Guides and Tips for Using Public Transportation in Australia

Australia is the only country in the world that is also a continent. With a land expanse of 7.68 million square kilometers, this vast and advanced country certainly has a diverse and well-connected public transportation system between cities. If you plan to vacation in the Land of the Kangaroos, here are guides and tips for using public transportation that you need to know!

Guides to public transportation in Australia

All major cities in Australia have well-integrated public transportation systems. Each city also has transportation network options with different payment systems.

Sydney, for example, has five transportation modes and uses the Opal Card for its payment system. On the contrary, the capital city, Canberra, only has two transportation modes. However, the MyWay card the city uses as the main payment method offers daily free travel.

Meanwhile, other major cities, such as Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide, have three modes of transportation, each with a different payment system. That is why you need to purchase a transportation card accepted in your destination city before getting public transportation.

You can buy public transportation cards in Australia at the airport where you land, retail outlets in the city, or at stations, stops, and ferry terminals in your destination city. It is important to note that public transportation fares in the Land Down Under are calculated based on the distance traveled and the mode of transportation taken. Additionally, some modes of transportation also offer discounts at certain times and if you use their transportation card.

Transportation modes in major cities of Australia

Here are the different modes of public transportation available in Australia, as cited from the IC Australia’s website:

● Train. Trains are a popular mode of transportation in Australia. They offer fast and efficient transportation for intercity travel and within the metropolitan areas of major cities in Australia. Every major city in Australia has a comprehensive, integrated, and timely railway network.

● Bus. Buses are also a popular mode of transportation in Australia. Public buses are available in all major cities in Australia and serve metropolitan, regional, and suburban areas. Because they operate on public road networks, buses offer extensive and flexible coverage, making them the best option for reaching tourist destinations not served by trains or other modes of transportation. Bus services operate every day and almost 24 hours a day, on predetermined routes and schedules.

● Tram. Trams are another public transportation mode found in some of the major cities in Australia, such as Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Canberra. This mode of transportation offers an interesting public transportation experience as it operates on designated tracks that cut through the city center. In Melbourne, trams even have routes with free services.

● Ferry. A unique mode of public transportation in Australia is the ferries. They are generally used for tourism purposes on rivers and coastlines of coastal cities, such as Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth.

Tips for using public transportation in Australia

To explore the many tourist destinations in Australia, you should pay attention to the following tips:

● Follow the rules. As a guest, you should follow the rules in your destination country. All public transportation in Australia has unwritten rules, such as giving seats to those in need, not playing music loudly, and not speaking loudly.

● Be aware of your surroundings. Solo traveling to a foreign country may be an enjoyable activity for you. However, make sure not to be careless and pay attention to your surroundings, which are unfamiliar to you. Avoid traveling alone late at night and always keep an eye on your belongings.

● Prepare an itinerary. Traveling by public transportation means following the routes, schedules, and real situations and conditions of the transportation mode you choose. Therefore, before traveling, prepare an itinerary (especially to anticipate peak hours) so that you can avoid traffic congestion and delays. Also, make sure to allocate spare time for unexpected disruptions.

Those are the guides and tips for using public transportation in Australia. To have a safe and comfortable trip to Australia, make sure to purchase your Travel Insurance from MSIG Indonesia, which provides comprehensive protection for you and your family when traveling domestically or internationally!