How to Use Sydney Metro: One M1 Line From Bankstown Through the City to Tallawong, Tap On and Off, Fares by Distance
According to the Transport for NSW timetable valid from 30 October 2026, Sydney Metro’s M1 line now runs 31 stations from Bankstown through the city to Tallawong in about 80 minutes, and you pay by tapping on and off with an Opal card or contactless bank card.
The NSW Government announced on 30 October 2026 that passenger services on the Southwest Metro had begun that morning, with the first train leaving Bankstown at 4:31am for Tallawong. The section was converted from the old T3 Bankstown Line and joins the existing M1 at Sydenham. With the old line gone, residents along the corridor, students and newcomers to Sydney all have some relearning to do.
This guide covers how the M1 runs and how often, then fares and caps, then how former T3 passengers should change trains, and finally how to use the network depending on your situation.
Key Points
- Who should pay attention: commuters living between Bankstown and Marrickville, former T3 passengers, students in Sydney, short-stay residents and new migrants, and anyone looking to rent or buy along the corridor.
- Sydney Metro shares the Opal system with other public transport. Contactless cards cost the same as an Opal card, but you must tap off as well, or you are charged the highest possible fare for that trip.
- The T6 now covers Lidcombe to Bankstown, while the T3 runs from Liverpool through Lidcombe into the city. Neither runs on the Bankstown to Sydenham section any more.
- The M1 does not serve Sydney Airport. Change at Central for the T8 to the airport stations, where a separate station access fee applies.
How the Sydney Metro M1 Line Runs and How Often Trains Come
The M1’s full name is the Metro North West & Bankstown Line. It is 66 kilometres long and needs no change of train. The new southern section has ten stations: Bankstown, Punchbowl, Wiley Park, Lakemba, Belmore, Campsie, Canterbury, Hurlstone Park, Dulwich Hill and Marrickville. From there it reaches the interchange at Sydenham, then Waterloo, Central, Gadigal, Martin Place and Barangaroo, crosses the harbour, and continues via Chatswood, Macquarie University and Epping to Tallawong.
Service frequency below comes from the NSW Government release of 22 October 2026; first and last trains come from the M1 timetable valid from 30 October 2026, for departures from Bankstown:
| Period | Frequency or time |
|---|---|
| Weekday peak | Every 4 minutes |
| Weekday daytime | Every 5 minutes |
| Evenings and weekends | Every 10 minutes |
| First weekend, 31 October to 1 November 2026 | Every 7 minutes |
| First train | 04:31 daily |
| Last train | 00:03 Monday to Thursday, 01:03 Friday, 01:01 Saturday, 23:01 Sunday |
All journey times below come from the Transport for NSW station guide, Your guide to stations between Sydenham and Bankstown. They are approximate and shown in minutes:
| From | To Central | To Martin Place | To Victoria Cross | To Chatswood | To Tallawong |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bankstown | 28 | 32 | 37 | 43 | 80 |
| Lakemba | 22 | 26 | 31 | 37 | 74 |
| Campsie | 18 | 22 | 27 | 33 | 70 |
| Marrickville | 10 | 14 | 19 | 25 | 62 |
The guide and the timetable differ by a minute or two, so check the Trip Planner on the day. Government releases also listed minutes saved, but two releases gave different figures for the same section, so this guide lists journey times only.
How Much Sydney Metro Costs: Distance, Peak Times and Daily and Weekly Caps
There is no separate metro ticket. Fares are set by the Opal system, based on the distance between where you tap on and off and the time you tap on.
Adult fares from Transport for NSW are below. Metro and train share one table, applying from 29 June 2026:
Peak times are 6:30am to 10am and 3pm to 7pm, Monday to Thursday, excluding public holidays, based on when you tap on. Outside those hours, and all day on Fridays, weekends and public holidays, a 30% off-peak discount applies.
