From city trains to scenic ferries, transportation in Australia offers a mix of convenience, sustainability, and stunning views.
Getting around a new destination can be tricky, especially if it’s a country as massive as Australia. But luckily, the public transport system here is efficient, extensive, and well-connected.
Whether you’re new to Australia or a repeat visitor, getting familiar with its transportation methods is essential to making the most of your holiday.
Public transport is the most practical and cost effective way to travel, particularly in sprawling cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane.
And it’s environmentally friendly, too, as it helps reduce carbon footprint in these metropolitan areas.
There is also a convenient network of air travel in Australia. Car rentals are abundant as well for those looking to road trip or explore on a more flexible schedule.
So here is your complete guide to getting around Australia!
Ultimate Guide To Transportation in Australia
In our guide to transportation in Australia, we’ll discuss flights, public transport, driving yourself, and general travel tips. Get ready for a whirlwind adventure Down Under!
Travelling to Australia
Getting into Australia is almost entirely by air. Major international airports in capital cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane welcome travellers from around the globe all year round.
While there are no international train routes, cruise ships periodically dock in Australian ports, such as the Sydney Harbour.
Plan the rest of your trip with our complete TRAVEL GUIDE TO AUSTRALIA.
Air Travel to Australia
Australia’s major cities serve as key gateways for flights from destinations across Asia, Europe, North America, and beyond. Airlines like Qantas, Virgin Australia, Singapore Airlines, and Emirates operate frequent routes.
Because Australia is an island continent, long-haul flights are the norm. Travellers often have layovers in major hubs like Dubai, Singapore, or Los Angeles.
Sydney Airport in New South Wales is the busiest, followed by Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and the Gold Coast Airport.
To score the lowest fares, consider flying outside the peak periods (which vary around the country). You can usually find discounted prices during the shoulder seasons and off seasons..
Use search engines such as Google Flights or Skyscanner for departure dates with the lowest prices.
Entry Requirements
All travellers to Australia must obtain a visa to enter the country.
Australia doesn’t have a visa-on-arrival option, except for citizens of New Zealand. All other visitors must get a visa before leaving their home country.
The standard visa for tourism is the Visitor Visa, which is open to all countries.
You may apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or eVisitor Visa if you’re a citizen of one of these eligible countries. Both are quicker to process than the regular Visitor Visa.
The cost of a Visitor Visa depends on the duration and purpose of the stay. The eVisa is free of charge, while the ETA has a service fee of 20 AUD.
Be sure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your travel date.
Feel free to check the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs to learn more.
Important Note! Before you book any international trip, we honestly recommend getting travel insurance. You never know when things will go wrong, and medical bills can add up quickly if you get sick or injure yourself overseas.
Our personal recommendation based on our own experience is World Nomads.
Getting Around Australia
The public transportation system in Australia has four main options. These are buses, trains, trams, and ferries.
Trains and trams are the most common way of getting around big cities, but different locations have different modes of transportation.
Also, ferries are limited to the coastal areas, as most cities inland don’t have access to a waterway.
Read next: The Ultimate Australia Packing List
Long Distance Transportation
There are several ways to travel across Australia to fit your schedule, budget, and preference. Keep in mind, distances can be massive!
Air Travel
Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to cover great distances.
Most Australian cities are far apart from each other. A flight from Perth to Sydney lasts five hours, while Brisbane to Melbourne takes two hours.
While flying is not always the cheapest, it’s the best option for cross-country travels if you have a tight schedule. Consider flying with budget airlines like Jetstar for lower flight prices.
Trains
Australia has long-distance rails that connect the metropolitan areas with the outer suburbs and nearby cities.
The downside is most long-haul passenger trains run on a state basis. For example, Queensland Rail only provides services within Queensland, while the NSW TrainLink focuses mainly on New South Wales, with limited trips to Victoria.
Trains are not the best option for interstate travel if you’re short on time.
But if you’re after the experience, not speed, you can enjoy a relaxing tour with Journey Beyond Rail. The company provides luxurious train journeys, including the Indian Pacific (Sydney to Perth) and The Ghan (Adelaide to Alice Springs and Darwin).
Buses
Buses, like Greyhound Australia, are a reliable option for those who want to travel a fair distance without blowing their budget.
Buses take longer than most public transportation, but they cover locations not served by trains, providing access to rural areas.
Long-haul buses are clean and well-maintained, with comfortable seats and ample legroom. Most have charger points, WIFI, toilet, and entertainment on board.
Other bus companies in Australia include Integrity Coach Lines, which operates in Western Australia, Premier Motor Service in New South Wales, and V/Line in Victoria.
