares with 90-Minute Transfer Window
Derwent River ferry between Bellerive and Hobart Brooke St Pier integrated with Metro Tas Greencard ticketing.
3-Hour Transfer Period on All Suburban Buses
School students travel free on Darwinbus school and scheduled services during academic terms.