The School Opal card

13 Feb 2025

The School Opal card gives eligible students free or discounted travel between home and school using public transport.

Who can apply?

To be eligible for a School Opal card, students may need to live a minimum distance from their school:

Note: If you live too close to be eligible for free travel you may still qualify for a School Term Bus Pass, which offers travel on buses between home and school at a discounted rate for the whole school term.

Who needs to apply?

A new application is only required if the student has not had a School Opal card before.

If the student already has a School Opal card and is changing schools, campuses or home address, you will need to update their Opal card for the new school year before mid-December at transportnsw.info/ssts-update

How to apply

Applications for next year open at the start of Term 4 this year.

Step 1

Once the new school has confirmed your child's enrolment, complete the application at transportnsw.info/school-students

Step 2

The school endorses your application.

Step 3

Once Transport for NSW has approved the application, a School Opal card will be sent to the address provided on the application.

Better together

Child/Youth Opal card benefits

• Concession fares across the Opal network
• Half-price travel after eight paid journeys each week
• $1 transfer discount for every transfer between modes (metro/train, ferry, bus or light rail) as part of one journey within 60 minutes from the last tap off
• Set auto top up and link it to your credit or debit card so there's always enough value on the card to travel.

Find out more at  transportnsw.info/opal  or pick one up from an Opal retailer. To find a retailer in your area visit transportnsw.info/opal-retailers.