Your guide to public transport in Australia’s major capital cities

Given that Australia is the sixth largest country in the world, covering a massive 7.7 million square kilometres, there’s a lot of ground to cover. Whether you’re hopping between states or making your debut Down Under, we’ve got you covered with a guide to mastering the public transport system.

In this nifty guide, we break down the best public transport options for each major capital city, including buses, trains, trams, light rails and ferries. These options are not only more affordable but also more sustainable than simply hiring a car. 

How to use public transport in Australia?

Most cities use smartcards that you keep and reuse across various modes of public transport. Once you have your card, simply add value, then tap on and tap off to travel.

What public transport card do you need in each Australian city?

Every Australian state has its own public transport system, meaning you’ll need a different smartcard for travelling in each major capital city. Here’s a quick rundown of the public transport options available in each state.

Adelaide, SA – metroCard

• Valid on buses, trains and trams
• Use throughout metropolitan Adelaide
• Catch free city connector buses running daily between 7am and 7.15pm 
• Hop on free trams around the CBD, including routes to South Terrace, Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Festival Plaza and the Botanic Gardens. 
• The Jetty Road tram is also free between Brighton Road and Moseley Square stops

Brisbane, QLD – go card

• Valid on TransLink buses (including Airtrains), trains, trams and ferries 
• Use throughout greater Brisbane, Ipswich, Moreton Bay, Redlands, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast regions
• Catch Brisbane’s free City Loop, Spring Loop and South Brisbane Loop buses, operating in both directions every ten minutes during peak times between 7am to 6pm or 9pm, depending on the service
• Jump aboard Brisbane’s free CityHopper ferry service, running daily between North Quay and Sydney Street, New Farm every 36 minutes from 5.30am to midnight

Canberra, ACT – MyWay

• Valid on buses and light rail
• Use within metropolitan Canberra

Darwin, NT – Tap and Ride

• Valid on Metro and Tassielink buses
• Use within metropolitan Darwin
• Single tickets can also be purchased on board using cash only
• Catch the free Waterfront Shuttle connecting Stokes Hill Wharf, the Waterfront Precinct and the Cruise Ship Terminal, operating from 11.30am to 2pm and 4-9pm

Hobart, TAS – GreenCard

• Valid on buses
• Use within metropolitan Hobart

Melbourne, VIC – myki

• Valid on buses, trains and trams 
• Use throughout metropolitan Melbourne 
• Also valid for V/Line trains to Eaglehawk/Epsom, Seymour, Traralgon, Waurn Ponds and Wendouree; or buses within Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Seymour and the Latrobe Valley
• Catch free trams within Melbourne’s Free Tram Zone
• Read our full guide to Melbourne's public transport system here

Perth, WA – SmartRider

• Valid on buses, trains, ferries and trams
• Use within metropolitan Perth and for regional town bus services in Albany, Bunbury, Busselton, Esperance, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Karratha and Port Hedland 
• Catch free buses within Perth’s Free Transit Zone in the CBD
• Catch free trains within the Free Transit Zone, including routes between City West Station, Elizabeth Quay Station and Claisebrook Station
• Public transport is free for all SmartRider holders in Perth every Sunday

Sydney, NSW – Opal

• Valid on buses, trains, light rails and ferries
• Use throughout Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, the Hunter and the Illawarra
• Use NSW TrainLink for train and coach travel to regional NSW
• Read about our hacks for stress-free travel through Sydney here

Where to buy public transport cards in Australia?

In most cities, you’ll need to purchase a public transport ticket or smartcard before boarding. These can typically be bought from ticket windows at Domestic or International airport train stations. Alternatively, ticket machines are available at train stations citywide, and you can also buy cards at various shops, including newsagents and convenience stores.

Ticketing machines also allow you to check your card balance and top up if needed.

What are the best apps for planning travel via public transport in Australia?

Google Maps is a handy tool for planning your journey from point A to B. It provides detailed directions, including the best mode of transport, schedules, and estimated travel and arrival times. You’ll also get real-time updates on delays or cancellations.

Most cities also have dedicated public transport smartphone apps available for download from the app store. 

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