Traffic in Canberra
In 2024, Canberra's transportation landscape is dominated by car usage, with 60% of commuters opting for this mode. Public transport, particularly buses, also plays a significant role.
The city faces challenges with CO2 emissions and traffic inefficiencies, but there are opportunities for improvement through increased use of sustainable transport options.
Average Commute Times
The average commute involves 18.14 minutes of driving and 5.22 minutes on the bus, covering a distance of 25.25 km.
- Bus - Bus commuters spend approximately 27.86 minutes on the bus and 5.52 minutes walking, with a total distance of 17.71 km.
- Car - Car users experience a driving time of 29.77 minutes and a walking time of 3.30 minutes, covering 27.82 km.
- Walking - Walking commutes take about 16.29 minutes, with additional short times for driving and biking, covering 4.3 km.
Traffic Breakdown
Traffic Data
Overall average travel
Average when primarily using Bus
Average when primarily using Car
Average when primarily using Walking
More Information
Seasonal Trends
Traffic tends to increase during the summer months as tourists visit Canberra, leading to longer commute times.
Winter sees a slight decrease in bicycle usage due to colder weather, impacting overall traffic patterns.
Commuter Pain Points
Commuters often face delays due to traffic congestion during peak hours, particularly on major roads.
Limited public transport options in certain areas can lead to longer wait times and less convenience.
Best Travel Times
Traveling outside of peak hours, such as mid-morning or early afternoon, can help avoid the worst traffic congestion.
Weekends generally offer smoother traffic conditions, making them ideal for longer trips.
Event Impacts
Public events, such as festivals and sports matches, can cause significant traffic disruptions, particularly in the city center.
Planning alternative routes during major events can help mitigate delays.
Sustainability Efforts
Canberra is investing in expanding its network of bike lanes and pedestrian paths to promote sustainable commuting.
The city is also exploring electric bus options to reduce emissions from public transport.
Ride-Sharing Impact
Ride-sharing services have become increasingly popular, helping to reduce the number of private cars on the road.
These services offer flexible commuting options, particularly in areas with limited public transport.
