Our offline app for Canberra HERE

Find apps of other cities

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CANBERRA WEATHER

How to Get Around by Public Transportation

Route timetable

https://www.transport.act.gov.au/getting-around/timetables

Journey Planner

https://www.transport.act.gov.au/getting-around/journey-planner

Live departure times on the NXTBUS map

http://www.nxtbus.act.gov.au/#/liveDepartures

Find a stop or map in [pdf]

https://www.transport.act.gov.au/getting-around/find-a-stop-or-map

Buses and light rail

For cost-effective and easy public transportation throughout the city, it’s hard to go past Canberra’s public buses and light rail. Visit Transport Canberra to find out more information about public transport.

Alternatively, if you want to see Canberra’s iconic sights in one easy loop use the Red Explorer Loop Bus.

MyWay card

Tap on and off public transport using a MyWay smartcard, a prepaid ticketing system. You can purchase a MyWay card from recharge agents across Canberra.

Scan your card at light rail stations and when you get on a bus or purchase a daily ticket. Daily tickets are ideal for sightseeing and are valid until midnight on the day of purchase. Children under five years travel free.

Interstate Seniors MyWay Card

Seniors Card holders from other states and territories in Australia can access a free Interstate Seniors MyWay travel card by ordering it online from Transport Canberra (allow 10 days for postage) or, once in Canberra, by visiting the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre and showing a valid Australian Seniors card.

Interstate Senior MyWay card holders receive the same concession fare as ACT Seniors and MyWay pension card holders and are able to travel for free during off peak times as part of an ACT Government trial.

Buses

Transport Canberra operates the public bus and light rail network, a convenient and cheap way for visitors to get around the capital. Use the journey planner to find out just how easy it is to get around Canberra.

Transport Canberra’s fleet includes easy access (i.e. no step) buses for people with reduced mobility, and these are used on the high frequency routes known as Rapid services. Select Rapid services also have specially designed carry racks making it convenient to commute or cover longer distances when cycling by taking your bike on a bus. You can also take your bike on the light rail.

Light rail

Light rail services operate between Gungahlin and the city up to every 5 to 15 minutes from 6am to 11pm daily, with late-night services on Friday and Saturday evenings until 12:30am. 

The light rail provides easy access to the foodie and shopping precinct Braddon, as well as Asian eat streets in Dickson. Swap from light rail to bus at key hubs in Gungahlin, Dickson and the city. 

Airport transfers

Transport Canberra provides daily services to and from Canberra Airport. Rapid Bus 3 runs on a half-hourly schedule on weekdays and on the hour on weekends. The route takes passengers between the Canberra Airport terminal through to the city interchange, Belconnen interchange, Cohen St interchange to Spence Terminus.

Red Explorer Loop Bus

Hop on and off at key attractions with the Red Explorer Loop Bus. The bus departs from Canberra Museum and Gallery at regular times from Monday through to Saturday. There’s no need to make a booking, turn up 10 minutes before a scheduled departure time and buy your ticket on the bus.

Cycle

Canberra is known as the cycling capital of Australia, with its fine network of cycle paths and off-road mountain bike trails. 

Hire a bike or use your own pedal-power and enjoy the scenic side of Australia’s capital on two wheels. 

E-scooter

Hiring an e-scooter is a great way to get around the city and surrounds. The Canberra and Region Visitors Centre, Beam and Neuron, hire out e-scooters with helmets. Road rules and conditions apply so make sure you familiarise yourself with these before you ride.

Taxis and ride-sharing

Getting around Canberra is quick, affordable and easy with its various taxi cabs and ride sharing services. Most attractions and things to see and do are located very close to each other, so order your car, then sit back, relax and enjoy the short drive. 

Taxis

To catch a taxi in Canberra, use a taxi rank where the clearly marked cars are parked and ready for dispatch. You can also phone ahead or book online.

