Pay · board · Stage 1

How to ride Canberra Light Rail

First time in Canberra? Three ideas only: Stage 1 is open, how to pay (MyWay+), and how to board. Already on MyWay+? Skip to boarding or transfers below.

Photo · CC licensed

How to pay

Canberra Light Rail uses MyWay+ (ACT public transport) — the same system as Transport Canberra buses. It is not Sydney’s Opal card.

• MyWay+ Registered card or account products for regular travel — set up via official Transport Canberra / MyWay+ channels.
• Single-use ticket Where offered — handy for one-off visitor trips. Follow on-platform or official instructions.
• Dollar amounts Fares change. Check current prices on MyWay+ official pages — we don’t list $ amounts here.

MyWay+ tickets & fares →

Before you leave

• ✓
  Payment ready MyWay+ or a valid single ticket
• ✓
  Know the ends North: Gungahlin Place · South: Alinga Street (Civic)
• ✓
  Bags & prams Low-floor boarding · keep aisles clear at peaks
• ✓
  Live check Transport Canberra / CMET for disruptions

First ride — five steps

1. 1

   Find your stop

   Stage 1 has 14 stops between Gungahlin Place and Alinga Street. Use our map & stops guide, then follow platform signage.

2. 2

   Validate before you board

   Have a valid MyWay+ product or single-use ticket ready. Follow on-platform validators and instructions — ACT ticketing is separate from NSW Opal.

3. 3

   Board the correct direction

   Northbound toward Gungahlin · southbound toward Civic. Check destination displays if you are unsure.

4. 4

   Ride and alight

   Low-floor CAF Urbos vehicles with priority seating. Stand clear of doors, hold handrails when moving, mind the platform gap.

5. 5

   Transfer or continue

   Change to buses at Gungahlin Place, Dickson Interchange or Alinga Street. Use the MyWay+ transfer window when it applies.

Flying in from Sydney?

Opal does not work here. Set up MyWay+ (or buy a valid single ticket) before you rely on light rail. Canberra Airport is not on the light rail — bus, taxi or rideshare from the airport first.

Accessibility

Level boarding from platforms; priority seats marked. Allow extra time at interchanges with lifts, ramps and peak crowds. Check Transport Canberra for accessibility options beyond the corridor.

Prams, luggage, bikes and safety

• Prams: fold when crowded if asked; keep clear of doorways and wheelchair spaces.
• Luggage: bags off seats when busy; mind others on short City hops.
• Bikes / scooters: follow current CMET / Transport Canberra rules — they can change.
• Safety: wait behind the platform edge; only cross tracks at designated places; follow staff during Stage 2A City works diversions.

Etiquette

• Offer priority seats to people who need them.
• Headphones for audio; keep phone calls brief.
• Save messy food for off-board when you can.
• Clear doors at Dickson and Alinga Street peaks.

Tourist tips

• National institutions (War Memorial, Parliament, galleries) are mostly not on Stage 1 platforms — ride to Alinga Street, then bus, walk or tour.
• Food: Dickson Interchange for dining density; Elouera Street / Braddon for Lonsdale Street; Civic for CBD options.
• Events: EPIC & Racecourse stop for major shows — allow buffer time.
• City works: diversions near London Circuit do not mean Stage 2A is open.