Travel update: ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred latest travel information for South East QLD and Northern NSW
View from Mt Ainslie, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © Rob Mulally for VisitCanberra
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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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.
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
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.
Tip: Use the Journey Planner tool to find the best cycling route to take and to see Airbike bike-share locations.