Your Guide to Getting Around Canberra as a Student

One of the best things about student life in Canberra is how easy it is to get around. It’s manageable, quieter and surprisingly simple to navigate compared to the bigger Australian cities.

Here, you won’t be spending hours crossing the city to get to campus, the supermarket or a local cafe. Instead, you’ll find a routine quickly: regular commutes to campus, weekend dashes to the supermarket and bike rides down your favourite cycle path.

Getting around Canberra is straightforward regardless of which uni you’re studying at. Aside from the regular bus and light rail services, there are kilometres of safe bike paths that cross the city, so you have plenty of great options. Choose the one that best fits how you want to move through Canberra.

This guide covers everything you need to know about moving through the nation’s capital, including Canberra’s public transport fares, how to set up a MyWay+ card and tips on how you can save on the weekly commute. 

How to Pay for Public Transport in Canberra: MyWay+

The MyWay card is Canberra’s payment system for buses and light rail services. 

In 2024, the original Canberra MyWay card was replaced by MyWay+ and can no longer be used for travel. 

With MyWay+, you can tap on and off any Transport Canberra services using your travel card, a contactless bank card in your phone’s wallet or a QR ticket through the MyWay+ app. 

Most students will find a MyWay+ account useful for their time at one of Canberra’s universities. Students enrolled full-time at eligible institutions may be eligible for a concession card, which reduces fares significantly. 

 

Public Transport Options in Canberra

Buses are usually most people’s first thought when it comes to getting around Canberra, but these days, they aren’t the only option.

Depending on where you live, you might end up completing journeys by bus, light rail or bike. Don’t discount the fact that Canberra is one of Australia’s most walkable cities, either.

Buses

Canberra’s bus network connects most parts of the city, including university campuses, shopping centres, residential suburbs and entertainment areas.

Buses are usually the go-to for students at the University of Canberra, ACU and the Canberra Institute of Technology.

Like most cities, Canberra’s public transport gets busier during peak hours. If your schedule allows, travelling early in the morning or later in the evening often leads to a more relaxing bus trip.

Bus Schedules

Buses run regularly around the city, connecting it to universities and major residential suburbs like Belconnen, Gungahlin, Woden and Tuggeranong.

Keep up to date with the latest timetables on the MyWay+ app to see how frequently your favourite bus runs. It’s also worth noting that MyWay+ is also how you pay for your fares, as there is no standalone bus pass in Canberra.

Light Rail

Canberra’s light rail is one of the easiest ways to travel between the inner north and the city centre.

The line currently runs between Gungahlin and Civic, making it especially useful for students commuting into the CBD or catching connecting buses.

ANU students in particular will become very familiar with the light rail service, especially those living in the city’s north. The light rail is also a convenient option for residents at Accolade On Moore, whether it’s seeing the city, heading to the supermarket or catching up with friends. 

Peak and Off-Peak Hours of the Light Rail in Canberra

Like Canberra’s buses, the light rail’s peak hours are weekday mornings and late weekday afternoons. Outside these times, services are generally quieter but less frequent.

Cycling Option

Canberra is one of the most cycle-friendly cities in Australia.

Dedicated bike paths span most of the city, making cycling a viable option for short trips. Plenty of Canberrans use a bike for trips to uni or work, grocery runs, gym trips and weekend trips to nearby suburbs.

Even if you mainly use public transport, having a bike can make trips in peak hour that much easier. 

How Much Does Public Transport Cost in Canberra?

Transport fares in Canberra are capped, meaning that once you reach a certain limit, additional trips after that are free.

This makes a real difference for students, easing the pain of transportation costs compared to larger Australian cities.

When deciding your weekly transport budget, remember to factor in not only your travel to and from campus but also grocery shops, social outings and weekend trips. 

Is Canberra’s Public Transport Free for Students?

While it’s fairly easy to get around Canberra, free public transport isn’t something the city currently offers.  

Instead, students benefit from capped fares and discounted concession rates to make commuting that much cheaper. 

 

 

Tips for Getting Around Canberra as a Student

• Set up your MyWay+ account before you arrive in Canberra.

• Always tap on and tap off to avoid default fares.

• Save your regular routes in the MyWay+ app.

• Remember cycling is an option for short trips around the city.

• Choose centrally located Canberra student accommodation for easy access to campus and transport connections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Melbourne or Sydney transport card in Canberra?

No. Melbourne’s myki and Sydney’s Opal card will not work in Canberra. Instead, you’ll need to set up a MyWay+ account or a contactless payment method to use Canberra’s public transport network. 

What happens if I forget to tap off? 

If you forget to tap off a bus or light rail service, the system usually charges a default fare based on the route you have travelled. It’s not the end of the world, but once you get into the habit of tapping on and off, it becomes second nature. 

Is it worth getting a MyWay+ travel card or just using a bank card?

Both options work, but using a registered MyWay+ account allows you to save routes and check timetables on the go. Your account is also needed to redeem any student discounts or concession fares. 

Get Around Canberra with Confidence

Moving to a new city always takes a little adjustment, but Canberra’s MyWay+ card, capped fares and plentiful bus and light rail services mean familiarity comes quickly.

Once your routine falls into place, getting to uni, the supermarket or the theatre on a Friday evening becomes one less thing to think about.

If you haven’t locked in a place to live, contact us to learn more about how life at Accolade On Moore makes getting around Canberra as simple as possible.