Distance is not the length of track the train actually runs. It is the shortest track distance between the two stations. The M1 is 66 kilometres end to end, but Bankstown to Tallawong counts as about 46 kilometres, so it does not fall in the 65km+ band. Zagdim matched the fares below against the official Opal distance table of June 2026, which predates this opening, so confirm the actual fare in the Trip Planner:
| Journey | Fare distance | Peak | Off-peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marrickville to Central | About 6.5km | A$4.33 | A$3.03 |
| Campsie to Central | About 12km | A$5.38 | A$3.76 |
| Bankstown to Central | About 18 to 19km | A$5.38 | A$3.76 |
| Bankstown to Macquarie University | About 28km | A$6.20 | A$4.34 |
| Bankstown to Chatswood | About 30 to 32km | A$6.20 | A$4.34 |
| Bankstown to Tallawong | About 46 to 47km | A$8.28 | A$5.79 |
Daily and Weekly Caps
Caps apply across metro, train, bus, ferry and light rail. The Opal week runs from 4am Monday to 3:59am the following Monday. The figures below come from the Transport for NSW page Fares, tickets and ways to pay:
| Fare type | Monday to Thursday, per day | Friday to Sunday and public holidays, per day | Per week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | A$19.30 | A$9.65 | A$50 |
| Child/Youth and Concession | A$9.65 | A$4.80 | A$25 |
| Senior and Pensioner | A$2.50 | A$2.50 | A$17.50 |
Take a daily return from Bankstown to Central. Four peak return days from Monday to Thursday come to A$43.04, and a Friday off-peak return adds A$7.52, for A$50.56. That passes the weekly cap, so you pay A$50 for the week. Weekend travel is then free, apart from the airport station access fee.
Opal Card or Contactless Bank Card?
The table below is based on Transport for NSW’s Contactless payments and fares pages:
| Payment | Best for | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Contactless Visa, Mastercard or American Express, or a phone or watch wallet | Adults and short-term visitors | Same fares and benefits as an Opal card; tap on and off with the same card or device |
| Adult Opal card | Longer-term residents | Add value before you travel; available from Opal retailers |
| Child/Youth Opal card | Ages 4 to 15 | Child fares need an Opal card, not a contactless card |
| Opal single ticket | A back-up if you have neither | More expensive, with no off-peak discount |
Cards issued overseas may carry foreign transaction fees, so check with your bank.
How Transfers Work
Changing between Sydney Metro, Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink Intercity services counts as one journey and one distance-based fare, and you only tap when you need to pass through a gate. When you change to a bus, light rail or ferry within 60 minutes of your last tap-off, adults get A$2 off and child, concession and senior fares get A$1 off.
Going to Sydney Airport
The M1 has no airport station. The official guide lists Central as the change for Sydney Trains, and the T8 Airport & South Line runs from Central to the Domestic and International stations. The airport stations are privately owned, so a station access fee of A$18.61 for adults is added. It does not count towards daily or weekly caps, but it has its own weekly cap of A$37.75. Buying or topping up an Opal card at an airport station carries a A$35 minimum.
What Changes for Former T3 Passengers: T6 Serves Lidcombe to Bankstown, T3 Runs via the Inner West
The old T3 Bankstown Line no longer exists, and its sections are now covered by the M1, T6 and T3. The table below is based on the Transport for NSW M1, T3 and T6 timetables valid from 30 October 2026:
| Where you used to board | What to do now |
|---|---|
| The nine stations from Marrickville to Punchbowl | Take the M1 straight into the city |
| Bankstown | Take the M1 into the city; change to the T6 at the same station for Lidcombe |
| Yagoona, Birrong | Take the T6 to Bankstown and change to the M1, or to Lidcombe and change trains |
| Regents Park, Berala | Take the T3 via Lidcombe into the city, or the T6 to Bankstown and change to the M1 |
| Liverpool to Sefton | Take the T3 Liverpool & Inner West Line via Regents Park, Lidcombe and Strathfield to the city |
| Sydenham | Take the M1, or change to the T8 or T4 |
The T6 Lidcombe & Bankstown Line stops at Bankstown, Yagoona, Birrong, Regents Park, Berala and Lidcombe, and takes about 16 to 19 minutes. It runs about every 15 minutes for most of the weekday, about every 30 minutes from around 10pm, and about every 20 minutes at weekends. That is far less frequent than the M1, so anyone changing to the T6 should check the times first.
Metro and train platforms are separate at Bankstown. The official station map shows the metro at platforms 3 and 4 and trains to Lidcombe at platforms 1 and 2, so allow extra time for your first change.
The pink Southwest Link buses are winding down as well. Transport for NSW says the SW2 stopped from 30 October 2026, while the SW1 and SW3 run until Sunday 1 November 2026.
