Canberra operates public transport through Transport Canberra, which runs bus routes and light rail under unified ticketing. The MyWay card system charges distance-based fares with adult single-trip bus fares ranging from AUD 2.50 to 4.80 depending on zones crossed. The Canberra Metro light rail opened in April 2019 as a 12-kilometer line connecting Gungahlin town center to the city center, with 13 stations along Northbourne Avenue. Trams run every six minutes during peak hours and every 15 minutes off-peak, operating from approximately 6am to 11pm on weekdays and slightly reduced hours on weekends. A single adult light rail trip costs AUD 3.66 within the central zone.
The bus network comprises approximately 70 routes serving suburbs across the Australian Capital Territory. Rapid routes numbered in the 200s provide limited-stop service between town centers, while local routes cover residential areas. Route 3 connects Belconnen to Woden via the city center and has historically carried higher passenger volumes than most other routes. Intertown routes require transfers at major interchanges including City Bus Station, Belconnen, Woden, Tuggeranong, and Gungahlin. Sunday and public holiday services operate on reduced frequencies, with some routes running every 60 minutes. The Australian War Memorial, Parliament House, and National Gallery of Australia each have dedicated bus stops on multiple routes, though direct service frequency varies by time of day.
Canberra's road network follows the Y-Plan designed by Walter Burley Griffin in 1912 and modified during implementation. The city lacks a traditional street grid; instead, parkways connect town centers separated by substantial distances. Northbourne Avenue serves as the primary north-south corridor from the city center to Gungahlin. Commonwealth Avenue and Kings Avenue form the ceremonial approach to Parliament House from the north, crossing Lake Burley Griffin on bridges opened in 1963 and 1962 respectively. Adelaide Avenue connects the city center to Woden and Tuggeranong in the south. The Tuggeranong Parkway and Gungahlin Drive Extension handle commuter traffic, with the latter completed in 2018 at a cost of approximately AUD 200 million. Speed limits on parkways typically range from 80 to 100 kilometers per hour, while residential streets maintain 50 kilometers per hour limits.
Taxi services operate through companies including Canberra Elite Taxis and Aerial Capital Taxis, with flagfall rates around AUD 4.50 and per-kilometer charges near AUD 2.19 for daytime standard sedans as of recent years. Rideshare services including Uber commenced operations in Canberra in October 2015 following regulatory approval. Pricing fluctuates with demand, but typical rides from the city center to Canberra Airport cost AUD 25 to 35 under normal conditions. Canberra Airport lies 8 kilometers east of the city center, accessible via Pialligo Avenue and Morshead Drive. No rail service connects the airport to the city; passengers use taxis, rideshares, or the Route 11 and Route 11A buses operated by Transport Canberra, which run approximately every 30 minutes on weekdays.
Cycling infrastructure includes approximately 250 kilometers of off-road shared paths throughout Canberra. The Lake Burley Griffin loop path extends 40 kilometers around the lake perimeter, passing near Parliament House, the National Gallery, and the Australian War Memorial. Centenary Trail forms a 145-kilometer circuit connecting urban and rural areas of the Australian Capital Territory. Most major parkways include parallel shared paths separated from vehicle traffic by barriers or distance. Bicycle parking exists at all major government buildings, though capacity at Parliament House and the National Museum of Australia varies by facility entrance. The hire scheme ceased operations after the private operator withdrew in 2018; no city-wide bike-share program currently operates.
Walking remains practical within individual town centers but less so between them due to distances. The city center to Parliament House measures approximately 2.5 kilometers along Commonwealth Avenue. City center to the Australian War Memorial spans roughly 1.8 kilometers up Anzac Parade. The geometry of Canberra produces substantial separation between attractions; the National Zoo and Aquarium in western Canberra lies approximately 8 kilometers from the city center with no direct pedestrian route. Pedestrian crossings on major parkways use signalized intersections or grade-separated underpasses. Commonwealth Park, Kings Park, and the National Triangle area provide connected footpaths linking lakefront institutions.
Car rental agencies including Avis, Hertz, Budget, and Europcar maintain counters at Canberra Airport and city locations. Daily rental rates for compact vehicles start around AUD 40 to 60, with variations based on season and advance booking. Parking in the city center operates under metered zones charging approximately AUD 2.70 per hour with time limits ranging from one to four hours depending on location. The Canberra Centre shopping complex offers underground parking at hourly rates. Most major attractions including the National Gallery, National Museum, and Australian War Memorial provide free parking on-site, though spaces fill during school holidays and weekends. Parliament House maintains visitor parking areas with security screening at entry points.
Canberra's town centers—Belconnen, Gungahlin, Woden, Tuggeranong, and Weston Creek—function as satellite hubs, each 10 to 20 kilometers from the central area. This configuration means visitors based in one town center face transit times exceeding 40 minutes to reach attractions in the parliamentary triangle. The light rail currently serves only the Gungahlin-city corridor; other town centers rely on buses with infrequent intertown connections. Transport Canberra publishes real-time arrival information through its smartphone application and digital displays at major stops, though minor stops lack electronic signage.
Intercity travel from Canberra occurs primarily through road and air links. Sydney lies approximately 280 kilometers northeast via the Hume Highway and Federal Highway, with typical driving time around three hours. Melbourne lies approximately 660 kilometers southwest via the Hume Highway, requiring roughly seven to eight hours. NSW TrainLink operates coach services connecting Canberra to Sydney Central Station multiple times daily, with journey times near 3.5 hours and fares around AUD 30 to 50. Murrays Coaches provides service to Sydney Airport with trips lasting approximately three hours. No passenger rail service reaches Canberra despite periodic proposals; the Bombala railway line ceased operations in the 1980s.
Qantas, Virgin Australia, and other carriers operate flights from Canberra Airport to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and Gold Coast. Sydney flights take approximately 50 minutes, Melbourne flights around 1 hour 10 minutes. The airport terminal underwent expansions in 2013 and 2019 to increase capacity. Ground transport from the airport relies exclusively on road connections; proposals for light rail extension to the airport remain under discussion without confirmed funding or construction timelines as of recent statements.
Accessibility features across Canberra's transport network include low-floor buses on most routes and level boarding at all light rail stations. Audio announcements operate on light rail and many buses. The Transport Canberra website lists accessible stops and real-time service information. Wheelchair spaces exist on all modern buses and light rail vehicles. The MyWay card allows concessional fares for seniors and pensioners at roughly half the adult rate, requiring registration and proof of eligibility. Students with valid identification also receive concessional pricing.