Getting around Canberra

By Ashlea Wheeler

Australia's capital city of Canberra is smaller than most major cities, but it still has plenty of transport options for visitors including buses, driving, and walking. Here's how to move around Canberra easily.

Public transport options in Canberra

To use the public bus network in Canberra, you can purchase a MyWay card or buy single tickets on board. The MyWay card is available from MyWay Recharge Agents. Once you have the MyWay card, a discount to your bus fares and a daily cap will be automatically applied when you travel.

Fares vary depending on the mode of transport and length of journey, but most trips only cost a few dollars. To start your ride, tap your card on the reader when you board and be sure to tap off when you disembark.

Buses

Canberra has a range of city buses that run between town centres and other key destinations.

Canberra also has a free Culture Loop service with several stops around the city. The buses on this loop depart each hour from 9am to 4pm. This bus is particularly useful for visiting many of the city's top attractions like the National Museum of Australia, Australian Parliament House, Questacon science and technology museum and Canberra and Region Visitors Centre.

Light Rail 

A light rail route along the city’s main thoroughfare, Northbourne Avenue, is part of the city’s public transport network and connects with its public buses. You can use your MyWay card on the light rail route, which connects several popular hotels and dining precincts of Dickson, Braddon and the city centre.

Driving

There are countless must-see destinations within and surrounding the Canberra city center. So, opting to drive around Canberra is a great way to see the sites on your own timeline. Stay within the city or branch out, either are great options as there are no tollways in Canberra, making this a great option if you are travelling on a budget. 

Hiring a car is easy with operators located both in the airport and in the city for your convenience. 

If parking isn't provided at your accommodation, there are plenty of paid and free parking options around the city. 

Getting to and from the airport

Public buses are an easy way to get to Canberra Airport from the city. The Route 3 collects passengers from City Interchange in downtown and runs approximately every half hour on weekdays and every hour on weekends. You can use the MyWay card to pay for this airport service, which costs the same as a regular bus fare within the city.