Getting the Most From Sydney Metro, Depending on Your Situation
Commuters
People living along the corridor who work in the city, Chatswood or Macquarie Park see the biggest change, as all of these are direct trips. With a train every 4 minutes in the weekday peak, you rarely need a timetable. Fridays are off-peak all day and the weekly cap also applies, so use the tables above to work out your weekly spend.
Students
Start by checking whether your campus is on the M1. The table below is based on each university’s transport page and the M1 guide:
| University | Link to the M1 | How to connect |
|---|---|---|
| Macquarie University | Macquarie University station is on the M1 | About 53 to 54 minutes direct from Bankstown |
| Western Sydney University Bankstown City Campus | The university says Bankstown Metro Station is a short walk away | Take the M1 to Bankstown |
| UTS | No M1 station under its name | Go to Central; UTS suggests the Devonshire Street Tunnel to the Goods Line |
| University of Sydney | Not on the M1 | The university lists Redfern as a 10-minute walk and Central as a 15-minute walk |
| UNSW Kensington | Not on the M1 | Change at Central for the L2 or L3 light rail, both with stops near campus |
Transport for NSW’s tertiary concession is mainly for Australian citizens and permanent residents. The only international students listed are those on Endeavour, Australia Awards or Research Training Program scholarships. Other international students usually pay Adult fares, so off-peak travel and caps are the way to save.
Short-Stay Residents and New Migrants
If you have just arrived and have no Opal card, a phone wallet or contactless card will get you moving straight away. Get an Opal card if you are staying longer or travelling with children, since child fares need one. For families with access needs, Wiley Park, Dulwich Hill, Hurlstone Park, Punchbowl and Canterbury now have lifts for the first time.
Looking to Rent or Buy Along the Line
This guide covers travel time only, not where rents or prices may go. When viewing a home, put the trip to work or study into the Trip Planner, add the walk to the station, and check the transfers you would actually use. If you are looking at stations west of Bankstown, such as Yagoona or Birrong, you would rely on the T6 to reach the M1, and its gaps are much longer, so do not estimate your commute from M1 frequencies.
What Comes Next: Metro West and the Western Sydney Airport Line
The table below is based on the Sydney Metro and Transport for NSW project pages:
| Line | Announced | Still open |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney Metro West | A 24km underground line with nine stations from Westmead and Parramatta to Hunter Street in the CBD | The official wording is a target of 2032, not a fixed date |
| Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport | A 23km line linking St Marys, the airport and Bradfield, under construction | As of 31 October 2026, Transport for NSW gives no opening date; the free WSI Link bus connects St Marys and the airport until then |
According to the NSW Government on 30 October 2026, the network is planned at 46 stations, two-thirds are complete, and 15 more are under construction.
Common Misunderstandings and Risks
Thinking You Only Need to Tap On
You must tap off as well. Otherwise you are charged the highest possible fare for the trip, known as the default fare. Use the same card or device both ways, and keep cards apart so the reader does not pick up the wrong one.
Assuming the Full 66km Means the Top Fare
Fares use the shortest track distance, and the whole line counts as about 46 kilometres, one band below the top. The distance table predates the opening, so check the exact amount in the Trip Planner.
Assuming the M1 Goes to the Airport
It does not. You need to change at Central for the T8, and pay the station access fee, which sits outside the normal caps.
Thinking the T3 Still Reaches Bankstown
The T3 now runs from Liverpool through Lidcombe and the Inner West into the city. Bankstown has only the M1 and T6, so old habits will leave you on the wrong platform.
Platforms and Doors Differ From the Old Line
The official guide warns that boarding conditions between Marrickville and Bankstown are more variable than on the rest of the M1, because the older stations have curved platforms. Staff and Help Points are there if you need assistance. The government also says six of the 360 train doors will stay closed for now and that there may be minor teething issues.
Three Examples of Using the Line
Living in Campsie, Working at Martin Place
The M1 takes about 22 minutes direct, in the 10 to 20km band. Each trip costs A$5.38 in the Monday to Thursday peak and A$3.76 on Fridays, with the A$50 weekly cap above that. The walks and transfers still count, so rely on the Trip Planner for your real door-to-door time.
An International Student Living in Bankstown, Studying at UNSW
Take the M1 to Central in about 28 minutes, then the L2 or L3 light rail to campus. Metro to light rail is a change of mode, so adults get A$2 off within 60 minutes. Unless you hold a listed scholarship, expect to pay Adult fares and make use of off-peak Fridays.
