Australia Joins New Zealand, and Canada Are Revealing Their Travel Deals and How New Year’s Eve Transit Leaves Them in the Dust!

Published on December 9, 2025

As travellers plan their New Year festivities for 2025, many are looking for convenient and affordable ways to get around. While some governments and transit authorities use the holiday season to encourage public transport through free rides or extended services, others maintain normal fares and schedules. This article collates officially verified New Year travel deals that will be available only in 2025 in Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Each deal comes from a government or transit authority announcement and applies specifically to the New Year period.

Australia: Free Travel Initiatives and Extended Services

South Australia

South Australia’s government has announced a generous free public transport program for New Year’s Eve 2025/26. A media release from the Premier’s office explains that all train, tram and bus services operated by Adelaide Metro will be free from 5 p.m. on 31 December 2025 until 6 a.m. on 1 January 2026[1]. To support major events, free travel will begin at 3 p.m. for cricket fans attending the New Year’s Eve match at Adelaide Oval, and additional services will run to accommodate large crowds[1]. Normal fares resume at 6 a.m., so holidaymakers planning morning trips on 1 January should ensure they have a valid ticket. This initiative is part of the state government’s road‑safety strategy and is designed to reduce drink‑driving and congestion in Adelaide.

Queensland

Queensland has historically offered free public transport on New Year’s Eve. In the absence of a 2025/26 announcement, the most recent official guidance comes from the Queensland Government for the 2024/25 celebrations. That release noted that public transport in South‑East Queensland was free from 8 p.m. on 31 December until 5:30 a.m. on 1 January, with 50‑cent fares available before the free period and extra train, bus and ferry services scheduled[2]. While 2025 arrangements may differ, travellers can reasonably expect similar concessions and should check Queensland’s TransLink announcements closer to New Year’s Eve for confirmation.

Victoria

The Victorian Government typically provides free travel on major holidays. The last available statement (December 2024) promised free travel across Victoria’s metropolitan and regional trains, trams and buses from 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve until 6 a.m. on New Year’s Day and included free V/Line services to Melbourne[3]. If this pattern continues into 2025, visitors to Melbourne can expect similar deals. However, because no official 2025 announcement had been issued at the time of writing, travellers should verify details in December 2025.

Noosa, Queensland – Go Noosa Free Bus Loop

Local councils sometimes supplement state‑level initiatives. The Noosa Shire Council’s Go Noosa program offers free bus travel on the temporary Route 065 between 13 December 2025 and 26 January 2026. Buses run every 15 minutes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and every 30 minutes from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. on New Year’s Day[4]. This free loop connects key beaches and accommodation areas around Noosa Heads and is designed to ease congestion over the peak holiday period. Travellers in Noosa on New Year’s Eve can therefore rely on a continuous, cost‑free shuttle to reach firework displays and nightlife spots.

Other Australian States

Although Western Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory have not yet advertised free fares for New Year 2025/26, these jurisdictions often operate special event timetables or discounted park‑and‑ride schemes. Holidaymakers should monitor announcements from respective state transport departments for updates. In most capitals, normal public transport fares will apply on New Year’s Day, albeit with Sunday or holiday timetables.

New Zealand: Extended Services Without Free Travel

New Zealand prides itself on easy access to public transport, yet there are no national or regional authorities offering free transit for New Year’s Eve 2025. Cities promote sustainable travel by encouraging walking, cycling and the use of buses or trains, but riders must pay normal fares.

Wellington

Wellington City Council’s events page for New Year’s Eve 2025 describes a free evening concert at the waterfront and encourages people to walk, bike or use public transport[5]. It notes that Metlink—the region’s transit provider—will operate on a summer timetable but does not announce free fares. Off‑peak fares will apply on the public holiday, and travellers are advised to check Metlink’s timetable for late‑night services.

Auckland, Christchurch and Tauranga

Auckland Transport and other North Island authorities do not provide complimentary rides for New Year 2025. Holiday timetable pages indicate that standard fares apply, although additional late‑night buses and trains may be scheduled to support celebrations. Similarly, Christchurch’s NYE25 festival and Tauranga’s community events encourage attendees to use buses or shared rides, but official websites do not mention fare waivers. Visitors should plan to pay normal fares and consult local transport websites for special schedules.

Queenstown and Regional Resorts

Popular tourist centres such as Queenstown and Rotorua host major New Year festivals, yet public transport remains fare‑paying. Some resorts organise shuttle buses for ticketed events; however, these are typically included in event packages rather than offered free to the public. Travellers seeking free transport should not assume New Zealand will mirror Australian or Canadian practices.

Canada: Widespread Free Transit on New Year’s Eve

Canada’s transit agencies are leaders in providing free rides during the holiday. These programs are often sponsored by private companies and supported by provincial or municipal governments.

GO Transit and UP Express (Ontario)

A news release from GO Transit (part of Metrolinx) dated 19 November 2025 announces that free train and bus rides will be available from 7 p.m. on 31 December 2025 until 8 a.m. on 1 January 2026[6]. The initiative is sponsored by Forty Creek Whisky. Customers must still tap on and off with their PRESTO cards, but no fare will be charged during the free period[6]. GO Transit encourages riders to use the service to safely celebrate and highlights that children aged 12 and under ride free year‑round. This program covers all GO stations and stops, including the UP Express link between Toronto Pearson Airport and Union Station, offering a cost‑effective way to travel to downtown events or return home after midnight.

