Getting around on buses can be convenient and easy when you have the right information for your journey.

Learn more about planning ahead with Busways to make your trip as smooth as possible.

How to catch a bus
  1. Plan your trip
  2. Arrive ahead of time
    • You should arrive at your bus stop 5 minutes before the scheduled departure.
    • Get your Opal card or cash fare ready before boarding the bus.
  3. Signal the driver to stop
    • You can identify the correct bus to catch by checking the route number and route description displayed on the ‘destination sign’ above the front windshield of the bus.
    • When your bus approaches, signal to the bus driver from a safe distance that you want the bus to stop.
  4. Getting on the bus
    • If you’re using an Opal card, remember to tap on as you board.
    • If you’re travelling in our North Coast networks, you will need to purchase a ticket from the driver. Tickets can be paid for using contactless payments or cash. It will help the driver if you have the correct or small change ready.
    • Find an available seat or area to stand.
    • Priority seating is available for persons with disabilities at the front of the bus.
    • Stay alert to your surroundings and hold on to handrails when the bus moves.
  5. Getting off the bus
    • Press the stop button near your seat before approaching your desired bus stop, so the driver has time to stop.
    • Check that you have all your belongings with you. If you have lost something on a bus, you can use the Lost Property Enquiry Form to let us know.
    • Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before moving to get off the bus.
    • If you’re using an Opal card, remember to tap off as you disembark.
Ticketing and Opal

Depending on where you’re travelling, you can pay for travel using an Opal Card or cash fare.

  • If you’re travelling in Sydney or Central Coast, you will need an Opal card to pay for travel or an Opal single bus ticket.
  • If you’re travelling in regional NSW, you will need to purchase a ticket from the driver. Tickets can be paid for using contactless payments or cash. It will help the driver if you have the correct or small change ready.

Learn more about Opal, tickets and fares on the Ticketing and Opal page.

Transport apps

There are several transport apps available to help plan your trip, view real-time information and service updates on bus services using a smartphone or tablet.

Visit the Transport apps page to find a transport app right for you.

Travelling with bikes, scooters, surfboards and bulky items

Non-folding bicycles and non-folding scooters cannot be taken on buses because they are difficult to stow without inconveniencing or potentially endangering other passengers.

Foldable bikes and scooters, surfboards, luggage and other items can be taken on board, although the driver may refuse if the service is at capacity. Your items must:

  • not prevent other passengers from getting a seat
  • not cause inconvenience or risk to other passengers and staff
  • be clear of the aisle and doorways.
Travelling with prams and children

Children aged three years and under travel free and don’t need a ticket. Children aged 4-15 (inclusive) pay child fares.

Prams and strollers are welcome and free to take on Busways buses under the following safety guidelines:

  • You can request the use of an access ramp or for the bus to be lowered to make boarding and exiting the bus with a pram easier.
  • Keep the pram clear of the aisle and doorways.
  • You may park your pram in the Priority Seating area if it is not occupied by someone. However, if the Priority Seating area is required by a person with disability or limited mobility, the pram must be folded and stowed.
  • If the bus becomes crowded, fold your pram and stow it away in the luggage area to make room for others.
  • During peak periods of high ridership, drivers may require that all prams and strollers be folded before boarding the bus.
Travelling with animals and pets

Travelling with an assistance animal

Certified seeing or hearing guide dogs, assistance animals or police dogs are permitted on our buses at all times.

To help our drivers to differentiate between your assistance animal and a pet, please display your Assistance Animal Permit when boarding.

Guide, hearing, police and security dogs do not require a permit.

People with assistance animals are encouraged to sit in the priority seating area near the front of the bus to help keep the aisles clear for the safety of both their animal and other passengers.

Assistance animals may travel for free, however owners are still required to have a valid pass or ticket for travel.

Travelling with pets

Pets are allowed on bus services, with permission from the driver.

The animal must be restrained in a suitable box, basket or container at all times while on board.

The driver can refuse to allow the animal to board:

  • if the bus service is reaching capacity
  • if the animal is not clean or is likely to affect the safety or travel experience of other customers.
Safety and security

Closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV)

Surveillance cameras operate on all bus services to monitor and deter anti-social behaviour or offences.

Alighting at night

If you’re travelling after 8pm, our buses can (on request) stop between bus stops for your safety. You should let the driver know in advance so they can ascertain a safe place to pull the bus over. Please note that this request is not available for North Shore and West bus routes due to operational considerations and the frequency of service.

Personal safety

If you need assistance, feel unsafe or threatened in a bus, speak to the bus driver. Call 000 in an emergency.

See something, say something

You can play a role in helping to keep our bus services and network safe by reporting anything suspicious as soon as possible.

  • Speak to your driver if you see an unattended bag or package on a bus
  • Call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 if you believe an offence such as vandalism, theft, graffiti, glass scratching, rock throwing or other criminal behaviour has been committed or if you’re witness to any suspicious activity.