Last checked: November 2026
Most visitors fly between Australian cities because distances are long, then use trains, trams, buses and ferries inside each city. Choose a rental car for national parks and coastal drives, a long-distance train for a scenic journey, and a coach only for shorter, cheaper hops. Always confirm timetables with the operator.
This page covers travel inside the country. For international airports and airport-to-city transfers, see our guide to flights to Australia.
What Is the Best Way to Travel Between Australian Cities?
For anything over about four hours by road, flying is the practical choice. Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar link the capital cities and many regional centres. Each airline sets its own baggage and change rules, so read the fare conditions before you pay. Book on the airline’s own site: Qantas, Virgin Australia or Jetstar.
| Route | Typical direct flight | Train | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney to Melbourne | About 1 h 30 min | XPT, about 11 h 30 min | About 9 hours |
| Sydney to Brisbane | About 1 h 30 min | XPT, about 14 hours | About 10 hours |
| Sydney to Canberra | About 1 hour | About 4 hours | About 3 hours |
| Melbourne to Adelaide | About 1 h 30 min | Check operator | About 8 hours |
| Melbourne to Hobart | About 1 h 20 min | None | Ferry plus driving |
| Brisbane to Cairns | About 2 h 30 min | More than 24 hours | About 17 hours |
| Sydney to Perth | About 5 hours | Indian Pacific, 3 nights | Not practical |
These are typical times, not guarantees. Schedules, stops and road conditions change, so check the operator before you commit.
Are Australia’s Long-Distance Trains Worth It?
Yes, if the journey is the point. The Indian Pacific runs about 4,352 kilometres between Sydney and Perth over three nights, and The Ghan runs from Adelaide to Darwin over two nights. Both are operated by Journey Beyond, and the official site lists running dates and cabin types. Book early for popular months.
Regional trains work better as transport. NSW TrainLink runs the XPT between Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and Brisbane, and state operators such as V/Line and Queensland Rail serve regional lines. Trains are slower than flying on most long routes, but they pass through towns and farmland you won’t see from the air. Use our Australia itineraries to decide where a slower leg fits.
Do Coaches and Ferries Make Sense?
Coaches are the budget option for shorter links, such as Sydney to Canberra or along the Queensland coast. Greyhound Australia and regional operators run intercity services, and journeys over six or seven hours are tiring. Coaches also reach towns that trains and flights skip.
Ferries are mainly local. Sydney Ferries and Brisbane’s CityCat are part of the city transport networks. Spirit of Tasmania ferries link Victoria with Devonport in Tasmania, and sailings take roughly nine to eleven hours, so check the operator for current schedules and vehicle rules.
How Does Car Rental and Driving Work in Australia?
A rental car gives the most freedom in national parks, wine regions and along the coast. Australians drive on the left, and rules vary by state and territory.
- Licence: a current overseas licence in English is usually accepted. If yours isn’t in English, you may need an official translation or an International Driving Permit. Check the road authority of the state where you’ll drive.
- Age and insurance: minimum ages, young-driver fees and excess amounts differ by rental company.
- Tolls: Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane use electronic tolls with no cash booths. Ask the rental company how tolls are charged.
- Wildlife: kangaroos are most active at dawn and dusk, so avoid rural driving at those times.
- Remote roads: fuel and rest stops can be hundreds of kilometres apart, and many rental contracts exclude unsealed roads.
Weather matters too. Floods and fires can close roads, and the north has a wet season, so read the best time to visit Australia guide before you plan a long drive. The government’s Smartraveller site has travel advice and emergency contacts. The emergency number is 000.
Are Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps Reliable?
Yes in the main cities. Marked taxis wait at ranks, and apps such as Uber and DiDi operate in cities and many regional centres. Waiting times and pick-up points vary, especially late at night and during big events. Book through an app or use a marked taxi at a rank. Don’t accept rides from people who approach you with an offer.
How Do City Public Transport Cards Work?
Each major city has its own system, and the cards don’t work in other cities. Most systems use tap on and tap off, and forgetting to tap off can lead to a maximum fare.
| City | Card | Modes | Official site |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | Opal | Trains, metro, buses, light rail, ferries | Transport for NSW |
| Melbourne | myki | Trains, trams, buses | Public Transport Victoria |
| Brisbane and South East Queensland | go card | Trains, buses, ferries, light rail | TransLink |
| Perth | SmartRider | Trains, buses, ferries | Transperth |
| Adelaide | metroCARD | Trains, trams, buses | Adelaide Metro |
Sydney accepts contactless bank cards and phone wallets on most modes, which means visitors often don’t need an Opal card. Other cities are adding contactless payment, but acceptance differs by city and mode, so check the official site before you travel. Fares change, so use the operator’s fare calculator.
Which Transport Should You Choose?
- Choose a flight if you want the fastest option over long distances, such as Sydney to Perth or Brisbane to Cairns.
- Choose a train if you want a scenic or overnight journey, or a city-centre to city-centre trip such as Sydney to Canberra.
- Choose a coach if you want the lowest price on a short link and don’t mind a long seat time.
- Choose a rental car if you plan to visit national parks, small towns or coastal stops on your own schedule.
- Choose public transport if you’re staying in a big city. It’s usually cheaper and easier than parking.
What Are the Most Common Mistakes?
- Underestimating distance. A short gap on the map can mean a full day of driving.
- Booking tight connections without a buffer for delays.
- Using unmarked cars instead of licensed taxis or booking apps.
- Assuming a transport card from one city works in another.
- Not checking timetable changes, track work or road closures on the day.
Getting Around Checklist
- Confirm your licence rules before you book a rental car.
- Check flight baggage rules for each airline.
- Download the official transport app for each city you’ll visit.
- Allow extra time for long drives and plan rest stops.
- Check weather and road closures before any rural trip.
Getting Around Australia FAQs
Do you need a car in Australia?
Not in the big cities, where trains, trams, buses and ferries cover most visitor routes. A rental car helps for national parks, coastal drives and regional areas with limited services. Distances are long, so plan driving days with rest stops and avoid rural driving at dusk.
Can tourists use a foreign driving licence in Australia?
Many visitors can drive with a current overseas licence, but rules vary by state and territory. If the licence isn’t in English, you may need an official translation or an International Driving Permit. Check the road authority of the state where you’ll drive and the rental company’s conditions.
Is Uber available in Australia?
Rideshare apps such as Uber and DiDi operate in major cities and many regional centres. Availability and waiting times vary, and pick-up points differ by airport and venue. Marked taxis remain available at ranks and by phone or app.
How long does it take to cross Australia by train?
The Indian Pacific between Sydney and Perth takes three nights, and The Ghan between Adelaide and Darwin takes two nights. Both are scenic trips rather than quick transport. A direct flight between Sydney and Perth takes about five hours.