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Child and youth

Ticket options

  • Children aged 3 years and under travel free on public transport in NSW.
  • Children aged 4 - 15 years are entitled to concession fares.
  • Fulltime students aged 16 years and older holding a Transport Concession Entitlement Card also pay concession fares.
  • Primary and secondary students in NSW may also be entitled to free or subsidised travel to and from school.

Child/Youth Opal cards are for:

  • children aged 4-15, or
  • full time older students holding a Transport Concession Entitlement Card.

If you do not have an Opal card, you can purchase Child/Youth Opal single tickets.

If you are a secondary student aged 16 years and over, you must have your Transport Concession Entitlement Card with you as proof of entitlement, otherwise you will need to pay for and travel with an Adult fare. If not, you may be fined for travelling on an invalid ticket.

How to get your Child/Youth Opal card

  • Over the counter from retailers. Present your Transport Concession Entitlement Card if required.
  • Order on the Opal website.

Using an Opal card provides you with a range of travel benefits.

 

Find out more about Opal terms of use.

Airport train station access fee

The Concession Sydney Airport station access fee applies to:

  • children aged 4–15 years
  • eligible secondary students with a Transport Concession Entitlement Card.

Regional trains and coaches

Children aged 4-15 years and secondary school students with a NSW or Victorian school pupil identification card are entitled to discounted fares on Regional trains and coaches. Find out more about child and family fares.

Local services in rural and regional NSW

Privately owned and operated services in rural and regional NSW may offer concessions to children and students at their own discretion. Check with your local transport operator before you travel.

Transport Concession Entitlement Card

The Transport Concession Entitlement Card is issued free of charge.

If you’re continuing to year 12, the card will be valid until 31 March the following year unless you enter full-time employment. Proof of age cards expire when you turn 16.

To be eligible, you must meet one of the following criteria:

  • Enrolled in a NSW or ACT secondary school or non-government secondary school.
  • Registered with the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) as a full-time home-schooled or distance education (OTEN) secondary student.
  • An International school student who meets the criteria.

To apply, contact your school or educational institution.

For replacement cards, complete the Secondary Student Transport Concession Card replacement form (pdf 263KB). Upload and submit your completed application and any supporting documents online via the Concessions application form.

 

For a Transport Concession Entitlement Card, NSW/ACT students out of school term or home-schooled students can complete the Home Schooled Concession Application Form (pdf 274KB).

Individual applications can also be made during school holiday periods or if you are home-schooled.

Applications must be accompanied by proof of identity, age and the name of the school attended or, if home-schooled, a copy of the Certificate of Registration issued by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) showing the year of study and course.

Be sure to prepare a photocopy or scan of any required supporting documents outlined in the form.

Upload and submit your completed application form and any supporting documents online via the Concessions application form.

Children aged between 4 to 15 years do not require any proof of entitlement for concession travel. However if you look more mature, you can apply for a Transport Concession Entitlement Card to verify to transport staff that you are under 16 years old.

How to apply

  • Contact your school or educational institution.
  • For replacement cards, contact your school or educational institution. A replacement fee may apply.

Transport Concession Entitlement Card for School Students - Conditions of use

These apply to Senior Secondary Students, Mature Secondary Students, Proof of Age, Distance Education Students and Home School Students:

  • The concession entitlement is not transferrable and may only be used by the student named on the card.
  • The card is valid only when showing all holder details, school information and expiry date.
  • The card is rendered invalid by alteration, erasure or damage.
  • The card must always be carried when you travel on a concession fare. It must be produced when purchasing tickets or as requested by authorised officers or Police. If you fail to produce your card you may be fined.
  • Improper use of the card may result in confiscation and forfeiture of future NSW travel entitlements.