Getting to Darwin

Australia is huge, and Darwin is remote. Distances are counted in thousands of kilometres, so unless you’re flying, make sure you have plenty of time. Darwin Airport has flights to most other cities in Australia as well as to Indonesia, Singapore and Fiji. Other options include coach and rail travel.

By car

It’s 1,480kms to Darwin from Alice Springs, along the Stuart Highway. From the east, the Barkly Highway connects with the Stuart Highway at Tennant Creek, 922kms south of Darwin. From the west, the Victoria Highway joins the Stuart Highway at Katherine, 314kms south of Darwin.

By rail

Perhaps the most exciting way to get to Darwin is by the Ghan, the legendary transcontinental railway that was recently extended to divide Australia from north to south and connect Adelaide to Darwin. The Ghan leaves Adelaide twice a week for Alice Springs, and once a week for the full journey to Darwin. It covers a distance of 2,979kms and takes two nights.

If you’re wondering about the railway’s name, legend has it that it was named in honour of the Afghan cameleers, who pioneered this land in the 19th century. For more information on schedules and services, visit the rail provider’s website at: www.railaustralia.com.au/index.htm; or call: +61 882 134 592.

By bus

Darwin is also served by interstate coach lines from Western Australia via Broome and Kununurra; from Queensland via Mt Isa; or from the south via Alice Springs. Be aware however that these are very long coach trips, requiring at least overnight or all day to reach interstate destinations. The transit centre, where all buses arrive and depart, is in the centre of the city.

By air

Darwin has an international airport, which services direct flights from Asia. The domestic airport is linked by various local airlines to all the major cities in Australia, although often with a stop on the way. Darwin Airport is situated 13kms from the town centre and is easily reached by shuttle bus and taxi. Car hire facilities are also available at the airport. The airport offers good passenger facilities including ATMs, showers and information desks.

Darwin Airport

Darwin International Airport features a modern, fully air-conditioned, two-storey passenger terminal building, which is open 24 hours. The terminal building services both international and domestic passengers. Luggage carousels are located on the ground floor, which is easily accessed by way of escalator or lift from the top floor. The terminal has retail facilities including refreshments, currency exchange, private hire motor vehicles, car rentals and tourist information.

Darwin airport transportation

Getting to and from Darwin's airport is fairly easy, as it is only 13kms from the city centre. There is an airport shuttle bus which will drop you off or pick you up from nearly anywhere in the city; however, you must book one day in advance when travelling to the airport. Family and group booking prices are available (tel: +61 1800 358 945. Alternatively, taxis are available from the taxi rank/zone, located at the front of the terminal.