Getting to Alice Springs

Alice Springs may be in a remote area of Australia, but it is easy to get to by air, train, bus and car, using the excellent motorways that link Australian cities.

By car

It is quite easy to drive to Alice Springs, but Australia is a vast continent and the distances between many cities and Alice Springs is vast. It takes an average of two days to drive from Darwin to Alice Springs, but the roads are excellent and there are many resting areas with cafs along the way.

By rail

Almost all the major cities in Australia are connected by daily trains, although passengers may have to spend a night or two onboard, depending on where they are going. Travelling by train is fairly economical and there is a lot to see, as the scenery changes a fair bit between Melbourne and Sydney to Alice Springs. There are several packages available, and it is best to study them all to ensure that you choose one that provides the itinerary that you want.

Travelling on the Ghan, Australias legendary train, is an exceptional experience and one of the most fascinating train journeys in the world; not to be missed by train lovers. The train only departs from Adelaide or Darwin. The train station at Alice Springs is located at George Terrace and is a short 10-minute drive from the city.

By bus

Greyhound and other bus operators offer services to Alice Springs from many main cities in Australia. The trips are long, but the buses are comfortable and there are stops for passengers to stretch their legs and have a meal at cafs along the way. The Greyhound buses stop at Gregory Terrace, near the Coles Complex, a short distance from the city.

By air

Alice Springs has a domestic airport that handles flights from Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Darwin and several other main cities in Australia. Meanwhile, the closest international airport is at Darwin, about a 2-hour flight from Alice Springs.

The Alice Springs Airport is modern, well-equipped and has several restaurants, duty-free shopping and ATMs. There are also car rental agencies, tour operators, internet terminals and numerous other facilities available. Both long-term and short-term parking is available at the airport. Long-term parking must be booked in advance and this can be done online or by calling: +61 8 8951 1227.

There are several taxis and shuttle bus services to take passengers to their hotels or into town. The buses depart from the airport every 30 minutes. Passengers may also hire a car from the airport and drive to their destination. We recommend that you hire a four-wheel drive if you intend to explore the surrounding areas, as the terrain can be quite rough. Passengers can also hire a limousine with a driver for the trip downtown.

Taxis

Taxis are easily available in Alice Springs and at the airport. All taxis are metered and the drivers are usually very friendly and helpful. There are taxi drop offs and pick ups outside almost all the tourist sites. Travellers may wish to pre-book taxis and this can be done over the internet or via the phone. Most hotels will be happy to assist you in booking a taxi.