Sydney's transport system is made up of trains, buses, and ferries. The system is efficiently run and not too expensive if you invest in an appropriate travel pass. It works best transporting commuters in and out of the city, but traveling within the city can sometimes be difficult.

The Sydney Olympics has speeded up improvements in the public transport system, introducing new roads and expanded rail and ferry lines. For information on buses, ferries and trains, including timetables and route details, call: 13-1500 between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily. To track down belongings you've left behind in a public transport, call: 9245-5777 (for buses and ferries), and 9379-3000 (CityRail).

Taxis are fairly easy to flag down (unless it rains) and are cheap. There are taxi ranks at major points throughout the city, including Central and Wynyard Stations; Market Street by the State Theatre; Circular Quay; Elizabeth Street at Chifley Square; and at Elizabeth Bay on Macleay Street. Booking fee is $1; flagfall is $3, then $1.07 per km. Generally, Australian cabbies are an honest lot and fairly helpful with your baggage. They are friendly and can sometimes recommend the best places to visit.

The four major taxi companies, with their phone numbers, are:

• Taxis Combined Services: +61-2 13-1008 or +61-2 9332-8888
• RSL Cabs: +61-2 13 1581 or +61-2 9699-0144
• Legion Cabs: +61-2 13 1451 or +61-2 9289-9000
• Premier Cabs: +61-2 13 1017 or +61-2 9897-4000

For taxis that can take in wheelchairs, call: 1-800-043-187 or +61-2 9332-0200

Water Taxis

Water taxis are great fun and an alternative way to get around the city. The fare depends on the time of day and the number of passengers. The fare for two from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay comes to about $40.

Following are the telephone numbers of some water taxi companies:

• Dolphin Water Taxis: +61-4 1311-9960 
                                         +61-2 9948-8231 
                                         1300 130 742 
                                         www.dolphinwatertaxi.com
• Harbour Shuttles: +61-2 9810-5010
• Harbour Taxi Boats: +61-2 9555-1155 
• Taxis Afloat: +61-2 995a5-3222 
• Beachhopper: +61-2 9326-9546