Canberra taxi companies include:

  • ACT Cabs: Phone 02 6280 0077 or book online.
  • Canberra Elite: Phone 6126 1600 or SMS your name, pickup address and time to be collected to 0481 072 700. Book, track and prepay online.
  • Silver Service: Phone 13 31 00 or book online. This premium service features luxury sedans and seven seater vans, accredited silver standards, and guaranteed delivery times with travel bookings. 
  • Wheelchair accessible taxis must be booked ahead. Phone 13WATS (139 287), email bookings@13wats.com.au or book online.
  • Canberra taxis and cabs accept payment by credit cards, Cabcharge vouchers, cash and electronic funds transfer.

Ride-sharing

Did you know Canberra was the first city in Australia to regulate and promote ride sharing?

Choose between Uber, Ola, GoCatch and other ride-share services operating across Australia’s capital, including the airport. 

If you are after a pick up service to drive you and your car contact PKUP.

Driving around the capital

With plenty of parking, no tollways and very little congestion, zipping around Canberra by car is one of the best ways to experience all the city has to offer. Traffic jams in Canberra are few and far between. In fact, it usually only takes around 30 minutes to get from one side of Canberra to the other, even in peak hour traffic.

Hiring a car

Not to worry, there are many options for car hire in Canberra. Most major national car rental companies have offices located in the city and at Canberra Airport, making pick up and drop off a breeze.

Parking in Canberra

No-one likes getting a parking ticket, so be sure to pay attention to parking signs and follow the instructions.

Parking in the city and the National Triangle is paid parking and generally equates to between $15-$20 per day (rates are dependent on location and only provided as a broad indicative cost). Many shopping centres have free parking for the first two hours.

Why not download the convenient Parkmobile app and EasyPark app before you visit?

Self driving routes around the capital

Want to see a different side of Canberra? Discover the architectural highlights of 33 diplomatic embassies and high commissions with the Yarralumla diplomatic missions self-guided driving tour.

To learn about local history, choose from six self drive tracks that take you through Ngunnawal Country, heritage tracks and pioneer routes. 

Driving safely

Read up on Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Road Rules before you arrive. The ACT Road Rules Handbook is a valuable source of information for all visitors who plan to drive in the ACT.

International visitors may use a foreign driver’s licence in the ACT, provided it is written in English. Alternatively, an international driving permit accompanied by a foreign driver licence; or a foreign driver licence that is not in English accompanied by an official English translation of the licence will be accepted.

Under Australian law, all drivers and passengers must wear seatbelts. Helmets which meet Australian Standards are required to be worn if riding a motorcycle, moped, motor scooter or bicycle.

The ACT default speed limit in a built up areas is 50 km/h, unless a sign shows a higher or lower speed limit on a length of the road. The default speed limit in a rural area in the ACT is 100 km/h. Speed limits are strictly enforced.

It is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level of 0.05 per cent or higher, or to drive under the influence of illegal drugs.  

If driving in a remote or country area, carry up-to-date maps and always inform someone of your intended route. In country areas, particularly at dawn and dusk, remain alert to native animals such as kangaroos, wombats and possums which may stray on the road.

Drive on major and sealed roads where possible and avoid driving at night. Please be aware of cyclists who often share the roads in special bike lanes on the left hand side of main roads.

Hitchhiking or picking up hitchhikers is strongly discouraged.

Tips

  1. Apps/Convenient Cards

    1. Mytripnavi Offline map & travel guide
      https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mytripnavi.app.canberra

