Getting there and away
Train
Sydney's vast suburban rail network is the deft way to get around. Lines radiate from the underground City Circle (seven city-centre stations), but don't service the Northern and Southern Beaches, Balmain or Glebe. All suburban trains stop at Central Station, and usually one or more of the other City Circle stations too.
Trains run from around 5am to midnight. On weekends and after 9am on weekdays you can buy an off-peak return ticket, valid until 4am the next day, for little more than a standard one-way fare.
Twenty-four-hour ticket machines occupy most stations but humans are usually available too if you'd rather talk to something that'll listen. If you have to change trains, buy a ticket to your ultimate destination, but don't exit the transfer station en route or your ticket will be invalid.
For train information, visit the CityRail Information Booth (13 15 00; www.131500.com.au; Wharf 5, Circular Quay; 9.05am-4.50pm).
Airport Link (13 15 00; www.airportlink.com.au; single/return from Central Station to domestic terminal $12/18, to international terminal $13/19; every 10-15min, 5am-midnight daily) runs from city train stations; return fares are cheaper after 9am and on weekends. A one-way trip takes about 15 minutes.
Sydney's main rail terminus for CountryLink interstate and regional services is Central Station (13 22 32; www.countrylink.info; Eddy Ave; staffed ticket booths 6am-10pm, ticket machines 24hr). Call for information, reservations and arrival/departure times. CountryLink discounts often nudge 40% on economy fares - sometimes cheaper than buses!
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