All capital cities in Australia are served by a wide variety of public transport. From a ferry on the sparkling waters of Sydney Harbour to a tram ride through the elegant streets of Melbourne, you'll find public transport efficient, clean, reliable and affordable.

Sydney

Sydney Airport (Kingsford Smith) is located 10 kilometres south of the city. The domestic and international terminals are less than two kilometres apart and transfers are available between the two terminals.

Airport buses operate at frequent intervals from both terminals and serve the city and some suburbs, starting at $A7. There is also a reliable train service to the city, costing $A10 one way. A taxi to the city costs approximately $A30. Transfer time is about 25 minutes.

City travel options include trains, buses, ferries, monorail and light rail. There are also public transport options designed for visitors - the Explorer Bus, for example, follows a 28 kilometre route and stops at major attractions including the Sydney Opera House. You can hop on and off as often as you like.

A Sydney Pass provides flexibility and choice, including unlimited train, bus and ferry travel, as well as access to certain harbour cruises and bus tours. You can travel by bus as far north as Palm Beach, take the Rivercat to the site of the 2000 Olympics at Homebush, or go for a swim at Bondi Beach.

One of the joys of Sydney is catching a ferry. For a few dollars you can enjoy one of the most beautiful harbours in the world. Ferries depart regularly from points around the harbour. Circular Quay is the main terminal.

Melbourne

Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) is located 20 kilometres north-west of the city. There is no train service to the airport. Bus transfers operate for $A12. A taxi costs about $A40. Travel to the city takes about 30 minutes.

Melbourne is famous for its trams. Beside their charm as they trundle up and down city and suburban streets, they are also extremely efficient, cost-effective and a great way to get around. There is a free City Circle Tram that travels around Melbourne’s city centre throughout the day.

Trains serve the city and suburbs. Flinders Street station is the key terminus for metropolitan and suburban travel. A MET ticket gives access to all public transport.

Brisbane

Brisbane Airport is 13 kilometres from the city. There are separate international and domestic terminals. Regular bus transfers are available to the city centre and some suburbs. Transfers cost $A9 by bus and $A25 by taxi. There are also regular coach services that operate to the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast for about $A35. The Airtrain delivers visitors from Brisbane’s airports to the city in 22 minutes and the Gold Coast in 90 minutes. Cost is $A9 to Brisbane, $A18 to the Gold Coast.

There is a comprehensive and efficient rail and bus service in Brisbane that serves the city and suburbs. Brisbane is built on the Brisbane River, so there are regular ferry services. Ferries depart at regular intervals from Edward Street and Customs House. The ferry is an inexpensive way to see the city and surrounding areas.

A City Sights bus tour is another option. It stops at 18 locations around Brisbane.

Cairns

Cairns in Queensland is a popular destination for tourists. The airport is six kilometres from the city and is served by regular bus transfers. Costs are about $A7 by bus or $A15 by taxi.

Regular bus services also operate between Cairns and the various beach resorts located north and south of Cairns including Port Douglas, Palm Cove and Mission Beach.

Adelaide

Adelaide Airport is only seven kilometres from the city, and transfers cost about $A7 by bus or $A15 by taxi.

An efficient network of trains, buses and trams serve the city and suburbs. The O'Bahn, a special guided busway, operates between Adelaide and the northern suburb of Tea Tree Gully. A tram service operates between the city and Glenelg and is a pleasant way to get to the seaside. Free inner city buses operate daily.

Daily train services provide a picturesque journey through the nearby Barossa Valley wine country. The regional and interstate terminal is located at Keswick.

Darwin

Darwin Airport is located 12 kilometres from the city. Transfers cost $A6 by bus or $A20 by taxi. The journey takes about 15 minutes. While there are no rail services, a regular bus service provides efficient transport for the city and suburbs.
Alice Springs

Alice Springs is a popular tourist destination. The airport is located 17 kilometres to the south and transfers cost $A16 by bus and $A24 by taxi. Buses operate around town and to the suburbs.

Perth

Perth Airport is 20 kilometres east of the city centre. Transfers cost about $A11 by bus or $A26 by taxi. Trains and buses, operated by Transperth, provide good daily services within the city and suburbs. A ferry operates between Barrack Street and South Perth. Free buses operate within the heart of the city.

The Perth Tram Explorer travels to many of city's popular attractions and you can hop on and off as you please.

Hobart

Hobart's airport is 22 kilometres from the city. Transfers cost about $A7 by bus and $A26 by taxi. An extensive bus network operated by Metro Tasmania serves Hobart city and suburbs. Rail services in Tasmania are primarily used for freight and limited tourist services.

The passenger and vehicle ship the Spirit of Tasmania departs Melbourne for Devonport, on Tasmania’s north coast, three times weekly. Extra sailings are available at peak periods. The overnight crossing takes 14 hours. Fares include accommodation, breakfast and dinner.

From December to April, the catamaran Devil Cat travels between Melbourne and George Town. The journey takes six hours.