Getting around Australia on a budget

Buses, flights, campervans, rideshares and trains compared.

Updated 1 October 2026

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Quick comparison

Option	Best for	Watch out for
Bus pass	Solo travel on the East Coast	Long overnight legs
Domestic flights	Long distances, e.g. Sydney–Perth	Baggage fees on budget fares
Campervan hire	Groups, freedom, remote areas	Fuel, one-way fees, insurance excess
Buying a car	Staying 3+ months	Rego, roadworthy, selling it again
Rideshare	Cheapest one-off trips	Agree costs upfront
Train	Scenic routes	Usually the priciest

Skyscanner

Compare domestic flights — often cheaper than the bus on long legs.

JUCY

Campervan hire for the road-trip-sleep-anywhere life.

The community board has a rideshare section in every major city — split fuel, make friends.

Keep reading

Buying a car or campervan as a backpacker

Rego, roadworthy certificates, PPSR checks and how to sell it on at the end.

Van life in Australia: free camping, costs and tips

Where you can sleep, what it really costs, and the apps everyone uses.