Ferries
While ferries are part of Brisbane, Sydney, and Perth’s commuter systems, only a few long-distance ferry services exist due to limited routes.
The most notable ferry service is the Spirit of Tasmania, which sails between Geelong, Victoria and Devonport, Tasmania. Another is SeaLink, which connects mainland Australia to Kangaroo Island.
Vehicle Rentals
Australia is highly dependent on road transport due to its sheer size.
A road trip is a fantastic way to travel across Australia. The roads are not only safe and well-maintained. The scenery is also stunning.
You can find vehicle rentals in major airports and city centres, offering a range of options, from a private car to a 4WD to a campervan.
The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.
Urban Transportation
Thanks to Australia’s efficient public transportation, getting around the cities is easy. In addition to trains and buses, you can hire a taxi or rent a bike. Then, there’s walking–the most exciting way to explore the bustling city centres!
Trains
Major cities rely heavily on their light rail system and suburban rail networks for daily public transport within urban areas.
In big cities like Adelaide, Perth, and Melbourne, public transportation are partially underground which helps reduce traffic congestion.
Sydney is the only city with a rapid transit system called the Sydney Metro. Like many typical rapid transit systems, the Sydney Metro is fully automated.
Trams and Buses
Trams are an integral part of the public transport system in Australian cities, particularly in Melbourne. The city has the most extensive tram network, covering 24 routes with 1,700 stops.
Buses are also essential in both big cities and smaller towns without access to trains.
Most major cities have dedicated bus lanes to speed up travel time. Additionally, Sydney, Adelaide, and Melbourne have night bus services to help commuters get home safely after midnight when train stations close.
Ferries
Ferries are a popular and relaxing mode of public transportation in cities with waterfronts like Sydney, Perth, and Brisbane.
Sydney Ferries sails around Sydney Harbour, connecting the city centre and suburbs nearby. CityCat provides ferry services across the Brisbane River.
The ferries not only serve commuters but also attract tourists looking for a unique way to explore the city.
Taxis and rideshare services provide the most direct mode of public transport in Australia and are widely available in most cities.
Taxis remain the usual option for quick rides and airport transfers, but they are more expensive compared to other public transportation, including rideshare.
Rideshare services have become popular, mainly because they are cheaper than taxis. Uber is the most prominent rideshare in Australia, but DiDi is a close competitor, followed by Shebah, a female-only option.
Need more inspiration for your trip? Read: The PERFECT 1, 2 or 3 Week Australia Itinerary
General Tips for Transportation in Australia
Now that you’re familiar with Australia’s public transportation system, here are some tips to help you travel smoothly.
Researching Your Route
Public transport is well-organized in Australian cities, but a little research before will save time. Use Google Maps, Moovit, Citymapper, and city-specific transit apps to plan your journey.
Compare flights, buses, and trains to find the most cost-effective and convenient option.
Consider renting a vehicle and hitting the highway on a road trip for long-haul travel and a more immersive cultural experience!
Use a Travel Pass or a Travel Card
If you plan to visit multiple destinations, consider getting a reloadable travel card. It’s an easy and convenient way to pay for public transport in Australia across different cities.
A travel pass might suit you better if you only visit attractions in a specific area (i.e. Melbourne). Most offer bundled discounts and pre-set packages for certain tourist spots or activities.
Some city-based travel cards include:
Peak Hours and Safety
Major cities can get crowded during peak travel times (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM on weekdays). Avoid the crowds and get a cheaper fare by traveling outside peak times!
Check timetables in advance as services may be less frequent in the evenings. Not all cities have 24-hour bus or train service. You can always hire a taxi or a rideshare, but it will be more expensive.
Public transport in Australia is generally safe. Theft and pickpocketing targeting tourists are almost unheard of.
Still, always be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in busy stations and during rush hour.
Read next: Is Australia Safe For Travel?
Apps to Consider for Travelling to Australia
Never underestimate the power of technology in enhancing your travel experience.
These apps, combined with your knowledge of transportation in Australia, guarantee straightforward and enjoyable navigation.
A reliable navigation tool is crucial for real-time navigation.
Google Maps is the most-used app for navigation. But you can also check out CityMapper to get around cities. For road trips, use Waze to help you find the best routes.
If you’re driving a campervan, use WikiCamps Australia to find caravan parks, petrol stations, and toilets. For a more budget-friendly option, check out CamperMate.
Transportation Apps
Rome2Rio helps you find the best public transportation modes–bus, train, taxi, and more. Don’t forget to download a ridesharing app like Uber or DiDi, in case you need it.
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