Canberra to Sydney is the shortest of our interstate one-way routes: 286 km, about three hours of driving. Start early and it's the one move you can load, drive and unload in a single day.
How does one-way truck hire from Canberra to Sydney work?
You collect a car-licence truck or van at Majura Park Shopping Centre in Canberra, drive the 286 km to Sydney, and return it at our Castle Hill depot in Sydney's north-west. One flat, GST-inclusive package covers the hire days, the kilometres and damage cover with a $6,500 excess, so you never pay for a trip back.
Which way do you drive?
From Majura Park, take the Majura Parkway north to the Federal Highway. The Federal runs north-east past Lake George and joins the Hume near Goulburn, and from there the Hume Motorway carries you to Sydney.
Sydney's motorways are mostly tolled, so look at your route into the north-west before you set off. Keep the drop-off email handy too: it has the exact spot and the person meeting you.
How long does the drive take?
Plan on three hours of driving and closer to four with a break. Goulburn, about an hour in, is the obvious place to stop. A loaded truck is slower up hills than your car, and Sydney traffic can add time at the end, so book a morning pickup if you want to unload in daylight.
Which day should you book?
Both ends work by appointment, Monday to Saturday, from 8:30 AM to 4:45 PM, and both are closed on Sundays. Each location also closes on its own public holidays: an ACT holiday affects your Canberra pickup, a NSW holiday affects your Sydney drop-off. The booking calendar checks each location separately, so it only offers days that work at both ends.
Truck or van for Canberra to Sydney?
A van suits a one-bedroom flat or a student move. A family home needs the truck. Both drive on a car licence, and the moving trucks seat up to three. Here's how to choose.
Moving from Sydney to Canberra instead?
The route runs both ways. Pick up at Castle Hill and drop off at Majura Park: see Sydney to Canberra one-way hire.
Before you go
- Check the Majura Park meeting spot and contact in your confirmation email.
- Bring your licence and the payment card in the main driver's name.
- Load the heaviest items first, against the cabin wall, and strap them.
- Keep the Sydney drop-off details on your phone. They're on your Wallet pass as well.
Everything about this route is on the Canberra to Sydney one-way hire page, and the Canberra hub covers the other Canberra routes. Questions? Call 03 8560 7038.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Canberra from Sydney by road?
286 km, about three hours of non-stop driving via the Federal Highway and the Hume Motorway.
Where do I drop the truck off in Sydney?
At our Castle Hill depot in Sydney's north-west. Your confirmation email has the exact spot, a Google Maps pin and the contact meeting you.
Can I move from Canberra to Sydney in one day?
Yes. With a morning pickup most people load, drive the 286 km and unload the same day.
Does the route run from Sydney to Canberra too?
Yes. Pick up at Castle Hill in Sydney and drop off at Majura Park in Canberra.
Need a truck or van for your own move?
Real prices, doorstep delivery, roadside assistance — .
