After many years Canberra International Airport became an international airport again in mid September 2016 when Singapore Airlines started services to Singapore and Wellington, in New Zealand. Additionally, via a combination of direct or indirect flights it is relatively easy to get to anywhere in Australia. Be warned though that domestic flights into and out of Canberra are expensive.
The airport is approximately 10kms from the city centre (Civic).
ACTION Bus Service
Finally, the local bus service began operations to the airport in late 2017. Almost immediately the former privately owned Airport Express Service ceased to operate as the local service provides a superior service at a significantly lower cost.
Full details of the service (Route no 11 (11A) which runs from around 6.30am to 9.30pm on weekdays with a more restricted though reasonable service on Saturdays and Sundays can be found at https://www.transport.act.gov.au/routes-and-timetables/timetables/routes-by-number
Buses depart from just outside the arrivals hall – less than 100m walk straight ahead when you exit the arrivals hall.
Cash fares
- Adult single fare: $4.80. Daily ticket: $9.20
- Concession, Tertiary, School Student single fare: $2.40. Daily ticket: $4.60
Payment can be made on bus, at time of travel.
MyWay cards are also accepted and have lower fares.
Taxi/ Uber
To the Airport
When travelling to the airport you should always book a standard taxi in advance and allow yourself enough time to get another taxi should the first one not arrive – not an infrequent occurrence in Canberra.
I have not yet tested the Uber service in Canberra though friends indicate it is much more reliable than normal taxis.
From the Airport
A standard taxi rank is located just outside the arrivals hall. Delays regularly occur at peak times or when a few flights arrive close to each other. To speed things up you may be invited to share a taxi with others – there is no compulsion to do this (though it gets you to the top of the line quicker and works out marginally cheaper).
In addition to the metered fare an airport charge will be added ( to cover the cost of “taxi commissioners” who provide no service whatsoever).
There is an air-conditioned Uber pick-up lounge where customers can wait for their Uber vehicle. This is signposted and close to the standard taxi rank.
A standard taxi fare from the Airport to the City centre will cost upwards of $50. I don’t have details on Uber costs.
Taxi – https://www.canberraairport.com.au/travellers/parking-transport/taxis/
Uber/Rideshare – https://www.canberraairport.com.au/travellers/parking-transport/rideshare/
Hire cars and limousines
All services must be pre-booked and your driver will meet you inside the terminal. Details : http://www.canberraairport.com.au/travellers/parking-transport/hire-cars-and-limousines/
Car Rental
Seven car rental companies are represented at the airport offices just outside the terminal building). Details : https://www.canberraairport.com.au/travellers/parking-transport/rental-cars/
They are all much of a much. I recommend you book in advance.
For my next CANBERRA – TRANSPORTATION review click HERE.
For other CANBERRA reviews click HERE.
The Rambling Wombat 