Getting Around AustraliaTransport Guide for Rugby World Cup 2027
Complete guide to domestic flights, trains, buses, car rental, and city transport across Australia's Rugby World Cup host cities.
Domestic Flight Options
Flying is the fastest way to travel between Australian cities during Rugby World Cup 2027
Qantas
Australia's flagship carrier with comprehensive domestic network
Routes:
All major cities, regional destinations
Key Features:
- •Frequent flyer program
- •Premium lounges
- •On-time performance
Travel Tips:
Book Qantas Red e-Deal fares for best prices. Frequent flyer benefits include priority boarding and baggage.
Rugby World Cup:
Special RWC packages with accommodation
Virgin Australia
Full-service airline with modern fleet and good service
Routes:
Major cities, key regional routes
Key Features:
- •Velocity frequent flyer
- •Premium economy
- •In-flight entertainment
Travel Tips:
Getaway and Saverfare tickets offer good value. Velocity points can be earned quickly.
Rugby World Cup:
RWC fan packages available
Jetstar
Low-cost carrier (Qantas subsidiary) for budget travelers
Routes:
Major cities, popular destinations
Key Features:
- •Starter fares from $49
- •Optional extras
- •Modern fleet
Travel Tips:
Watch for Friday fare sales. Add extras separately to keep costs down.
Rugby World Cup:
Budget match day flights
Rex Airlines
Regional specialist now serving major city routes
Routes:
Sydney-Melbourne, regional networks
Key Features:
- •Competitive pricing
- •Regional connectivity
- •Boeing 737 fleet
Travel Tips:
Good alternative for Sydney-Melbourne route. Strong regional network.
Rugby World Cup:
Regional city connections
Train Services Between Cities
Experience Australia's scenic landscapes with comfortable long-distance train travel
Sydney to Melbourne
XPT (Express Passenger Train)
Journey Highlights:
- •Sleeper berths available
- •Scenic Blue Mountains
- •Central station arrivals
Travel Tips:
Book first class sleeper for comfort. Departs Sydney 8:42pm, arrives Melbourne 7:20am.
Sydney to Brisbane
XPT Northern Tablelands
Journey Highlights:
- •Casino and Grafton stops
- •Coastal scenery
- •Sleeper options
Travel Tips:
Longest domestic train journey. Consider flying for time constraints.
Melbourne to Adelaide
The Overland
Journey Highlights:
- •Historic service
- •Grampians views
- •Premium dining
Travel Tips:
Operates Tuesday and Sunday. Book well ahead during RWC.
Adelaide to Perth
The Indian Pacific
Journey Highlights:
- •Crosses Nullarbor Plain
- •All-inclusive dining
- •Luxury experience
Travel Tips:
One of world's great train journeys. Book months ahead.
Long-Distance Bus Services
Budget-friendly options for traveling between Australian cities
Greyhound Australia
National bus network covering all major routes
All capital cities, 1,100+ destinations
- •Reclining seats
- •Air conditioning
- •Rest stops
Sydney-Melbourne from $55, Sydney-Brisbane from $89
Tip: Hop-on hop-off passes available. Book online for discounts.
Premier Motor Service
East coast specialist with comfortable coaches
Brisbane to Melbourne via Sydney
- •WiFi on board
- •Extra legroom
- •Frequent services
Sydney-Melbourne from $49, Sydney-Brisbane from $79
Tip: Premium service compared to Greyhound. Multiple daily departures.
Firefly Express
Melbourne-Adelaide-Sydney triangle service
Limited but frequent routes
- •Modern fleet
- •Competitive prices
- •Direct services
Melbourne-Adelaide from $39, Melbourne-Sydney from $69
Tip: Good value alternative to trains and flights.
Car Rental Information
Rental Requirements & Costs
Major Rental Companies:
Requirements:
- •Valid driving license (international permit recommended)
- •Credit card for security deposit
- •Minimum age 21 (25 for some premium cars)
- •Full insurance coverage recommended
Daily Rates:
Rental Tips
- •Book early for Rugby World Cup - high demand expected
- •Consider one-way rentals between cities
- •GPS navigation essential for unfamiliar areas
- •Fuel is expensive - budget $1.50+ per liter
- •Parking in city centers can be costly ($5-30/hour)
Driving in Australia
- •Australians drive on the left side of the road
- •Speed limits strictly enforced with cameras
- •Zero tolerance for drink driving (0.05% BAC limit)
- •Seat belts mandatory for all passengers
- •Mobile phone use while driving is illegal
City Transport Cards & Systems
Each Australian city has its own public transport system and payment card
Sydney
Opal Card
Trains, buses, ferries, light rail
Adult $15.80 daily cap, $63.20 weekly cap
Tips:
- •Buy at stations, shops, or online
- •Tap on and off for all services
- •Sunday $2.80 daily cap for all transport
- •Ferry to Manly Beach popular tourist route
Airport Connection:
Airport Link train $20.48 to city (13 minutes)
Rugby Venues:
Direct train to Olympic Park (Accor Stadium) via T7 line
Melbourne
Myki Card
Trains, trams, buses
Adult $9.20 daily cap Zone 1, $15.40 Zone 1+2
Tips:
- •Buy at stations, 7-Eleven, or online
- •Free tram zone in CBD (City Circle)
- •Touch on and off required
- •Extensive tram network throughout city
Airport Connection:
SkyBus $20 to city (20 minutes) or taxi $50-70
Rugby Venues:
Tram Route 70 direct to Marvel Stadium from CBD
Brisbane
Go Card
Trains, buses, ferries, light rail
Adult $9.90 daily cap, paper tickets more expensive
Tips:
- •Much cheaper than paper tickets
- •City Hopper ferry free along Brisbane River
- •Regional trains to Gold Coast included
- •Bus network covers all suburbs
Airport Connection:
Airtrain $18 to city (20 minutes)
Rugby Venues:
Direct rail to Coomera (for Gold Coast stadium) and Brisbane venues
Perth
SmartRider
Trains, buses, ferries
Adult $12.80 daily cap, $25.60 weekend cap
Tips:
- •Free CAT bus in CBD
- •Train network covers northern and southern suburbs
- •Limited Sunday services
- •Ferry to Rottnest Island extra
Airport Connection:
Connect bus + train $4.90 total, or taxi $40-50
Rugby Venues:
Train to stadium stations with connecting buses
Adelaide
Metrocard
Buses, trains, tram
Adult $10.80 daily cap
Tips:
- •Free city connector bus (98C)
- •Single tram line to Glenelg beach
- •Comprehensive bus network
- •Free wifi on many services
Airport Connection:
Jetbus $5.60 to city or taxi $25-35
Rugby Venues:
Train and bus connections to Adelaide Oval
Canberra
MyWay Card
Buses, light rail
Adult $9.60 daily cap
Tips:
- •Light rail connects north to south
- •Extensive bus network
- •Free red CAT bus in city center
- •Most attractions accessible by public transport
Airport Connection:
Bus Route 3 or 703 $4.80, taxi $35-45
Rugby Venues:
Bus connections to GIO Stadium
Gold Coast
Go Card (same as Brisbane)
Light rail, buses
Adult $9.90 daily cap
Tips:
- •G:link light rail runs along coast
- •Connects to Brisbane train system
- •Free shuttle buses in Surfers Paradise
- •Tourist attractions have dedicated transport
Airport Connection:
Light rail $4.71 to Surfers Paradise (45 minutes)
Rugby Venues:
Light rail to Robina for Cbus Super Stadium
Distances and Travel Times Between Host Cities
Sydney to Melbourne
Distance: 878 km
✈️ Flight
1.5 hours (from $79)
🚗 Drive
8.5-9 hours via Hume Highway
🚄 Train
10.5 hours overnight XPT
🚌 Bus
12-13 hours (from $55)
Sydney to Brisbane
Distance: 909 km
✈️ Flight
1.5 hours (from $89)
🚗 Drive
9-10 hours via Pacific Highway
🚄 Train
14 hours overnight XPT
🚌 Bus
14-15 hours (from $89)
Melbourne to Adelaide
Distance: 727 km
✈️ Flight
1.5 hours (from $99)
🚗 Drive
8 hours via Western Highway
🚄 Train
10.5 hours The Overland
🚌 Bus
10-11 hours (from $69)
Sydney to Perth
Distance: 3,278 km
✈️ Flight
5 hours (from $199)
🚗 Drive
32+ hours (3-4 days recommended)
🚄 Train
N/A direct (via Adelaide 41 hours total)
🚌 Bus
45+ hours (not recommended)
Melbourne to Perth
Distance: 2,131 km
✈️ Flight
3.5 hours (from $179)
🚗 Drive
20+ hours (2-3 days recommended)
🚄 Train
26 hours The Indian Pacific
🚌 Bus
28-30 hours
Brisbane to Gold Coast
Distance: 78 km
✈️ Flight
N/A (too short)
🚗 Drive
1.5 hours via M1 Pacific Motorway
🚄 Train
1.5 hours Airtrain + G:link
🚌 Bus
2 hours Greyhound/Translink
Transport FAQs
What's the best way to travel between Rugby World Cup cities?
For time efficiency, domestic flights are best - most routes under 2 hours. For scenic experience and cost savings, consider trains or buses for shorter routes like Sydney-Melbourne. Book early as demand will be high during the tournament.
Do I need an international driving permit in Australia?
Most countries' licenses are accepted for short visits, but an International Driving Permit is recommended for car rentals and insurance purposes. Check with your rental company for specific requirements.
How do city transport cards work in Australia?
Each city has its own transport card (Opal in Sydney, Myki in Melbourne, etc.). Cards work on all local public transport and offer daily/weekly caps. Buy at stations, convenience stores, or online before you arrive.
Is it worth renting a car for the Rugby World Cup?
For city-to-city travel and exploring, yes. However, for getting to stadiums and around cities, public transport is often more convenient and cost-effective. Consider your itinerary and group size.
How far in advance should I book domestic flights?
Book as early as possible - at least 3-6 months ahead for Rugby World Cup. Prices increase closer to match dates, and popular routes may sell out. Consider flexible dates for better prices.
What are the main differences between Australian domestic airlines?
Qantas and Virgin are full-service with lounges and frequent flyer programs. Jetstar is low-cost but reliable. Rex offers good value on selected routes. All are safe and punctual by international standards.
Start Planning Your Australian Journey
Book your transport early for the best prices during Rugby World Cup 2027. From quick flights to scenic train journeys, Australia has options for every traveler.