Getting here and getting around

It’s easy to travel to Canberra from overseas or interstate. And, once you’re here, getting around is hassle-free.

Getting to Canberra

You can fly into Canberra on one of multiple flights each day from other Australian capital cities.

Driving to Canberra is a breeze. Australia’s capital is a three hour drive from Sydney and eight hours from Melbourne.

Canberra has a direct rail service from Sydney. Departing from Sydney Central Station, the daily service travels to Canberra via the Southern Highlands, Goulburn and Bungendore. Check timetables and book online through Transport NSW.

Catch a bus, coach or hire a chauffeured car. See Murrays Coaches, Buses & Limousines, Greyhound Australia or Road Jet for routes, prices and timetables.  

Public transport in Canberra

If you don’t have a car, you can use Transport Canberra’s bus and light rail networks to get around the city easily.

Tickets

If you’re a regular traveller, buy a reusable MyWay card. It will save you money and time. You can get one online through the Transport Canberra website, or in person from a MyWay Recharge Agent. You can add money onto your card when you apply and recharge when you run low of funds.

Light rail

Light rail is a quick, direct way to travel between Civic and Gungahlin, through Braddon, Dickson and Lyneham.

Buses

Our clean and modern public bus network operates from several interchanges. These are in:

• the CBD in Civic
• Gungahlin
• Belconnen
• Tuggeranong
• Woden

Each of the interchanges has frequent services to and from Civic and other town centres, and through suburbs. Blue Rapid or Red Rapid bus services run frequently between town centres and other destinations. They run at least every 15 minutes between 7am and 7pm on weekends and frequently at other times. These services have carry racks for bikes.

Planning your trip

Use the Transport Canberra journey planner to plan your trip. NXTBUS shows you which buses are due at a selected stop in the next 90 minutes. 

Cycling

Canberra’s sense of space comes from having each of our town centres spread out, with parks and nature reserves in between. There isn’t a sprawling grid like you’ll find in many other cities.

We have the largest network of cycle paths in Australia. There are places to ride in Canberra where you’ll feel as though you’re out in the countryside, even when you’re close to the centre of the city. It’s a beautiful city to ride around.

Cabs

To catch a taxi in Canberra, use a taxi rank, book over the phone, online or use the local taxi apps. Pay by credit card, Cabcharge vouchers, cash and electronic funds transfer. Phone ahead to arrange a wheelchair accessible cab.

Ride share

Find a reliable ride in minutes. One tap on your preferred app and a car comes directly to you. Payment is cashless.