Tourists and visitors

Sydney motorways

There are more than 110 km of connected motorways for motorists travelling in and around Sydney. Most of the motorways on Sydney’s orbital network are toll roads, meaning you have to pay a toll to use them. Some are also fully electronic, so you can’t pay the toll with cash at a tollbooth. Instead, you need to pay the toll with an electronic tag or a pass. Find out more...

Please note: The Sydney Harbour Bridge will be completely cash free from 11 January 2009.

Paying tolls

The following RTA tolling products are ideal for tourists and visitors. The best product for you depends on how long you plan to visit and how much you plan to drive.

RTA E-Toll pass
If you are visiting Sydney for a few days and only plan to drive occasionally, you can register for an RTA E-Toll pass to pay any toll roads in NSW. Find out more...
RTA short-term tag
If you're visiting Sydney and plan to drive frequently, the RTA short term tag may be your best cashless payment option. You can use the short term tag on any motorway throughout Australia as often as you need. Find out more...

Interstate tags

Interstate tourists and visitors can use their Interstate electronic tags on NSW toll roads.

International tourists and visitors

International tourists and visitors driving in New South Wales must observe the licence requirements for visitors. You must carry your licence with you when you are driving and there is an on-the-spot fine for not having your licence with you. Your licence must be written in English or, if the licence is not in English, carry and English translation or an International Driving Permit.

The following links provide more information on driving in NSW and Australia:

Driving in NSW
Traffic signs
Give way rules
Overtaking

Licensing requirements for international visitors

If you are not an Australian citizen or a permanent resident of Australia you are considered to be a temporary overseas visitor. Temporary overseas visitors include:

Tourists.
Business people on limited duration visits.
People studying or working temporarily (eg working visa holders) in NSW.

Note: Special arrangements apply for New Zealand citizens. Find out more…

If you are a temporary overseas visitor and hold a current overseas driver licence, you do not have to get a NSW driver licence. You can drive on your current overseas licence as long as:

You remain a visitor.
You have not been disqualified from driving in NSW or elsewhere.
You have not had your licence suspended or cancelled, or your visiting driver privileges withdrawn.

Find out more...

Public transport