Essential to remember
Transport in Australia: plane (vital for long distances), bus (Greyhound, Premier), train (XPT, Indian Pacific), car rental (50-80 AUD/day), campervan (ideal for road trips). No TGV. Huge distances: flying is often faster and cheaper.
Means of transport in Australia: Getting around!
  ;When you go to Australia, you look into the possibilities of getting around because the country is so vast and with all the destinations and natural parks! Each activity is increasingly far away!
During my stay in Australia, I used almost every possible means of transport: Bus, Metro, Car, 4×4, Van, Plane, rental, hitchhiking! The only thing I did not take was the train!
Transport in Australia:
Did you know?
The Indian Pacific crosses Australia from east to west over 4,352 km in 3 days (Sydney-Perth). It is the 3rd longest train journey in the world, after the Trans-Siberian and the Trans-Mongolian.
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The Greyhound bus: the Australian bus
the unlimited ticket for 90 or X days from one destination to another
the kilometer-based ticket
the ticket combining travel and accommodation at the same time
Choose according to your budget and available travel time; it’s a good way if you don’t want to drive and want to organize your trip according to your needs!
My experience
My 3 modes of transport in Australia: Jetstar/Virgin flights for long distances, Wicked Campers van for the east coast road trip, Greyhound bus for secondary cities. The mix allowed me to do everything with a reasonable budget.
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Personal car for transport in Australia
In the long term, it’s the best solution if you want to travel with someone and sleep in this car or not! You can carpool according to your desires; you are the master of your route! However, if something happens to the vehicle, everything is at your expense! I know people who bought a car and it broke down 2 weeks later and others who bought a car and had no issues!
| Transport | Distance | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Plane Sydney-Cairns | 2,000 km | ~150 AUD |
| Greyhound Bus Sydney-Cairns | 2,000 km | ~250 AUD |
| Indian Pacific Train | 4,352 km | ~700 AUD |
| Wicked Van (week) | Variable | ~700 AUD |
| Car rental (day) | Variable | ~50-80 AUD |
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The Plane in Australia
The fastest and most expensive way if you have little time, it’s the best solution, Australia has airports in all the major tourist destinations in Australia! I have taken it several times, there are mainly 4 companies, Qantas, Virgin Blue, Tiger Airways and Jetstar.
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The 4×4 in Australia
It is the means of transport that will allow you to access little touristy and unique destinations. I took it to tour the west coast and I can tell you I do not regret it, however it costs more and consumes more fuel.
Advantages
- Many domestic flights (Jetstar, Virgin)
- Long-distance buses (Greyhound)
- Campervan rentals
- Scenic trains (XPT, Indian Pacific)
- Roads in good condition
Weak points
- Huge distances (always)
- Expensive fuel in the outback
- No high-speed trains
- Slow and few trains
- Domestic flights sometimes expensive
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Carpooling and Hitchhiking in Australia
Carpooling in Australia is the most economical way to travel, I have taken it many times to limit my costs. What’s nice is that you live this experience with other people and it allows you to create strong bonds! It’s the most backpacker-friendly mode of transport!
Hitchhiking in Australia is very easy, I highly recommend it! I myself have some anecdotes: On New Year’s Eve 2010, I hitchhiked back to my campsite and took 3 cars to get there and was offered drinks (2 beers).
The classic trap to avoid
Do not book a Jetstar flight at 49 AUD without checking for hidden fees. 23 kg baggage: +45 AUD, seat choice: +12 AUD, meal: +18 AUD. The “low cost” fare often ends up at 120 AUD.
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Car rental in Australia
The car, van, 4×4 rental system is very developed in Australia, if you are afraid to take the risk of buying a car, this alternative is the most interesting for you! The more days you take, the lower the daily car rental cost! If it breaks down, it is replaced, you can take out insurance in case of an accident that covers the damages!
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The train in Australia
There are 2 historic trains in Australia, the Ghan which connects Darwin to Adelaide, the Indian Pacific which links Perth to Sydney, these are traveler experiences to have. Everyone who has taken these modes of transport recommends them! Choose if you have the time because it is very long!
To delve deeper into the subject, the guide on public transport provides additional practical advice. You will also find interesting leads in our article on the north of Australia, and if you are preparing the next part of the trip, the one on Florent’s testimony is just right.
It is possible to take passes for unlimited train access over a long period (3 or 6 months: rail pass
  ;If you need more info, consult the section: pvt Australia
Which transport to choose in Australia?
Plane for long distances (Sydney-Perth, Sydney-Cairns), van/car for road trips, Greyhound bus for the east coast on a budget.
Is the train developed in Australia?
No, few lines. Indian Pacific and XPT are tourist trains, not daily transport.
How much does a van cost in Australia?
Rental: 70-120 AUD/day. Used purchase: 5,000-12,000 AUD, to resell at the end of the WHV.
