Trains are fast, frequent, and honestly, the easiest way to move over longer distances. For shorter trips within the city, many people use buses or the Sydney Light Rail, which glides through areas like Central and Darling Harbour. One of my favorite ways to travel, though, is by water. Sydney Ferries connect neighborhoods across the harbor, turning a regular commute into a casual boat ride past the Sydney Opera House.
Of course, people also walk a lot, especially in dense areas near universities and business districts, and some bike, though the hills can be intense. Overall, transportation here feels integrated and normalized. It’s not unusual to rely entirely on public transit, and that’s something that still stands out to me coming from the U.S.
Today was my first day at my internship (ask me about it!), and I truly thought I had the commute under control after just one week here. Maps said it would take about an hour, which felt manageable. I left early, feeling responsible and prepared. And then, somehow, I got on the wrong train. What was supposed to be a straightforward ride turned into me traveling in the opposite direction, recalculating routes, and watching the arrival time shift later and later. I ended up being an hour late for my first day.
I was embarrassed, of course. There is something very humbling about realizing you confidently boarded the wrong platform. But the experience also said a lot about Sydney. Strangers were quick to help, patiently pointing me toward the right line, and when I finally arrived, everyone was incredibly understanding.
