Australia Travel Guide: Airport Express, Transport Cards & Driving
Transport Guide
2026-10-02
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From getting into the city from the airport to inter-state flights, Australia’s vast and sparsely populated landscape means transport planning is key to efficient travel.
Arrival & Getting into Town
| Airport | Ways into Town | Time/Price |
|---|
| Sydney (SYD) | Airport train T8 / Taxi | About 15–20 minutes, train around AUD 20 |
| Melbourne (MEL) | SkyBus airport shuttle | About 30 minutes, around AUD 20 |
| Brisbane (BNE) | Airtrain airport train | About 25 minutes, around AUD 20 |
| Cairns (CNS) | Airport bus / Taxi | About 15 minutes, around AUD 15–30 |
Public Transport in the City
- Sydney Opal Card: Valid on trains, buses, ferries and light rail. You can also tap with a credit or debit card directly. Daily and Sunday fare caps apply.
- Melbourne myki Card: Works on trams, trains and buses. There is a free tram zone in the city centre.
- Brisbane go card: Used on buses, trains and ferries.
- Taxis & Ride-Hailing: Uber and DiDi are widely available in major cities, with dedicated pick-up zones at airports.
Inter-City Travel & Driving
- Sydney–Melbourne: Around 1 hour 30 minutes by flight, or about 9 hours by car along the coast.
- Domestic flights are operated by Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar and others. Book well in advance during peak seasons.
- Australia drives on the left. You’ll need a valid driver’s licence along with an English translation or an International Driving Permit.
- Fuel stations can be far apart on inland and coastal roads. Fill up before setting off and carry plenty of water.
Tips
- Parking in city centres can be expensive. Try to use public transport when visiting areas with concentrated attractions.
- Avoid driving at night on long road trips due to the risk of wildlife crossing the road.
- Airport express trains and buses accept card or mobile payments—you don’t need to buy tickets in advance.