Halifax Transit (Nova Scotia)

Halifax Transit offers an annual free and extended service on New Year’s Eve. The city’s official New Year’s Eve page states that all riders enjoy free fares after 6 p.m. on December 31, with donations to the local Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) chapter encouraged[7]. The page explains that tickets on the HFXGO mobile app do not need to be activated during the free period and that Access‑A‑Bus services (for riders with disabilities) are also free after 6 p.m.[8]. It further lists extended bus routes and notes that the Alderney ferry operates every 30 minutes until 2 a.m., while the Woodside ferry does not run[9]. This comprehensive program ensures that residents and visitors can safely travel between Halifax and Dartmouth for evening festivities without incurring costs.

BC Transit (British Columbia)

Although the most recent province‑wide announcement is from December 2024, it illustrates the broad scope of free transit offered in British Columbia during New Year celebrations. The statement indicates that in multiple regions—including Central Fraser Valley, Kamloops, Nanaimo, Prince George, Victoria and Whistler—buses are free after 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, with extended late‑night services until 2–3 a.m.[10]. The release notes that Whistler provides free transit all day, compliments of the Resort Municipality of Whistler[11]. This pattern suggests that BC Transit and its municipal partners may renew similar free fare programs for 2025/26, though details will be confirmed closer to the date. Travellers planning to ring in the New Year in Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler or other BC communities should monitor BC Transit’s news site for the official 2025 announcement.

Toronto’s TTC and Other Ontario Agencies

Toronto’s TTC and several local transit agencies historically waive fares on New Year’s Eve in partnership with spirits companies. In December 2024, the TTC announced that free rides would be available from 7 p.m. on New Year’s Eve until 8 a.m. on New Year’s Day, sponsored by J.P. Wiser’s whisky[2]. Similar promotions were offered by Durham Region Transit, Brampton Transit and York Region Transit. At the time of writing, the 2025/26 sponsorship has not been formally announced, but given the longstanding tradition, riders can anticipate comparable free‑ride programs. Always verify the latest updates in December 2025 through official transit channels.

Other Canadian Cities

Across Canada, smaller cities also provide free or discounted transit on New Year’s Eve. For example, Halifax’s neighbouring municipality of Dartmouth participates in the same free‑fare program. Prince George and Victoria (BC) typically offer free bus service after 6 p.m. as part of the BC Transit partnership[10]. Some communities, such as Calgary, focus instead on extended operating hours rather than fare waivers; Calgary Transit will run CTrain services until 4 a.m. and key bus routes until 3 a.m., but fares remain in place as per the city’s events page. Travellers should check local council announcements for details.

Planning Tips for Travellers

1. Confirm dates and times: Free travel windows vary widely—from as early as 3 p.m. in Adelaide to as late as 8 a.m. the following day in Ontario—so double‑check start and end times to avoid unexpected charges.
2. Tap on/off when required: Even during free‑fare periods, some systems (e.g., GO Transit) ask riders to tap their smart cards so usage data can be collected[6].
3. Expect reduced services on New Year’s Day: Many operators run Sunday or holiday timetables on 1 January. Free fare programs rarely extend past early morning, so plan for limited frequency after dawn.
4. Stay updated: Announcements for 2025/26 may still be forthcoming, especially in Queensland, Victoria and British Columbia. Check official transit websites or follow their social media channels for the latest news.
5. Support safety campaigns: Some free‑fare programs are tied to road‑safety initiatives (e.g., MADD partnerships). Donations to these organisations help sustain the programs[7].

Conclusion

New Year 2025 presents an array of travel deals across Australia, New Zealand and Canada, but offerings vary considerably by country. Australia leads with confirmed free travel in South Australia and local initiatives like Noosa’s bus loop, while other states are expected to follow previous practices of offering free or discounted rides. New Zealand encourages public transport use but does not offer free fares, focusing instead on extended timetables. Canada stands out for its widespread free transit programs, with GO Transit in Ontario and Halifax Transit providing confirmed deals and BC Transit likely to renew its province‑wide free fare scheme. By understanding these regional differences and checking official updates, travellers can take advantage of the best deals and enjoy a safe, festive start to 2026.

Reference List

• South Australia Government: December 9, 2025 media release announcing free public transport from 5 p.m. 31 December 2025 to 6 a.m. 1 January 2026[1].
• Queensland Government: December 30, 2024 statement on free public transport in South‑East Queensland from 8 p.m. 31 December to 5:30 a.m. 1 January[2].
• Victorian Government: December 19, 2024 press release offering free travel from 6 p.m. New Year’s Eve until 6 a.m. New Year’s Day[3].
• Noosa Shire Council: Information on Go Noosa’s free Route 065 bus loop operating between December 13 2025 and January 26 2026 with extended service to 1 a.m. on New Year’s Day[4].
• Wellington City Council: New Year’s Eve events page noting that Metlink operates a summer timetable and recommending public transport without free fares[5].
• GO Transit (Metrolinx): November 19, 2025 announcement of free train and bus rides from 7 p.m. December 31 2025 until 8 a.m. January 1 2026[6].
• Halifax Transit: Official New Year’s Eve page confirming free fares after 6 p.m. and extended bus and ferry services[7][9].
• BC Transit: December 17, 2024 province‑wide news release listing regions offering free bus service after 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve[10].