How to get to Canberra

The capital of Australia is a unique, specially designed garden city located inland between Sydney and Melbourne. A trip to Canberra will allow you to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere, visit major national museums, and see government buildings surrounded by picturesque nature. You can get here in various ways: fly via a direct flight, take an intercity bus, or embark on a comfortable road trip along excellent Australian roads.

The fastest and most convenient way to reach the capital is by air. The city is served by Canberra Airport (CBR), which accommodates regular flights and boasts excellent infrastructure for travellers. The airport is located close to the city centre, making arrival as comfortable as possible.

If for some reason a direct flight is not suitable, you can consider flying to nearby regional towns such as Cooma or Moruya. However, it is worth noting that they are located at a significant distance, more than 100 kilometres away, so the capital's airport remains the main air gateway for tourists.

At the moment, direct rail connections directly to the city centre are limited, as Canberra lacks a classic passenger railway station in the traditional sense. This is an important detail to consider when planning a complex route around the country.

Travellers who prefer trains often have to make their way to nearby major hubs or towns, such as Cooma or Moruya, and cover the remainder of the journey by bus. This combined option may be of interest to those who are in no hurry and wish to see more Australian landscapes.

Bus transport is a popular and affordable way to get to the capital from neighbouring regions. For example, a trip from the town of Cooma will take about 1.9 hours, during which the bus covers a distance of approximately 117 km. This is a convenient option for those travelling from the Snowy Mountains.

If you are heading from the coast, for example, from the town of Moruya, be prepared for a longer journey. The route, covering about 191 km, will take approximately 4 hours. Modern intercity coaches are usually comfortable, allowing you to rest during the journey and enjoy the views from the window.

Travelling by car offers freedom and the opportunity to enjoy high-quality Australian roads. A drive from Cooma to the capital will take only about 1.4 hours (distance — 116 km), making this route very fast and untiring. This is an excellent choice for road trip enthusiasts who value their time.

The route from the coast, from the town of Moruya, is slightly longer — 173 km, and will require about 2.3 hours of travel time. If you do not plan to rent a car, you can use a taxi, but keep in mind that fares for such distances can be quite high.

Canberra is a city with a high standard of living and a calm pace, but like any journey, there are nuances to consider. To ensure your trip is as comfortable as possible, we have prepared several important recommendations.

1. Clothing and Climate. The weather here can be changeable. Since the city is located inland, nights can be cool even in summer. It is recommended to dress in layers and always carry a light jacket or sweater.
2. Transport. The city is designed for automobiles, so renting a car is the best way to get around. However, there is also a network of buses and trams, for which a special transport card will be useful.
3. Finances. The official currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD). Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere, but keeping a small amount of cash for small purchases at markets is advisable.
4. Health and Sun. The Australian sun is very intense. Be sure to use sunscreen with a high protection factor (SPF 30+) and wear a head covering, even if it is cloudy outside.
5. Wildlife. Kangaroos can be encountered right within the city limits, especially in park zones at dawn and dusk. Be careful on the roads at these times of day and do not attempt to feed wild animals.
6. Etiquette. Australians are very friendly and informal. It is customary to greet bus drivers and shop assistants. Tipping in restaurants is not mandatory, though it is appreciated for excellent service.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid minor inconveniences and focus entirely on exploring the attractions of the Australian capital.