Although Canberra technically has an international airport (code: CBR), overseas visitors will almost certainly have to go through one of the other Australian international airports first and then transfer to a domestic flight.
Canberra is about 3 hours from Sydney along the Hume Highway, turning onto the Federal Highway after Goulburn. Canberra is about 7 hours from Melbourne along the Hume Highway, turning onto the Barton Highway at Yass. Murrays Coaches operate frequent coaches between Sydney and Canberra. Greyhound operate coaches between Melbourne and Canberra.
There are usually about 2 trains a day from Sydney Central, taking about 4½ hours to Canberra Kingston train station. It’s technically possible to get from Melbourne (Southern Cross) to Canberra by train, but this involves changing at Goulburn and takes between 9 and 13 hours depending on the train.
The best way to plan public transport is using Google Maps or the Transaport Canberra journey planner.
If you’re staying in the city centre, the rapid routes #2, #3 and #4 run from the city interchange to Belconnen, stopping at University of Canberra in about 20 minutes. The #2 bus comes from Kingston train station and #3 comes from Canberra Airport. The #4 bus route originates in the southern township of Tuggeranong and passes through Woden along the way, if you’re staying further afield.
Note that the same bus number runs in both directions, so pay attention to a bus’s final destination before boarding (you might want to use the stop across the road).
Every bus stop has a stop number on its road sign that can be used for location and routing. Many stops also have a mini timetable lower down on the sign post or in a nearby bus shelter.
Tap-on and tap-off buses and light rail using Visa or Mastercard on your phone or with a physical card (More details on the MyWay website). Fares are listed on the Transport Canberra site and the daily cap is $9.89.
Luggage is permitted on Canberra buses, but storage space is limited. Near the front of some buses may be a small luggage rack or flip-up accessibility seating that can be used to stow luggage if not needed by a priority passenger. Many buses have a small bike rack on their front too.
Taxis can be found at one of the taxi ranks about the city, hailed on the street or booked through services like ACT Cabs or 13Cabs. At the airport, the taxi rank is immediately outside the arrivals hall.
The popular “ride share” businesses Über and Didi operate in Canberra. At the airport, the pick-up area for these is inside the Northern “Green” car park to the right of the arrivals hall.
Canberra is a relatively “bike friendly” city (by Australian standards), however note that the city’s low density and hilliness can make bike commuting more of a challenge. For instance it’s about a 10km, 35 minute ride with a 73m elevation gain from the city centre to the University of Canberra campus. Bikes can be hired from several providers. There is a walking and cycling map and the yellow C3 route runs between the city centre and Belconnen via University of Canberra.
There is ample parking on campus, charged at variable rates up-to about $20 per day between 8:00 AM and 5:30 PM.