A New Migrant With Luggage, Going From the Airport to Campsie
Take the T8 from the airport station to Central, then the M1 towards Bankstown. You pay the distance fare plus the airport station access fee. A contactless card works on arrival; if you buy an Opal card at the airport, the minimum top-up is A$35.
Sydney Metro FAQ
How do I use Sydney Metro? Do I need to buy a ticket first?
No. Tap an Opal card or contactless Visa, Mastercard or American Express at the gate, then tap off at your destination, and the fare is worked out automatically. Phone and watch wallets work too. You only need the more expensive Opal single ticket if you have none of these.
How much does Sydney Metro cost?
Adult fares come in five distance bands, from A$4.33 to A$10.66 at peak and A$3.03 to A$7.46 off-peak, as set by Transport for NSW from 29 June 2026. Fridays, weekends and public holidays are off-peak all day.
What is the most I can pay in a day on Sydney Metro?
Adults pay no more than A$19.30 a day Monday to Thursday, A$9.65 on Fridays, weekends and public holidays, and A$50 a week. Caps cover metro, train, bus, ferry and light rail, but not the Sydney Airport station access fee.
What replaced the T3 between Lidcombe and Bankstown?
The T6 Lidcombe & Bankstown Line, stopping at Yagoona, Birrong, Regents Park and Berala, in about 16 to 19 minutes. It runs about every 15 minutes for most of the weekday. For the city, change to the M1 at Bankstown or to another train line at Lidcombe.
Does Sydney Metro go to UNSW or the University of Sydney?
Neither is on the M1. For UNSW, change at Central to the L2 or L3 light rail. The University of Sydney lists Redfern as about a 10-minute walk and Central as about 15 minutes. Macquarie University has its own M1 station.
Can international students get concession fares?
Mostly not. The Transport for NSW tertiary concession is mainly for Australian citizens and permanent residents, and international students are listed only if they hold Endeavour, Australia Awards or Research Training Program scholarships. Others generally pay Adult fares and rely on off-peak discounts and caps.
When is the last Sydney Metro train?
From Bankstown, the last train leaves at 00:03 Monday to Thursday, 01:03 Friday, 01:01 Saturday and 23:01 Sunday, on the timetable valid from 30 October 2026. Holidays and trackwork can change this, so check the Trip Planner before you travel.
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Important Disclaimer
This guide is general information and does not constitute legal, tax, financial or other professional advice. It is based mainly on public 2026 pages from the NSW Government, Transport for NSW, Sydney Metro and universities. Fare distances were matched by Zagdim against the official distance table. Fares and services may change, so rely on the latest from Transport for NSW. This guide does not assess rents or property prices along the line.
The rules and amounts in this guide are current as of 31 October 2026; check Transport for NSW for the latest official updates. This guide will be updated when Opal fares or the M1 timetable change, or when Metro West or the Western Sydney Airport line gets an opening date.
References
NSW Government – Southwest Metro train has left the station (30 October 2026) / NSW Government – Southwest Metro to open Friday 30 October 2026 (22 October 2026) / Sydney Metro – The wait is almost over: Southwest Metro gets official opening date (22 October 2026) / Transport for NSW – M1 Metro North West & Bankstown Line timetable (from 30 October 2026) / Transport for NSW – T6 Lidcombe & Bankstown Line timetable (from 30 October 2026) / Transport for NSW – T3 Liverpool & Inner West Line timetable (from 30 October 2026) / Transport for NSW – Your guide to stations between Sydenham and Bankstown / Transport for NSW – Adult Opal fares / Transport for NSW – Fares, tickets and ways to pay / Transport for NSW – Opal peak and off-peak fares / Transport for NSW – How Opal fares work / Transport for NSW – Opal benefits / Transport for NSW – Contactless payments / Transport for NSW – Opal Distance Tables and Opal Fare Values (June 2026) / Transport for NSW – Getting to and from Sydney Airport / Transport for NSW – Southwest Link / Transport for NSW – Tertiary or TAFE students / Transport for NSW – Getting to and from Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) / Sydney Metro – Sydney Metro West project overview / University of Sydney – Getting to campus / UNSW Sydney – Public transport / UTS – Transport to UTS / Western Sydney University – Bankstown City Campus
