Sydney to Canberra
Sydney to Canberra is a 3-hour run down the Hume and Federal Highway. Flights exist but cost a fortune for 260 km. A RideMates carpool is the fastest and cheapest way to do this trip, especially on Friday afternoons when half of Canberra goes home.
Distance
287 km
Drive time
3h
Seat from
$18
Cost comparison
Sydney to Canberra, every which way
Carpool
$18 to $25
per seat on RideMates
Flight
$120 to $220 one way
plus bags and transfers
Bus
$40 to $60 on Greyhound
slower, more stops
Drive solo
around $75 in fuel
fuel and wear, before tolls
Why RideMates
Why carpool this route?
Cheaper than a train, faster than a bus
The Canberra Xplorer is $55 one way and takes 4h 20m. A carpool seat is around $22 and gets there in 3 hours.
Friday runs are plentiful
Canberra empties out on Friday afternoons and fills up again on Sunday. Dozens of drivers run this route each week.
Drop anywhere in Canberra
Most drivers will drop passengers at Belconnen, Woden, Gungahlin, Tuggeranong, or the CBD. Flights only get you to the airport.
On the way
Common stops between Sydney and Canberra
Most drivers take a break somewhere along the route. Some will drop passengers off here too.
FAQ
Sydney to Canberra questions
How much is a carpool from Sydney to Canberra?
Typical Sydney to Canberra carpools cost $18 to $25 per seat. That's cheaper than the Xplorer train and less than half the cost of a flight.
How long does it take?
About 3 hours from the Sydney CBD to the Canberra CBD via the Hume and Federal Highway. Add 20 minutes for a stop in Goulburn if the driver plans one.
Can I be dropped off at ANU or Parliament House?
Most drivers will drop passengers at specific Canberra suburbs. Message the driver before booking to confirm your drop-off point.
Are there rides every day?
Yes, but Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings have the most rides. Weekday rides exist but are sparser.
Further reading
More on the Sydney to Canberra run
More carpools from these cities
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