How should a first-time visitor get between Canberra station, a hotel and the airport?

For airport day, ask the hotel to estimate a car pickup time and compare that with the bus journey including luggage. Do not base the plan on a hotel name alone; confirm the address.

Canberra's train station is in Kingston rather than the city centre. Compare a taxi or rideshare for the first transfer with the current bus route to your exact hotel.