Canberra Public Transport: Your Complete Guide

Canberra's public transport network is centred on ACTION (ACT internal Omnibus Network) buses and the Capital Metro light rail line, which connects Gungahlin Town Centre to the city via Northbourne Avenue. The network is operated by Transport Canberra and has undergone significant improvement over the past decade, though a car remains practically necessary for many outer suburb and cross-district trips that the bus network does not serve efficiently.

Light rail — the Canberra Metro (Capital Metro Stage 1) runs 12km from Gungahlin Town Centre through Mitchell, Lyneham, and Dickson to the CBD and City interchange. It runs every 5-8 minutes at peak and 10-15 minutes off-peak. Stage 2A extending to Commonwealth Avenue Bridge and eventually Woden is under construction, which will significantly expand the network's usefulness for south Canberra residents.

Buses — the ACTION bus network covers all districts with Rapid routes (R1-R9 providing frequent, limited-stop services) forming the core, supplemented by frequent and local routes. The Rapid network provides genuine cross-town service, with the R1 (Gungahlin-City-Woden), R4 (Tuggeranong-City), and R6 (Belconnen-City) forming the highest-frequency corridors.

MyWay card — the MyWay card provides discounted fares versus cash (approximately 20% saving) and is essential for regular transport users. Cards can be purchased and topped up at Transport Canberra service centres, selected newsagents, and online. The MyWay+ system (app-based digital card on eligible smartphones) is progressively replacing physical cards.

Fares — adult single fares are $3.20 with MyWay ($4.00 cash). A daily cap of $9.60 applies, and weekend all-day travel is capped at $4.80. Seniors with the ACT Seniors Card and eligible concession card holders travel free.

From the airport — the Route 11 bus runs direct from Canberra Airport to the city centre. Taxis and rideshare (Uber, DiDi) are also available. There is no light rail connection to the airport under current plans.

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