Australia is a vast island continent known for its stunning natural wonders, from the Great Barrier Reef to the Outback's red deserts. With vibrant cosmopolitan cities like Sydney and Melbourne, unique wildlife including kangaroos and koalas, and world-class beaches, Australia offers diverse experiences for every traveler.
- Public
- Excellent metro rail and bus networks in Sydney and Melbourne with smart card payment systems (Opal/myki). Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide have good networks. Regional areas require a car.
- Taxi
- Uber, DiDi, and Ola are widely available and generally 20-30% cheaper than traditional taxis in all major cities. Traditional taxis reliable but more expensive. All accept card payment.
- Rental
- Car rental essential for regional travel, Great Ocean Road, wine regions, and outback. Economy cars from AU$40/day, 4WD from AU$120/day. Book ahead during peak season and school holidays.
- Walking
- City centres of Sydney and Melbourne are walkable for sights but distances between precincts can be 30-60 minutes on foot. Brisbane and Perth have smaller CBDs well-suited to walking.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Airport Link train to Circular Quay $19.31 (13 minutes)
- Shuttle
- Taxi to CBD $45-$55 (20-30 minutes depending on traffic)
- Bus
- Uber/Rideshare to CBD $35-$50
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
All major cities have extensive bus networks integrated with metro systems. Prices vary by zone and distance. Contactless payment available in most cities.
Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare, bike_share
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- Available in all cities. Base fare typically $3.60-$5.50, then $2.00-$2.50 per km. Uber, Ola, and DiDi operate in major cities with competitive pricing.
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
- Greyhound
- Extensive network connecting all major cities and regional centers. Sydney to Melbourne from $69 (11-12 hours), Sydney to Brisbane from $89 (17 hours).
- Firefly
- Operates between Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, and Adelaide with comfortable coaches. Melbourne to Sydney from $55 (11 hours).
- Premier motor service
- Connects Sydney to Brisbane via coastal route. More scenic but longer journey. From $75.
- Regional
- Numerous regional operators connect smaller towns. V/Line in Victoria, TransLink in Queensland.
Flights
- Overview
- Most efficient way to travel between cities. Major carriers: Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar. Book early for best prices.
- Sydney to melbourne
- 1.5 hours, from $79-$150. Highly competitive route with frequent departures.
- Sydney to brisbane
- 1.5 hours, from $89-$180. Multiple daily flights.
- Sydney to cairns
- 3.5 hours, from $150-$350. Gateway to Great Barrier Reef.
- Melbourne to perth
- 4 hours, from $200-$400. Crosses continent.
- Sydney to hobart
- 2 hours, from $120-$280. Via Melbourne often cheaper.
- Budget airlines
- Jetstar and Tiger (when operating) offer lower fares. Consider baggage fees in total cost.
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport
From centre: 8 km south of CBD
Options: Airport Link train to Circular Quay $19.31 (13 minutes); Taxi to CBD $45-$55 (20-30 minutes depending on traffic); Uber/Rideshare to CBD $35-$50; Bus 400 to Bondi Junction $5.08 (35 minutes); Hotel shuttle services available $20-$35 per person
Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine)
From centre: 23 km northwest of CBD
Options: SkyBus to Southern Cross Station $19.75 (25 minutes); Taxi to CBD $65-$80 (25-40 minutes); Uber/Rideshare to CBD $50-$70; Airport bus services to suburbs $20-$30; Hotel shuttles available
Brisbane Airport
From centre: 13 km northeast of CBD
Options: Airtrain to Central Station $19.50 (20 minutes); Taxi to CBD $50-$60 (25 minutes); Uber/Rideshare to CBD $40-$55; Con-x-ion shuttle bus $18 per person; Brisbane AirportConnect bus services
Perth Airport
From centre: 12 km east of CBD
Options: Airport Connect bus to CBD $15 (45 minutes); Taxi to CBD $45-$55 (20 minutes); Uber/Rideshare to CBD $35-$50; Public bus Route 380 $5 (50 minutes); Hotel shuttle services available
Adelaide Airport
From centre: 6 km west of CBD
Options: JetBus J1/J2 to city $5.50 (20 minutes); Taxi to CBD $25-$35 (15 minutes); Uber/Rideshare to CBD $20-$30; Skylink shuttle service available; Public bus routes available
Cairns Airport
From centre: 6 km north of CBD
Options: Airport Connect shuttle $18 per person (15 minutes); Taxi to CBD $25-$35 (10 minutes); Uber/Rideshare to CBD $20-$30; Sun Palm shuttle services; Hotel shuttles available
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Opal Travel
Official NSW Transport app for managing Sydney Opal card balance, journey planning, and real-time train/bus arrivals
PTV (Public Transport Victoria)
Melbourne's official transport planner for trams, trains, and buses with real-time tracking and myki card management
Uber
Most widely used rideshare app in Australia with UberX, UberComfort, and UberXL options across all major cities and regional towns
DiDi
Chinese-owned rideshare competitor to Uber available in all major Australian cities, often 15-20% cheaper for standard trips
Google Maps
Best overall navigation and public transport journey planner for Australia — integrates real-time data for trains, buses, and trams in all major cities
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Load an Opal card (Sydney), myki card (Melbourne), or go card (Brisbane) immediately on arrival — they offer cheaper fares than cash and have daily caps that prevent overcharging
Melbourne's free CBD tram zone covers all major city centre attractions between Spencer Street and Spring Street — use it freely without tapping on
Uber and DiDi are the most reliable way to get around Australian cities at night — prices are transparent, cars are tracked, and surge pricing is clearly signalled
For Sydney's northern beaches and coastal suburbs, buses are often the only option — the B-Line express to Manly and Dee Why is fast and efficient
Domestic flights are the most time-efficient way to travel between cities — Sydney to Melbourne in 90 minutes versus 10 hours by train. Book 4-6 weeks ahead for best fares
Driving in the outback requires preparation — fill fuel at every servo (service station), carry 10L extra, and always file a trip plan with someone before venturing into remote areas