Guide to Transportation in Australia: Getting Around Australia on Arrival
- Study in Australia Group
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Congratulations on your student visa approval! Now that your study journey in Australia is about to begin, it’s time to get familiar with how you’ll travel around. Whether you’re landing in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or beyond, here is your streamlined public transport guide so you don’t have to wade through all the details now.
Public Transport by State
Here’s a quick overview of major public transport systems:
New South Wales (NSW)
Services: Trains, metro, buses, ferries and light rail
Fare: For concession (students / apprentices eligible) the daily cap is $9.65 from Monday-Thursday
Payment Method: Use an Opal card (adult, child/youth, concession, etc). Contactless payment with credit/debit cards is also possible in some services.
Victoria (VIC)
Services: Melbourne trains, trams, buses, regional V/Line network.
Fare: Fares depend on zones and usage. From 1 January 2025, daily adult cap in metropolitan Melbourne increased to $11 and $5.50 for concession.
Payment Method: Use a myki card for most services. Touch on and touch off (when required).
Summer Promotion: From 30 Nov 2025, all public transport services (tram, bus, train) will be free every weekend across the metropolitan and regional network until 1 Feb 2026.
Queensland (QLD)
Services: Trains, buses, trams (Gold Coast), ferries in South East Queensland and regional buses.
Fare: Flat fare of 50 cents per journey across all zones/modes (excluding Airtrain) in the Translink network.
Payment Method: Tap on/tap off using a Go Card, or pay by contactless debit/credit card where enabled.
South Australia (SA)
Services: Buses, trains, trams across metropolitan Adelaide and suburbs.
Fare: Regular singletrip fares for student: peak travel time $1.60 and off-peak $1.30
Payment Method: Use a metroCARD, Buy & Go ticketing app or contactless where available.
Latest Deal: From July 2025 a Student 28-Day pass costs only $10 (down from $28.60) - equivalent to 25c per trip for those commuting daily.
Tasmania (TAS)
Services: Metro Tasmania (Hobart, Launceston, Burnie) buses, some regional services, ferries.
Fare: Use Fare Finder for current pricing.
Payment Method: Use a Greencard, Transportme card, 10-trip ticket, Daytripper ticket or cash.
Western Australia (WA)
Services: Transperth trains, buses, ferries (across metro & regional centres)
Fare: Free buses in major entertainment and business districts; Standard adult and concession fare structure applies, learn more about fares here.
Payment Method: SmartRider card and cash ticket from the ticket machine
Latest Deal: From 1 January 2026, Western Australia will introduce a new fare structure in which passengers pay no more than $2.80 per trip when using the SmartRider payment option. As an international student, you’re eligible for a Tertiary SmartRider, which offers student discounts on travel.
Ride-Sharing & Taxi Services
Ride-share apps like Uber and Didi are widely used in Australia and typically cheaper than traditional taxis. Most airports provide designated pick-up zones for these services.
For taxis (e.g., 13 Cabs, Silver Top), always check the taximeter at entry and ask about any additional charges (airport fees, waiting time etc.).
Airport Transfers
When you arrive, you may take one of these frequently used services:
Melbourne: SkyBus
Hobart: Hobart SkyBus
Perth: Airport Line train
Sydney: AirportLink train
Brisbane: Airtrain
These services often offer luggage space, fixed fares and direct routes to major campuses or city centres.
Driver’s Licence & Vehicle Registration
If you plan to drive in Australia (either using your home licence or obtaining a local one), be sure to check each state’s rules. Every state has different requirements for converting, registering and driving vehicles legally.
Always check the local transport authority website for your state before you plan to drive:
Key Travel Tips for International Students
Download the local transport apps (Go Card app, myki for Victoria) and register your card/ticket ahead of travel, make sure you have a valid ticket beyond travel.
If you land before your accommodation is set, make sure you have enough funds for an airport-taxi or ride-share to your initial stay.
Keep your transport card topped up or make sure you know how to buy tickets at stations / onboard.
Take advantage of promotional offers such as Victoria’s free weekend travel or Queensland’s 50 cent fares.
Why This Matters
Getting the transport piece right early means less hassle, more independence and more confidence exploring your new city. Whether it’s catching the tram to campus, hopping on a bus to a supermarket, or grabbing a ride from the airport, you’ll have your options sorted.
Enjoy your arrival and the freedom to explore - Australia is ready for you!
Disclaimer: Fares and discounts mentioned are subject to change based on government updates. Always check official sources for the latest pricing.
FAQs: Public Transport for International Students in Australia
Public transport can look a little different depending on which Australian state you’ll be studying in, and many international students ask similar questions when preparing for their move. Below, you’ll find clear and up-to-date answers to the most common queries about public transport for international students in Australia.
Do students get free public transport in Australia?
Public transport in Australia is not always free for international students, but there are several discounted schemes and areas where travel costs are significantly reduced.
In Melbourne (VIC), the Free Tram Zone in the CBD allows everyone including international students to travel at no cost within central Melbourne.
In Queensland, South East Queensland currently offers 50-cent fares per journey on buses, trains (excluding the Airtrain), trams, and ferries, making it one of the most affordable regions to travel in.
Many full-time students may also be eligible for concession or discounted fares. However, eligibility varies by state, education provider, and course type, and international students are not automatically included in every concession scheme.
To check whether you qualify for concession fares, make sure to review:
your education provider’s student travel concession details
your state or territory’s public transport eligibility rules
whether your course is recognised for concession travel in that state
This will help you understand exactly what discounts you may be entitled to as an international student in Australia.
How much does transportation cost in Australia for international students?
Transport costs vary depending on the state, the type of service you use, and whether you qualify for concession fares. As a general guide, international students spend between AUD $4–$60 per week on public transport.
Your actual costs will depend on how often you travel, the zones you move between, and any discounts you may be eligible for. For exact and up-to-date fare information, always check your state or territory’s official public transport website, as prices and policies can change.
What is the best public transport for international students in Australia?
The best public transport option for international students in Australia is to use a mix of trains, trams, and buses, depending on the city you live in. Major cities such as Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and Hobart all have well-connected networks that make daily travel easy and affordable.
For long-distance travel or trips to regional areas, regional trains and coach services (such as V/Line in Victoria or NSW TrainLink in New South Wales) offer the most convenient and reliable option.