    2. Find maps of other cities https://mytripnavi.com/maps/all/

Travel guide maps

Airport

  1. Departure and Arrival Flights
    1. Departure flight information https://www.canberraairport.com.au/flights/arrivals-departures?query=departures
    2. Arriving flights https://www.canberraairport.com.au/flights/arrivals-departures?query=arrivals
    3. Airlines and terminals
  2. Transit guide-Connecting flights
  3. Getting to the Airport https://www.canberraairport.com.au/transport/public-transport-and-shuttle-services
  4. Airport map & apps
  5. Transfer between terminals
  6. Shop, Dine, Relax and do more
    1. Dining https://www.canberraairport.com.au/eat-and-shop?query=dining
    2. Shop https://www.canberraairport.com.au/eat-and-shop?query=shops
    3. Duty Free/Tax Free https://www.canberraairport.com.au/eat-and-shop/cbr-duty-free
    4. Promotions
  7. Facilities and Services
    1. VIP services https://www.canberraairport.com.au/transport/chauffers
    2. Lounges, hotels and spas https://www.canberraairport.com.au/relax-explore/stay
    3. Taxi https://www.canberraairport.com.au/transport/taxis
    4. Rideshare and Rental Car https://www.canberraairport.com.au/transport/rideshare https://www.canberraairport.com.au/transport/rental-cars
    5. Parking https://www.canberraairport.com.au/parking https://www.canberraairport.com.au/parking/parking-rates https://www.canberraairport.com.au/parking/parking-specials https://www.canberraairport.com.au/parking/bicycle-parking
    6. Baggage Claim/Damage/Lost
    7. Priority Lane/ Fast Track
    8. Pick up and Drop Off https://www.canberraairport.com.au/transport/dropping-off-picking-up
    9. Lost and Found
    10. Banking, Currency Exchange, ATM https://www.canberraairport.com.au/eat-and-shop/travelex-currency-exchange
    11. Health Services
    12. Traveling with Kids
    13. Traveling with Pets/Animals
    14. Prayer room
    15. Other Services/Accessibility
    16. Useful links/contacts

Other Experiences

Gay guide

https://mytripnavi.com/gay/canberra.pdf

Find more at other cities

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https://mytripnavi.com/gay/

Foods you must try

Famous food top 5

  1. Vegemite: is a thick, dark brown Australian food spread made from leftover brewers’ yeast extract with various vegetable and spice additives.
  2. Aussie Meat Pies: In Australia and New Zealand, a meat pie is a hand-sized pie containing diced or minced meat and gravy, sometimes with onion, mushrooms, or cheese.
  3. Chicken Parmigiana: Chicken parmigiana (pollo alla parmigiana in Italian!) is known in Australia as Parm, Parma, or Parmi.
  4. Fish and Chips
  5. Chicken Schnitzel: A chicken schnitzel is a thing of beauty. With a golden, crisp crust enclosing tender, lean chicken, it is little wonder that it appears on menus around the world. Known as Katsu in Japan and cottaletta alla Milanese in Italy, here in Australia we call it a ‘schnitty’.

Famous Sweets

  1. Fairy Bread
  2. TimTam
  3. Anzac Biscuits: The Anzac biscuit is a sweet biscuit, popular in Australia and New Zealand, made using rolled oats, flour, sugar, butter, golden syrup, baking soda, boiling water, and desiccated coconut.
  4. Pavlova: Pavlova is a meringue-based dessert. Originating in either Australia or New Zealand in the early 20th century, it was named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova. Taking the form of a cake-like circular block of baked meringue, pavlova has a crisp crust and soft, light inside. A soft marshmallow encased in a crisp but delicate meringue shell topped with whipped cream and your favourite assortment of fresh fruit.
  5. Lamingtons: the word can be shortened to lammo or lammie. The Australian Lamingtons are nothing more than vanilla sponge cake squares, dipped in chocolate sauce and coated in desiccated coconut.

Famous Drinks

  1. Flat White: A flat white is a coffee made by pouring steamed milk over a shot of espresso, resulting in a creamy beverage with a strong coffee flavour. Unlike other espresso-based coffee, the flat white is served in a small cup with a thin layer of milk foam on top called “microfoam”.
  2. Aussie has slangs for foods: Barbie=Barbeque, Maccas=McDonalds, Snag=Sausage,

Food trivia

  1. Known as one of the most efficient producers of cattle in the world Australia boasts more livestock than people with some 28.5 million in cattle alone. The value of this for Australia is $12 billion in off farm meat.

Other famous foods

  1. Aussie Beef
  2. Kangaroo Meat
  3. Mashed Potato
  4. Chicken Salt
  5. Avocado on toast
  6. Lamb Chop
  7. Barramundi: Barramundi is a loanword from an Australian Aboriginal language of the Rockhampton area in Queensland meaning “large-scaled river fish”.
    • Grilled Barramundi with Lemon Myrtle
  8. Ocean Trout
  9. Sausage Rolls
  10. Lobster Cocktail