Public Transport Guide for Students
Concession cards, tap-and-go, and which pass actually saves money
Each Australian city has its own transport system, and getting it wrong can cost you hundreds. Here's the cheat sheet.
City-by-City Cards
Sydney uses Opal, Melbourne uses Myki, Brisbane uses Go Card, Adelaide uses MetroCARD, and Perth uses SmartRider. Get your card at a convenience store or station on day one — you can't board most services without one.
Student Concession Fares
Apply for concession fares through your university's student portal. You'll get roughly 50% off. Some cities require a separate photo ID card. Don't ride on full-fare tickets expecting a refund — most systems don't backdate concessions.
Weekly Caps Save Money
Most cities cap daily or weekly spending — after a certain number of trips, the rest are free. If you commute daily, you'll hit the cap by Wednesday or Thursday. Plan errands on capped days to maximise savings.
Free Transport Zones
Melbourne's CBD tram zone is free. Adelaide has a free CBD bus loop. Perth's CAT buses in the city centre are free. Knowing these zones saves money for short inner-city trips.
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