Getting around Canberra
Your guide to navigating Canberra's easy, efficient and affordable public transport.
By Mark Sariban
Australia’s capital city of Canberra is smaller than most major cities, but it still has plenty of transport options for visitors including buses, light rail, driving, cycling and walking. Here’s how to move around Canberra easily.
Transport in Canberra
Canberra Airport, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © VisitCanberra
To use the public bus and light rail network in Canberra, purchase a MyWay card from MyWay Recharge Agents. You can also buy a pre-paid ticket at selected bus stations, all light rail stops and Canberra Airport. A daily cap on fares will be automatically applied when you travel with a MyWay card.
- Use the Journey Planner tool to find available bus and light rail services.
- To start your ride, tap your MyWay card on the reader when you board and be sure to tap off when you disembark.
Canberra is serviced by Canberra Airport (CBR), around a 15-minute drive from the city centre. There are several options for reaching the city from the airport.
- Public buses are an easy way to get to the city from Canberra Airport. Route 3 buses travel from the airport to City Interchange in downtown Canberra approximately every 15 minutes on weekdays and every 30 minutes on weekends. You can use a MyWay card to pay for this airport service.
- You’ll find taxi ranks and rideshare pick-up areas at the front of each terminal – simply follow the signage.
In Australia, airlines, trains, buses and ferries have accessible options for people using mobility devices, as well as services for hearing and vision impaired travellers.
- Canberra Airport provides special assistance for people with disabilities and can help with baggage, getting around the airport, and getting on and off the plane.
- Canberra’s light rail stations have ramp access and designated waiting areas for passengers needing assistance boarding trains.
- The vast majority of Canberra’s buses are accessible: the driver can lower the bus and extend a ramp to the kerb to assist in boarding.
- You will need book a wheelchair-accessible taxi in advance by calling the Wheelchair Accessible Taxi service on 139 287.
- There are also several options for accessible accommodation, dining and activities around the city.
Getting around Canberra on public transport
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © Martin Ollman for VisitCanberra
Canberra has a range of buses that run between town centres and other key destinations. Use the Journey Planner tool to find your route.
A light rail route along the city’s main thoroughfare, Northbourne Avenue, connects several popular hotels and the dining precincts of Dickson, Braddon and the city centre. You can use your MyWay card on the light rail route.
Getting around Canberra by car
National Arboretum Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © VisitCanberra
There are countless must-see destinations within and surrounding the Canberra city centre. Opting to drive around Canberra is a great way to see the sites on your own timeline.
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.
Canberra is serviced by a number of taxi companies, including ACT Cabs and Canberra Elite.
- You can hail a taxi on the street or at taxi ranks in built-up areas.
- You can also book a taxi by phoning individual companies, downloading their apps or using the 13cabs or GoCatch app.
- If you require a wheelchair-accessible taxi, you will need book in advance by calling the Wheelchair Accessible Taxi service on 139 287.
Tip: Female travellers can also book a ride with Shebah, a rideshare service with all-women drivers catering to women. (Adult men can use the service if they need to transport a child who requires an approved child safety seat.)
Make the most of your time in Canberra with a guided tour. Options include Canberra Guided Tours’ popular Highlights of Canberra Tour, and Canberra wine district tours.
Read next
Best hotels and places to stay in Canberra
Other forms of Transport in Canberra
Lake Burley Griffin and National Carillion, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © Richard Poulton
Enjoy the city’s highlights on the hop-on, hop-off Red Explorer Loop Bus, which departs from Canberra Museum & Gallery (CMAG) and stops at major attractions such as the War Memorial, National Art Gallery and Old Parliament House.
A cruise on Lake Burley Griffin is an enjoyable way of getting to know Canberra. Join daily tours on an electric boat with Lake Burley Griffin Cruises or enjoy weekend sightseeing tours or regular lunch and dinner cruises on the MV Southern Cross.
Cycling in Canberra is safe and enjoyable, with an extensive network of shared bike paths and bike lanes on public roads.
- Download an app from Beam or Neuron to access a pool of shared e-scooters across Canberra.
- Download the Airbike app to access a pool of shared conventional bicycles and e-bikes across the city centre.
- You can also hire a bike or an e-scooter from Canberra and Region Visitors Information Centre at Regatta Point.
Tip: Use the Journey Planner tool to find the best cycling route to take and to see Airbike bike-share locations.
